With the month of love approaching, travelling is a gift of memories on most couples’ minds. What is better than a romantic trip? A destination for two straight out of a romance movie – Paris. But what if this destination of love is not all it is made out to be? Let’s explore Paris beyond the romance.
The Big City
Yes, the big city does not appeal to everyone, even if it is the most popular destination. The locals have a love-hate relationship with the city of Paris. You might end up finding yourself in the middle of a crowded, chaotic city, where scams like pickpocketing can ruin every love story. Often, the city is smoky and has a smell of pollution. That stroll through Paris you were thinking of taking will be cut short, as you would most likely end up having to use the metro to get from A to B.
Local Personalities
People travelling to Paris might have been told that the locals are rude and seem obnoxious toward tourists. Parisians are very reserved and have proper formalities, so if you are an outgoing couple, you might end up being disappointed. They see themselves a certain way and will not change the way they carry themselves for tourists; they are proud.
Picture Perfect
Imagine your camera roll with the idyllic backgrounds of Paris’ iconic streets. When in certain areas of Paris, you might have to look really hard for the perfect place to take a picture, as the street might be filled with trash, and there will be excessive graffiti on the beautiful architecture, completely ruining the idea of Instagram-worthy photos.
Picnic-Worthy Weather
A planned picnic in the warm sun with a bright sundress on the itinerary? Make a backup plan or two. The weather is usually gray, chilly, and rainy, and when the sun does shine, it is scorching. Winters can be cruel and unforgiving, nothing like the movies. Paris is more culture than sunshine, something similar to London.
Public Bathrooms
Wondering around Paris through the historic like structures could not be all it is made out to be, especially when nature calls. Public toilets are not common; using the bathrooms requires payment even in restaurants. There are a few pods on the streets that can be used, but the lines sometimes seem never-ending and are very slow-moving.
Expense
When in Paris, you pay just for having the privilege of breathing Paris air. For most, something as simple as a coffee is overpriced. Now, if you want some coffee, that is the price of the Louvre, then you are at the right place, but you pay for the hype of where you are eating and not what you are eating.
If your idea of a romantic getaway to Paris was inspired by a movie, you most likely will end up being disappointed. The pictures might be perfect, but your experience not so much.
Sources:
Redbrick Travel – discussion of Paris’s romantic reputation and whether it deserves the “city of love” label.
Misadventures with Andi – describes Paris as one of the most romantic cities in the world for couples.
Paris Toujours – outlines why Paris is widely seen as “the most romantic city in the world.
”Hotels.com travel guide – lists common scams in Paris, including pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas.
Avast travel blog – details multiple tourist scams in Paris, emphasizing pickpockets at major attractions.
World Nomads safety guide – explains frequent theft and pickpocket scams targeting tourists in Paris