France: A Disappointing Dip into the "Developed" World

I’d always held France, and particularly Paris, in high regard, a bastion of culture, cuisine, and sophisticated living. It was, after all, a cornerstone of the “developed” world. But my recent visit left me with a jarring realization: in many ways, France felt like it was lagging behind the vibrant energy and seamless efficiency of developing nations like Thailand. My experience was a far cry from the romanticized ideal, leaving me feeling frustrated and, frankly, let down.

Getting Around: A Tale of Two Cities

One of the most glaring disparities was the public transportation. The Paris Métro, often lauded as an iconic symbol of the city, felt more like a relic. Breakdowns were commonplace, and entire sections of lines were frequently shut down for maintenance, forcing last-minute, confusing detours. While the city is wonderfully walkable, when you need to cover longer distances, the metro’s reliability is a gamble.

When the metro inevitably fails, you’re left with night buses, a system that seems to operate on the whims of its drivers. On more than one occasion, I stood at a designated stop, clearly visible, only to have the bus sail past without a second glance. This left me stranded, with the only option being an overpriced taxi.

In stark contrast, Bangkok’s public transport network is a dream. The BTS Skytrain and MRT are modern, clean, and reliable. But where Bangkok truly shines is in its wealth of alternatives. When public transport isn’t an option, a quick tap on my phone summoned a Grab or Bolt taxi at a reasonable price. For shorter distances or to weave through traffic, there were motorbike taxis readily available. I never felt stuck or at the mercy of a broken-down system, a feeling that became all too familiar in Paris.

The Service Sector: A Culture of Indifference

The frustrations extended beyond transportation. The service culture in France, or the apparent lack thereof, was a constant source of bewilderment. From surly waitresses who seemed put out by my mere presence to cashiers who greeted me with a stony silence, the interactions were often chilly and unwelcoming. This stands in stark contrast to the world-renowned Thai hospitality, where a smile and a willingness to help are the norm.

Adding to the inconvenience was the French approach to business hours. Many places close for a leisurely lunch, often for two to three hours, bringing the city to a halt in the middle of the day. Finding a shop or even a casual restaurant open on a Sunday can be a challenge, as many remain shut. This rigidity makes spontaneous exploration difficult and forces you to plan your days meticulously.

The High Cost of Disappointment

Perhaps the most bitter pill to swallow was the cost of it all. France is an expensive country, a fact I was prepared for. What I wasn’t prepared for was the poor value for money. Hotels, averaging around 100 euros a night, often offered lackluster service and, to my horror, the very real possibility of bed bugs-a widely reported issue in Paris. In Thailand, 40 euros can secure a pristine hotel room with impeccable service. This price disparity makes a prolonged exploration of France a costly and potentially uncomfortable endeavor.

The same was true for dining. While I had eagerly anticipated indulging in French cuisine, I was often met with boring, mass-produced fare. Even a classic dish like Pot au Feu, I learned, is sometimes prepared in restaurants using pre-packaged ingredients. The charm of authentic, lovingly prepared food was often lost in a sea of mediocrity, with a hefty price tag attached. While it’s possible to find exceptional meals in Paris, the average restaurant experience felt overpriced and underwhelming.

A Silver Lining: Walkability and Furry Friends

To be fair, Paris does have its charms. The city’s walkability is a major advantage over many sprawling Asian metropolises. Strolling through the different arrondissements, discovering hidden alleyways, and admiring the architecture is a true pleasure. Asian cities could certainly learn from Paris’s pedestrian-friendly design.

Another significant plus for me was the complete absence of stray dogs. As a cyclist and runner, and simply as someone who enjoys a leisurely walk, not having to worry about aggressive or unpredictable strays was a huge relief. This is a noticeable and appreciated difference from many Asian cities.

My Final Verdict

While I appreciated the beauty and walkability of Paris, my overall experience in France was one of disillusionment. The constant transportation woes, the indifferent service, the inconvenient opening hours, and the high cost for often subpar quality left a sour taste. When I compared it to the ease, affordability, and genuine warmth of my travels in Thailand, France simply couldn’t compete. It may be a “developed” country, but in many of the ways that matter to a traveler, it has a long way to go.