Yeah skill wise it differs wildly, however the inflexible 'we're in France so you must speak French and i know not a single bit of English' mentality is out. That's what I thought you were on about.

Often they do try and most across all demographics know a little bit and are often eager to try. Even an old nun at a Christian thrift store tried taking to me in English.

Yes, Bonjour is a magic word. La politesse/etiquette and respect for all people is very important in France. Here in NA when we enter a store the staff greets the customer and bows and scrapes for us, in France when entering a store the customer politely acknowledges and greets the staff with Bonjour - and not just in stores. And then there's the other small phrases that goes a long way, like merci, pardon, s’il vous plait, au revoir, use monsieur/madame/mademoiselle, as in Excusez-moi, madame, etc.

Dress a little bit nicely when exploring helps, don't walk while eating, etc.

When foreigners complain that the French are rude or snobbish it is often a misinterpretation; not adhering to simple etiquette, can be offensive or insulting and they will react to that demonstratively or "in kind", more or less subtly..

I rather like La Politesse and being respectful to everyone.