Are Americans Still Welcome in France?

The question comes up more and more, especially as political tensions grow and international headlines heat up. With many Americans planning trips to France or even considering moving there, it’s worth asking: how are we perceived today? Are we still welcome?

The answer, drawn from real traveler accounts and expat experiences, is yes – but it depends on how you show up.

French People Separate the Traveler From the Government

A recurring theme in traveler reports is that the French are perfectly capable of distinguishing between a country’s political leadership and its individual citizens.

In cities like Paris or Aix-en-Provence, Americans say they’ve been treated with kindness, interest, and even sympathy. Especially when they explain they didn’t vote for the current administration.

French locals often want to talk. Politics isn’t a taboo subject in France the way it sometimes is in the U.S., and questions may come quickly: “What is going on in your country?” “Do you think Trump will win again?”

These are usually asked with curiosity, not confrontation. Travelers who engage honestly, without trying to deflect or dominate the conversation, report good experiences.

A simple “I’m not a fan” or “I find it worrying too” tends to go a long way.

Paris and Beyond: Urban vs. Rural Reactions

Paris remains one of the easiest places to visit as an American. It’s a global city. Most locals are used to tourists and don’t take any political baggage personally.

In fact, more than a few travelers said they received discreet nods of solidarity when politics came up.

Outside the capital, attitudes can vary more. In smaller towns, especially those with fewer tourists, you might get questions. But you’re also more likely to stand out simply for being American.

That said, several travelers mentioned surprisingly warm receptions in rural France, where the presence of an American still holds a trace of novelty.

The key again is humility. People don’t appreciate arrogance or assumptions, but they respond well to friendliness and genuine interest.

What Helps: Language, Behavior, and Respect

One of the clearest patterns is how much effort matters. Americans who make even a minimal attempt to speak French (beyond just “bonjour”) often see a clear difference in how they’re treated.

Greeting people when you walk into a store, saying “merci,” and showing patience when things move slowly can have a big impact.

What doesn’t help is performative patriotism. Wearing political gear, loudly declaring your views, or using France as a platform for self-expression almost always backfires.

Travelers who stayed under the radar and blended in had easier, more rewarding interactions. Some French locals may offer a pointed opinion, but it’s rarely aggressive. Instead, it’s part of a larger worldview.

Europeans tend to follow American politics closely because it affects them too. Many express concerns about NATO, climate commitments, and global cooperation.

Americans who show they understand those concerns are generally met with respect.

A Note on Pretending to Be Canadian

The old tactic of sewing a maple leaf on your bag or claiming to be from Toronto, often comes up in conversations, but today it’s widely seen as dishonest.

Canadians themselves find it offensive. More importantly, many Europeans can tell. It’s better to be honest and own your background. If you’re respectful and aware, most people will judge you on your behavior, not your passport.

Political Shifts Haven’t Closed the Door

Even in tense times, the overwhelming message is that Americans are still welcome in France. As long as they don’t act like the stereotype. Travelers who approach France with respect, curiosity, and an open mind consistently report good experiences.

Locals may express pity, surprise, or even frustration at American politics, but they rarely direct that frustration at the individual standing in front of them.

In fact, many are eager to share their views, compare systems, or simply have a real conversation.

If anything has changed, it’s the level of scrutiny. The days of being automatically welcomed as a friendly American are fading. Now, you have to earn that warmth a little more. But it’s still there, and it’s still genuine.

Final Thoughts

France isn’t turning Americans away. But it is asking us to travel more thoughtfully. To come informed. To listen as much as we speak. And to leave behind the notion that the world revolves around us.

If you do that, you’ll find doors still open, tables still shared, and people still willing to meet you halfway.