Rude French People

I obviously lead a charmed life.

I lived in France for about two years. I can't remember a single case of 'rude French people'.

If you go to France expecting to find English or American culture, you will be sadly mistaken. The French culture is different.

French people fell over themselves to be helpful to us, time and time again.

Of course, it helps to have 'good manners'. In other words, learn the bare minimum of the French equivalents of the English words, like 'please', 'thank you', 'good day, Madame', or 'good morning, Sir'. Without those words, you start off being very rude to French people, so it's only natural that they will be rude to you in return.