How not to be spotted as an Anglo in Paris

[RooFlyer]

I've just spent three days in Paris. I've been here a number of times, so its been nice not to have to do all the tourist traps (although i have done a couple - Versailles was practically deserted).

So what I want to ask - and @esseeeayeenn might be our Paris expert - is what makes me stand out as a bloody Anglo? I dress I thought non-exceptionally - jeans, ordinary shirt, jumper and black jacket - no camera, no sun glasses. I'm 60, with a paunch ... you get the idea.

Yet on the first day, I went into Carrefours City near Gare du Nord to get some groceries - bottle of wine, some juice, a baguette, salmon, biscuits. And the guy at the check-out says - "Bon (looks up) ... hello sir .. do you need a bag?"

Before I said a word, he's picked me as an Anglo. This was very discouraging.

Today, I went up to the ticket counter at Gare du Nord, about to inquire about ticket to CDG, and the lady said "hello" , again, without me saying a word. I guess a local wouldn't approach the ticket counter, but still ...

So what's giving me away?

 

[Anna]

When I speak French I normally cope ok and frequently get told (with a smile) that I have 'un petit accent' and they ask where I learned to speak French and it generates a conversation about that. Tip - if you don't know the French word for something, just use the English word and pronounce it like a French person would - it works a surprising amount of the time

When I speak Swedish I frequently get told (with a smile) that I sound like the Swedish queen, who is German

 

[TheRealTMA]

Which means "me too".
But yes they are nicer to Australians than to Americans or the hated English.

Yes I know. Was French humour...

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