Two American tourists decided to try something unexpected while visiting Paris: they went to McDonald’s. Even though they knew many people would say, “Why eat fast food in France?”, they were curious.
They wanted to see how French McDonald’s compares to the one back home—and especially what’s different on the menu.
Here’s what they found.
What You’ll Find at a French McDonald’s That Americans Don’t Get
The couple walked into a McDonald’s in Paris and ordered through a big touch screen. Right away, they noticed items that don’t exist in the U.S.
Menu Items You Can’t Find in the U.S.
They spotted:
- A McQuesadilla, which turned out to be filled with just cheese and vegetables—no meat.
- A snack wrap, which looked like the old ones that used to be available in the U.S.
- A variety of McFlurry flavors, including one with caramel and Oreo.
- Potato wedges, instead of regular fries.
- Macarons and donuts on the dessert menu.
- Green iced tea soda, which they said tasted a bit like ginger ale.
Health Scores and Food Presentation
One screen even showed “Nutri-Scores”, which tell you how healthy each item is.
This surprised them—it’s not something they’d seen at McDonald’s in the U.S.
Desserts Like You’re in a Pâtisserie
They were also surprised to see French-style sweets on the menu.
In addition to donuts and McFlurries, you could order colorful macarons, a very French touch.
How the Food Actually Tastes (According to Them)
They tried everything they ordered—and gave their honest reactions.
What’s Better
- The McFlurry stood out. They liked how it was creamier than in the U.S. and even had caramel inside.
- The Coca-Cola was smoother and “less acidic,” according to them. They thought it had more flavor than back home.
- The snack wrap made her happy. She said she missed it from the U.S. menu, even though the chicken and sauce were slightly different.
What’s Worse
- The McQuesadilla wasn’t a hit. They expected meat, but it was only veggies and cheese.
- The basement dining area felt strange. They said it looked like a dungeon with stone walls and very little light.
- The bathroom was dirty, which left a bad impression.
What Tastes the Same
- The french fries and burger patty tasted exactly the same as in the U.S., they said.
- The vanilla sundae also had the same flavor.
The Dining Environment: A Quick Reality Check
Interior Setup and Basement Dining
They had to eat downstairs, where the ceiling looked like an old stone cave.
It felt weird to them—not like a typical fast food place.
Cultural Differences (Like Smoking Indoors)
One thing that bothered them was how many people were smoking in and around the restaurant.
They said this is common in Paris—even in malls and near hotels—but they didn’t enjoy it, especially since they had their baby with them.
What This Tells Us About French vs. American Fast Food
In the end, they said French McDonald’s has more variety, nicer desserts, and a few surprises.
But most of the food tasted about the same.
They gave the McDonald’s experience a 4 out of 10 overall.
For them, it was an interesting stop—but not something they’d rush back to.
Still, trying familiar things in a new country can teach you a lot about how cultures are different, even at a fast food counter.
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I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
