Watch: Indian vlogger sparks conversation with candid look at Paris

Vinayak Mishra, an Indian travel vlogger, recently shared a video from Paris that has quickly captured the attention of social media users. The reel, which has already crossed 1.6 million views on Instagram, presents a side of the city that is rarely seen by tourists– streets and neighbourhoods that feel raw, real, and different from the usual polished image of the French capital.
Seeing Paris beyond the postcards
In his video, Mishra walks through areas that do not match the iconic, picture-perfect scenes most travellers associate with Paris. He described his experience with a touch of surprise, writing, “Paris gave me a plot twist in the first 5 minutes.”

The vlogger emphasised that his intention was to capture the city’s diversity rather than to generalise it. He wrote in his caption, “Paris is a multicultural city, and not every part looks the same. The area in this reel has a very different vibe, but that doesn’t mean the whole city looks like this. Just like in India, every place has different sides, and that’s what makes travelling so real and interesting.” He also added, “Paris is real, raw, and still so beautiful.”
Responses from viewers
The video has received mixed reactions. Some viewers praised Mishra’s honest portrayal, with one commenting, “All Indians should do this only now. Proud of you for showing reality to everyone.” Another said, “It looks so messy, I’m guessing there was a busy market earlier and that was the aftermath.”

Others offered practical advice, highlighting safety concerns, with a viewer noting, “Bhai, stay in central Paris; if you are staying even slightly on the outskirts, then this is what you will get. Also, don’t step out in such areas at night; it’s extremely unsafe.”
Reiterating the message
Vinayak Mishra clarified his perspective in the comments, stressing that his aim was to showcase Paris’s varied character. “The area in this reel has a very different vibe, but that doesn’t mean the whole city looks like this. Just like in India, every place has different sides, and that’s what makes travelling so real and interesting,” he wrote.

The reel has sparked discussions among travel enthusiasts about exploring cities beyond famous landmarks and understanding the real, everyday life that shapes global destinations like Paris.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral social media video and the comments it received online. The Times of India does not endorse or express any opinions in this matter.Thumb image- Canva (for representative purposes only)