[EnglishInFrance]

When compared to a country that has high levels of English literacy such as the Netherlands, there's a major difference here.

You will be able to get by just fine in Paris for things like restaurants and hotels, but as soon as you have to deal with the government in any fashion, you absolutely must speak French.

In places other than Paris and the tourist areas of some major cities, it will be very difficult if you don't speak any French.