My First and Last Trip to Paris: A Mixed Bag of Memories
Paris, the city of love, art, and baguettes, had always been a dream destination for me. Like so many others, I envisioned myself strolling along cobblestone streets, sipping coffee in quaint cafes, and marveling at timeless landmarks. And while my first trip to Paris was memorable, it also left me certain that it would be my last.
Here’s the story of my Parisian adventure—the good, the bad, and the unexpected.
The Louvre and Mona Lisa: Beauty, Chaos, and Heat
My Paris trip began with high hopes, and one of my first stops was the world-famous Louvre Museum. Walking through the grand halls, surrounded by masterpieces, felt surreal. But let me tell you—seeing the Mona Lisa in person was a bit of a letdown. The painting itself is small, and the massive crowd jostling for a glimpse made it almost impossible to truly appreciate.
To top it off, it was hot. Like, I-didn’t-know-I-could-sweat-this-much hot. I remember fanning myself with a brochure and thinking, “This isn’t quite how I pictured it.” After attempting to stick with my tour group, I decided to ditch them entirely. The rigid schedule and constant chatter of the guide just weren’t for me. I wanted to explore at my own pace, and honestly, I don’t regret it one bit.
An Unexpected Photoshoot
After leaving the museum, I wandered outside to gather my thoughts and stumbled across a photographer taking candid shots of tourists. He had an eye for capturing people at their best, and before I knew it, I was posing for some impromptu photos. It was a spontaneous moment that turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip.
The photos were stunning and captured me in the heart of Paris with the Louvre in the background. While I wasn’t loving the heat or the crowds, these photos were a sweet reminder of the magic that Paris holds for many.
The Eiffel Tower: A Highlight of My Trip
No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Seeing it up close felt like the postcard version of Paris finally came to life. The iconic structure towering above me, shimmering in the sun, was truly breathtaking.
I even got the quintessential Eiffel Tower photo—a must for any first-timer. It felt like a rite of passage, standing there, soaking in the view. For a moment, the chaos of the city faded, and I could understand why Paris is so celebrated.
Shopping in Paris: My Favorite Activity
One thing I thoroughly enjoyed was shopping. Parisian boutiques and luxury stores are a treasure trove of fashion, and I indulged in a few splurge-worthy items. What made it even better? The tax refund system for tourists.
Here’s how it works: If you’re an American (or a non-European Union resident), you can get a refund on the VAT (Value Added Tax) for purchases over a certain amount, typically €100-€175 depending on the store. When you shop at participating stores, ask for a tax-free form at checkout. You’ll need to present your passport, and they’ll fill out the necessary paperwork.
Before leaving Europe, you take your forms to a VAT refund counter at the airport (or scan them at a kiosk, depending on the airport). They’ll stamp your forms and either process your refund on the spot or send it back to your credit card. It’s a bit of a hassle but worth it when you see those euros coming back.
Thanks to this system, I scored a great deal on a designer bag and a pair of shoes I’d been eyeing for ages. Walking out of those Parisian shops with my tax refund paperwork in hand felt like a win.
The Food and the People: A Mixed Experience
Now, let’s talk about the food and the people. I’ll admit, I had high expectations for French cuisine, but I left feeling underwhelmed. Maybe I didn’t choose the right places, or maybe Parisian food just isn’t for me. Either way, I wasn’t blown away.
As for the people, I wouldn’t describe them as warm. While I wouldn’t say I had any outright bad encounters, there was a noticeable lack of friendliness in most interactions. It left me feeling like I was always just a tourist to them—not someone they wanted to welcome.
Final Thoughts on Paris
Paris is a city that photographs beautifully and offers experiences you can’t find anywhere else. I’m grateful I had the chance to see the Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre, and shop in one of the fashion capitals of the world. But truthfully, it didn’t capture my heart the way I hoped it would.
Between the overwhelming crowds, the sweltering heat, and my lukewarm feelings about the food and people, I don’t see myself going back. That said, I’ll always treasure the memories and those stunning photos from my trip. Sometimes, it’s enough to say, “I’ve been there,” and move on to explore other corners of the world.
Paris, you were an experience. But once was enough for me.
