Vu Manh – a 27-year-old man living, studying and working in Berlin, has had that dream since he was eighteen or twenty. While Paris was still a vague goal in his youth, now the city has left its mark in his memory with the passing seasons, the quiet moments and the feeling of living as a part of this place.
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous historical symbols of Paris, located majestically in the middle of Charles de Gaulle Square - where 12 large and small avenues radiate like the branches of a star.
Manh has been to Paris twice. The first time was in the fall – the streets were covered with yellow leaves like in vintage postcards, and more recently in the spring – when Paris was covered in a light mist and flowers were blooming on the balconies of ancient buildings. "For me, Paris always has its own beauty in every season of the year, rain or shine or whatever the circumstances. It is very special," Manh shared.
He vividly remembers the first time he saw the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro Square – a vast open space from which the iconic tower rose majestically. “At that moment, I just thought to myself: ‘This is what a dream come true is like,’” Manh said. Although he had seen the tower in hundreds of photos, the moment he actually stood in front of it still made his heart beat a few beats faster.
The iconic symbol of Paris in the soft early morning light
If the first time to Paris was a journey of discovery like any other tourist: visiting famous places, marveling at each heritage building, then the second time, Manh chose to live like a local. He stayed in a small, pretty studio on Rue Saint-Honoré, just a few hundred meters from the Louvre Museum. There, amidst the hustle and bustle of Parisians, the rhythm of daily life appeared more clearly than on any tourist map. “I didn’t rush to check in. I simply lived with the smallest things – like going to the Sunday morning market, immersing myself in the bustling atmosphere, feeling the real pulse of the city,” he said.
The city's blend of ancient and modern
Paris is not just the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum or the Champs-Élysées. Paris is also the wide-open windows overlooking the cobblestone streets, the lingering aroma of coffee in the morning, hot snails with a little white wine, or a crispy croissant eaten quickly on the way to the metro station. “I love snails and croissants. These dishes are quite delicious and you can find them anywhere in Paris,” Manh shared more about the indispensable culinary experience in every trip.
No matter what season, for Manh, Paris is always beautiful.
Unique architectural works in Paris
However, to fully enjoy Paris, according to Manh, spend at least five days. The first three days can be spent exploring famous places, the remaining two days just to slow down. Take a walk in a park near your house, stop by a small roadside restaurant, or simply sit and read a book on the banks of the Seine. At that time, Paris will no longer appear like a flashy postcard, but a lively, gentle, and very real city.
Paris appears no longer like a flashy postcard, but a lively, gentle, and very real city.
However, like any other big city, Paris also has its dark side. “Paris is beautiful, but it is not without scams. It is best not to interact with strangers too much, and be careful with personal belongings, especially when taking the subway,” Manh shared his experience.
One more thing he recommends: travel by metro – the underground transport system covers the whole of Paris and is extremely convenient. Tickets can be purchased online via the IDF Mobilités app, which is easy to use, has full information and saves time.
A typical street corner with the daily life of Parisians
When asked what makes Paris so special, Manh just smiled lightly: “I don’t know why, but simply because it’s Paris.” Perhaps, no specific reason is needed. Paris, in itself, is an emotion.
For Manh, this city used to be a dream, something far away that people yearned for when they were young. Now, Paris has become a part of life, of the brilliant years. "It is the city of love, where I have the opportunity to live and experience, because I am also a person in love," he said.
