Since its debut in October 2020, Emily in Paris has taken the world by storm. With its bold fashion, dreamy locations, and over-the-top storylines, it quickly became one of Netflix’s most talked-about shows, and one that has inspired an entire wave of Paris tourism. From Emily in Paris-inspired guided tours to curated “Emily-style” itineraries, many fans now plan their Paris trip around the show.
But for all its popularity, Emily in Paris often leaves Parisians raising their eyebrows. While it captures a certain fantasy of Paris, the real city is a bit more nuanced than what you see on screen. From how people work to how they dress, and even how they behave in everyday life, the Paris shown in the series is more postcard-perfect than reality.
That’s not to say it isn’t fun. The show offers a lighthearted (and very stylized) version of life in the French capital. But if you’re planning your trip based on what you’ve seen in Emily in Paris, it’s worth knowing what the show gets wrong, or at least exaggerates.
Here’s a closer look at the things Emily in Paris gets wrong about Paris, so you can enjoy the fantasy while still arriving with realistic expectations.
Things Emily in Paris Gets Wrong About Paris
1. Parisians Speak English Fluently and Without Hesitation
One of the most misleading impressions Emily in Paris gives is that nearly everyone in Paris speaks perfect English and has no problem switching languages mid-conversation. While it’s true that many Parisians, especially younger people and those working in tourism, do speak some English, the reality is very different.
In everyday life, especially in local neighborhoods, bakeries, or when dealing with official matters, French is the default. You’ll get a much better response if you start with a polite “Bonjour” and ask, “Est-ce que vous parlez anglais ?” (“Which means do you speak English? “) rather than jumping straight into English. Most locals appreciate the effort, even if the conversation eventually switches languages.
2. Emily Magically Affords a Dream Life on a Junior Marketing Salary
From her apartment in the Latin Quarter (which is not a cheap neighborhood, btw) to a wardrobe filled with designer outfits and regular meals at trendy restaurants, Emily’s lifestyle raises a lot of eyebrows, especially when you consider her job title.
Paris is expensive, particularly when it comes to rent and dining out. Most junior employees don’t live in central neighborhoods a few steps from the Panthéon like Emily does.
They’re more likely to rent smaller apartments in outer areas like the 19th or 20th arrondissements, and if they do live centrally, it’s usually in a tiny studio. Her salary simply wouldn’t stretch that far, and certainly not with all the shopping, travel, and luxury extras she enjoys.
3. Everyone Dresses Like They’re Headed to Fashion Week
One of the first things you’ll notice in Emily in Paris is that everyone looks runway-ready at all times! Bold prints, high heels on cobblestones, and not a single hair out of place. Emily, in particular, steps out in designer outfits every day, even just for a casual stroll or coffee run.
Yes, Parisians tend to dress well in real life, but their style is far more understated. Think neutral tones, well-cut basics, and practical shoes. Most people don’t walk around in stiletto shoes or wear berets.
It’s polished, yes, but rarely flashy. The show paints a version of Paris where every corner is a catwalk, which may be fun to watch, but it’s not how locals actually dress.
4. Parisians Are Either Rude or Romantically Available
In Emily in Paris, every Parisian Emily meets seems to fall into one of two categories: cold and snobbish, or instantly flirtatious. Her neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers at cafés either roll their eyes or ask her out. It’s a cliché the show leans into heavily.
The truth is much less dramatic. Parisians, like anyone else, have a mix of personalities. While people might seem reserved at first, that doesn’t mean they’re rude. And no, every interaction doesn’t lead to romance.
Dating in Paris exists, of course, but it’s not the constant whirlwind the show makes it out to be. The city might be romantic, but believe it or not, most people find their romantic partners through the good old dating apps, not spontaneous café run-ins.
5. Emily Navigates the City Without Ever Taking the Metro or Bus
In the show, Emily is always strolling the streets in heels or jumping into taxis, with barely a trace of traffic or crowds. What you won’t see is her squeezing onto a packed metro or rushing to catch a bus.
In reality, the Paris Metro is the fastest and most affordable way to get around, and it’s what most locals use. And unless you’ve got a big budget, taxis are usually reserved for late nights or special occasions.
6. All Meals Are Fancy, Wine-Filled, and Served with a View
In Emily in Paris, every meal seems to take place at a stylish café, with perfectly plated dishes and a glass of wine in hand. Even quick lunches somehow feel like curated experiences.
