WHEN the name Paris is mentioned, images of charming streets, romantic ambience and the iconic Eiffel Tower will undoubtedly come to mind.
However, is it truly all that beautiful in the land of the long bread, duck liver and edible snails?
DIBALIK INDAH NYA KOTA PARIS
ternyata Paris gak se indah di Instagrm😭😭 pic.twitter.com/KHOoIJSPM1
— 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 (@whoopziiy) March 9, 2025
Apparently, beneath the picturesque facade of Paris hides a less glamorous reality as pointed out by a netizen. Homeless people slept under bridges.
The video continues in the comment section:
Selain kotor dan kumuh ternyata warga nya juga disuruh hidup berdampingan sama tikus😭 pic.twitter.com/mcDD7Z2yAt
— 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 (@whoopziiy) March 9, 2025
Ratatouilles, large or small, either scampered across the streets or walked boldly along the sidewalk as though it was the most natural thing to do.
They don’t even have the courtesy to hide under the toque of an amateur chef.
In the post, Netizen hamabe attributed the decline to the influx of middle eastern migrants into Europe.
houf, however, claimed that France has been in a state of chaos even since the French revolution.
In opposition was MbahSastro who said his child had been living in Paris since Feb 2025. Apparently he was doing fine there.
Iyyaaain_ further pointed out that every country has their plus and minus, only that the good things are being exposed.
“It is the same with us, choosing to put only the good things on our social media,” said Iyyaaain_.
A quick search on the internet, however, showed various news portals claiming Paris as a not-so-lovely place.
The Guardian said that the boulevard along to the landmark Place de la République was shabby looking despite a £20 mil facelift several years back.
“The homeless dozed in doorways or on benches, sleeping bags pulled over their heads. The pavements were littered with abandoned electric scooters and bicycles, and punctuated by dog mess and cigarette ends,” said The Guardian.
In fact, the locals have taken to nicknaming Paris as Paris poubelle or in English, dustbin Paris.
France 24 further said Paris is being associated with urine-soaked streets, ubiquitous dog poop or countless cigarette butts, the reality of everyday Paris being at odds with the postcard version. —Mar 10, 2025
