Paris Has My Heart: Let’s Talk About Paris

Last Updated on 2nd March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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I first fell in love with the City of Love on my first visit aged just 18 (or maybe I was 17, I can’t quite remember!). I was travelling with my parents, sister, and ex-boyfriend and soon became enthralled in the world that is Paris. I was hooked and even partly chose my university course on the fact that a year of it would be based in Paris! All in all, Paris has my heart…

A living breathing museum, the city is much more than just the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe (though it’s obviously those things too!) After all, there are hidden gems worth discovering, smaller museums worth checking out, and countless day trips you can take from the city.

I now spend my career writing about travel (but mainly France) and so spend my time writing about getting to know the city on a local level and travel tips I think you should know about (including Paris scams).

Reasons to fall in love with Paris

The French language

The French language is often touted to be the language of love because of how beautiful it sounds when spoken or read out loud! As the capital of France, you’ll always have the chance to practice French when strolling the streets or walking into a shop.

And although you may not know it, we use many words on a daily basis that find their roots in French. Here are some French words we use often in English (which may prove that you know a lot more French than you think you do!)

French architecture

French architecture is simply breathtaking and offers a variety of different kinds of architectural styles depending on where you go in the country. There is something about the châteaux littering l’hexagone that feels like they have been plucked straight out of a Disney movie.

French monuments like l’Arc de Triomphe and la Tour Eiffel are famous the world over. Millions of tourists flock to Paris annually to catch a glimpse of these monuments in the flesh, as well as admire the Grand Haussmannian boulevards. For more inspiration,

French cuisine

Foie gras, escargots, steak tartare.

While all of these French delicacies may appeal to some people, I can’t think of anything worse. Luckily for me, French cuisine has so much more to offer than raw horse meat and frogs legs. Seriously, shame on you for thinking that’s all there is, what a cliché!

I mean, who can resist the vast selection of breads, wines, cheeses and patisseries on offer? For more inspiration of what to eat in France, check out our foodie guide to Paris, everything you need to know about French butter, and how to order at a French bakery.

Not to mention that France is the ‘spiritual’ home of the macaron (yep, the macaron’s roots have been traced back to Italy).

The French

The french tend to have a no nonsense attitude toward everything that I have never encountered before in quite the same way.

They shrug off problems in a totally nonchalant way. ‘Not my problem’ is the typical response you’ll receive from many a Parisian. You’re lost? Not my problem. Need help changing a uni course? Not my problem. You were mis-sold a phone contract? Not my problem.

Okay, I think you get my drift. But I also think I’m really starting to enjoy spending time here. If you want to know more about French living, be sure to check out this guide to French habits you should steal.

Of course, there are a lot of things I don’t like about Paris or France in general. But what city or country doesn’t have its downfalls?

Maybe it’s okay to admit that I secretly love Paris.

I secretly love France.

Paris has my heart.