But everyday dining in Paris looks quite different. Many locals grab a simple sandwich from a boulangerie (bakery) or eat lunch in nearby parks. Cafés are definitely a part of Parisian life, but they’re not always glamorous. And despite what the show suggests, most locals don’t eat at restaurants every single day.
7. Emily always finds a Table at Restaurants
Still on the topic of dining, Emily never seems to struggle with getting a table. Whether it’s a trendy terrace or a well-known bistro, she somehow always manages to walk in, get seated right away, and land the perfect table.
In Paris, this is far from the norm. Popular restaurants often book out days or even weeks in advance, and locals are used to planning ahead or calling to check availability. Walk-ins might work at very casual cafés or during off-peak hours, but if you’re hoping for a table at a popular place, especially for dinner or on weekends, you’ll almost always need a reservation.
8. Emily Never Struggles With Bureaucracy
One of the biggest Parisian plot holes in the show is that Emily breezes through life without ever encountering France’s infamous bureaucracy. No visa troubles, no confusing paperwork, and certainly no long waits at the prefecture.
In reality, moving to France comes with layers of administrative hurdles. From dealing with visas and residency permits to navigating the health insurance system or even opening a bank account, it all involves time, patience, and usually a pile of documents. Most expats quickly learn that getting anything official done requires multiple appointments, official translations, and sometimes a bit of luck.
Emily’s picture-perfect life may be fun to watch, but anyone who’s dealt with French administration knows it rarely works that smoothly — and I should know because I’ve had my own share of these kinds of struggles as an expat living here.
9. Paris Is Portrayed as Spotless and Clean
In Emily in Paris, the city streets are spotless, and there’s never a hint of mess or noise. It creates a picture of Paris as an immaculately clean, almost polished city that looks like it belongs in a luxury travel ad.
But the real Paris is more complicated. Like any major city, it has its gritty corners! Overflowing trash, graffiti, cigarette butts, dog poop (the only part the series actually showed), and that all-too-familiar piss smell in some metro stations or alleyways.
While there are plenty of beautiful and well-kept areas, the city isn’t always picture-perfect, and visitors are often surprised by the contrast. That doesn’t take away from Paris’s charm, but it’s a reminder that what you see on screen is only one version of the city.
10. Everyone Instantly Accepts Her Bold American Style
Emily’s confidence is part of her charm, but the way her loud ideas, colorful outfits, and overly enthusiastic energy are instantly embraced by everyone around her doesn’t exactly reflect real life in Paris.
While Parisians are generally open-minded, the social culture is more reserved and subtle. Making a bold entrance, interrupting conversations with unsolicited ideas, being overly ambitious, or oversharing at work might not land as smoothly as it does in the show.
In reality, it takes time to build trust, especially in professional settings, and there’s often a clear line between being confident and coming off as “too much.”
11. No Mention of Real Parisian Diversity
Paris is one of the most multicultural cities in Europe, shaped by generations of immigrants from North and West Africa, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and beyond. Walk through neighborhoods like Belleville, the 10th, or the 13th arrondissement, and you’ll see just how diverse and layered the city really is.
But Emily in Paris rarely reflects that side of the city. Most of the characters live, look, and speak a certain way, and the show tends to stick to the postcard version of Paris. Haussmannian streets, upscale cafés, and designer boutiques. It overlooks the everyday reality of many Parisians who give the city its unique identity.
12. Paris is Always Beautiful and Sunny
In Emily in Paris, the weather always seems to cooperate. The skies are always clear, and Paris seems to be sunny in every scene. But anyone who’s spent more than a few days here knows that’s far from the reality.
Paris has its fair share of gray skies, rainy days, and long, chilly winters. The city is still beautiful in the rain, no doubt, but it’s not always the sun-soaked version shown on screen.
Final Thoughts on Things Emily in Paris Gets Wrong About Paris
Emily in Paris may have drawn millions of viewers into its dreamy version of Paris, but it’s important to remember that the show is more fantasy than fact. Emily’s version of Paris often skips the reality most expats and locals know all too well.
That doesn’t mean Paris isn’t magical. It absolutely is. But the real Paris is also layered, imperfect, and much more diverse than what you see on screen. It’s a city of contrast and character, where beauty and chaos often go hand in hand. And while Emily’s world might make for fun TV, the real charm of Paris lies in getting to know it beyond the script.
