Culture

The Most Annoying Things About Paris

Annoyances might seem implausible when it comes to Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  How could such a charm-filled, picturesque city irk anyone?  Here's how, and local Parisians might even agree with a few of these points.

(Note: You really have to spend at least a few months in the city to start to notice any of these; so travelers: no need to fret - your vacation will be superb!) 

 
1. Snobbish behavior and eye-rolling

Some french really can be snobs and certainly know how to eye-roll, especially those who work in customer service at some of the chain or larger department stores. So if you're used to polite, friendly service by cheery people, then you're in for a somewhat amusing adjustment.

(Note: this is in remarked contrast to many local businesses where you will be treated like family.)

2. How old are you?

Or perhaps more appropriately, "Quel âge avez-vous?" This will likely be one of the first questions you hear from someone you've just met. Perhaps this is a cultural phenomenon, but it seems such a "faux-pas" for those who wish to remain forever youthful.

3. Finding an apartment to live with a bona fide lease is difficult without a french work contract

Therefore many expatriates or newly relocated have to search in the secondary market where prices can be inflated.

4. Opening a bank account can be hard without a personal referral

New to the city? Make friends quickly so they can introduce you to their banker!

5. Strikes galore

The french could be known as professional picketers as they excel at it. Unfortunately transportation is regularly disrupted as a result.

6 Taxes

In addition to an already high personal income tax rate, there are also incidental taxes, like tax for having a television and even tax for renting an apartment - but at least sales tax is "hidden" within prices. Update April 2009: France lowers its restaurant tax to entice diners.

7. Take your hands off of my bread

This could be considered a pet-peeve rather than annoyance by some, and bordering on health code infringement for others.  Most boulangeries and pâtisseries will have staff who both pick up your purchases with their bare hands and also handle your money.

An exception of this may be found at Chez Paul where ordering is cafeteria style.

If you found this shortlist amusing, you might like this classic best selling book,  A Year in the Merde (no translation necessary)

Updates:

8. Going to the Post Office (or La Poste)

It can be a drawn-out process with long waits as minimal counters are open at a time and other customers conduct their business at a leisurely (s-l-o-w) pace.  What's more, La Poste also operates as a quasi-bank, so you have people sending mail and banking at the same time.  Imagine that. 

9. Metro delays combined with intolerable heat

This combination during the summer is enough to infuriate even the most laid back of people.  Commuter trains and the subway can be delayed for 10-20 minutes without explanation, and when they eventually arrive the unairconditioned environment can be quite unbearable.

Note: The only air-conditioned metro line is the automated line 14.

                               Photo credit: Paris Tourist Office, Amélie Dupont

(Thanks Ludo for the update suggestions!)

10. When you rent an apartment, you have to buy your own appliances

This is inconvenient as apartments are not move-in ready. What's more, while these appliances are typically smaller (a washer, stove, fridge), it still adds to what you have to move if you relocate.