Hello,
my bike is 2000 Bianchi Volpe, with 26-36-46 front RSX crankset and 12-32 back, RSX shifters&front derail, LX rear derail, Blackburn rack and Schwinn panniers, continental top touring 700x32. French people (and travelers from other countries) I met on my tour were very helpful and friendly, like the two Frenchmen inviting me over to their table for lunch or the man who gave up his room for me (both described on the first day of my tour) and people helping w/ directions, alternate routes, or just curious what my plan was and talking about the rides, theirs and mine. (and also in other non-biking situations like train, hotels, restaurants, etc). It was a great experience.