Reflections on a Recent Trip to Paris and Dijon
I've always enjoyed reading everyone's posts and find them incredibly insightful. Thank you for sharing your experiences! I recently returned to Kyoto, Japan, after a week-long visit to Paris and Dijon.
Rising Costs and a Cashless Society
Like many others have mentioned, I was struck by the significantly increased cost of living and the further adoption of cashless payment methods. Even something as simple as a carnet (10-ticket pack) for the metro now costs around 25 euros, which makes daily life feel a bit more challenging.
Paris: A Safe and Orderly City
This was my seventh time visiting Paris, and I continue to believe that it's a very safe city compared to other major European or American destinations. You rarely see people being disruptive or overly loud on the metro; it generally has a calm atmosphere.
Contrasting Experiences: Paris vs. Rome
I recall being targeted by child pickpockets on a crowded and chaotic Rome subway. This time, I paid particular attention to the Paris metro, and I noticed a distinct absence of children, even families. A group of young girls, as I encountered in Rome, would have been very noticeable. While I was mindful of my belongings, I never felt unsafe.
RER B: A Convenient and Secure Airport Connection
The RER B line (CDG Airport to Gare du Nord or Chatelet) was also reassuring. It seemed like almost everyone arriving at the airport headed straight for the RER station to utilize this inexpensive and efficient connection. I used it for both my arrival and departure (I'll share a photo of the train car!), and I felt completely secure throughout the journey.
Looking Forward to Future Visits
I hope to continue visiting Paris in the future, and I encourage everyone to experience the city for themselves.
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