There are a handful of destinations that come with… opinions.
And France is at the top of that list.
Before clients book, we hear it all:
“Is everyone rude?”
“Is there even enough to do beyond the Eiffel Tower?”
“Is it worth it if we only have a long weekend?”
Here’s the truth: France is one of the most layered countries in the world—there is city, countryside, beach fronts and so much history.
Let’s clear a few things up.
Myth 1: “Everyone in France is rude”
This one comes up every time I plan a trip for first time visitors.
Parisians aren’t rude. They’re… direct. And they value basic politeness. A simple “bonjour” or “merci” when you enter a shop or end a conversation changes everything. We love using Duolingo to prep for our trips to new destinations, learning the basics is always helpful!
Myth 2: “Paris is only for couples”
Yes, Paris is romantic. But limiting it to a destination solely for honeymoons and anniversaries is missing the bigger picture.
Some of the most meaningful trips we plan are:
- Mother–daughter getaways
- Girls’ trips with a mix of culture + shopping + wine
- Solo trips where travelers want to wander without an agenda
There’s something incredibly special about sharing Paris outside of a romantic lens—especially when it becomes about connection, curiosity, and time together.
Myth 3: “It rains all the time”
France has a reputation for gray skies—and yes, winter can lean that way.
But it’s far from a constantly rainy. In fact, when we visited at the end of March, it was 60 degrees, sunny and beautiful for more than half the trip. Now, once we got to Burgundy, it nearly snowed!
Some of the best times to visit are what we call shoulder season:
- May – blooming gardens, long light-filled evenings
- September – warm days, fewer crowds, that golden early-fall glow
These months are when France feels its most alive.
Myth 4: “You can see Paris in a weekend”
Could you visit Paris in a weekend? Sure. Could you experience it? Not really.
A quick trip usually turns into:
- Racing between landmarks (and aching legs – we speak from experience)
- Skipping entire neighborhoods
- Missing the quiet, in-between moments that actually define the city and the way of life
Paris is a city of layers—each arrondissement feels like its own little world.
And then there are the day trips which give you another perspective of France:
- Champagne (we suggest at least two days here)
- Versailles
Myth 5: “It’s all about the Eiffel Tower”
Yes, Eiffel Tower is iconic. And yes—you should see it.
But if that’s all you focus on, you’re missing the best parts of the city.
Paris is:
- Wandering through hidden passages and covered arcades
- Neighborhood cafés where no one rushes you out
- Museums that rival anywhere in the world, like the Louvre Museum, and Musee d’Orsay
- Beautiful parks to sit and enjoy a good book
- Great shopping for items both old and new
So… Is France Worth It?
Every single time.
But the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one comes down to how you approach it.
It’s not about checking boxes.
It’s about knowing where to linger longer. The pace in France is anything but rushed.
Wanting to know what is worth it and for how long you should stay? That’s where we come in.
Kaleigh Kirkpatrick
Kaleigh Kirkpatrick is the founder and CEO of The Shameless Tourist, a luxury travel agency specializing in bespoke, culturally immersive itineraries worldwide. She is a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor and Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist, recognized among the top travel experts globally.
Known for her firsthand destination knowledge and trusted global partnerships, Kaleigh regularly travels to vet hotels, guides, and experiences—ensuring her clients receive seamless, highly personalized journeys with exclusive access. Her expertise has been featured in Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and many other publications.
