asterix said:There's no need to explain that you are 'Anglais', they almost always seem to know!
It's expected that you will start a conversation with 'bonjour' and possibly a handshake, say when meeting a bikeshop proprietor to explain a problem.
'Je Voudrais..' (I would like) is an important start to many transactions, don't be afraid to speak pidgin French, it's best to keep it simple if in doubt and not feel embarrassed.
On parting it is polite to say 'au revoir'.
I was once sitting in the bike compartment of the train on the way to work which also held the train toilet. A very attractive young lady went into the toilet but failed to lock it. It requires a button to be pushed that says "locked". Thirty seconds later the door opened with this young vision (e.g. Luisa partially dressed, suitably perched). She eventually found the door lock and I averted my eyes as quickly as I could. When she come out she said "I'm so sorree, I am French.....".
No apology was necessary, I can tell you.