Is Paris Overrated? My Thoughts as a Local!

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Don’t travel anywhere in the summer, but especially to high destination cities like Paris, London, or Rome. The crowds are overwhelming, the locals are overwhelmed, and no one looks chic in cargo shorts, a fanny pack, and a touristy tee shirt. Spring and autumn are great, but I especially like Paris in the winter. It is not that cold, the tourist are nowhere to be seen, and everyone looks great in winter clothing. And the Christmas decorations in Paris are not to be missed especially the windows of the big department stores. 😊

I just came back from Paris (watched some of your videos before going!) and must say that nearly everyone was so friendly and helpful. It's a big city but well organized and the multi-ethnic vibes are great.

Paris is a dream of a city, but only if you live like a local :D

LA born and raised. I love Paris. I don’t think it is overrated, but one must have realistic expectations as well. I'd love to move there in a few years when we retire, but probably too expensive. I actually got engaged ON the Eiffel Tower 24 years ago. Brownie points for me for THAT one. The best Italian food I've ever had was in Paris, and I've been to a number of places in Italy. Something about the butter. But… yeah, Paris is about far more than just “French” food. And sometimes, the simplest things are the best… a hot dog with melted cheese from a stand in the park, a Croque Monsieur or maybe a jambon buerre from a corner bakery. And while I can’t remember ever having one there, supposedly BURGERS have become very popular there. I know the jokes about how even the rest of France hates Parisians, but coming from a huge city myself (LA, as I said), I understand the mindset that you can’t always be nice to strangers, particularly when they're being annoying (like standing on the left, or walking SLOWLY three across in the sidewalk). But I think the “trick” is understanding the different mindset, and knowing how NOT to be rude, and knowing when locals aren’t being RUDE but just doing what is normal for them (like giving an attitude when you're standing on the left). I've found for the most part, everyone there had been very nice and as helpful as they could be. Sadly, most (primarily waiters) would almost always speak English which was always amusing because they'd ask something English and I'd respond in French. (I would hardly say I'm close to fluent, and forgot 90% of my conjugations and half the words, but I learned it from around 6 to 18) But there are notable exceptions like trying to order a charger for my laptop in an electronics store, or finally actually buying it at a battery store that actually carried it in stock - neither spoke any English. Or calling around, trying to get my watch battery replaced (with no luck, I might add - had to be sent off to Switzerland) and nobody ever speaking English on the phone. But… they were all helpful and not rude at all. Sure, everyone has to do the touristy stuff at least once, just like I expect everyone who visits LA to want to go to Universal Studios, the Getty Museum, the Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive (which I don’t get - a bunch of overpriced stores that no normal person would ever shop at, and I grew up a few blocks from there). But behind seeing the sites - once - I far prefer to just BE. Just experience the city, and do the things normal locals might do. In some respects, I've been lucky in that that’s primarily what I've done the last few times there - Christmas shopping when we were there in December 2022, or buying a new carry-on when I was there by myself for one day back in 2019. Or going to a pharmacy to get a COVID test when we both had COVID in 2022. As for Paris being expensive… the biggest thing is the real estate. Our roughly 110 square meter condo here in LA would be around a million in Paris; here it is close, but a little less. But that’s still a LOT of money. But things like food seem CHEAP to me there. A croissant or pain au chocolate here is $4.50 or $5 or more, and well under 2 Euros there. Just went to breakfast with my wife this morning here in LA and pancakes and bacon, some grain bowl thing for her, a chai tea, and an iced tea, with tip was almost $60. Would have been probably more like half that in Paris unless you went to some touristy place. Perfect? Nope. Paris certainly isn’t. Noplace is. But… I still love it, and don’t think it is overrated.

I just got back from a 12 day vacation to Paris and I loved it. Every single thing. Even the people (who were very nice by the way). I always remembered to say bonjour and the other phrases I practiced before going there. I went with my daughter and granddaughter and we didn't go to the well known restaurants. We went to the local places which were really outstanding. The bakeries, shops, etc. ....... I will never forget the visit. Oh, and we stayed in the heart of Paris (9th). Busy, busy ... and lovely at the same time.

Third time in Paris last month! Cannot wait to return! Thank you, Lucile! If one visits Paris without knowing the culture, and expecting the same thing as back home, you will be disappointed. My first time was in 1984, had two strange experiences where two different people looked at me strangely. WHY? I never said BONJOUR before I spoke to them! So SIMPLE, but as a student, I did not know this! Now everything is WONDERFUL each time I return! ♥♥♥♥

I live in NYC and am spending some time in Europe starting next week, including a few solo days in Paris. Have seen your videos before and these do not disappoint. Your Paris videos are extremely informative and well organized.

I love Paris. Returning in 12 days. I’ve been away too long. My favorite city to visit.

You summed it up quite nicely so Bravo! Love Paris and miss the Boulangeries-pâtisseries and the never-boring long walks!

Why I hate Paris? Because I haven’t found the time to get there yet. But soon.

Very Much Loved Paris. Yes, the crowds are enormous, but the ambiance is incredible. So true about the food too.

Went to Paris or the first time in August 2022. We are going back next month. All the way from Australia so it shows our view of Paris. We love it.

I visited Paris more then once and I have been to all those cities you mention and all I can say is I loved all my experiences and I know sometimes cities do go though a hard time but for the most part I had an amazing experience and everyone was very nice to me. I plan to go back and do it all over again, Merci

Thanks for this video….I like how you show us a realistic and balanced view of Paris. I’m looking forward to my first visit to the city this summer!

Prior to the pandemic I traveled to Paris two to three times a year for pleasure, relax, and never had a bad experience. The secret is to be polite. After the Olympics, I'll go back.

Hey Lucille! Paris is so beautiful ❤ I love your travel advice.

Great video. My husband and I just came back from Paris. We had a wonderful time. There for 6 days. I didn’t know what to expect, so many good and bad things about Paris, but we had a great experience.

I have always found Parisians very pleasant. I know the magic words. C'est très simple. Bonjour…merci.

Probably an unpopular opinion but I think a lot of people who are put off by Paris bring it on themselves. Travel is discovery and being outside our comfort zone. If you’re nice to someone, they’re going to be nice to you 99% of the time. We avoid tourist areas and try to blend in. The joy of Paris is discovering the small shops and special mom and pop restaurants that blow our minds. Paris taught us to slow down and appreciate the details.