From what my former Parisian grad school housemate told me, I concur. He once said in reply to a friend (named Roger) asking him why people in Paris were mean to him and hate Americans, my housemate replied, "Oh Rogers, zhee French do not hate Americans, zhey hate EVERYONE, especially zhee other French". My experience in Paris was that the Parisians were surprisingly friendly. But I speak a little French and say Bonjour and Merci when warranted.

Fully agree. I've been to France a few times and a properly used (if not pronounced) Bonjour and Merci and my rudimentary and poorly pronounced French went a long way there. Even in Paris. Be polite and try to learn even a little French and all but the grumpiest French will be very pleasant to and likely be amused by you. I LOVE France. Interesting that you suggest avoiding Marseille. I spend some time nearby (Aix au Provence) and I could easily see living there.