I'm an American who visited Paris for the first time. Here are 8 things I think France does better than the US.

Kirsten AcunaAug 20, 2022, 20:11 IST

Parking spots at airports are just one of a few innovations that France has to make life more convenient.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

I visited Paris for the first time in July and was surprised by some thoughtful innovations.
There seemed to be a large emphasis on safety and making life less stressful in France.

Escalators that don't require you to step onto them seemed more accessible to the elderly or those carrying large bags.

This travelator seems like a thoughtful addition to make it easier for all customers to navigate.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

Preventative safeguards in train stations seem like a no-brainer.

These should be mandatory in major cities in the United States.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

Parking spots at the airport helped alleviate traffic and made arriving and departing less stressful.

I was stunned that Paris' CDG airport eradicated all of the unnecessary stress of heading to a major airport.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

France is fine with people drinking in public as long as they're doing so responsibly.

A lot of people bring alcohol to sit in front of the Eiffel Tower at the end of the day.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

It's common for bathrooms in France to have bidets, something I can't recommend enough to everyone.

A bidet in France.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

Because of the bidets, France appears to be more conscious of toilet paper consumption.

This is what you get when you pull down on a public toilet-paper dispenser in France.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

McDonald's offers potato wedges that are far superior to regular fries.

There's no point in ordering normal fries when you can have these deluxe potatoes.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

They really place importance on making the most of their meal times.

France made me reevaluate my work-life balance when it comes to enjoying meals. This was from a day when I ate inside Disneyland Paris' Super Spur Steakhouse.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

I visited Buc-ee's and Wawa to see which roadside stop was better — the former was superior in almost every category

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