I recently visited France. Three weeks. Paris and eastern France from Reims to Marseille. It had been a number of years since my last trip to Paris. For those thinking about visiting France for the first time or returning after a number of years, I offer these random observations:
I did not have a single unpleasant experience with anyone in France. Everyone whom I dealt with was cordial and helpful.
Paris like eastern France was surprisingly clean. Litter was rare as were pet droppings. Riding on French highways in eastern France was eye-opening: No litter or billboards. Roads in good condition. Lovely and well-maintained countryside.
Many menus have English descriptions of the listed dishes. Did not remember this from an earlier trip.
The food in Paris was excellent. But food quality was at times an issue in smaller cities where the meat at times had noticeable fat. I think some underrate the quality of American restaurants in our cities.
Paris has never been more lovely, and I was reminded that its Metro is a wonder.
Petty theft is evidently an issue in the cities. On the Metro, there was one incident when a woman started screaming about her purse. Use common sense, and you should have no problem. Normally, my wallet and passport were kept in a hotel safe. I carried cash and occasionally credit cards in an inside jacket pocket with a zipper or my pants' front pocket. I will not use a money-belt. I never felt unsafe. I left Paris on Saturday when the yellow-vest protesters and others were on the streets protesting.
I had to change planes in DeGaulle. Not my favorite airport.