France has a rich classic life and French people usually speak fluently ... French. And for us Dutch people that is often a pain. Because we are not usually French speaking.
And that is where the area of tension lies: Because if a Frenchman is addressed in French or English that is too bad, then he reacts more or less the same as a member of old Wassenaerse Adel who is told when getting off his Bentley: “Hey! What will that bowl of yours cost if I give you the dough ”.
Ah, we immediately have point two. The directness that we, as Dutchmen, are so proud of is seen in civilized France as stupid crass of the bluntest kind.
So with a basic knowledge of the language it is also important to be somewhat aware of the local social behavior.
But when a Frenchman gets the idea that such a less European type really did his best to learn to master French and took the trouble to study and respect French manners ...
Then such a Frenchman is suddenly the friendliest conversation partner you can imagine.
And then, after a possible conversation full of fuss and many words, you can go home with your unique find or the car of your dreams.
Or maybe the Frenchman will buy your classic.
You can follow French courses this winter via the Volksuniversteiten and the branches of the Alliance Française des Pays-Bas.
Success!