What makes people dislike Paris?
 

I have never been to Paris, but my husband and I are planning on including Paris in our next trip to Europe, in May of next year. People on this website seem to love Paris, but so many people I talk to in person about Paris tell me that either they don't like it, or "its okay, but I wouldn't go back" type of thing. I'm just wandering what the general consensus is.

I don't really base my decision on where to go based on someone else's disliking (after all, to each their) because, after all, there are so many places I love (such as Rome) that others don't really care for. Its just that Paris, more than most places I've heard about, seems to get more negative remarks about it.

Sorry, I accidently posted "post" too quickly! Anyways, I was just basically looking for thoughts from others. Do people you know tend to feel this way about Paris and, if so, why?

Thanks!
Tracy

I only know one person who disliked Paris - and it was a combination of her personal preferences (she's traveler, not a tourist - prefers up the Amazon in a canoe - and found Paris "boring - too like home") and her lack of French (she usually learns some of the language wherever she goes - but seemed to have some sort of block with French). Everyone else I know who has been there loves it and can;t wait to go back.

The old saw is that the French are unfriendly. It just isn't true. We have begun limiting our travel to Paris and France in particular because we enjoy it so much. You are treated as you treat others. The French do appreciate being greeted in their stores by a "bonjour" when entering and an "au revoir, merci" when leaving. There is so much richness to the French culture and Paris is one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

I think Paris provides a much richer experience to those who take time to prepare for their visit. Not just what 'sights' to see, but also reading a book about French culture/society, such as the Polly Platt books, or similar. Some behaviors looked at with an American perspective become much more understandable (and acceptable?) once explained within a French perspective. This is probably true of Italian and other cultures, although I haven't delved into others very much.

Of course, it also helps to know a little bit about why you are there. I swear I heard someone in a tour group standing by their bus behind Notre Dame say " oh look, it's an island!". I later heard someone from an American group on the Metro say "there's a big church on a hill somewhere around here"... I mean, really...!
(now, it will take a lifetime to know about everything of Paris, but you should at least know the basics).

Hi
I don't think anyone can pinpoint this for you, some people dislike opera or
the color green or liver and onions.
Cities strike us one way or another, and it is a factor of the city as well as of the individual.

I've been to Paris a number of times and love it, but it doesn't strike me as a 'friendly' city in particular. I've not met many rude people (no more than the average I meet anywhere) but then I don't have especially high expectations of friendliness from strangers, maybe that's because I live in NYC, or it's just me.

Paris has beautiful architecture, a rich history, wonderful museums large and small and on every possible topic, parks, great shopping, easy transportation, a walkable city center, good hotels to fit every budget and whim, a world-class cuisine of its own, and a variety of excellent restaurants at all price levels.
Sound good?
Bon voyage!

I'm wondering the same thing. I know a number of people who have been to Paris and refuse to go back. In fact, on our last trip to Las Vegas my mother in law didn't want to go into Paris Las Vegas because she hated Paris so much.
We're going to Paris for two days in February and while I've always thought I'd like to go someday I do have some reservations because of so many negative opinions.
My husband and I both had 2yrs. French in school and are trying to brush up now. How difficult will it be for us to get around, order meals, purchase items, etc,etc?
We're going with a positive attitude but also a little scared as well because of the language barrier.

HI
In Paris there is essentially no language barrier. I'd guess 90% of the people you will come into contact either speak some or much English, or can quickly find someone else who can.
Not all taxi drivers or hotel room cleaners do, but you can always have your hotel desk write down where you are going or what you want and it will happen. Most cafes and restaurants will have at least one waiter, if not most, who speak English. It might help to bring a menu translator if you're not familiar with French cooking terms.

I don't like making generalizations, but I agree that the French (actually, most people everywhere) do appreciate even a small attempt to speak the local language, even if it is limited to "Bonjour Madame" with a smile.

Goodmorning, as the song goes
"I love Paris" all the time.
Have been there three times and loved each time, has not experienced any
negative feelings from city or people.
Richard of LaGrange Park, Il.

I was hoping that the language would not be a problem. We've got the basics down but as far as whole sentences or the familiar form of words, forget it.
I'm really excited about this trip and nothing would be more of a let down than to be treated like you're not wanted there.

As you say, most people on this website love Paris. I adore Paris. My travel is more limited than need be because I want to combine Paris with every other destination. I'm really not sure why some people have a negative attitude or perception of this lovely city. I think if you go to Paris in May, having prepared by doing some research and learning some French phrases, you will love Paris. I love it more each time I go.

Hi tc,

As the French say, "chacun a son gout".

To answer "What makes people dislike Paris?":

It's full of foreigners, mostly French.

