A new country, a new rhythm.
Today I left Germany behind and landed in France—crossing borders on a budget airline and stepping into one of Paris’s most diverse neighborhoods.
Security at Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Security was tighter than expected. Every pocket was checked, jackets off, laptops out.
Even small metal pieces triggered the detector. Efficiency level: German.
Past security, there was just one water dispenser tucked in a corner. Push-button type, easily missed.
The water was classic European hard water—full of minerals and a bit metallic in taste.
EasyJet Flight to Paris
With EasyJet, boarding is a self-managed process.
There are no announcements; people just start lining up when it feels time. If you don’t move early, you’re last.
My flight from Gate A31 departed slightly late, around 13:15.
Inside, it was a 3–3 seat layout—tight but fine for a short flight.
Hand-luggage rules were flexible; they only stopped people whose bags clearly didn’t fit under the seat.
We landed in Paris around 3 p.m.
From the airport, I took Metro 14 to Châtelet, then Line 4 to Porte de Clignancourt, arriving around 4:30 p.m.
Goodbye, Germany. Bonjour, France.
Arriving at Porte de Clignancourt
This area sits at the northern edge of Paris (19th arrondissement)—a multicultural zone full of life and noise.
There’s no escalator at the exit, so I had to drag my suitcase up the stairs, one painful step at a time.
The streets were busy: African and Middle Eastern shops, restaurants, and barbers all packed together.
Vibrant, yes—but also chaotic and littered in parts.
It felt safe during the day, though I wouldn’t walk alone too far at night.
First Meal in Paris
I stopped by a small brasserie near my hotel for a pain au chocolat.
Crispy, slightly burnt edges, rich chocolate inside—authentic and affordable.
The locals came and went quickly; most pastries were under €5, cheaper than Berlin’s €8 café cakes.
When I bought some chicken, the shop clerk smiled and said, “I put a big one in for you.”
A small kindness, but it hit home. Even in unfamiliar cities, warmth sneaks up when you least expect it.
The Hotel: ibis Porte de Clignancourt
My hotel was ibis, the kind with a bar counter merged into reception.
Room: twin bed, clean, modern, decent space, no fridge but fine for short stays.
After check-in, exhaustion hit. I took a nap until 8 p.m., skipped dinner, and just rested.
Prices here aren’t as high as Paris’s reputation suggests—bread, water, and prepared meals are similar to Berlin’s. Only Coke costs more.
The first day in Paris was all about adjusting to new energy.
A little fatigue, a little excitement—and the sense that a new chapter was starting.
Takeaway:
Paris can be loud, mixed, and messy—but that’s its charm.
The city greets you with both chaos and kindness, often in the same street.
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