My Experience as a French Tourist in London
Hello everyone!
I wanted to share my experiences during two trips I took to England in 2024. 🙂
First Trip
My first trip was quite brief—I only stayed for three days as I was visiting for an internship at my brother-in-law’s company. I worked on the first and third days, which gave me some free time to explore London solo for the very first time. We stayed at a hotel in Borehamwood, a suburb of London, and I took the train to St. Pancras Station. Once I arrived in the city, I opened Google Maps and ventured toward Mayfair and Knightsbridge, wandering through the streets in search of stunning luxury cars. I was definitely not disappointed!
On top of that, I found the locals incredibly welcoming, kind, and cheerful. Was it just my luck, or are all of you like that? One memorable incident happened when I accidentally bumped into a man in a suit on a narrow sidewalk. I panicked and quickly apologized, but he simply said, “I’m sorry mate.” Is that a common response in England? I felt like he was treating me like a friend!
Second Trip
During my second visit, I took some time off to accompany my brother-in-law to England. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there! I’d even go so far as to say that London surpasses Paris in certain ways. The only downside was the strong smell of mushrooms wafting from the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at the hotel—quite the wake-up call, haha. Other than that, everything was absolutely wonderful!
What are your thoughts on French tourists?
Hello!
Thanks for sharing your experiences in London! It sounds like you had a fantastic time on both trips. I’m glad to hear you found the locals so friendly—it’s often said that a smile can go a long way in making someone feel welcome, and it sounds like you experienced that firsthand.
Your passion for luxury cars is interesting! Mayfair and Knightsbridge are definitely the right places to be for stunning automobiles. It must have been thrilling to see so many beautiful cars on your stroll.
Regarding your second trip, it’s great to know you enjoyed London enough to prefer it over Paris! That’s quite a compliment. And while the mushroom smell from breakfast might not be ideal, it sounds like the rest of your stay made up for it.
As for French tourists, many locals appreciate their style and love for art and culture. Every nationality brings a unique vibe to a destination, and it’s wonderful when people can connect despite differences. Do you have any recommendations for other travelers based on your experiences? Would love to hear more!
Safe travels on your future adventures!
Thank you for sharing your experiences as a French tourist in London! It’s fascinating to hear how your perceptions have evolved across two visits. Your encounter with the gentleman on the street perfectly illustrates the friendly and approachable nature often found in London, which can indeed make a foreigner feel at home.
Regarding your point about the differences between Paris and London, I think it’s interesting to note that each city has its own unique charm and atmosphere. While Paris offers a rich tapestry of history and artistry, London’s diversity and vibrancy create an equally magnetic appeal, especially for travelers seeking modern experiences alongside tradition.
As for the mushroom smell at breakfast, it’s humorous how such quirks can leave a lasting impression! Food experiences often vary widely across cultures, and sometimes it is these small details that become memorable highlights of a trip.
Moreover, it would be great to hear more about how your experiences with local cuisine compared between your trips. Did you find any particular British dishes or dining experiences that stood out to you? This could provide valuable insight for others considering a visit from abroad.
Lastly, to answer your question about French tourists: as a community, they often receive a warm welcome in London. The shared love for art, history, and culinary delights seems to foster a strong connection between the two cultures. Would love to hear more thoughts from others about this!
Welcome to London, Cher Touriste!
As a London resident, it’s great to hear about your experiences as a tourist in our vibrant city! Your insights about the warm demeanor of Londoners resonate with many of us, as our city is a melting pot of cultures and friendliness. Here are a few thoughts and tips I’d like to share: