Parisian Disillusionment: The Shocking Syndrome Plaguing Tourists

As of October 2025, a growing number of tourists visiting Paris are falling victim to a rare psychological phenomenon known as "Paris Syndrome." This acute form of culture shock occurs when travelers' romanticized visions of the City of Light collide with the city's grittier realities, triggering severe distress and disorientation.

Coined in the 1980s by Japanese psychiatrist Dr. Hiroaki Ota, Paris Syndrome predominantly affects visitors from Japan and other East and Southeast Asian countries. These tourists often arrive in Paris with deeply ingrained expectations of elegance and perfection, fueled by media portrayals of the city. However, when they encounter the city's graffiti-covered walls, rude waiters, and crowded metro stations, the emotional dissonance can be overwhelming.

Symptoms of Paris Syndrome can include hallucinations, anxiety, delusions, and even psychosis. In some cases, the Japanese embassy has had to repatriate affected tourists who believed their hotel rooms were bugged or that they were under microwave attack. The condition reveals the powerful interplay between imagination, culture, and perception when it comes to the travel experience.

Experts suggest that the best way to avoid Paris Syndrome is to manage expectations and prepare for the city's imperfections. While the French capital remains one of the world's most beautiful and culturally rich destinations, its gritty corners are part of its authentic charm. By embracing the city's flaws, tourists can avoid the psychological distress that has plagued a small but significant number of visitors in recent years.