Hi tcreath,

I'm one who didn't enjoy my last visit to Paris despite the fact that I lived there for one school year (so I wasn't exactly ignorant of the place . . .) and visited twice with my dear sister. But as I grew older, I simply outgrew cities, I think. On my last visit, I kept searching for a spot of serene beauty and felt hounded by the traffic, the bustle, the noise, etc. So I think, for me, it was just that I no longer enjoy cities.

So now I go to Switzerland!!

s

I just wanted to add to my question above the we do still intend on going to Paris and are planning on having a great time. We have read a lot of books and are trying to learn as much about Paris as possible before we leave. Its been my experience in the past, when talking about my travels, that some people go to places just to travel and sightsee but don't try to immerse themselves in their own cultures and don't take the time to learn about what it is they are seeing.

My question basically came as a result of a co-worker seeing my "Paris" guidebook on my desk last night and telling me that she went to Paris a few years ago and disliked it. I think she is the 4th co-worker I have heard this from. Because I am getting tired of the negative comments the book is now in my desk drawer and out of sight so others cant comment!

That was supposed to be "the cultures"...not "their own"...sorry!

A colleague of mine does not like Paris because he thinks the French are rude. But he hasn't been there since the '70's and is a bit on the snobby side, so I suspect the way he presents himself to others is the cause.

My cousin's wife was not fond of Paris until we met her there, primarily because she felt out of her element and had a fear of diving in. It was a language barrier thing for her, so she began to enjoy herself and be herself after we arrived, since I was able to play tour guide and speak reasonable French.

For many people it is a combo of 2 factors that can appley ot any destination, not just Paris: 1. Personal preference--some people are city people, some aren't. Some people are beach people, some arent'. Some are museum people, some aren't. Some are nature lovers, some aren't. etc. etc. etc. 2. Sometimes a visitor is unlucky in a place--bad hotel, bad food, a series of grumpy people to deal with, something stolen, etc. etc. etc.

Over the years, I've seen these as 2 big factors in determining people's attitudes towards a place. I don't like Florence for a variety of reasons; others love it for a variety of reasons. I love Venice for a variety of reasons; others don't for a variety of reasons. Interests and luck play a big role many times.

You haven't told us much about your coworkers, and how they differ from each other as well as what makes them alike when it comes to evaluating things.

For example, if you were to ask them why they drive the car they do and why they turned down buying alternate models, how would they reply? Would their answers be general or specific? Would the answers reflect an awareness of aspects of the car itself (e.g. how it handled, or whether the seats fit them comfortably) or would the answers reflect more the atmosphere of the sale itself and not the thing under consideration (e.g. they liked the 'attitude' of the staff selling Fords but not that of the staff selling GM, or whatever.)

In other words, you could get an answer as to why people dislike Paris, but it might not really be meaningful to you at all, if it didn't somehow address your own personal concerns or curiosity about a place.

As for why Paris gets more negative remarks, remember that it is one of the more visited cities, and that it also tends to be one of the European cities people visit first, before they have much basis for comparison, or much experience of Europe at all.

>...On my last visit, I kept searching for a spot of serene beauty and felt hounded by the traffic, the bustle, the noise, etc. <

I suggest

Parc Monceau

Parc Butte-Chaumont

Jardin du Luxembourg

Place Dauphine

Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise

Jardin des Plantes

Frankly, who cares that some freedom fries poster disliked Paris, why should we spend our time rebutting their reactions. Simply irrelevant. And when hasn't Paris spoken for herself? If you want to see Paris, go. If you listen to naysayers, well, what can we say!

Do you like those co-workers in general? or, like a couple of mine, could they simply be envious, therefore down-playing and denigrating something pretty wonderful for you?

I can't understand NOT loving Paris.
I very much would love to have a small apartment and live part of the year there.

Usually ignorance makes people dislike Paris. If one were to ask those who so are so vocal in their dislike of all things French, how many would one find had actually Been to France?
Years of old fashioned tales of rudeness have spawned a cliched thinking regarding Paris.
Of course, there are people who have been there and have not liked Paris for a variety of reasons, but overall it is just a tired attitude with little knowledge behind it.
IMHO

Yes, Ira, as I was leaving Paris (one day early), I suddenly remembered some of the peaceful spots I had enjoyed in the past. But too late!

I haven't written Paris off entirely; I will be back. Maybe combined with a first visit to the Dordogne or maybe a Paris-Annecy-Montreux sweep. Lots of ideas. I'll be there again, and I'm sure it'll capture me again.

s

There could be many reasons - for most, it may be a combination of simply doing the tourist route march in hot and sticky weather, in August when a lot of Parisians are out of town and those who stay can feel a bit miffed about having to work. I took against Paris as a rather immature 15-year old sent on a school exchange trip and having to do formal family visiting every time I went there after that. At that time, there was a lot of political and social tension in France and many Parisians were undoubtedly stressed and offhand with foreigners. In 1968 I really noticed the difference when staying with a family in the south-west - one of their uncles was friendliness itself and chatted with huge enthusiasm about a midly subversive/satirical TV programme - and he was a policeman at a time when heads were being bashed in on the streets of Paris.

