I visited France in 1998 (Paris and Arcachon), 2003 (Paris), 2005 (Paris), and 2023 (Paris, Reims, Amiens, Calais). I also skied in Val-d’Isère in 2007.

For most of the past millennium, France was by far the most populated European state (Germany and Russia are late entrants). Consequently, its impact on European culture from statecraft to cuisine can hardly be overstated. The stereotype of the French as proud and haughty towards tourists is merited, although I would say such attitudes have mellowed in the face of globalization and Anglicization since the 2000s.

Apart from the world-famous museums and art galleries which would be superfluous to mention, I think my favorite spot in Paris might be the Sacré-Cœur, a beautiful cathedral with a stunning cityscape view on the City of Light with an exquisite restaurant Le Cabanon de la Butte nearby. Overall, I enjoy Paris, although my lack of French fluency crimps the experience, and another negative is that there is more graffiti and dysfunction than in London. Petty crime in Paris and the big industrial cities is rampant, and Paris Syndrome is a real thing for those unacclimatized to multiculturalism.

Reims is known for its champagne maisons (I visited the Veuve Clicquot) and Amiens I dropped by for its Jules Verne house-museum. Calais was – predictably – a dump.

I don’t have extensive recollections of my earlier trips to France except that I enjoyed skiing in Val-d’Isère (I particularly remember trying out Génépi), in 2003 I came in the midst of the heatwave and had multiple cold showers a day, and I enjoyed the week-long stay in Arcachon and its famous dudes back in 1998.