Moving To Paris: 15 Lifestyle Changes To Expect

Moving to Paris is exciting, intoxicating and oftentimes overwhelming, with all there is to see and experience. The French capital is simply exhilarating. 

But often, moving to Paris can result in some form of culture shock that newcomers aren’t always expecting. 

Life operates a little differently here in Paris, but the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks.

This week on the Paris Teachers Club blog, we list 15 cultural and lifestyle changes to expect when moving to Paris. 

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1. Parisians live the phrase “joie de vivre”

The French, like many other European nationalities, are renowned for prioritising enjoyment of life over all else – hence the French term now used across the world, “joie de vivre”. This literally translates to “exuberant enjoyment of life”. 

This doesn’t mean that the French are lazy, or don’t enjoy their work. They simply work to live and don’t live to work. They place their emphasis on the enjoyment of the most important things in life – their health and wellness, family and loved ones, good food and wine, extended holidays (particularly over summer), relaxation and low stress, and taking things a little slower than other Western countries. This is one of the many benefits of living in Paris and something that you’ll come to appreciate. 

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2. It rains – a lot! 

People don’t often associate Paris with rain. They reserve that for France’s European neighbour, the United Kingdom.

But in fact, it rains more in Paris than it does in London! Rain falls year-round in Paris, and the weather is often grey and overcast despite the city having a mostly mild climate. Light showers can pass over with little notice. 

The wettest months in Paris are August and November, and we recommend always being prepared for inclement weather, be it having an umbrella at the ready or an extra waterproof layer for if it turns chilly and the skies open. 

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3. The traffic in Paris can be crazy 

If you’ve ever been to Paris you may have noticed that it takes nerves of steel to get behind the wheel.

Driving in Paris can be confusing, hectic and downright stressful at times, and it’s not recommended if you aren’t familiar with the city or its driving customs. The city is a maze of tiny laneways, large boulevards, never-ending roundabouts and complex street patterns, and Parisian drivers often make up their own laissez-fare road rules. In addition, parking is expensive and you may find yourself parked in by other cars – another common occurrence here. 

The good news is that if you’re moving to Paris and keen to keep costs low and stress levels minimal, the Paris Metro system is one of the best in the world and services the entire city. It’s easy to use and to navigate, and there’s a Metro stop every 500 metres in central Paris.

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4. Parisians take style seriously 

There’s a reason that Paris is the fashion capital of the world, and Parisians take this title seriously.

Moving to Paris, it’s hard not to notice how stylish and immaculately presented Parisians are. People here dress fashionably whether they are just popping out to the shop or going to a big event, and any time is a good time for city dwellers to dress up. It’s rare in Paris to see people wearing activewear to get from A to B, or dressing down in joggers for comfort. It’s even rarer for Parisians to show a lot of skin in daring outfits. They are classy people, and prioritise style and substance over shocks. 

If you’re moving to Paris, don’t fret! You don’t have to have a fortune to spend on a new Paris wardrobe! Dressing smartly and looking clean and well-groomed will go a long way towards impressing both locals and prospective employers.  

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5. Don’t expect everyone to speak English 

Yes, it can get stressful when you’re trying to communicate something that you need in Paris and your request is being lost in translation. But remember, French is the official language here, and you are an English speaking guest in this country. 

Just because Paris is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations doesn’t mean everyone speaks English. Some Parisians speak English fluently, some a little (“un peu”) and some not at all (“je ne parle pas anglais”): That’s why when moving to Paris it’s important that you try to learn French, at least conversationally. The locals will appreciate this, and it will make your life a lot easier. Plus, learning French is lots of fun and very rewarding! 

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6. Food is life in Paris 

One thing all Europeans have in common is a love of good food – and Parisians are no exception.

In this world city, locals love their food, and prioritise high-quality, fresh ingredients above all else. It’s rare for Parisians to purchase or eat processed food. Even the recipe for fresh baguettes is regulated by law here! The French are renowned for being one of the slimmest nations on earth despite often indulging in hard cheeses, carby pastries and heavy dishes. This is down to a mixture of genetics, opting for fresh food over fast food, and the fact that the French are one of the most active nationalities in the world. “Hitting the gym” isn’t exactly commonplace in Paris. Instead, locals walk a lot every day, and this is part of how they stay trim. 

