Paris felt extremely different than New York to me.

Firstly, much cleaner. Just in terms of trash/litter on your average street.

Secondly, the integration of metro into the regional train network. Amtrak tries, but it's a sad cousin to European rail systems.

Thirdly, weekend markets and general ingredient quality. Paris feels like it cares about ingredients a lot more than the US. Even canned meals from Franprix were pretty good. And don't get me started on the ridiculousness that is Picard.

Small French towns will always have a dear place in my heart though. If I had my choice, I'd still pick them every time over Paris.