9 Questions to Ask Yourself If You Want to Move to Paris

Dreaming of Paris? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Making the Leap.

Since moving to Paris a few years ago I’ve gotten a crash course in French culture and history. But the most surprising subject has been the European Dream Industrial Complex (EDIC)—an industry of influencers and creators sharing la vie en rose without the full picture.

Every day (literally every day), I see in Facebook groups and on Substack people asking about moving to Paris to live their destiny or opining about how life is better in Europe.

I hope people can make their dreams a reality. And, there are advantages to living in Paris. But, like everywhere, it is real life. And moving abroad is not easy.

Here are nine questions to consider as you map out your Parisian dream.

1. How’s your French? No, really—how is it? France is protective of its language, and French is essential for daily life and most professional settings. Many French people speak English, but without the language, you'll struggle to fully integrate into French society.

The French Ministry of Culture states, "As a pillar of our culture, the cement of our society, and the 'world language,' French is our collective responsibility." Notice how the French language is considered foundational to the culture—a "collective" responsibility, meaning everyone has a stake in preserving it.

According to the Cultural Atlas, "The French people feel a deep sense of pride in their language as it is often closely linked to French identity." They're not kidding; the French language is taken very seriously here.

2. What’s your perspective on the proper role of government? If you’re American, you may be accustomed to a culture of individual rights and the idea that government exists to defend our inherent liberties and freedoms.

Fans of the hit musical Hamilton may appreciate Hamilton’s description, “The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for, among old parchments, or musty records. They are written, as with a sun beam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the divinity itself; and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power.” In other words, our rights are inherent, and the government’s job is to protect our freedom.

France, while also rooted in the tradition of natural rights, has interpreted this somewhat differently over the years. In general, the government has more liberty to regulate things like speech.

In particular, in the mid-twentieth century France adopted things like economic and social rights.

Here is an excerpt from the 1946 constitution, “It shall guarantee to all, notably to children, mothers and elderly workers, protection of their health, material security, rest and leisure. All people who, by virtue of their age, physical or mental condition, or economic situation, are incapable of working, shall have to the right to receive suitable means of existence from society.”

For those scrambling to their keyboard to say, “THIS IS WHY AMERICA IS FASCIST THEY DO NOT GAURANTEE MY VACATION OR RIGHT TO PUT MY KIDS IN DAYCARE.” Keep in mind a few things…

· There are waiting lists for France’s taxpayer-funded daycares and public housing

· France’s taxes and social charges are among some of the highest in Europe

· When the government grants you “health” and “material security”, so too, it controls those things

The degree to which you think the government should meddle in your home should be considered.

3. Are you a fan of boutique fitness classes or high-end gyms? This may seem like a niche question, but it's relevant. Paris does offer some options similar to SoulCycle or Pure Barre, though they’re less common than in America. If fitness classes are part of your routine, their scarcity could be a drawback—not necessarily a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.

And no, we do not stay trim and healthy by eating croissants and drinking wine all day. It takes work to maintain our health. In 2017, The Guardian reported, “At any given time, 80% of Frenchwomen are thought to be on a diet. In the south of the country, there’s a lively gastric-band industry (50,000 operations a year).”

4. How would you cope with spending major holidays away from family in the U.S.? Yes, it’s possible to fly back, but it’s costly.

You might find yourself spending Christmas, Rosh Hashanah, or other significant holidays far from those you love. Traditions often revolve around family, and being thousands of miles away means finding new ways to celebrate. According to the Pew Research Center, 73% of Americans say that time with family is one of the most important aspects of their lives.

Sure, it’s cool to have champagne and cheese during the holidays, but if you love pumpkin pie, corn casserole, and college football on TV, this will be a world away.

I make the traditional recipes, but Thanksgiving away from my mom and dad always comes with a small twinge of sadness.

5. Are you into cooking? In France, cooking at home is the norm. "In fact, generally speaking, they tend to prefer cooking at home rather than eating out on a regular basis," says Expatica, and they're right.

My husband and I cook dinner at home about five nights a week and usually have lunch at home on weekends. I once overheard two local women mention that they dine out only once or twice a month.

Americans, on the other hand, dine out as much as three times per month.

Wealthier expats, Americans retired in France, and influencers may tell you about their dining-out adventures, but it is not necessarily common.

PS- I grew up on a small organic farm and my parents are really good home cooks, so I was somewhat accustomed to this. Others may have a different experience.

6. What kind of career do you envision? Some expats are fortunate enough to run businesses remotely, but they must be legally registered in France and comply with French tax laws. They need something called a SIRET, or a license number, to signify that their business is legitimate in France and they are paying the social charges.

French corporate culture differs significantly from that in the U.S., with a more hierarchical structure. If you’re entrepreneurial and thrive on challenges, a traditional French company might feel stifling. According to Santander Investment, "Business organizations in France are characterized by a highly organized and hierarchical structure, so positions and power are clearly defined."

This isn’t bad or wrong, but it may feel surprising.

7. Are you relocating because you’re unhappy with recent election outcomes? Prepare yourself: French politics are as contentious as those in the U.S., and France faces pressing challenges like immigration, crime, and an aging population. No matter your stance, these are hot-button issues here, too.

If you want to leave America because it is “fascist” keep in mind that France almost elected a far-right government. Instead, they elected an antisemitic far leftist.

Also, roughly 80 years ago, France was occupied by literal Nazis. So, let’s use words mindfully.

8. Do you have sufficient savings to support yourself? Whether launching a business or job hunting, you’ll need a financial cushion. Even with a solid plan, things take time. Money might not buy happiness, but it does buy peace of mind—something you’ll need as you settle in.

This website recommends $10,000- not a small chunk of change. I recommend anywhere from 6- 12 month’s living expenses. It depends based on your situation—married, having a job already, already have a business, etc.

9. What’s driving your move to Europe? Amid rising costs, economic uncertainty, and widespread burnout, many Americans are disillusioned. I certainly was when I moved. But it’s important to remember that we bring ourselves—including our stress, anxiety, and insecurities—wherever we go.

Ask any Parisian: life here isn’t easy.

In a Facebook group for French professionals, a doctor’s post on burnout and depression sparked over 100 comments from healthcare professionals facing the same struggles. Moving to a new country isn’t a vacation. You’ll be navigating complex immigration laws, tax regulations, landlord-tenant disputes, and countless cultural differences.

The romanticized, Instagram-ready vision of life abroad and memoir fantasies—are just that: fantasies. There are wonderful aspects to living here.

I love the beautiful parks, fresh delicious food, and art museums everywhere. But it is extremely hard to build a new life, career, and make new friends.

One commentor on a thread wisely asked, “If your life in Europe is perfect, why do you need me to subscribe to your platform/account/publication where you tell me your life is perfect?”

If You Enjoyed This, You May Like:

Where Ya’ll From, B*tch?

America's Left-Right Mismatch

The Myth of the “Ugly American” In Paris

What do you think? Leave a comment, but be civil.