Parisians have, among the French too, a reputation for being slightly snooty and stubbornly formal as well as rude and arrogant. This may stem from the fact that they are constantly surrounded by tourists, who can sometimes themselves seem rude and demanding. Remember that most people you'll encounter in the street are not tourists but are probably on their way to or from work or business.

This is not to say that Parisians are in fact, by nature rude, if you know what is rude and what is polite in Parisian interpersonal relationships. They are actually more polite than most (no surprise here, when one considers the fact that "étiquette" is a French word). Thus, the best way to get along in Paris is to be on your best behavior, acting like someone who is "bien élevé" (well brought up). Parisians' abrupt exteriors will rapidly evaporate if you display some basic courtesies.

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A simple "Bonjour, Madame" when entering a shop, for example, or "Excusez-moi" when trying to get someone's attention, or very important; say "Pardon" or better "je suis désolé" if you bump into someone accidentally or make other mistakes, will transform the surliest shop assistant into a smiling helper or the grumpiest inhabitant to a helpful citizen. Courtesy is extremely important in France. This is especially true in terms of language, but if you brush up on a few key words and phrases of French before you go, you'll be amazed at the warm response you'll get from the Parisians you encounter.

If you only learn one long phrase in French a good one would be "Excusez-moi de vous déranger, monsieur/madame, auriez-vous la gentillesse de m'aider?" (pardon me for bothering you, sir/madam, would you have the kindness to help me?) - this level of extreme politeness about the closest one can come to a magic wand for unlocking Parisian hospitality. If you know some French, try it!

No matter where you go or what you do in Paris, live by this rule: greet, and thank, everyone that you come into direct contact with. Even if you're French is abominable, and you can't get past "Bonjour" and "Au Revoir," the French will appreciate the effort, and will treat you accordingly. If you're not convinced, try walking into a boulangerie or patisserie without saying Good Morning, and just see how you're treated!

The basic greetings and titles (Monsieur, Madame) is a common courtesy, not to be overlooked.

So, before you go, pick up a basic French book, preferably with an audio tape or CD, and listen to it off and on until you leave. Or, just practice the following words and phrases at home:

Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur (Bohn-joor, Madame/Miss-yuhr): Hello (literally "Good day") Madame/Sir
Au Revoir, Madame, Monsieur (Oh revwahr,...): Good-bye
Merci [Beaucoup] (Mehr-cee boh-koo): Thank you very much.
Excusez-Moi (Ex-koo-zay-mwah): Excuse Me--essential especially for the metro and the busy Paris streets
Parlez-vous Anglais? (pahr-lay voo ahn-glay?): Do you speak English?
Ou sont les toilettes, s'il vous plait? (ew sohn lay twah-lette, see voo play?): Where are the restrooms, please?
And remember, bathroom is always plural in French, so always ask for "les" toilettes, not "la" toilette!

Just these few phrases (no matter how badly they're pronounced!) will get you kinder service, and a nicer experience in general.