Now I take the time to stroll around the bits of Paris I like, and you can keep the grand boulevards and the 16th. And it's much more fun.

All of the people I know personally who have been to Paris love it. I've returned five times since my first visit.

IMO Parisians have a more reserved way of conducting themselves that many Americans just are not used to and find off-putting. So that could be part of what's caused the myth of rude Parisians, and maybe made people uncomfortable.
You MUST greet politely when you enter a shop. And trying a few words of French will create a lot of good will; you may still encounter some rudeness but you'd encounter rudeness at home too!
Other than that, it's beyond me why anyone would not like Paris. I was, I must admit, very surprised that I loved it as much as I did. Now whenever I think of Paris it makes me smile. Make sure you have some quiet time there just to absorb the ambience.

I've found that people who generally don't like big cities generally don't like Paris (or Rome, or London or so on).
And as mentioned before, there's also that "freedom fries" brigade that views anything French as an affront to "Amurka," which is just fine - they should stay at home anyway.
To truly savor the great cities of the world, you've got to taste Paris.

tc:

As everyone is different in what they want from a trip, let me give you my experience with Paris. I had always heard it was a magical city and was initially disappointed on my first day there. As I changed my attitude from expecting Paris to charm me, I relaxed and sought out what Paris had to offer. After my first crepe with Nutella from a street vendor, I began to get a better feel for the place. Just like any big city, each section of the city has a somewhat different personality. For me, I would recommend you stay away from the 8th district (Arrondissement?) initially as this is a more snobby area with the expensive shops. Now that I have been to Paris four times, I will tell you what I tell my friends who go there for the first time:

1)The districts I would consider for a hotel on a first trip inclued 1,3,4,5,6 or 11.
2)Upon entering any establishment, ALWAYS greet the people there, in french.
3)Go to the d'Orsay Museum to see the Impresionist paintings on the third floor (Personal favorite).
4)To save money for dinner, don't order a la carte and try the menu of the day.
5)Do not let the language difference concern you-with a good attitude, all will be fine!
6)Take a boat ride on the Siene in the evening early in your stay there.
7)As much as I hate touristy things, the Eiffel Tower is a must (Tour Eiffel).
7)Use and get to know the subway system. It really is easy and inexpensive.

Relax and absorb the culture and sights Paris has to offer. That is my two cents worth.

Paris is great! I've gone there each of the past two summers and never had a problem with the people. Just nail down the basic niceties-greetings (Bonjour), thank yous (merci), etc.
Pick up a basic French cd-rom for $10 at Best Buy and play the games-remember a few key phrases like "what is this" or "where is the...", or "How much..." all in French and you'll be fine (all are in the back of Paris travel guides, like Rick Steves too). The French like to see you try, and they seem to repect the little formalities. Do that and then all the culture is openly available to you with a smile.
Mark

It is a BEAUTIFUL city, you will love it. Only thing i dislike about Paris, and Europe in general, is the public bathrooms... so few, so dirty,so smelly, so hard to find. Spain is changing a liitle bit and bathrooms are more decent now. It could be part of their culture, but with so many tourists, they can do someting about it. Even the best stores in Paris have disgusting bathrooms.
If you want to enjoy Paris, be ready to walk for hours...... best way to see it.

>...i dislike about Paris, and Europe in general, is the public bathrooms... <

They now have toilettes on the streets. Modern and clean. Be sure to have 0.40E in change.

I just love Paris. I think maybe some people think the people are rude because they talk to people who have had, what they perceive to be, a negative experience. I don't discount those reports because I guess "negative" is in the eye of the beholder. I can't help thinking however, have any of you ever had bad service in a restaurant in your own home town? Have you ever had a sales person stand around talking to her friend on the phone or popping her gum while she (he) ingors you? Most of my encounters with the french people during my visits have been just fine..some have been fun and wonderful, some had been just ordinary, and a few have been less than satisfying. You just have to keep it all in perspective. I don't expect everyone to "gush" over me. I noticed that most of the cafes or brasseries we stopped in for lunch were just packed and the waiters (waitresses) were just flying around. I didn't expect them to explain everything on the menu to me and I soon realized that they much appreciated it if you knew what you wanted when they came to take your order. I wasn't offended because they were rushed. I know, they are in a service business and if you need an explination of how something is prepared it's their job to do that for you, but I just never got my nose all out of joint if they seemed rushed...just didn't take it personally. On the other hand, there was a little cafe that we ate at several times and the waiter..and he always seemed to be there no matter what day or time we got there...was just a blast. He also was rushing around, waiting on a huge amount of tables, but always had time for a litte chat, to take pictures of the tourists..we never asked, he volunteered, and to just generally make it a fun experience. It's just all in a persons style. You have to remember that there are a lot of people in Paris and they are all different just like any big city...the good, the bad, and the ugly, so just try to keep it in perspective. When I had one of those less than satisfying encounters, I would always call it one of my "french" experiences, making reference to the sterotype of the "rude" french. I just never took the time to get offended. I mean after all, doesn't New York have the Soup Nazi!!!!!!!???? LOL...see, it always could be worse!

