I am a French major at Ursinus and I just got back from my first trip to France and my first trip outside of the country (aside from a 4 day trip to Canada). It was an absolutely incredible experience that I will never forget so I wanted to share some things that I know any first time visitor could never forget.

1. Seeing The Eiffel Tower.

This picture was not the first time but rather the second time I saw it but the reaction is even more incredible at night when the tower is lit. Seeing something that before you'd only read about and seen pictures of is actually quite surreal.

2. The City.

Walking around the city is in and of itself beautiful, the old buildings and the fact that you could wander down the street and find a historic sculpture or building is enough but the view of the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower is a view you can never forget.

3. The History.

There are hundreds of museums and many old churches in Paris alone, let alone throughout the rest of France, so to someone coming from a small town with modern buildings and a tiny place in history, the importance of Paris to not only France but the rest of the world can be a little overwhelming.

4. The Food.

Of course the food. The crêpes, croque monsieurs (which I found translates to "crunch mister" and was one of the better parts of my day), ice cream, everything, was so fresh and delicious that now I wish I'd learned to make it rather than just eat it.

5. How Parisians Drive.

Motorcycles just drive between cars, there are no lines in some roundabouts, I was very grateful for the bus driver.

6. The Metro.

The first time riding the metro is an experience, just like in Philadelphia or New York City, but le metro is a different beast altogether. Some stops are so crowded one literally has to push onto the metro and if one isn't past the doors, it doesn't matter because they close whether you're on, off, or somewhere in between.

7. How Badly You'll Want To Go Back.