I'm headed to France in October on Viking cruises down the Rhine river. I will have to buy a fleur de lis there.

Most of France is awesome. Paris, while massive, is less friendly than the rest of the country. That was our take while staying there and driving much of the south. Is that accurate, Smash?

I am not fond of the French. They are rude and don't bathe regularly. When we were in Croatia our driver for the day hated them and wouldn't let them ride up front because of the smell. I think they are rude but the rest of the world probably thinks we're rude too. I just want to see old architecture but most of their old towns were bombed and not rebuilt. I do know that the country is beautiful.

The people down south are friendly as can be once they realize that you aren't British, but American. Not sure if that's changed any under the recent atmosphere. We spent most of two weeks in and around Beziers traveling on day trips and were treated great and very kindly understanding that we spoke very little French. People can communicate without a common language when needed and desired.