I speak good and fluent French (so I am told by business associates) but the people in Paris are some of the rudest and most unpleasant people on the planet, will wilfully pretend that they do not understand. Even French people outside Paris admit this. In any other country I have visited attempts to speak the language (even if only please, thank you and good day) will get you some Brownie points but not in France. They are very protective of their language.