What Living in Paris as an American is *Actually* Like

Hint: It’s not like the films.

I’ve been living in France for four whole years now (can you believe it?), and let me tell you, it has been quite the ride.

I’m here to give you the lowdown on what living in Paris as an American is actually like – pros, cons and all!

Moving abroad can be a thrilling and terrifying experience all at the same time.

On one hand, living in Paris as an American is like being transported into a fairytale; everything from the charming cobblestone streets to the quaint cafes feels so romantic and dreamy.

And let’s not forget about that stunning architecture – prepare to take more photos than you’ve ever taken in your life!

On the other hand, there are some challenging moments too. One of the biggest issues is with communication – it’s quite hard to get by without speaking at least basic French (my advice? Take a crash course before you go!).

And moving to a new country with no friends, family, or support system can be lonely too.

But don’t worry – it’s not all doom and gloom! Once you get used to the French way of life, there are so many wonderful benefits to moving abroad and living in Paris as an American.

There’s more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower

First things first, the Eiffel Tower is not visible from every single street corner.

I know, heartbreaking, right?

I don’t know why I expected to see it all the time, but let’s just say I was a little disappointed when that wasn’t the case.

But don’t let that stop you from exploring! There are so many other amazing spots to check out, like the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. And really, any time of year is perfect for strolling around Paris.

The beauty of the French capital does not disappoint – From the rich history of the Latin Quarter to the charming alleys of Le Marais, every neighborhood has its own unique vibe.

Parlez-vous français?

Now, let’s talk language barrier. I’m not going to sugarcoat it – if you don’t speak French, life in Paris can be a tad challenging.

But don’t let that scare you! You’ll pick up the language faster than a New York minute. And you might even start using “oui” instead of “yes” back home.

I didn’t know a lick of French when I moved here back in 2019.

Like, not even being dramatic.

“Oui“, “Touché” and “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?” were the only words I knew.

(Side note: Don’t say the last one. It’s basically the French version of “wanna hook up”, and it will get you nowhere but trouble).

But then I dedicated myself to learning a little bit every day, and before I knew it, people were complimenting me on how much better my pronunciation had gotten!

P.S. I’ve created a whole post about my best methods for learning French fast and how I became fluent in a year – check that out if you want to accelerate your French learning journey!

So don’t stress about the language barrier too much. Embrace the challenge – it’s all part of the adventure!

And besides, many French people even find the American accent charming when we try to speak French.

Baguettes, Cheese, Croissants… Oh my!

Now let’s talk food because, obvi, eating is one of the greatest pleasures of living in Paris. It’s actually probably one of my favorite things about living here.

Not only can you find French classics like croissants, quiches, and baguettes, but you can also find cuisines from all over the world.

One of my favorite things to do back home was to try a new type of cuisine from a different country every week. Coming from a big city in the U.S., I had any type of food you could imagine at my fingertips – and I loved it.

Thai food Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Italian Wednesdays… you get the idea.

And when I moved to France, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to find the same variety. The thought of having to eat nothing but croissants and cheese for the rest of my life (as delicious as it is) was kind of terrifying.

Well, turns out Paris is the same way! You can find anything from dumplings to ramen to Eritrean stews in almost every corner.

I’ve even stumbled upon a few hidden gems, places like an Afghani restaurant in Montmartre that serves some of the best lamb kebabs I’ve ever tasted or a little mango stand on the Seine that serves freshly-squeezed juice.

I can safely say that I’ve tried more cuisines since living in Paris than I ever did while living in the States.

⚡ Related Read: The Best Restaurants in Paris with an Eiffel Tower View

Job Hunting in Paris is An Extreme Sport

When it comes to jobs in Paris, securing a work permit is like winning the golden ticket.

International companies and the tourism industry are your best friends. Paris has a huge influx of international tourists, so finding work in the hospitality or tourism industry shouldn’t be too hard.

Plus, with all the big tech companies setting up shop here, there are plenty of opportunities for English-speaking natives to find work in the corporate world.

Part-time jobs are also a good option if you’re an international student. And with so many American expats in the city, networking is fairly easy.

That being said, the French system is quite bureaucratic and the paperwork can take a while, so it’s best to start your job search as soon as you can.

Landing a CDI (convention de durée indèfinie) can take a while. This is because French labor laws make it extremely hard for companies to fire people. So most employers are hesitant to hire full-time staff, opting instead for CDD (convention de durée determinée) or contract work.

💡 Websites like LinkedIn, WelcometotheJungle, and Indeed are some of the best places to look for jobs in the city.

