Are Tourist Attractions in Paris Overrated?

Elle McGugan
Most Americans have dreamed of visiting Paris since childhood. Visions of historic marvels and romantic walks fill the imagination. Paris is more than a city in a foreign country. Paris is the ideal. A marvelous balance of both strength and delicacy, Paris represents the best of everything. Whether your passion is food, architecture, landscape, art, culture or romance, Paris indeed embodies all of these .

Is it any wonder then that when many Americns arrive, they are somewhat underwhelmed by it all? The museums are never quite as breathtaking as they were in the fantasies and dreams. The towers not nearly so high as they were imagined to be while lying in a tub and dreaming of the perfect get away. Perhaps the wonders of Paris are indeed quite marvelous. Unfortunately, the imagination may often prove itself more talented than their architects were.

The Seine is indeed beautiful and few visitors would be able to find substantial flaw when viewing it. Unfortunately, many visitors are subconsciously comparing it to their /[''"expectations. When those expectations are overblown or unreasonable, even the Seine can disappoint. The Notra Dame stands next to the Seine and is witho'{////ut question an awe inspiring tribute to Gothic architecture. The intricacies, the organ, the thoughtfulness with which it was built. These sights should all be utterly breathtaking. Yet, many walk away feeling somewhat disillusioned. Could it be that Notre Dame is indeed as beautiful as Parisians believe it to be? It is our larger than life expectations that create the problem in our own mind's eye.

Is the Eiffel Tower shorter than it should have been? Did St. Paul's cathedral lack the expected pride and strength? Is the food too French? Many Paris attractions are often labeled as underrated by homebound vacationers. Could it be that their imagination had created expectations that were unrealistic and unfair? Paris is not larger than life. It is simply a beautiful place full of history and opportunities to create many treasured memories. Plan your trip, visit all of the wonderful landmarks and enjoy every lovely moment that you spend there. Arrive with eyes that are open to the beauty and leave your imagined fantasies at home. Only then will you be able to see and appreciate the wonder that is Paris.

Published by Elle McGugan

A native Texan, Elle McGugan has been writing articles and short stories since grade school. Best known for her humorous and personalized fairy tales based on her family and friends, she also enjoys writing...  View profile

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