Relocating to Paris: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
Paris has been a chosen destination for expats for many years and it's no surprise that it attracts eclectic types such as artists, dreamers and those just seeking something new and exciting in life. There is a lot of beauty in this remarkable city but there is also a famous French saying that for a woman to be truly beautiful, she must also at times be truly ugly. The same can be said for the French capital. Before you start packing your bags, here are some of the good points and not-so-good points about calling Paris home.
A Rich and Remarkable History
Paris is one of the richest cities in the world when it comes to culture and much of this comes from the city's history. Paris is full of museums with the iconic Louvre being home to some of the world's most loved and celebrated masterpieces. The city also has some iconic and unique architecture that you won't see anywhere else in the world. Think of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, just to name a few.
On the downside, these landmarks and much of the surrounding areas are also very touristy and this means you will often need to worm your way through crowds and it may be months before you can experience these places for yourself.
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A Foodie's Paradise
When we think of Paris, we often think of the best cuisine in the world. After all, Paris is full of cute little cafes and bistros as well as several Michelin Star restaurants. No one does fresh food cooked to perfection quite like the French and you will hear your tastebuds sing with every bite.
On the downside, the food can be quite expensive and, in some cases, out of budget for most people. However, there are many cheaper options available from Paris' many bakeries and to get the most authentic taste of Paris, you can't overlook the street food vendors.
Finding A Place to Live
Most of the apartment buildings in Paris are quite old with an old-world charm that many people adore. While many have been refurbished on the inside to include some modern touches that have made life easier, the exterior is usually untouched or maintained to the original appearance so that the landscape that is Paris remains.
On the downside, accommodation in Paris is more expensive than in many other places in Europe so if your budget is limited, it may be quite difficult to find a place that is habitable as well as affordable. Don't despair! The right platform has filtering options so you can choose the type of accommodation you are looking for that is within your price range.
Everything is Within Easy Reach in Paris
Paris is a vibrant city that has some beautifully quaint neighborhoods with parks to walk around and picturesque streets lined with street lights that further add to the city's charm. Public transport is also very efficient and will easily get you to anywhere within the city you need to go and beyond. You can enjoy a trip to a museum in the morning and take a stroll along the banks of the Seine in the afternoon before catching a show in the evening. Most of the administrative offices are also within easy reach as well as banks, post offices, and anything else you need.
On the downside, bureaucracy is challenging in Paris so even applying for the simplest of services can take a lot of time and it can be pretty complicated, especially if your French language skills need work.
If you're willing to endure a few hardships at the beginning of your life in Paris, you can still have a wonderful life in this fabulous city. Once you get to know the people and the best places to shop or hang out, the pros will far outweigh the cons and you'll settle into your new life with ease.
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