And don’t forget to use all the resources at your disposal – attend networking events, join professional communities and make sure you keep your Linkedin profile up-to-date!

Public Transportation Is Not As Bad As I Thought

One of my favorite things about living in Paris is the public transportation. I know, it sounds insane.

Coming from having a car to take me wherever I wanted back home and never even dreaming of having to actually take public transport to get around, I was worried about being able to navigate the city.

But being able to rely on the Metro, RER, trams, and bus lines to get me from place to place has actually been a godsend.

Don’t be intimidated by the network of public transportation here – it’s actually one of the easiest systems I’ve ever used. Plus, with a Navigo card you can easily transfer between all forms of public transport.

Seriously, the metro lines are so efficient that traffic jams will become a distant memory.

Now don’t get me wrong – there are times when the metro cars are packed like sardines and the RER can be delayed when there’s a disruption.

There are often transportation strikes also, and during these strikes, you’ll have to rely on the bus – which can be quite slow.

But overall, it’s still one of the most reliable public transport systems I’ve ever used.

⚡ P.S. I’ve made a complete guide on How to Use the Paris Metro Like A Pro – so you can learn navigate this city effortlessly!

Paris is a great city for walking too. Not only will you save money on transport, but you’ll also get to see the beautiful neighborhoods that make up this amazing city.

From strolling along the Seine to wandering through the winding cobblestone streets of Le Marais, exploring Paris by foot is one of the best ways to get to know your new home.

And lastly, bike-sharing is a great option too! Vélib’ has stations all around the city, so it’s easy to hop on and off for short trips or lengthy bike rides. Plus, you can even grab a monthly pass for long-term rentals.

But overall, between the metro lines, bike-sharing services like Velib, and simply exploring the city on foot, getting around Paris is a breeze.

The Contrasts Between French Education and American Universities

Ready to dive into the world of French education?

Considering I’ve spent the past two years studying here (I’ve just finished my Master’s Degree, yay!) – I’ve learned a thing or two firsthand about just how different the French school and university systems are.

There are a lot of differences between American education and French education, but one of the biggest is the fact that in France, higher education is tuition-free.

That’s right – you won’t have to pay a cent for your studies here!

This is only for public universities though, so if you’re looking for a private education, you should expect to pay tuition.

P.S. I created an in-depth video on my YouTube channel about how I’m getting my Master’s in Paris for FREE, including the application process, where to find internships, and more 👇

Classes also tend to be a lot more exercise-based than in the US. And while you’ll get plenty of homework, exams are usually only taken at the end of the semester.

It’s also important to keep in mind that many French universities don’t offer the same variety of courses as those in the US. So if you’re looking to specialize, it might be a good idea to look into private universities, or even programs in the UK and Germany.

Classes also tend to be a lot more exercise-based than in the US. And while you’ll get plenty of homework, exams are usually only taken at the end of the semester.

It’s also important to keep in mind that many French universities don’t offer the same variety of courses as those in the US. So if you’re looking to specialize, it might be a good idea to look into private universities, or even programs in the UK and Germany.

Cost of Living: Embracing the (Pricey) Parisian Lifestyle

The cost of living in Paris can be quite the reality check, especially when it comes to housing.

Miss Emily in Paris lied to you – rent isn’t cheap here!

First of all, you won’t find many apartments with a huge number of bedrooms. Most places have just one or two rooms – unless you’re willing to spend big bucks.

And studio apartments in central Paris are basically the size of a shoebox, so be prepared to get cozy. Prices can range anywhere between €800-2,000/month depending on where you’re looking at.

But don’t worry! There are still plenty of affordable options available if you know where to look.

Sure it might not be the same as living in a penthouse on the Champs Elysees, but you can still live comfortably and save some money.

In terms of other costs, food is relatively inexpensive here (you should definitely try some of the local bakeries!), while utilities are more expensive than in the US.

Healthcare is also waaaay less expensive than in the states, though it requires a bit of paperwork. But it’s worth the effort to make sure you’re covered.

At the end of the day though, living in Paris is all about embracing the culture and lifestyle that comes with it. You can definitely enjoy your time here if you budget accordingly!

Healthy food is so much more accessible here

One of the biggest things I had to get used to was grocery shopping.

Gone are the days of wandering into a giant supermarket and having everything you need in one place. Instead, it’s all about visiting lots of small stores to pick up your essentials.

From the boulangerie (bakery) to get baguettes, croissants, and pain au chocolat – to the fromagerie (cheese shop) for your dairy needs – to the epicerie (convenience store) for your everyday items – it’s all about making sure you have everything you need and nothing more!

