5 Places to Research Living in Paris
Do you dream of living in Paris but don’t know where to start? Here are 5 places to begin researching living in Paris.
BOOTSNALL
This is the go-to site for world travelers. While it does have a backpacker/adventurer bent and tends to attracts people for whom travel is a way of life, you can find all kinds of travelers there, and the message boards are valuable for reading about people who’ve successfully moved abroad. Forums to check out are “Living Abroad,” “Funding Your Travel Habit,” and “Europe Travel.” (Do a search on “Paris.”)
EXPATICA
Expatica is a news and info site for English-speaking expats. There are country-specific sections, articles on relocation, and forums loaded with advice and practical info. This is where you can start delving into the nitty gritty of relocating to France, such as how to find an apartment in Paris, how to connect utilities, and how to find a job.
43 THINGS
Converse with like-minded people who want to live in Paris and have started doing research on it. Check out the “People Who’ve Done This” list, read their comments and advice, and establish a relationship with them so you can contact them and ask your own questions.
ASSISTANCE IN FRANCE FORUMS
These are the unofficial forums of people who have participated in CIEP’s language assistantship program. Many forum posters are former or returning assistants who have already spent a school year in France, answering the questions of those who are headed to France to start the program. Having been through the move, they are well-versed in the paperwork required (applying for a visa and carte de sejour, etc), and have practical advice on and day-to-day living in Paris, finding an apartment, opening bank accounts, and setting up your life in France.
THE FRENCH CONSULATE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
There are 10 consulates in the U.S., each with their own website, but the Washington consulate, because it’s located within the Embassy of France, is regarded as having the most up-to-date information on its site. A visit to the visa page of the French Consulate will be one of the first reality checks you’ll encounter on your path to Living in Paris. Read up on the various types of visas to get a sense of the steps required — physical exam, criminal background check, financial resources needed, and various documents to be gathered.
Bonne chance!