Another thing to keep in mind when moving to Paris is that eating while walking on the street or on transport is a cultural no-no. You will get some funny looks and even an awkward “bon appetit”. Keep meals until you reach the cafe or you’re at home.

Need some inspiration for what to eat in Paris? Check out our blog featuring 10 of the best French foods to taste test. 

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7. Moving to Paris involves a lot of paperwork

One of the most daunting elements of moving to Paris is the paperwork.

There is a LOT of it, and pre-move and in your early days in the city, your days and nights may seem to revolve around filling out paperwork. Visa and/or passport applications, accommodation forms, drivers license and bank account applications and work contracts are just the start of what you can expect. There’s a lot of red tape here. Don’t panic. It will get easier, and getting your paperwork in order is all part of moving to Paris and getting settled.

There are a range of companies that exist to help newcomers to Paris work their way through the required paperwork and to ensure it is all completed correctly and legally. We also recommend keeping a well-organised paper trail and copies of every document. 

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8. There’s a lot of dog poo in Paris

If you come from a country that strictly enforces laws requiring you to clean up after your dog, moving to Paris may come as a shock.

Many visitors are astounded by the amount of dog poop on the streets here, and sadly, many Parisians have no interest in scooping up their doggie doo-doo, despite laws compelling them to do so. Parisians love their dogs, and there are 300,000 dogs that call the city home. Parisians treat their dogs to salon visits, cafe trips and walks to the city’s many parks and gardens, but even dedicated laws in place to curb the amount of dog poo on Paris streets doesn’t seem to be doing a lot to encourage locals to clean up after their dogs. 

If you’re a newcomer to the city with your own pooch, do the right thing and clean up after your own dog. 

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9. Rent in Paris is expensive 

Paris isn’t a cheap city to live in, and never has been. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive cities in Europe to live in.

Moving to Paris, your rent and costs of living will take up a large part of your monthly pay packet. Most expats, at least initially, choose to rent here. Depending on the neighbourhood you choose to live in, a one bedroom apartment in Paris can set you back anywhere from €1000-3000. Even the cheapest Paris apartment can be almost half an average monthly pay packet. Consider moving slightly further out to save on rent. Asking for rental advice in online expat communities is also highly recommended. Someone could even be moving on from their property and may put in a good word for you.

A lot of expats also opt to flatshare together in Paris, which splits the costs but also gives you some company, especially when homesickness can hit you in those early days. It’s a good way to build a community as a newcomer to Paris. Check out dedicated flatshare websites that vet members – that’s your safest bet.

But be warned! The rental market in Paris is notoriously difficult to get a foothold in, and foreigners in particular often state they don’t get a look-in with picky landlords. When applying to a Paris rental property, present yourself smartly and have evidence to show that you tick all the boxes of a great tenant. And of course, it goes without saying that learning and speaking even conversational French will make this process go a lot more smoothly.

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10. Some public facilities cost money to use  

You may have visited as a tourist before moving to Paris, and noticed that many public facilities – namely restrooms – can cost money to use. 

There are 400 freestanding public toilets located across Paris that are free to use and accessible from early in the morning until late at night. There are also a handful that are available 24/7. However if you visit a restroom with an attendant, often found in major train stations, you may notice that a lot charge a small amount – usually 50 cents. Don’t take moral issue with this or cause a scene – trust us, we have seen this. This donation pays to keep these toilets clean by attendants and is a small price to pay when you’re desperate to go. 

Don’t try to cut corners by asking at a shop if you can use their bathroom. Unless you are dining at or purchasing from an establishment, it isn’t socially acceptable here to ask a retailer if you can use their bathroom. If you are sitting down for lunch or grabbing a coffee, sure, ask away. 

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11. French people are tactile 

Most people know that the French are touchy-feely people. After all, the term “French kiss” exists for a reason.

