I'm an American who visited Paris for the first time. Here are 8 things I think France does better than the US.

Escalators that don’t require you to step onto them seemed more accessible to the elderly or those carrying large bags.

travelator in France

This travelator seems like a thoughtful addition to make it easier for all customers to navigate.

Kirsten Acuna/Insider

I came across this escalator at a mall (Centre Commercial Val d’Europe) in Chessy, France, and did a full-on stop because I couldn’t believe that escalators (or travelators as they’re sometimes called) like these aren’t commonplace in American malls.

I prefer these to the moving walkways I’m accustomed to seeing in US airports. Sure, those can help you move slightly faster in an airport, but I love the idea of flat escalators on a slight incline in malls to help families with strollers, people trying to move large purchases, and to aid others who may have a tough time stepping onto a regular escalator.

I’m an American who visited Paris for the first time. Here are 8 things I think France does better than the US.

Escalators that don’t require you to step onto them seemed more accessible to the elderly or those carrying large bags.