Paris is a much-favored backdrop for artists, TV and movie producers. Just looking at the Parisian landscape filled with charming buildings and iconic landmarks such as the World-Famous Eiffel Tower, is enough to motivate many people to travel to Paris. Some make the trip as tourists while others choose to spend many months in this lovely city. Then there is another group of travelers who move to Paris for months, years or even permanently.
One show that has become a cult hit for expats wanting to call Paris home is “Emily in Paris”. If you’re new to this show, the story follows the lead protagonist, Emily, who is an ambitious marketing executive who moves to Paris to show a French marketing company an American point of view.
While the show is funny and quirky in its own special way, the real life of an expat in Paris is not without challenges. It’s worth looking at all aspects of life as an expat in Paris from the good, the bad and everything in between.
Parlez-vous français?
While it may be true that many Parisians do speak English these days, you will still need to make an effort to learn the local language. Even those Parisians who do speak English may refuse to speak with native English speakers with cordiality. However, once you make friends and start speaking a little French, you’ll find Parisians to be quite friendly and engaging. If you haven’t started learning French and plan to visit or move to Paris, start learning the language as soon as possible.
All Work and No Play Makes the Expat Dull
Many people in the West have trouble finding the right work-life balance and while there is nothing wrong with being ambitious and wanting a successful career, you also need to learn how to enjoy life like a Parisian. The French have more than enough Joie de Vivre (enjoyment of life) to find the perfect balance of life and work. Many will tell you that, unlike the Western obsession of living to work, Parisians prefer the “work to live” philosophy. In the very first episode of Emily in Paris, Emily makes the faux pas of talking about work at a party. It may have been a work-related party, but even so, you won’t make many friends if your life only revolves around work.
Finding a Place to Live
One thing that you’ll notice when Emily arrives in Paris is the stunning view from her apartment. It’s enough to make almost anyone envious when they look out of their postage stamp-sized window overlooking a concrete jungle. While there are many gorgeous apartments in Paris, they may not be affordable for most expats. It’s also worth noting that while many parts of Paris are visually breathtaking, some are a little on the dull side. Do your homework and search for apartments available to rent in Paris in your budget first and then look at the locations. This is actually easier to do than you may think if you use the filters on a reputable property management website and then do a search on the areas of Paris that seem interesting to you. While you may not end up with a fairytale apartment, you can still find a really good one long term furnished rental in Paris.
Strive to Become a Parisian
You’ve heard the phrase, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Well, you need to apply this same principle in Paris as well. While it’s fine to retain a little of your national identity, you still need to adopt the Parisian way of life and blend in with the locals. After all, the last thing you want from your fellow Parisians is the side eye while they think of you as La Plouc (The Hick) as they did when Emily Cooper first arrived in Paris.
