Paris, the City of Lights, has long been a beacon for global wanderers seeking a blend of history, art, culture, and romance.
With iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, combined with charming cafés and exceptional cuisine, the allure of Paris is undeniable.
In 2024 alone, France welcomed an estimated 89.4 million international tourists, solidifying its position as the world’s most visited country and underscoring its tourism sector’s hefty contribution of roughly 9% to the national GDP.
However, amid the glitz and glamour lies a stark truth that some visitors face upon their arrival: the overwhelming feeling of disappointment that can follow immersion in the reality of Paris.
This phenomenon, aptly dubbed “Paris Syndrome”, particularly affects those who have crafted an idealised vision of the city, leading to feelings of anxiety, confusion, and even depression when the experience doesn’t align with those expectations.
In an age driven by social media, tales of Paris syndrome are shared readily across platforms.
TikTok user @emmaaaaoh described her experience after visiting Paris for the first time in December 2017.
She recounted: “It wasn’t necessarily a place that I was dying to go to, but I was in London and I thought, why not?”
Yet, contrary to the romanticised images portrayed online, her feelings were lukewarm.
“The city was kind of dirty; I think it’s on par with New York and kind of smelly too,” she revealed, confronting the stark contrast between expectation and reality.
@emmaaaaoh what are your feelings re: paris? #paris #parissyndrome #paristourist #paristourism #travel ♬ original sound – emmaaaaoh
Similarly, @yazbaz007 shared a brief encounter with the city: “I was there for only 2 days after a 20-day Euro trip. I was definitely underwhelmed, but that was expected because I only did the main attractions in a short time.”
In contrast, others have taken time to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the city. For instance, @melissaketch.ai noted, “It took me 10+ trips to fall in love with Paris,” highlighting how evolving tastes can sometimes unlock the authentic charm hidden behind initial disappointment.
Dr Charlotte Russell, a clinical psychologist from The Travel Psychologist, sheds light on this common emotional response.
“Disappointment is a very common and understandable emotion,” she explains, noting that minor disappointments are part of daily life, be it a lukewarm coffee or unavailable bus seats.
Unfortunately, such feelings can be magnified during travel, transforming simple letdowns into significant obstacles that prevent travellers from enjoying their adventures.
To navigate the waters of travel disappointment, Russell offers valuable advice: “Remind yourself that, even if you’ve invested a lot in the trip, it is unrealistic to expect everything to go perfectly and to feel 100% happy all of the time.
“Recognising that disappointment is an understandable reaction can allow you to manage expectations and embrace the experience.”
She encourages travellers to appreciate every opportunity for future adventures, reminding them that no single trip dictates the entirety of their explorations.
The conversation surrounding Paris Syndrome extends beyond the city itself, highlighting a broader human experience termed “traveller’s remorse”.
This phenomenon can occur at any destination where expectations clash sharply with reality.
While Paris will forever hold its place as a hallmark of beauty and culture, the sobering truth reminds us that not every journey aligns with our dreams.
As travel enthusiasts set out on their adventures, navigating both the highs and lows becomes an essential part of the journey.