It can take some getting used to at first, but once you adjust, it’s actually quite a fun way of shopping. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore different neighborhoods and get a real taste of Parisian life.

The quality of food found in French grocery stores are also much better than what you’d find in the states. There are tons of foods back home that are actually banned in France because of their low-quality ingredients.

Foods in supermarkets here also have a “food grade” system that helps you determine the quality of what you’re buying. It’s quite interesting and definitely worth looking into!

And don’t worry, you can still find most of your favorite American products in the bigger supermarkets.

I admit, there are sometimes when I reallllly miss my sugary American snacks and just have to buy them to tie me over. It’s just nice to have the option to switch things up every now and then!

If you want to get real French-style, I recommend heading over to the nearby market on Sunday mornings and picking up some of their freshly baked pastries or organic fruits and veggies!

It’s also far less expensive than buying your produce from one of the chain retailers like Carrefour or Monoprix.

Insider tip: Get there early; it’s always packed.

Making friends as a foreigner is hard, but not impossible

Meeting new people can be a little bit intimidating, but fear not – making friends in Paris is easier than you think.

French people may seem reserved at first, but once you get to know them, you’ll find that they’re just as warm and welcoming as anyone back in the United States.

It does take a while to get them to open up, but if you put in the effort, you’ll find that Parisians are full of life and love to have a good time.

A French friend of mine once told me: “Americans are like peaches – soft and fuzzy on the outside but hard on the inside. French people are like apples – hard and sour on the outside but sweet on the inside.”

It took me a while to realize this, but it’s so true!

French people tend to find Americans “superficial” and “fake” because we make friends so easily but never seem to stay connected.

In France, it’s all about quality over quantity – find the few people who you really click with and invest in those relationships for life!

The best way to make friends here is to join an expat community or look for events geared towards English-speakers. One thing I found really useful was joining local Facebook groups and attending meetups with other Americans/expats.

It’s a great way to get an insider look into the culture, make friends, and practice your French at the same time!

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there – the more you talk to people, the easier it will become.

Strike up a conversation at one of the local coffee shops like Café de Flore or join a group of fellow expats for a Friday night soirée!

The Rollercoaster of Life in Paris

To wrap it up, living in France as an American is like riding a rollercoaster – thrilling, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding.

You’ll have days where you miss your friends and family back home, but you’ll also have days filled with beautiful moments that you never could have experienced anywhere else.

And don’t forget the food – from fresh baguettes to creamy cheese – there’s something for everyone in Paris!

At the end of the day, living in Paris is an incredible experience that will give you memories and lessons to last a lifetime. Embrace the differences, learn from the experiences, and you’ll fall in love with the city of love.

Just remember to pack your sense of humor, and maybe a few American snacks for when you need a comfort-food fix.

Bonus Tips for Making the Most of Your Parisian Adventure

• Explore different neighborhoods: Each arrondissement has its own unique charm, so be sure to venture beyond the city center and discover what makes Paris one of the best cities in the world. Ditch the tourist traps and head to the local cafés, restaurants, and parks that make each neighborhood special.
• Take advantage of cultural activities: From fashion shows to art exhibits to poetry slams, there are endless things to do in Paris. If you want a break from sightseeing, take an evening stroll around the city and explore some of its hidden gems
• Indulge in French cuisine: Your tastebuds will thank you for it! From delicious pastries to mouth-watering cheese, there’s no shortage of culinary delights to enjoy.
• Take advantage of public holidays: Use these days to plan day trips and explore nearby towns, chateaux, and other attractions that make France such a beautiful country.
• Learn the art of French conversation: Small talk is a big deal in French culture, so mastering the art of polite conversation will go a long way in helping you connect with the locals.
• Embrace the city’s rich history: Take time to visit museums, historical sites, and monuments to fully appreciate the incredible history that surrounds you in Paris.

Thanks for reading!

À bientôt, mes amis!

May your Parisian adventure be filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.

Bonne chance! Vous allez l’adorer. (Good luck! You’ll love it.)

PLANNING A TRIP TO PARIS?Grab a copy of my FREE Paris travel guide!

This 10-page Paris travel guide includes:

• Practical tips for visiting Paris
• The best foods to eat in Paris
• The best restaurants in Paris (my top picks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• The top things to do and see in Paris (including day trips, scenic tours, museums, attractions, and more)
• The best (and worst) places to stay in Paris, including my top picks for hotels in each area

All links in this PDF are clickable so you can book your tours and hotels directly!

First NameName

Your emailEmail address

Get my FREE Paris Travel Guide