Paris is the elegant capital of France — a city of grand boulevards and cobbled backstreets, where world-famous museums, riverside walks along the Seine and café terraces on every corner make everyday life feel like a postcard. It is cultured, romantic and endlessly stylish, yet each of its twenty arrondissements has the easy, village-like rhythm of its own boulangerie, market and neighbourhood bistro.
Paris has a temperate climate, with warm summers, crisp, colourful autumns and cool, grey winters that seldom bring snow. It is one of Europe's great international hubs, home to a large expat community, embassies, global businesses and a wide network of bilingual and international schools. French is the language of daily life and learning some goes a long way, but English is widely understood among younger Parisians and across the international scene, so you'll soon find your feet among teachers, students and creatives from all over the world.
Location Info
- Large international community, world-class culture and a famous café lifestyle
- Compact and walkable, with riverside paths, parks and grand squares in every district
- One of the world's densest metro networks, plus RER trains, buses and Vélib' bike share
Top Experiences
The Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro
Paris's iron icon never gets old. Head up for views across the whole city, picnic on the Champ de Mars, or cross to the Trocadéro at dusk to watch the tower sparkle on the hour.
The Louvre & Musée d'Orsay
Two of the world's great museums face each other across the Seine — the Louvre's vast collection from the Mona Lisa to ancient Egypt, and the Orsay's Impressionist masterpieces in a grand old railway station.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Climb the winding lanes of Montmartre to the white domes of Sacré-Cœur for one of the best panoramas in Paris, then browse the painters of Place du Tertre and the hilltop's tiny vineyard.
The Seine & Notre-Dame
Stroll the riverbanks past the bouquinistes' book stalls, take an evening boat cruise under the bridges, and visit the beautifully restored Notre-Dame on the Île de la Cité.
Cafés, Bistros & Markets
Food is a daily pleasure. Start with a warm croissant from the local boulangerie, linger over a café on a terrace, shop the open-air markets for cheese and wine, and settle into a classic bistro for dinner.
Le Marais & Versailles
Wander Le Marais for boutiques, galleries and the elegant Place des Vosges, then take a day trip by RER to the Palace of Versailles and its Hall of Mirrors and formal gardens.
Getting Around
Paris is compact, and walking is often the best way to see it, but its public transport is superb. The metro has more than 300 stations, so there is almost always one within a few minutes' walk, while RER trains, buses and trams fill in the gaps. A single ticket costs €2.50, and a monthly Navigo pass gives unlimited travel across the whole region — employers in France reimburse half of it. Vélib' bike share and a growing network of cycle lanes make cycling easy, taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt and G7) are everywhere, and both airports are linked to the centre by train.
When to Go
Spring (April to June) is Paris at its prettiest, with blossom in the parks and terraces filling up, and September to October brings mild days, golden light and the start of the cultural season. July and August are warm and busy with visitors, though many Parisians head off on holiday in August and some local shops close. Winters are cool and grey, but cosy cafés, festive lights and quieter museums make them a lovely time to settle in.
Good to Know
- The euro (€) is the local currency. Paris is pricier than most of France, so budget carefully for rent.
- French is the language of everyday life. English is widely understood, but a bonjour first is essential.
- Lunch is taken seriously, dinner starts around 8pm, and many smaller shops close on Sundays.
- France is in the EU and Schengen Area, and the city runs on Central European Time (GMT+1).
- Paris is generally safe, but watch your belongings on the metro and at busy sights — pickpockets target tourists.
- Apartments are small and in demand — start your flat hunt early and have your documents ready.
