For many expats with their sight set on a new life overseas, the City of Light shines with an enticing, romantic glow. Its long, seductive heritage of artists, writers and thinkers stretches back to the days of Voltaire and the French Revolution – Paris has enjoyed its position at the cutting edge of art, philosophy and culture for centuries.
It’s certainly consistently popular with expats in the HSBC Expat Explorer report, but beyond this idealistic sheen, what can you really expect when you make the move from London to the French capital? The charms of the city are renowned around the world – mouth-watering cuisine, sophisticated shopping, famous art galleries and exclusive entertainment options. Plus, the efficient and easy to navigate public transport system eclipses London’s network, too.
However, there are some downsides to consider. The population is dense, there are more people packed into Paris than London, and the cost of living is high – that sublime skyline and those spacious green parks don’t come cheap. But for city-slickers that adore the hustle of humanity, Paris is the ultimate dream.
Settling in
The number one piece of advice we always hear from expats that have settled in Paris is: learn the language. Mastering the basics will make your life infinitely easier in a city that prefers to use its own language whenever possible and continued learning is absolutely essential for making the most out of business and social opportunities. Fortunately, there are many suitable classes available where you can meet others in similar situations to yourself. You can also arrange private tuition if that better suits your preferences and lifestyle, but linking up with other expats in your chosen area will make a huge difference to how quickly you settle in and expand your social circle.
The pace of life
Despite its big city nature, the work-life balance in Paris most definitely comes out ahead of London. Expats can look forward to benefits such as the 35 hour week, a minimum of five weeks’ annual leave and lunch breaks that can stretch to two hours. Additionally, the French government brought in a new law in 2014 banning employees in the digital and consulting sector from picking up work emails and telephone calls after office hours. Employment opportunities in Paris tend to be focused around the financial and service sectors, though professional, qualified individuals with French speaking skills will take the lead in the hunt for jobs.
The cost of living
Although the cost of living in Paris is generally considered to be on a par with London, in fact most sources indicate that the property in Paris (including rentals) tends to be a little cheaper than here in the UK – although of course, this depends on location. According to Meilleursagents.com, the Paris property market has experienced a drop in prices throughout 2014, with the average property price in Paris standing at around 7,863 Euros (approx. £5,610) per sqm at the end of the year. If you do choose to purchase a property in Paris, be aware that there can be a lot of bureaucracy and red tape to deal with – take a deep breath and remind yourself to be patient.
If you are considering a move to France, Cadogan Tate will assist you every step of the way – from your first enquiry  to unpacking at your new home, we are here to help and advise you. For more details about Cadogan Tate’s specialist international removals services from London, contact us.
Information correct at time of publication.