French speakers are notorious for gatekeeping their language. I took French classes for most of my school days, but when I attempted to ask for a table for two in Paris, the server immediately responded in English. It bruised my ego, to say the least. I understand that my accent isn’t perfect, and he doesn’t have to humor me, but it would have been nice to get a little practice in.

So when an influencer complained about feeling isolated in Lyon because she didn’t speak the language, commenters were divided on whether she was being an entitled American or if she was spilling some real tea about what it’s like to travel in France. The truth is probably somewhere in between, but you decide for yourself. Get the story below.