French people being rude? Shocking! :)
On the contrary, I’ve not found the French rude, and I’ve been there numerous times. The trick is to at least learn a few words in French — even if you just say “Escusez-moi, je ne parle pas le bon français, vous m’assist, s’il vous plaît?” and then they will proceed to help you out and even speak English! If, however, to the same person you start your question in English or, even worse, say “Do you speak Ennnglishhh?”, they will ignore you or say “Je ne comprende” and walk away.