To love Paris and to think ‘Paris syndrome’ is a myth?

I’m indifferent to it, though have decided I find it so much nicer in the winter time. Never really feel that safe there though compared to the likes of Berlin and Vienna

Having read about Paris Syndrome (hadn't heard of it before) I have come across similar from foreign tourists visiting Scotland.

They are fed an idealised version of Scotland through Outlander, Hallmark Christmas movies and expat Scots waxing lyrical about their homelands and get a huge culture shock when they arrive and find that we're not all wearing kilts, our major cities have social issues and homelessness, that nobody gives two hoots about what "clan" you are in and that not everywhere is as scenic as Glencoe.

Funniest post I saw on a FB group was from a disappointed tourist who had tried to avoid extortionate Edinburgh prices by booking accommodation in Coatbridge and wondering why it was really not what they were expecting.

Hard disagree from me I'm afraid, Paris is a shit hole. I've been twice (went for a second time after disliking it the first time to give it a second change and still didn't like it). Too many tourists, unfriendly people, pickpockets, expensive and it was really dirty. Considering how many beautiful cities there are in France, I've genuinely no idea why everyone raves about it and have no desire to go again.

I agree - Paris is mostly nice! Every city has its dodgy parts.

I remember being really unimpressed with Paris when I went when younger. But I went for work and stayed in the heart of it all for a couple of days and found it all beautiful, would love to go back.

I expected to love Paris. I don’t. It’s crappy. My husband has to work there fairly often. He also can’t stand it. I think there are much better places in France to visit or stay. I love France overall. Just not Paris.

Just went on a city break with my teen DD. Thought it was beautiful and we had a lovely time. Climbing the Eiffel Tower at night was a great experience. We loved the Musee D’Orsay. But just walking around, looking at the buildings was wonderful. We live in London, so as we stayed in an upmarket area of Paris it felt safer than where we live.

Love Paris and rent an apartment there. DH and I went for a long weekend in August. Walked 60km. Love it. We’re very near the tower.

I love Paris. I lived and worked there for 9 years and adored it. We left for career reasons but I visit regularly as I still have friends there. It just feels like home to me. But as a tourist it's so walkable and the weather is generally good enough to do so. Failing that the bus routes are a great way of seeing the city, as is line 6 of the metro, which goes overground for quite a good stretch and affords epic views of the Eiffel Tower. Even when I lived there and took that route daily I felt so lucky to be in such a beautifully designed city (Haussman knew what he was doing!). I've also strolled down the Champs-Elysees on a day in December when it was totally closed for Johnny Hallyday's funeral and it was so surreally quiet, giving you such a great sense of the space. I always enjoy the museums and brasseries and there are always so many free events happening that you can just turn up to if you know where to look.
We live in the Netherlands now but only rarely go to Amsterdam as it's a PITA to get to and we just don't like it that much. Honestly I will take the smell of cigarettes in Paris over the smell of weed in Amsterdam ANY DAY.
Funny that people mention preferring Rome. Even after 9 years in Paris (and thereby being fairly streetwise), Rome was the only place where I felt in genuine danger of being imminently pickpocketed. I much prefer other Italian cities such as Lucca and Turin. Cremona (albeit a town rather than a city) was lovely too. My ambition is definitely to live in Italy at some point in my life. Once we are done with NL it's next on the list!

Haven't RTFT yet so it's possibly already been answered but Paris syndrome is typically experienced by the Japanese who I think almost expect the streets to be paved with gold and then can't take the extreme disappointment of the place not being perfect (yes, despite everything I have said, I can see the imperfections of the city, including its problems with homelessness). Japan is itself an extremely clean place with designated smoking areas and no littering, so I can see why you'd save up your whole life to go to Paris and then be disappointed at how grimy it is (despite the major cleanup around the Olympics, it's still got a grubby feel to it, which I accept because I love it and spent formative years - my 20s - there, but which others may be more critical of).

I’ve only been once. Last year for 5 days with DP. it’s strange how I’ve never been before as I’ve been to many different countries all over the world but somehow never got round to it.

I completely fell in love with it! We found the people really friendly and helpful and had a wonderful time. Can’t wait to go back!

I agree, although they've chosen down the line in Chaville. It is such a beautiful community!

I find it polluted with not many good walking areas, unlike London. And the metro is just smelly. It's ok but I prefer London.

I’m very fond of Meudon. We have friends we often stay with there. I love the forest, the market, and Rodin’s house, and being so close to Versailles.

My son and DIL moved to Paris two weeks ago, and I was really impressed.

I went with DS in August to scout out apartments, and was really impressed with the suburbs. We looked at Issy, Meudun and Chaville. Everywhere we went was immaculate, and the people really friendly. The public transport (IDF) was really easy to use.

DH and I drove them out two weeks ago, and again we were really pleased. They didn't need our help on the Sunday, so we took the train into Paris and just wandered around (stopping frequently for refreshments the toilet), as the weather was not to be missed. It was great.

What I found with Parisiennes is that they are all extremely polite and you can get a long way by being polite too - smiles, bonjours, etc. For what we were doing, the French was easy, but if we stumbled, they were happy to step in with English.

Paris syndrome ?

I did my undegrad in Paris years ago and have been going back a lot. It is dirtier than London with exception for few streets but definitely cheaper, and is fabulous in its own way. I never found Parisians being rude but I speak the language. They just turned grumpiness and complaining into national sport :) and I can't stand that.

@FeetLikeFlippers You're not alone - so overrated.

Last time I went, I was shocked at the amount of dog shit everywhere. I’ve never heard of “Paris syndrome” and thought I was the only one who thinks it’s over-rated!

We are going next week. Can’t wait

Do not agree. Have spent 15 years going to Paris for work several times a year. Just got a new job and celebrated I never need to go again. Gare du Nord is a shit hole in comparison to arrival in London. The food is MEH at best and Parisians are rude. I hope to never see it again.

I must have visited Paris perhaps 30 times in my life - yes, there are edgy parts, but on the whole it’s a great place to visit - I still haven’t run out of things to do there and I probably never will. I often think people’s hatred stems from a traumatic exchange visit in their youth :-) If you don’t like Paris then you probably won’t like London or Berlin either

Yes I agree. I absolutely love Paris . I have been numerous times, mostly with work and I am in love with the place. If I win the lottery I would buy a lovely apartment somewhere close to Le Marais .

My daughter recently got a job in 'Shakespeare & Co. bookshop. I lived in Paris in my twenties, and have been visiting a lot lately. I thought exactly the same, ie: I would love to live here again ! `

Yes - those cities are lovely and you can walk everywhere!