Mixed experience in France — beautiful but overhyped

France is undeniably beautiful. Sacré-Cœur and the area around Nice have a visual quality that photographs don't capture fully. I enjoyed croissants and appreciated art and fashion scene. That's all real.

But Parisians not always patient with tourists was more of a problem than I expected based on reviews I'd read. It coloured parts of the trip in ways I hadn't prepared for. I'd still go back, but I'd approach certain aspects differently. A 4 feels generous on a bad day but fair overall.