After days of sightseeing, I shifted gears and headed to the suburbs—to see how real life in Paris feels outside the postcard views.
Metro Ride to the Suburbs
I moved from Porte de Clignancourt to Créteil, located at the southern edge of the Paris metro area.
Took Line 4, transferred to Line 8, and rode it all the way to the last stop, Créteil–Préfecture.
Unlike central Paris, this station actually has escalators—a small blessing when dragging a 65L suitcase.
Outside, the massive shopping complex Créteil Soleil spreads across three floors, packed with locals of all ages. This isn’t a tourist stop; it’s where Paris truly lives.
Créteil Soleil: A Suburban Hub
The mall is bright, modern, and constantly busy even on weekdays.
My first stop: Popeyes—the American fried chicken chain that hasn’t yet reached Japan.
For €12, I got a burger, three wings, fries, and a drink. Generous portions, mildly spiced, and surprisingly satisfying.
Next, I took a break at Starbucks.
An Americano was €3.5—pricey for a budget traveler, but the stable Wi-Fi and familiar atmosphere were worth it. I spent about an hour writing and planning upcoming posts.
Carrefour: The Giant Supermarket
Inside the mall sits one of the biggest Carrefour supermarkets I’ve ever seen—like a French version of Japan’s AEON, but twice the height and four times the floor space.
What surprised me most was the affordable pricing:
- 4 croissants for €2
- pita wraps under €5
- and a vast selection of ready-made deli food—sausages, pâté, quiche, and roast meats.
Even more impressive was the seafood section: rows of fresh fish on ice, beautifully arranged fillets, and surprisingly low prices for an inland city.
Across Europe, fish sections tend to be small, but here seafood shared equal space with meat.
Today’s purchase: croissants, pita wraps, and bottled water for €6 total.
Not bad for suburban Paris.
Airbnb Stay: A Quiet Base with a View
My Airbnb was in a high-rise apartment with double-layered auto-lock security.
From the balcony, I could see the Eiffel Tower’s tip and the hills of Montmartre in the distance.
Clean, modern, and equipped for long stays—a sharp contrast to the chaos of central Paris.
I ended up working for six straight hours, enjoying the silence and stable Wi-Fi.
After weeks of constant movement, this felt like hitting a reset button.
Tomorrow, I head to Disneyland Paris—a different kind of adventure.
Takeaway:
Paris’s suburbs may lack glamour, but they show the real rhythm of life—families shopping, students studying, and travelers catching their breath between journeys.
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