Americans Living in Paris

One question I am often asked is, "What's so great about living in Paris," and "Why do you want to live in Paris?"

I think Americans have a particular fascination with Paris because it embodies many things that America does not: it's very, very old, whereas American history only dates back a couple of centuries.

Paris is associated with glamor and sophistication - the opposite of baseball and apple pie. Also, because of popular films and songs, our notions of romance are tied to Paris, with its wines, bridges and sidewalk cafes. Those are my theories about the American/Paris love affair. Here are the five reasons I enjoy Paris so much.

1. French food is fantastic. I'm a foodie, and I've had some of the best meals I've ever had in my life in Paris. I love that everything is fresh, rich, and decadent.

2. Paris is beautiful and visually stunning. There's just nothing else like it. Paris is a very old city with lots of history, and Parisians have a certain way of embellishing things and adding details that make things beautiful. Walking around the city is like walking around an ancient museum. No wonder so many artists and writers were drawn to Paris and inspired by it.

3. The French lifestyle is enviable. The French work to live, not the other way around. They have mastered the art of enjoying life, whether it be a good conversation, a great meal, or a stroll through the park on a beautiful afternoon.

4. There are so many things to see and do in Paris. From world class museums and cathedrals to cute boutiques and breathtaking bridges, there's so much to experience in Paris. If you need some ideas for things to do in Paris, check out my Paris Bucket List.

5. The shopping in Paris is top notch. Picking up just a few très sophistiqué pieces from Paris will give you instant Parisian style. As the fashion capital of the world, Paris is way ahead of everyone else with the latest fashion trends. I've picked up pieces in Paris that I didn't see in the states until years later - and then they were EVERYWHERE (like my first pair of stylish walking shoes). I also enjoy trying to mimic the style of French women. They have a certain way of putting things together that's uniquely French.

Those are just a few of the reasons people want to live in Paris.

"Do I Need to Speak French to Live in Paris?" That's kind of like asking, "Do I need to speak English to live in the U.S.?" Of course you do. If you don't speak French, you'll have a really, really hard time getting along.

Don't be fooled into thinking you don't need to speak French if you live in Paris. Yes, a lot of people in Paris speak English (with widely varying levels of proficiency), but not everyone does. And yes, it 's true that the staff at the Eiffel Tower may have spoken English when you visited Paris before (it's part of their job), but the more you interact with French people in non-tourist settings (buying groceries, communicating with your French landlord, etc.), the less English you will find. Plus, you need to be able to read signs and understand announcements in French for your own safety.

Reading French is invaluable. For one thing, you can read menus and microwave / convection oven cooking directions on food packaging. Plus it's kind of nice to be able to read the Direct Matin / Direct Soir subway paper to see what the heck is going on in Paris. (Rail strikes, protest marches, and museum closings could all disrupt your day. And on the flip side, it's great to be able to read about free festivals and cool events that are happening.). Speaking French makes the difference between being on the outside looking in, and being a real part of Paris.

When it comes to enjoying Paris, it makes a world of difference to be able to say what you want to say in French (however roughly) and to be able to understand someone's response. Not only are all your transactions much smoother, but you can ask for help, directions, prices, and all kinds of information, without polling the crowd to find an English speaker. It opens you up to the locals, who will want to talk to you because they find it delightful that you are trying to speak their language.

You don't have to be perfectly fluent, but I strongly recommend that anyone who seriously wants to live in France take some French classes now, and use materials such as Pimsleur French or Fluenz French to supplement your language training. Learn as much French as you can before you go. Even a little basic French will help you in Paris. Don't wait! Start learning French now for your adventure in Paris.

Everyone who wants to live in Paris must find a Paris neighborhood that fits their rhythm and lifestyle. I'm a Left Bank girl myself, though I adore the Marais on the Right Bank, too.

Read my Paris neighborhood overview.

How to Dress in Paris
Parisian style is effortlessly chic. French women look bold, put-together, and comfortable, all at the same time. It's a style that you can achieve too, if you know how to put the right wardrobe pieces together. Find out what to wear in Paris.