How to Deal with Homesickness When You’re Living Abroad in Paris

Living in Paris might sound like a dream come true – and for many, it is. The charming cafés, the rich culture, the architecture steeped in history – there’s no denying the city’s magic.

But if you’re living abroad in Paris, particularly for the long haul, the novelty can wear off and homesickness can creep in. It might hit you in quiet moments, like when you can’t find your favourite snack from home, or when everyone around you is speaking French and you’re craving an easy, familiar conversation.

Homesickness is normal for every expat, but it doesn’t have to dominate your experience. Here’s how to manage it—and even grow from it—while living in the City of Light.

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Create a comforting space

Your home in Paris might look different from what you’re used to, but it doesn’t have to feel foreign. One way to ease the ache of missing home is to recreate small comforts from your past environment. This might mean putting up photos of family and friends, finding a cozy throw blanket, or even bringing over a few items from home that hold sentimental value.

Don’t underestimate the power of familiar smells and tastes. If you can cook, recreate dishes from your home country. If not, scout out international food shops or markets where you can buy your favorite tea or snacks.

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Build a grounding routine

Homesickness thrives in idle moments. Creating a regular routine gives your day structure and helps reduce that drifting, disconnected feeling. Start simple – maybe a morning walk to your local boulangerie, journaling at the same familiar café, or joining a yoga class every week.

Routine offers a sense of stability and predictability, which can anchor you emotionally while everything else feels new and overwhelming. And don’t forget to carve out time for rest. Adapting to a new culture and language can be exhausting, even when it’s exciting.

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Fall in love with Paris

It’s easy to romanticise Paris before you arrive. Once you’re actually there, everyday life (bureaucracy, cultural miscommunications, loneliness) can sometimes dull the sparkle. One way to reframe your mindset is to treat your new city like an unfolding story rather than a checklist of must-sees.

Instead of trying to “do it all,” explore with curiosity. Wander down streets you don’t know. Visit lesser-known Paris museums. Take yourself on a solo date to a park with a book. These small acts of discovery help you fall in love with Paris at your own pace, and create new emotional ties to the city.

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Stay connected to home, but don’t live there virtually

It’s important to stay in touch with loved ones back home, but constantly comparing your life to theirs or spending hours online can intensify homesickness. Schedule regular catch-ups, but also set limits so you stay present in your current reality.

Consider writing letters or postcards. They offer a slower, more thoughtful form of communication that can be soothing and grounding. Plus, sending something physical across the world reminds you that you’re not as far away as it sometimes feels.

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Seek out your people

Building a support network in Paris is essential. Look for local expat groups, language exchanges, or hobby-based meetups. There are communities for everything – from book clubs to international groups. This is the very reason the Paris Teachers Club was founded – sign up with us today!

Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference. They won’t replace your family or friends back home, but they’ll offer companionship and shared experience – two powerful methods to combat homesickness.

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Be patient with yourself

Adjusting to life abroad takes time. You’re not just learning how to live in a new city—you’re learning how to be a new version of yourself. That’s a big deal. Give yourself space to feel everything, celebrate small victories, and accept that some days will be harder than others.

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Have you experienced homesickness in Paris?

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