Everyone who says Paris is great has no idea about what they're talking about

I've been living here for 6 months. Honestly people who say this place is so great have not the faintest idea of what they are talking about. The very centre of Paris (Odeon, Louvre...) is stunning. Of course this is where most tourists stay/go to and hardly ever get to see the wider picture. For those people who say it is full of French people and that that spoils it for them... they have never ventured into some of the areas I have. Paris is such an integral part of anglo-american culture that it is hard to dispell the myths. It is dysfunctional. Very old, creaking even. Backwards. Stagnating. Filthy. Poor. Violent, edgy people. Rude. Very very racist. Dodgy and generally unwelcoming. Of course I know Paris inside out... it's why I can tell you that those people that hang around the louvre, boulogne, the eiffel tower or le marais have no idea of what Paris is like for 90% of its residents that don't live in such areas. Take the RER and venture into St. Denis, Laplace, Massy, Nanterre, Les Mureaux, Alfortville, Courneuve, Malakoff... Enjoy!

Last Visit: july 2005

18 July 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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Arrogant French...

I have been there five times now. Each time I say to myself, give it one more chance... To be frank, the place stinks! Arrogant French gits with their holier then thou attitude, poor service and finally since joining the Euro.. Plain expensive! Go to Madrid instead...

25 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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So much to do and see

Definitely one of my favorite cities. The architecture alone is worth the trip across the Atlantic. Favorite spots are the Left Bank and Musee d'Orsay. Don't miss a day trip to the palace of Versailles to soak up all that splendour.

23 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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We've been 3 times and can't wait to go back again!

Paris is beautiful with it's history, cafe's, bars and restaurants. There's always somewhere to eat, drink or visit. Whenever we go it always feels like we're going back home. We really fit in. We try to speak as much French as we can (though we struggle) and people there are always willing to help us.

23 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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Paris? You must be joking!

Paris a dead, much hyped about city that is, in my opinion, in a more desperate need for the Olympics than London. Shops in the city centre were mostly closed or extremely quiet with the only thing going for the place being the fine architecture that resonate of days gone by without the surge of dynamism, which befits that of a great city. Food is great if you're not a vegetarian like myself, who ended up paying more for eating salads than a companion of mine who was tucking into alcohol laced, meat laden three course meals (I don’t drink either-makes you wonder what the hell I'm doing in France!) Having said that the pastries were to die for and Parisians were not as nasty as some people make them out to be. There is definitely an air of romance in Paris especially as the sun sets. However it does get nauseating seeing every other couple canoodling away like a really bad Big Brother episode. All in all I would not rush to Paris again and it is a real shame that the Eurostar goes to Paris instead of Amsterdam and that Disneyland is near Paris as opposed to somewhere else on the continent.

22 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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A must-visit!

I can't believe the people who say Paris is overrated. I am a Londoner and I love my city, but Paris is leagues above it. It's absolutely magnificent. An open-air museum. There is so much to see, so much to explore.... The food is wonderful and I like the way French pay so much importance to it. I think the shopping is better in London though, but perhaps because I am more familiar with the shops there.

21 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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Magnifique!

I am perplexed by some of the negative reviews of Paris.. It is one of the most beautiful, exhilerating, cultured cities in the world. Around every corner is another building or monument to take your breath away. The architecture and museums are spectacular, the public transport is second-to-none, the food is to die for and the people are friendly and helpful, IF you treat them with respect and attempt at least a few words of French (in any city it really is just common decency to at least ATTEMPT the local language!).

16 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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La ville de la lumiere

What a city: Nice people, nice language, nice food and nice weather. Love Paris.

9 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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we will return back

paris is a beautiful city. how so much different it is in the usa. what i do not like about paris is the people not seem so freindly. seemed self centered selfish acting. there prices are a little bit too high on alot of there selling goods. the best thing about paris , it has so many beautiful surroundings in nature to view.

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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I love Paris every season

Paris is a beautiful, romantic city whenever you go. There are plenty of famous sites, and even the most inexpensive hotel is lovely. It's easy to ride the metro; Parisians are friendly if you know a little French. All of the food is great!!! I suggest you take plenty of money, as mostly all you can do for free is walk.

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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