While I'm certain it must exist - I haven't encountered it and am finding Parisians are quite friendly and pleasant and know a lot more english than their reputation implies (although friends say this is a recent phenomenon).

My French must be awful as most local shopkeepers are answering my poor attempts at french in equally minimal english. But they're trying as hard as I am.

I'm also here with my 18 month old daughter and am finding french people are *much* more indulgent and tolerant of children than americans (who constantly give you dirty looks when your kid drops into the inevitable tantrum at this age).