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Paris most overrated city in the world - Parisians told to start smiling more
The poor French just can't get a break - back in May, their capital was voted "most overrated in the world" by TripAdvisor, and most recently first they were voted "worst tourists in the world". Tourism in Paris is down a whopping 17%, and the French Tourism Bureau thinks it might have something to do with the lack of smiling Parisians.
The folks behind the campaign are asking people to put on their happy faces so tourists don't feel the city is full of rude and obnoxious residents.
To help things along, they have even hired "smile ambassadors" who will be working around the more popular attractions in the city, and will hopefully help brighten up the atmosphere.
To me, the lack of smiles in Paris isn't as annoying as the attitude from their cab drivers. I suggest Paris starts paying attention to those people instead of telling residents to "smile".
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Matthew Falk Jul 21st 2009 4:46PM
I would have to agree. No way it can live up to the hype.
Joe Jul 22nd 2009 8:48AM
I don't think the cab driver problem will ever truly be fixed. Some are rude, miserable piss ants. And when the city tried to rectify this by raising the number of medallions that could be sold they went on strike.
If you are a tourist consider yourself lucky. Chances are you are either going or coming from the airports. A nice 35-45€ fare for them. For most Parisians they won't even bother stopping. If they do stop and your destination isn't far enough they give some lame excuse about why they can't go that direction (ie: near the end of my shift, too tired, I have a reservation in the opposite direction, etc.)
Meg Jul 22nd 2009 11:51AM
Hiring "smile ambassadors" to work around the popular attractions won't make a lick of difference until they get rid of the aggressive, admittedly foreign, men trying to sell you mini Eiffel Towers and gypsy women at both the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame who tried to show you a battered index card and asked if you spoke English. Being bombarded by these people every six feet was appalling, especially when they'd resort to belligerence in the blink of an eye. Having a "smile ambassador" nearby would do nothing to negate this huge turn-off and the awful experience that these people create.
However, our taxi driver from Gare du Nord to the Trocadero area was simply delightful!
WE Jul 22nd 2009 6:30PM
THE PARISIANS ARE THE RUDEST IDIOTS IN THE WORLD- TOO BAD HITLER DIDNT GET RID OF ALL OF THEM
Leslie Jul 22nd 2009 8:04PM
I just got back from Paris and thought it not only lived up to my dreams but exceeded them. We stayed at the Paris Le Grand where the staff could not have been more helpful. Everywhere we went, with the exception of the Louvre, staff were friendly and helpful. Restaurants offered excellent service and cabs stopped in the blink of an eye. We did think that we were overcharged by a cabby or two but we experienced that in England and in Scotland. I loved Paris and the people and would go back again in a heartbeat. On a final note I have to say that my husband and I saw an American man being very abusive to a concession stand girl when he did not have any money to pay for his water. He then asked her to "trust him" to come back later with the money and when she didn't he laid in to her. We were so embarrassed. Anyway, thought I would hate Paris and ended up loving it!!
iomatic Jul 26th 2009 4:02AM
@WE nice. Kill any babies yet? Or do you have entrails of your latest victim lodged in your caps lock key?
Who gave these 'tards the internetz; I demand to know!
That said, we had a great time in Paris. Speak a little freaking French, and maybe they won't shrug their shoulders in amazement that you come to a country and don't speak their freaking language. Go figure!
Christ.
linda Sep 29th 2009 9:31PM
Do not take the Paris shuttle !!!!. The driver told us he did not care if we missed out flight because he was late, we were pre-paid so be quiet!!!! Would it be so bad if they acted like they were glad to have tourists in their country who don't speak the language? I work with tourists all day, and am glad to have them visit, and try to make them glad to be here. I am glad to have visited but will not return.