This Is Probably Why You Hated Paris
From a real-life Emily in Paris 2.0
When most people think of Paris, they picture seeing the Eiffel Tower, eating croissants at a café, cute French boys smoking cigarettes and inviting you for a glass of wine (okay this actually does sometimes happen)…
But real-life Paris isn’t this way.
It’s a metropolis with busy locals, imperfect infrastructure, and occasional moments of striking and traffic. If you came with a Pinterest checklist, you might be disappointed when reality didn’t match the dream. But maybe the problem wasn’t Paris—maybe the problem was you.
People Pleasing
With over 50 million visitors a year, Paris is one of the most traveled cities in the world. Not everyone you encounter will have the patience or enthusiasm to meet your expectations as a traveler.
But think about it: if your city was overrun with millions of people every year, would you always have the energy to engage? Paris thrives on authenticity, not performative kindness, and that’s part of its charm—if you’re willing to see it. (Coming from Texas, this was hard for me to accept at first- until I realized I’d rather have consistently real interactions than fake ones)
Culture Shock Is Real
Parisian culture is distinct, and for many visitors, it feels different from what they’re used to. Politeness in Paris isn’t about big smiles and warmth; it’s about formalities and etiquette. If you don’t know these unspoken rules, it’s easy to feel like Parisians are cold.
The language barrier adds another layer.
Not every Parisian speaks fluent English, and some travelers interpret this as rudeness when, in reality, it’s just a cultural gap. Understanding these differences can completely change how you feel in the city. Also learning the simple “Bonjour” can change your whole experience.
Slow Down
Paris isn’t a place you conquer. It’s a city you surrender to. The people who leave Paris disappointed often try to cram too much into their trip, racing from one landmark to the next. But the real magic of Paris isn’t just in the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre; it’s in the quiet interruptions and change of plan moments—the strolls along the Seine, the spontaneous café stops because the sun is hitting just right, the beauty of simply being instead of doing.
To love Paris, you have to stop trying to control your experience.
You have to let the city reveal itself to you. Trust me, it’s worth the slowing down.
At its core, Paris is a city of contradictions. It’s both glamorous and gritty, elegant and unpolished, ancient and modern. If you embrace these contrasts, you’ll find a depth to Paris that no other city can offer.
I’ve fallen in love with it.
So, did you really hate Paris, or did you just miss its magic?
Absolutely loved this take. “To love Paris, you have to stop trying to control your experience.”
This felt very true for me in London. I was trying to do too much. I took my foot off the gas and let London unfold and it was the best move.
Just got back from Paris a week ago felt compelled to write a post like this as it is my favourite city ever! Paris gets a bad wrap because we are the ignorant ones. So glad I came across your post!