Wednesday, August 14, 2019

3 Things I Really Dislike About Paris



I've been to Paris not once, not twice but 3 times now and I'd like to think I know the city well enough by now. First two times I visited it was during a rather cold wet winter season. This time round, Paris in July was a very last-minute trip for us. My family was visiting from Brazil for my brother's wedding and my 14-year old cousin begged us to take her to Disneyland given they were already halfway across the globe and Paris was just "there", as she put it. With her 15th birthday coming up, I decided to grant her wish as an early birthday present so we all went. Spending 3 days in Paris reminded me of the things I love about this city but it also highlighted things I did not quite enjoy (to put it lightly). We often read "What you must see in Paris" articles but well, here are a few things no one is talking about enough.

1. THE UNCLEANLINESS
I genuinely do not remember Paris being this "dirty" the last two times I visited. It seems, however, that at the height of summer things have escalated quite a bit. Firstly, the metro has an incredibly unpleasant smell of urine, like everywhere. Perhaps due to the raised temperatures, this was more evident than in the winter but all I know is that it often made me gag because of how bad the smell got. And you would think this was just in the outskirt metro stations, but sadly even central ones suffer from this issue. Additionally, littering isn't just localised to outer suburban areas, which is a shame. Gardens around the Eiffel Tower had rubbish spread all over, as did the riverbanks of Seine. I know this is pretty much the big city syndrome (I mean London isn't exactly squeaky clean) but the government and people could be doing a better job in preserving this beautiful city and creating awareness around the subject.


2. THE FOOD
This may be a shocker for some given the whole adoration around French cuisine but trust me, you get a little bored of croissants, baguettes, and steak after a while. This is something we have always felt when visiting France because simply put, we just don't eat well there. When we went in December 2017, the highlight of our trip when it came to food wasn't even French but rather this family-owned Italian restaurant hidden away near Notre Dame. Once, we stupidly ate at a restaurant on Champs- Élysées and I kid you not, we paid 6 euros on a can of coke, and the food wasn't even that great! Central restaurants have become all too touristy and we know those aren't any good. I miss tasty and reasonably priced food when it comes to visiting this city. 


3. THE PRICE (OF EVERYTHING)
Granted it may be the most visited city in the world, but the French capital is also one of the most expensive cities in the EU! Everywhere you go, everything you do will set you back some (read many) pounds. There are ways to cut costs and stay on budget, don't get me wrong, but this may mean staying in the suburbs and paying more for transportation into the city and eating baguettes for every meal. Visiting the sights, big attractions, museums and even churches will cost you a small fortune. Shopping in Paris was something I was really excited to do, but it quickly was out of the cards when I saw nothing but hefty price tags. 


All in all, I'm not saying Paris is a place I wouldn't visit again, not at all. I'd love to go back and see more of it, it does have some pretty awesome things like macaroons in every possible flavour, Disney which is pure magic, Sephora which I can spend hours in. So don't let the above points I made put you off from going, just be aware of them so you're not disappointed if you encounter them. Seeing more of the country as a whole is also on the cards and perhaps food is better and things are a little more reasonably priced elsewhere, fingers crossed!

Now tell me, ever been to Paris? What was it like?
Let me know all about it below. Thanks for reading beauties!

xoxo
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27 comments

  1. Such an interesting spin on a travel post! Everyone normally focuses on all the glossy stuff but at the end of the day nothing is perfect!
    Thanks for sharing :)

    Rachel | Teacups & Tartan

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    1. Agreed. It may be a controversial post but it's the honest truth and I really hope it helps. No trip is 100% perfect, I love Paris but these things bothered me :)

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  2. Oh no! It's my dream to go to Paris one day. I didn't realise it was littered with rubbish and so dear! Also I thought the food was good but I could be getting mixed up with other European cities lol!

    Di from Max The Unicorn

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    Replies
    1. Don't let it put you off from visiting though. Just bear these things in mind so you're not disappointed .

