An American (idiot) in Paris

Funny story... I got lost in my apartment building yesterday.  The doorman walked me to my apartment and I made note of which door was mine since they are not numbered, however, I followed him blindly from the elevator to my door and when I returned from my Wimbledon viewing in the park, I went down the elevator and tried every door in the corridor. They all opened to garbage chutes, electrical rooms, and other miscellaneous storage, except for the door that was locked.  I pushed down the handle and the door wouldn't budge. I even threw my hip in it a little. What they heck? Did I need a key to get in?  So I walked upstairs and told him I was lost (in pantomime, since he speaks as much English as I do French).  He walked me back down through the "locked" door, which he opened without fuss.  I thanked him (merci bocoup) and went on my way.  

When I returned from the Arc de Triumph, later, I went down the elevator and to the "locked" door.  I could not get it open... what the hell was the trick?  Seriously, there was no way I was going to ask him to help me again. The trick....is that you need to pull, not push the door.  I am so stupid and embarrassed and think it is hilarious.  Welcome to Paris, you dumb American.