Categories: Christmas in France, Day-Trips from Paris, Paris
Discovering Modern Paris: Tips and Surprises
What’s it like to experience modern Paris travel today? Is the City of Light still magical, or has it changed too much? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent talks with Brian Revel, a traveler from Canada who shares his practical—and often surprising—experiences exploring Paris in 2025.
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Together, they dive into how Paris feels cleaner, friendlier, and more accessible than ever before. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning after years away, you’ll want to hear Brian’s perspective on what’s new, what’s improved, and what remains timeless in the French capital.
Paris in 2025: A City in Transition
Paris is constantly evolving, and Brian’s trip highlights just how much has changed. He noticed cleaner air, quieter streets, and a calmer pace of life. With fewer cars and more pedestrian zones, the city feels open and breathable.
This is modern Paris travel at its best—where sustainability meets style. The RATP transit system runs efficiently, and electric buses glide silently through the streets. Travelers can now use mobile apps like Bonjour RATP and Navigo Easy to plan routes, buy tickets, and recharge passes with ease.
Annie and Brian talk about how these small details make moving around Paris simpler and more intuitive than before. The Metro, often intimidating to first-timers, feels cleaner and more accessible. And if you’re traveling with luggage or mobility issues, buses are often the better choice—they’re less crowded and offer a more scenic ride.
New Habits, Friendly Faces
One of Brian’s biggest surprises was how approachable Parisians seemed. He found that service workers, waiters, and even Metro attendants were more patient and welcoming than in previous years. He attributes this partly to the rise of remote work and the post-pandemic shift in attitudes.
Annie notes that Parisians now often take pride in helping visitors navigate the new version of their city. There’s a sense of shared civic pride—people seem genuinely happy to showcase how Paris has modernized while keeping its charm.
Favorite Spots and Hidden Corners
Brian’s journey took him to both classic landmarks and lesser-known corners of the city. He visited the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Canal Saint-Martin, but also walked under the belt route towards Pantin and wouldn't recommend it.
He also explored Bouillon Chartier, one of the best-value restaurants in Paris, where a hearty French meal costs less than €20. Another smart discovery? The affordable lunch spots at Galeries Lafayette, where locals and tourists mingle over quiches and pastries.
Day Trip to Strasbourg from Paris
Brian’s day trip to Strasbourg by TGV was a lot of fun. The high-speed trains make it easy to reach another French region in just two hours, allowing visitors to combine city life with a taste of Alsace’s Christmas markets and medieval charm. Recommended if you can stand to get up early and go to be late that day!
Practical Paris Travel Tips
Throughout the conversation, Annie and Brian share advice that every traveler can use:
- Plan ahead, but you don't need to book every single activity early, for many places (NOT the Louvre) you can get away with booking on the same day using their app or website
- Use public transportation instead of taxis or rideshares; it’s faster and greener.
- Stay alert around major attractions, but don’t let fear ruin the fun—Paris feels safer and more relaxed than ever.
- Pack lightly if you’ll use public transport. Elevators and escalators are limited in older Metro stations.
- Eat where locals eat. Bouillons, bakeries, and small brasseries still offer great meals at fair prices.
Why Modern Paris Still Inspires
Annie and Brian agree that Paris remains one of the most rewarding cities in the world to explore. Its balance of history and innovation makes it perfect for curious travelers. You can sip espresso at a café where Hemingway once wrote, then tap your phone to enter a Metro station powered by renewable energy.
That blend of old and new defines modern Paris travel—it’s about appreciating the details, embracing the rhythm of the city, and connecting with its evolving spirit.
Listen and Subscribe
If you love hearing real travel stories and want to plan smarter for your next trip to France, listen to Join Us in France wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to follow host Annie Sargent as she explores France through conversations with travelers, guides, and locals.
Click on the audio player above to listen to this episode and discover how Paris continues to reinvent itself—one neighborhood at a time.
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TranscriptCategories: Christmas in France, Day-Trips from Paris, Paris