Why do the French have a reputation for being rude? Is this unjustified?

I wonder what rep we Brits have, well I know in some resorts we are regarded very badly and with reason.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

I went to France twice. Once in 84 where I was hassled by the border police and I had my US Navy Seabag inspected and so I got a bit taunted by them. Paris was beautiful but a tourist city so tentatively I thought it might be true.

In 2001 I went to Nancy and Orleans in addition to Paris. Everyone was incredibly warm that it belied any previous reputation. Mothers and older teen daughters holding hands.
I was overwhelmed by the Love shown.