Thank you for all the replies! Its interesting to hear about Paris from others' perspectives. Just a few notes:

blacktie, I am still planning on going to Paris and wouldn't let a few negative comments stop me. I was just curious as to why these comments seem to come about.

A few asked about my coworkers above. My coworkers weren't trying to be mean or judgmental; the comments just came up in general conversation. It wasn't a "why the heck would you going to Paris?" comment but more of a "I've been there a few years ago but didn't really care for it". Two family members also had general responses. Nobody tried to talk me out of it or anything, and as I said before, it wouldn't stop me from going nor would it put a damper on my trip.

Paris is the city in which one loves to live. Sometimes I think this is because it is the only city in the world where you can step out of a railway station?the Gare D?Orsay?and see, simultaneously, the chief enchantments: the Seine with its bridges and bookstalls, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Tuileries Gardens, the Place de la Concorde, the beginning of the Champs Elysees?nearly everything except the Luxembourg Gardens and the Palais Royal. But what other city offers as much as you leave a train?---Margaret Anderson

The Frenchman, by nature, is sensuous and sensitive. He has intelligence.

French tolerance is an oxymoron. It's a long story but the ending is that the French believe that they are the be all and end all of culture. Parisians believe that they are the creme de la creme of that tenet - the pinacle of civilization. : D))

It is difficult to be accommodating to guests when you are looking down your nose at them. I speak French and I know their drill - they'll always have that sharp edge towards foreigners. Other cultures will trip over themselves to make a guest feel welcome. The French will make you earn your welcome.

If you have a sense of humor, it is a pleasure to goad them at the game and it can make for a very pleasurable stay. Otherwise, I don't find them a lot of laughs. I find them to be a bit prissy and uptight.

There are some lovely things to see in Paris. Go! Be yourself and have a wonderful time in spite of them! It really doesn't matter if you speak a word or two of French. They'll either treat you as a fellow human being - or not! ; ))))

kakalena

One more thing..we did encounter a lot of french people that spoke english..some better than others. My french is "fractured" but I had some very intersting encounters trying to speak it...but how well they speak english, especially if you don't know ANY french..would have an effect on a particular encounter. I know my head was bursting by the end of the day with trying to speak and understand. I would watch french TV in the hotel room for awhile to get used to the sound of the language and then eventually switch to CNN because it was all just too hard and it was hurting my little pea brain. It's stressful to try to speak to someone when you can't really express yourself fully in their language, and if they aren't involved in the tourist business in some way, they probably don't use their english on a day to day basis...just like me with my "french". You have to remember, they live in France and their native language is French. The don't HAVE to speak english even though you would really like them to.

I can't imagine not liking Paris. Do they like Rome, Prague, Barcelona, or Vienna and just don't like Paris? Or is that they do not like traveling in any foreign city where they don't speak the language perhaps? I would guess the latter.

At the risk of merely repeating what everyone else has said, it makes a *huge* difference if you know just a few simple phrases in French and attempt to greet Parisians in french ("Bonjour! Comment ca va?") before asking "Parlez-vous Anglais?" I find that Parisians are much nicer to you if you make an attempt at French, even a feeble one, before launching into English. Although it's a myth that "everyone" speaks English, you will be able to find English speakers most places, but not everywhere.

Sadly, I have seen many Americans in Paris be very demanding and pushy in English ("Where is my check?" "How much is this in American?" "Where is the Mona Lisa?") without taking the time to first inquire if the person even speaks English. It's no wonder the Parisians are rude to those Americans -- can you imagine someone coming up to you in NYC and barking at you loudly in a foreign language?

Don't listen to the naysayers: Paris is perhaps the single most visited city in the world, with good reason. Parisians are generally not as outgoing as Americans, and perhaps aren't as warm and friendly as people in other places, but they are not as rude as their reputation -- a little effort toward learning their language and culture goes a long way.

Every time we plan a trip to Paris there are always a few naysayers that give us a hard time. When I pin them down for specifics, most have never been but have a cousin, neighbor, friend, etc. who had a bad experience. For the rest, I just tell them that they have never experienced the Paris that I know.

<i>Creflors: Do they like Rome, Prague, Barcelona, or Vienna and just don't like Paris? </i>

Answer: Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! ; ))))

kakalena