France is popular with expats due to its favorable climate, rich food and culture and relaxed lifestyle. The capital city of Paris is an exciting blend of all these things and more. It is home to people of different nationalities, making it a truly international city. There’s a lot to do in Paris, from visiting one of the many sophisticated restaurants and bars in Montmartre to spending a more casual evening with friends in the more affordable quarter of the 18th arrondissement. The city’s public transport system is timely and convenient, and although the cost of living may be higher, jobs in Paris are known to pay well. For those already sold on the idea of moving to Paris, there’s a ton of preparations to be done. To help you along the way, here’s a list of 10 websites that serve as useful and interesting resources for those moving to the City of Light.1. Jobs in Paris
www.jobsinparis.fr
This is a job search website for English speaking professionals and expats looking for employment in Paris in positions that require English as the main working language.
2. RATP
www.ratp.fr
The RATP network is the public transportation system in Paris consisting of 14 metro lines, 4 district lines and above 300 bus lines. A convenient and efficient way to get around the busy city with a helpful website that features an interactive map and also a handy ‘Paris Travel Kit’.
3. Americans in France
www.americansinfrance.net
This site was started by Jeff Steiner, originally from Nicaragua in the United States, who has been living in France for the past 15 years and has gained valuable insight about living in the country. The site has useful information on visas, employment and healthcare among other topics.
4. Sleep & Eat Paris
www.sleep-eat-paris.com
This online travel guide to Paris was the initiative of Heather Stimmler-Hall, a travel author and tour guide who has made France her home since 1995. On this site you will find reviews of hostels, apartment rentals, restaurants, take-away outlets as well as useful info on how to use the public transport system in Paris. All the reviews and information on the site, which even includes tips on where to find free Wi-Fi access, is written by locals.
5. Paris Expat
www.parisexpat.com
Paris Expat is an online rental resource serving the residential needs of the many English speakers who regularly visit Central Paris.
6. The Paris Blog
www.theparisblog.com
Started in 2005 as a place where Anglophone expats in Paris could express themselves, this site soon became the number one daily digest on Paris in English with new posts on a daily basis.
7. Americanexpatinfrance's Blog
americanexpatinfrance.com
The aim behind this website was to provide expats and future expats with helpful insights gained by the writer himself while living in France for many years as a student, intern, teacher and now professional.
8. Secrets of Paris
www.secretsofparis.com
Secrets of Paris is an alternative insider’s guide for English-speaking Paris residents and those who visit the city often. The Sleep & Eat Paris website listed above is an offshoot of this site, which is also edited by Heather Stimmler-Hall. Secrets of Paris has been serving Anglophone Parisians of all nationalities since 1999 and today even organizes custom private tours.
9. International Triathlon Team Paris
www.expatries-triathlon.com
This is the website of a community of English-speaking Triathletes from different nationalities residing in France. The team provides access to triathlon training and competition in France for anyone interested in the sport. They also hold private swimming lessons, group rides and runs. With years of experience, this community knows the best routes to run in Paris. The team also has access to swimming pools in Paris beyond public hours. Those interested can simply sign-up and show up at one of the team’s running or cycling meet-ups.
10. BonjourParis
www.bonjourparis.com
BonjourParis has been running since 1995 and was one of the first websites to publish travel content about France. It provides information for those seeking objective and practical advice of travelling and living in Paris and other places in France. The content consists of interesting original stories from travelers, authors and experts who have lived the Parisian life and have learned from it.