Living here in the UK, I’m well aware that many people don’t like France very much and have even less time for the people of that country. This always strikes me as being a real shame. France is one of our closest neighbours, with only a small stretch of water separating our two nations.

Why is it that so many people hate the thought of crossing the English Channel and making their way to France? I really find it hard to understand, especially since we’re talking about a country that has an enormous amount to offer visitors.

When you visit Paris, for example, it’s hard not to be charmed by one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It’s a place that has an aura of romance, where you can eat some of the finest food that the world has to offer. Yet I hear people complaining that the standard of service in Paris is poor and that they find the people to be unfriendly.

I wonder whether we make enough of an effort to learn a few words of the language. I’ve certainly found that the people of France are much more happy to respond to those of us who make an effort to speak in their own language. It’s not a difficult thing to do and it’s part of the fun of being in France.

It makes sense to try and learn to live how the French do, at least while you’re in their country. As you do so, you soon find that we have more in common with the French than you might previously have thought. That’s part of the beauty of such a trip.

You can celebrate the differences between the two nations, but also enjoy the fact that we have a surprising amount in common. It’s both of these factors that contribute to my love of visiting France and meeting the people of that great country.