Question: FAQ: Do you have to know French to visit France?
When visiting a foreign country like France, it's important to keep in mind that some people do not speak English.
Answer: If you will be visiting a major city, like Paris or Nice, you can probably muddle through without knowledge of French. The French people, however, consider it rude to address them in English. You may find some French people pretending they don't speak English. The French take a mandatory four years of English in school, however, and younger people are more likely to remember it. If you will visit rural areas or even smaller cities, learning at least some French is crucial.