CasaVersa intern Yohanna Gozlan writes about the legendary Paris, her home town.
Hooray for the Tourism World champion! France retains and continues to improves its status as the most attractive country in the world for the tourists. France welcomed more than 83 million international visitors in 2012, a new record (up from 81.4 million in 2011). It outstrips the United States, Spain, China and Italy. According to the tourism ministry, France is the European and Asian visitors destination of choice.
But here is the question: the French are known to be unwelcoming to visitors and the cost of the living is high, so why does the country continue to attract so many tourists?
Relax on the gorgeous beaches in Nice
As a native of France, I can understand few reasons why tourists continue to flock to my country. First of all, France is full of diverse landscapes. You can go skiing in the French Alps, but also go to the beach of the Riviera and watch wonderful sunsets. You can also visit the Provinces where you will find many forests and vineyards. So you can understand that we have something for everyone.
France also has its historical heritage. You can visit majestic castles built in the Renaissance, in Ecouen in the North, or even castles from medieval times in Carcassonne in the south. The various styles of French architecture ranks high among the country’s many accomplishments. The list of architectural styles you can find in France is extensive, but the prominent ones include the Gallo-Roman, pre Romanesque , Baroco, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Beaux Arts, New Art and Deco.
If we focus a little bit on our stunning capital Paris, you will find a city full of activities, sightseeing, as well as artistic and cultural experiences that can’t be matched elsewhere in the world.
To get an foreigner’s perspective on Paris, I spoke with Deborah, an American student living in the city, who talked about what she enjoys about her adopted city, along with some things she could do without.
“Paris is a wonderful city”, said Deborah. “I like the French taste for the culture: they read a lot and are interested in theater and music. It’s really different from Miami.”
However, there are a few things Deborah is not a fan of. “The City is not clean. People throw papers on the ground, and you see trash everywhere- the French are not that eco-friendly.”
In terms of getting along with the French people, Deborah said, “I feel lucky because I speak French so it’s much easier to integrate with locals. I notice that French people do not make real efforts to welcome tourists even in the touristic places. Sometimes I feel like they are too close-minded.”
What is something French that Deborah would like to export her own country? “The way that you raise your children,” said Deborah. “They are well educated. The parents may be too much strict sometimes and do not let the children express themselves, but I wish all Americans could get this education…”
The Pink House in Montmartre, a place which inspired French actors,singers.
“I love giving tips on what to visit in Paris. For starters I will advise you to wander through the little streets of Montmartre and the huge basilica where you completely forget that you are,” shared Deborah.
St Eustache Church’s at St Michel , is considered as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The church’s reputation was strong enough of the time for it to be chosen as the location for a young Louis XIV to receive communion.
“You should also stop at St Michel and St Germain des Pres, which are for me the most beautiful places of Paris, full of little stores, pubs and a young atmosphere. Then pass through to the Pont des Arts, which is a bridge where everyone put a lock with his own name and his lover name, which is so romantic.
“To finish, don’t forget to have a walk on the Champs Elysees Avenue, which for me is standard, but for you will be gorgeous.”
Does anyone wants to go to Paris right now? Check out our apartment list and enjoy the French life.