While Parisians may appear standoffish, it’s normal to greet friends, family or even colleagues with the famous French “cheek kiss”. This can involve two, three or even four kisses, and doesn’t usually include mouth contact with the cheek, but rather, a “mwah” sound. The amount of kisses varies according to where you are in France or even which part of Paris you’re visiting. This act even has its own name – “la bise”! It’s customary for women to do this with most people, while men do it with close friends and family only. 

This traditional greeting is part and parcel of living here, where people more openly show affection than in other Western countries. If you aren’t sure of whether to enact a “bises”, let the local take the lead.  

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12. Parisians are very patriotic 

The French love their country and its culture,  and are one of the proudest nations on Earth. Parisians are particularly patriotic to the end and aren’t afraid to show it! 

Residents of the capital are incredibly proud of everything their amazing city has to offer, from rich historic to delicious food, and don’t take kindly to those who speak ill of their city or treat it poorly. If you love their city and their country, Parisians will return that respect. 

The French are also notorious for striking for a litany of reasons with little notice, which can throw a wrench in your plans, particularly if it affects transportation or public amenities.

It’s all just part of the experience of moving to Paris, and we are sure you’ll be just as proud of your new city as Parisians are!

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13. A lot of people in Paris still smoke

While many other countries across the world have seen smoking rates plummet in recent decades, the French are still renowned for their smoking, with 34% of its population identifying as smokers. This is a rise in numbers since 2005 when the rate was 29.9%. 

No matter how you feel about smoking, it’s important to accept that a lot of Parisians smoke and it’s just something you will deal with on the daily here. However, the city has made large strides since 2007 to make the city more enjoyable for non-smokers, including banning smoking and vaping in enclosed areas. 

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14. The French attitude to alcohol and nudity is very relaxed 

You may already be aware that the French “laissez faire” attitude also extends to societal themes such as drinking and public nudity.  

Since 2009, the legal drinking age in France has been 18. Before then, 16-18 year olds could drink beer, wine and cider. Today 16-18 year olds can have a drink if they are in the presence of adults. It is normal in France for a young person to enjoy a small glass of wine while dining with family. It’s all about moderation. 

You can also buy alcohol in most supermarkets and convenience stores, and public consumption of alcohol is acceptable in some areas of Paris, with a cut-off time in certain districts. Overall, the attitude to alcohol here is very relaxed, and the French have one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption in Europe, however most drink to enjoy the social aspect and not to get drunk. 

Regarding nudity, the French have long been the country most associated with body confidence and a willingness to show their bodies, and according to Forbes, “there is no national law banning someone being totally naked anywhere in France, but there is a law against disturbing public order.”

The most common place you can expect to find nudity out in the open in France is on the beaches. There are many beaches in France that are designated as nudist beaches, and here it’s totally normal to see women and men sunbaking and swimming topless or even naked. In fact, women can legally sunbathe topless on most beaches in France, with the exception of Paris-Plages in Paris. 

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15. Parisians may seem aloof on the surface

The French have gained an unfortunate global notoriety for appearing aloof, standoffish or even rude, and visitors to Paris often come away with at least one story of feeling slighted by a local. But this isn’t the reality, and getting to know Parisians will help you to understand them a little better. 

As we discussed in Point 12, the French are one of the most patriotic nationalities in the world. They love being French and are proud of everything their country has to offer and everything that makes them unique. Being the most visited country in the planet speaks to that. Parisians are forthright people, and this can appear to those visiting from countries where the “customer is king” as rudeness or unfriendliness. Sure, locals here can be impatient and blunt, but Parisians are busy people, and often those in the service industry aren’t treated particularly well. But don’t worry, not all Parisian waiters aren’t talking behind your back as shown in National Lampoon’s European Vacation and so many other comedies! 

As with anywhere, making an effort to be polite and to learn even the most basic French (and to speak it properly) will get you a long way. It’s all about showing respect in Paris, and Parisians are no less hospitable than people in other major cities across the world. 

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Are you an expat in Paris? What Paris culture shock did you experience? 

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