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  3. I have never been to paris but so many of my friends find it to be very to be very dirty too. I must say, being from berlin, london tube stations are probably my favourite in terms of cleaness and and security.
    ❤︎

    www.elenaisabelle.com

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    Replies
    1. I agree, London tube is very clean indeed. It's hot as we have no air con, but it works well and it's not as dirty as Paris. Still love the French capital despite this :)

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  4. Caramba não sabia dessa achei uma absurda esse preço em uma lata de coca, não nunca visitei e depois desse post fico até assustada que quando for lá tenho que ter bastante dinheiro haha!

    Confere lá meu blog também e se puder me segue de volta.

    Segredosdamarii.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Fica assustada nao. Paris é linda, mas tem que ir com grana :)

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  5. I've been in Paris twice, I really love this city but also for me these things such as dirt, expensive and not tasty food and high prices for almost everything are discouraging. Also difficulties with finding the safe parking for car (most of hotels in centrum don't have own parkings for hotel guests) is little bit annoying.

    jointyicroissanty

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    Replies
    1. Oh I did not know about parking. That is annoying indeed!

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  6. I've been to Paris once and I loved it. After my trip, I came across a few people who actually don't like it, which surprised me, but thinking more deeply about it, you're actually right. It is quite littered, the subway does smell and everything is expensive. I'm just laughing writing this. Like you, I would go back too but I'll be more wary of the fact that it does have its flaws.
    A very honest post.

    Mich x
    http://michjoseph.com

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    Replies
    1. Paris is stunning but it isn't perfect just like any other place in the world. Would love to be back there soon though haha

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  7. I really love your honesty in this post! Thank you for sharing.

    https://colorandgrace.com

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  8. Definitely a city that is on my bucket list its just so beautiful

    Candice || natalyaammour.com

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  9. This is such a great and informative read dear. Indeed, it's such an expensive place to visit.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  10. I always wanted to visit Paris, thank you for these heads up.

    sarahrizaga.blogspot.com

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  11. I do agree it is all pretty expensive but Paris will always be one of my favourite cities to visit! x

    Grace Louise || http://gracelouiseofficial.blogspot.co.uk

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  12. obrigado querida :)

    gostei imenso do post!!! uma das minhas viagens a realizar é Paris, pelo que terei isto em conta! :D

    NEW REVIEW POST | MAKEUP REVOLUTION EYE SHADOWS, WORTH IT?
    InstagramFacebook Official PageMiguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

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  13. I honestly liked the idea of this post! It's only natural that we like and dislike different aspects of a person or a city, but the "must go to places in xx" are the one kind of article that we've seen a dozen of times (which is totally cool, btw!). I heard some people complaining about the dirtiness sadly. And yes it's such a shame :( Food did come as quite a shocker! But once I read why I totally see your point, and it will be something I'll consider the day I visit :)
    Have a lovely weekend!

    https://www.stylebydeb.com

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  14. I work in Paris and I thought the idea of this post was so good!
    I totally agree about your first point - I do think this is a shame.

    Trend-Mae

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  15. You`re right, Paris is do dirty lately. The first time I`ve visited was over 10 years ago, and I loved every second of my journey. My last two trips weren`t as successful, although I still enjoy spending time in Montmartre.

    Carmen Chats

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  16. The idea of this post is great, we should inform our readers all the positive and negative aspects of the places we travel. It's disappointing that Paris is quite littered and expensive. Visiting this place is one of my dream but I didn't know these things about it but anyway, every place has its good and bad side...I love your honesty. Thanks for sharing <3
    http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/

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  17. When it comes to a renowned city like Paris, putting your dislikes out there is such a brave act! Thanks for showing that sometimes travel isn't all glitter and sparks. Great writing. Before I forget, such a kind act of yours to fulfill that dream of your cousin's.
    Love,
    i.b. | http://soundslikeidil.blogspot.com

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  18. I've never been, but I definitely want to go! Thank you for this interesting post, I never considered these points about Paris

    www.sundaydahlias.com

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  19. You are totally right my dear!I just don't understand when people rave about this city. I have been to Paris many times, the subway scares me there and the prices deter me...

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  20. I lived a year in Paris and I loved it. They have so many different places to eat. But I do agree it is expencieve city x

    Laura
    https://www.beautywithlala.com/

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