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Getaway host Catriona Rowntree calls out one ''crazy'' issue with Paris

Catriona Rowntree, the 53-year-old host of the popular Australian travel show *Getaway*, has recently shared her candid thoughts on Paris, a city often celebrated as a pinnacle of culture, romance, and history. Known for her eternally youthful appearance and vibrant on-screen presence, Rowntree has built a career exploring destinations around the globe, offering viewers insights into the beauty and quirks of various locales. However, in a surprising revelation, she admitted to struggling with a "major problem" when it comes to the French capital—a city that, for many, epitomizes charm and sophistication. Her comments provide a refreshing, unfiltered perspective on a destination that is frequently romanticized, shedding light on the complexities of travel and personal taste.

Rowntree's issue with Paris is not rooted in a lack of appreciation for its iconic landmarks or storied history. Instead, her critique centers on a more personal and experiential disconnect. She openly confessed, "I don’t get it," when it comes to the allure of Paris, a statement that might come as a shock to many of her fans who associate her with an adventurous and open-minded approach to travel. For someone who has spent decades immersing herself in diverse cultures and environments, this admission highlights the subjective nature of travel experiences. What captivates one person may leave another feeling indifferent, and Rowntree’s honesty underscores the idea that even seasoned travelers can find themselves at odds with destinations that are universally adored.

Delving deeper into her perspective, Rowntree elaborated on the aspects of Paris that fail to resonate with her. While she did not dismiss the city’s undeniable beauty—think of the Eiffel Tower piercing the sky at dusk, the winding cobblestone streets of Montmartre, or the grandeur of the Louvre—she hinted at a cultural or emotional mismatch. For many, Paris evokes a sense of romance, with its intimate cafés, Seine River cruises, and the soft glow of streetlights reflecting off historic facades. Yet, for Rowntree, these elements seem to fall short of creating a meaningful connection. Her comments suggest that the city’s reputation as a dreamy, must-visit destination may not align with her personal expectations or experiences, leaving her puzzled by the widespread obsession with the French capital.

This perspective is particularly intriguing given Rowntree’s background as a travel journalist and television presenter. Over the years, she has explored countless destinations, from remote tropical islands to bustling metropolises, often with an infectious enthusiasm that inspires viewers to pack their bags and follow in her footsteps. Her role on *Getaway*, one of Australia’s longest-running travel programs, has made her a trusted voice in the world of tourism. She has a knack for uncovering hidden gems and presenting even the most challenging destinations in a positive light. Therefore, her candid admission about Paris stands out as a rare moment of dissent, offering a counterpoint to the often overly polished narratives surrounding travel.

Rowntree’s critique also invites a broader discussion about the expectations placed on iconic destinations like Paris. The city is frequently portrayed as a place where dreams come true, a backdrop for love stories and life-changing epiphanies. From Hollywood films to Instagram feeds, Paris is often depicted as the ultimate travel goal, a place where one can sip espresso at a sidewalk café while gazing at the Arc de Triomphe or stroll hand-in-hand with a loved one through the Tuileries Garden. However, this idealized image can create unrealistic expectations, leading to disappointment for some visitors. Rowntree’s experience seems to reflect this tension between the mythos of Paris and the reality of navigating its crowded streets, language barriers, or cultural nuances as an outsider.

Moreover, her comments touch on the idea that travel preferences are deeply personal and influenced by individual tastes, past experiences, and even mood at the time of visiting. For instance, someone who thrives on the energy of fast-paced urban environments might find Paris exhilarating, with its blend of history and modernity. On the other hand, a traveler seeking tranquility or a more laid-back vibe might feel overwhelmed by the city’s hustle and bustle, especially in peak tourist seasons when landmarks are swarmed with visitors. Rowntree’s lack of connection with Paris could stem from a preference for destinations that offer a different kind of emotional or sensory experience—perhaps the serene landscapes of rural Australia or the untouched beauty of lesser-known global spots she has explored during her career.

It’s also worth considering the cultural lens through which Rowntree views Paris. As an Australian, her perspective might differ from that of European or American travelers for whom Paris holds a particular historical or cultural significance. Australia’s geographic isolation and unique cultural identity often shape how its citizens perceive international destinations. For some Australians, Paris might feel like a world apart, both literally and figuratively, with customs and social norms that require adjustment. While Rowntree has not explicitly stated this as a factor in her disconnect, it’s plausible that her background plays a subtle role in how she experiences the city compared to travelers from closer regions.

Despite her reservations about Paris, Rowntree’s overall tone remains respectful and introspective. She does not appear to criticize the city itself but rather reflects on her own inability to fully embrace its charm. This self-awareness is a testament to her authenticity as a travel presenter. Rather than conforming to the expectation that she must rave about every destination, she chooses to share a more nuanced view, acknowledging that not every place will resonate with every person. This honesty is likely to resonate with her audience, many of whom may have had similar experiences of feeling underwhelmed by a hyped-up destination.

Rowntree’s youthful energy and adventurous spirit, often highlighted by fans and media alike, also add an interesting layer to her commentary. At 53, she continues to exude a vibrancy that defies age, whether she’s trekking through rugged terrains or sampling exotic cuisines on *Getaway*. Her approach to life and travel is one of curiosity and openness, which makes her struggle with Paris all the more compelling. It serves as a reminder that even the most seasoned explorers can encounter places that don’t quite click, and that’s perfectly okay. Travel, after all, is as much about self-discovery as it is about discovering new places.

In reflecting on Rowntree’s perspective, it’s clear that her comments about Paris are not meant to deter others from visiting or loving the city. Instead, they encourage a more honest dialogue about travel experiences. Paris, with its rich tapestry of art, architecture, and history, will undoubtedly continue to captivate millions of visitors each year. From the bohemian vibes of the Latin Quarter to the opulence of Versailles, the city offers something for nearly everyone. Yet, Rowntree’s admission serves as a valuable reminder that travel is subjective. What one person finds magical, another might find perplexing, and both perspectives are valid.

Ultimately, Catriona Rowntree’s candid revelation about her disconnect with Paris enriches the conversation around travel and personal experience. It challenges the notion that certain destinations are universally enchanting and invites travelers to approach their journeys with an open mind, free from the weight of preconceived notions. Her honesty also humanizes her as a public figure, showing that even a seasoned travel expert can grapple with mixed feelings about a place as iconic as Paris. For fans of *Getaway* and casual readers alike, her perspective offers a refreshing take on a city often seen through rose-tinted glasses, reminding us all that the beauty of travel lies in its diversity of experiences and emotions. Whether one agrees with her or not, Rowntree’s willingness to share her true feelings adds depth to the narrative of exploration, proving that even in a world of picture-perfect destinations, there’s room for imperfection and individuality.

Read the Full Sky News Australia Article at:
[ https://www.skynews.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity-life/i-dont-get-it-eternally-youthful-getaway-host-catriona-rowntree-53-reveals-her-major-problem-with-paris/news-story/acf91a70785d693371e5f9957d66f96c ]