I landed in Paris for the first time in August of 2018. I did not speak a word of French, however, Nicolas helped me along the way to find the trains and buses I needed to take. Where I live in the United States (specifically in California near the Napa Valley) the transportation is not nowhere near as complex as it is in France. France has all kinds of ways that you can get around the cities, sometimes even faster than if you drive! That first time I landed in Charles De Gaulle Airport, Nicolas navigated the whole way through with me and all I needed to do was slip a ticket through a machine and I did not have to speak to anyone or do any thinking in order to get from point A to point B. However, when I went back to France a few weeks ago, Nicolas was not going to be there to help me at all. I was going to be meeting with my cousin Andrea and I was going to have to do a lot of figuring out on my own, and that right there was a little bit nerve-wrecking because as much as I don’t mind getting lost, getting lost could actually mean spending money I wasn’t anticipating to spend.
On top of that, I had the not-so-bright-idea of taking with me a large luggage piece for one week, ONE WEEK, the kind your parents still carried around the airport 15 years ago. Trying to move around dragging that thing made me realize I am stronger than I think, but also made me realize how much unnecessary trouble I put myself under at times.
As a result of both years’ experiences, I would like to mention my Top 7 Things that I love about France and the Top 7 Things that I do not really like or wish I knew before going there.
My 7 Favorite Things About France
1. The Transportation System is Very Impressive – As I mentioned before, France has a remarkable system of transportation; so good, that it’s easier and much more enjoyable than being stuck in traffic along with other desperate drivers. During morning and evening rush hours, it is faster to take the Transilien, which is the SNCF Mobilites suburban rail network serving mainly Ile-de-France train stations. Then, besides that, you got the Metro and the RER, which are also amazing and I enjoyed every single ride because you can go literally anywhere you want as long as you’re willing to walk a small distance afterwards. Besides these fast options, you also have buses that run around the clock multiple times a day; I love the fact that for most buses (except those that go far distances), if you miss one bus, you can expect to see the next one 5-15 minutes later.
2. Bakeries Literally Everywhere – I love coffee shops/bakeries in Paris because it does not matter where you come from or where you are going, a croissant or baguette will always be waiting for you in any corner, and sometimes even accompanied by a cup of hot chocolate. Croissants are cheap and they make up a nice little breakfast. I do wish there were more vegan coffee shops around in Paris, but I did not get the chance to go to the only one that I have heard of because we were trying to squeeze in multiple places and days went flying. During most days while being in a new country as a tourist, all you want to do is try to survive while trying to make it to the next big attraction.
3. Every Corner You Look At is Touristic – In Paris, the Eiffel Tower is gorgeous and so is the Palace or Versailles (among tons of other iconic landmarks). However, it is absolutely not hard at all to find a photogenic scene anywhere you turn, whether that’s in ANY city in France or a small or big town. Being in France is slightly overwhelming because you want a picture in every corner, at every angle. Once you come back home from vacation, you look at the pictures you took and think about possible pictures that would have been amazing that you did NOT take.
4. People in France Are Not Obsessed with Consumerism – This is something that seriously makes me want to move there, like, tomorrow. My cousin Andrea noticed that most people do not have the latest phone, or were covered in makeup or hair dyes. For the most part, citizens in Paris and outside of Paris, looked elegant with simple, dark clothes, natural/well-taken care of hair and skin, and usually had a sense of fashion that is timeless and never goes out of season.
5. Grocery Stores Close Early and Are Generally Closed on Sundays And They Observe Most Holidays – As much as I love having the convenience of having a 24-hour Walmart around the corner, after having worked at a Walmart myself for many months, I personally prefer and would very happily adapt to a store that opens 9AM-7PM Monday through Saturday and closes on Sundays. People at the stores look happier, and I think this is because they get to spend time with their families and customers also get used to going to the store when it’s open. It makes society less lazy and more accountable for what they need to do before a store closes.
6. Fast Food Chains Are a Lot “Cleaner” Than in the Western Hemisphere – I am not a big fan of fast food, however, it is important to note that France (like the rest of Europe) is very conscious about genetically modified foods and will tackle down and make sure fast food restaurants are following the rules when it comes to food quality. French citizens take their food quality and health very seriously and will not allow monstrous food chemicals to contaminate their food. It’s also amazing that McDonald’s serves Macarons and croissants.
7. French People Are Very Educated and Like Spending Time with Their Families – I love to see that French people value their families and the time they spend with them very much. They get together often, they support each other and they stay around for each other. They also have a huge pride as a country. It is important to make sure you read about their manners, such as the double-kiss or making sure you know the proper etiquette for saying good morning in case you end up staying with a French family.
BONUS: San Pellegrino sodas are almost half the price as they are in the US. Nico enlightened me by telling me that obviously they are cheaper since they don’t have to cross the Atlantic ocean lol
My 7 Not-So-Favorite Things About France
I consider these to be first world problems and by no means are they things that are wrong with France at all. I just think these are things that you need to take into account when traveling to France.
1. Food Choices Are Kind of Limited – I think living in California has made me way too spoiled, since there is a place for tacos every other block. It’s hard to fulfill this expectation in France lol To make up for that though, they have plenty of Kebab food (although the Vegetarian options are very limited as well). As much as I love croissants and baguettes, there are moments when I get slightly bored of so much flour and start craving something lighter, such as corn tortillas.
2. Not Everyone in France Speaks English – I grew up being told all Europeans knew at least 3 languages, and one of those languages included English and sometimes even Spanish (if it wasn’t their native language). However, in France, this “fact” can’t be further from the truth. Some French people do speak English but a lot don’t so make sure you are equipped with at least basic French phrases and Google Translate ready on your phone in case you need to ask something and you have no translator around.
3. Most Cars Are Manual – I do know how to drive manual cars, but I just can’t get used to liking them. I prefer an automatic car 100% even if it uses up more gasoline.
4. Gasoline is Really Expensive – Gasoline in France is sold in Liters and not in Gallons like in the Western Hemisphere. The average liter costs 1.50 euro, but remember, a gallon is 3.78 liters, so if you do the math that means each gallon costs around 5.67 euros, which means almost $6 for a gallon of gasoline. I rather take the bus.
5. Driving in Paris is a Bad Idea – Driving in Paris is simply a bad idea, unless you feel like Toretto from Fast & Furious and want to let go off some steam on the road. Paris is a gorgeous city, and I honestly think it’s best to leave the driving to public transportation or even an UBER. Driving in Paris is wild and also as a pedestrian you need to be careful and fast, so cars know you are making your best effort to cross the street fast and don’t try going first.
6. There’s Too Many Tourists – This is true for Paris for the main attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and all the other cool landmarks you already know. During summer days, lines are ridiculously long just to go up the Eiffel Tower. It’s best to plan for really early on the day or plan your trip during winter, so you don’t end up wasting hours making a never-ending line. Sometimes even taking a casual picture in front of a monument, or painting or even a cool door, can be quite challenging if you don’t want random tourists all over the picture. Again, it’s best to plan the touristic photos for as early in the day as possible, or during the winter months so you have the best photos.
7. Humidity Can Become Your Enemy, Even During Winter Time – Yes, another first world girl problem but I decided to put it out there since I know all ladies cannot leave France without millions of pictures on their Camera Roll. Make sure you come prepared with the right hair products to ensure your hair stays perfect against humidity!
Despite all these not-so-postive things, I still love France very much and wish to live there some day!
