If you’ve never experienced a Paris canicule, it’s easy to underestimate it. Temperatures climb into the 90s or even over 100°F, and many apartments don’t have air conditioning. Those iconic zinc roofs in Paris that everyone loves? Beautiful until you realize you could literally fry an egg on them in the summer. Suddenly, that picturesque top-floor apartment doesn’t seem quite so picturesque.
I didn’t realize how American my childhood was until I started imagining what my son’s will look like in France. He’s going to grow up with a different set of cultural defaults: different routines, different rituals, different milestones. Not better or worse. Just different.
When we first began looking into childcare in France, we quickly realized that there are a lot of options and each one works a little differently. If you’re expecting a baby in France (or have recently welcomed one!), you’ve probably already started hearing unfamiliar words like crèche, assistante maternelle, and halte-garderie. The terminology alone can feel confusing at first! This guide walks you through the main early childcare options in France before children start school at age three, along with some pros and cons to consider when deciding what might work best for you.
A single tick in the wrong box on your visa application can get your French visa denied. Here are the most common visa application mistakes, plus the simple fixes to get your paperwork approved the first time.
While the French healthcare system is generous, it doesn’t cover everything. Dental work, glasses, therapy sessions, or a private hospital room? You’re mostly on your own unless you have a mutuelle, a top-up insurance that fills in the gaps in coverage. This guide explains exactly what the public system doesn’t cover and why a good mutuelle is essential to consider as an expat in France
Curious about the world’s largest flea market? Vibrant and historic, the Saint-Ouen flea market has a diverse range of offerings. For some, it’s a treasure trove of vintage finds and Parisian charm. For others, it’s a crowded maze that eats up half a day. So… is it worth your time? Let’s break it down—what to expect, how to navigate it, and how to decide if this Parisian institution belongs on your itinerary.
The idea of working for yourself in France can sound incredibly appealing—a flexible schedule, café meetings, and the charm of French life. But behind the romanticized image of freelancing abroad lies a very real set of challenges that every self-employed person in France must navigate. Here’s what it really means to be your own boss on French soil.
Sure, wine might be the go-to beverage of choice on the Parisian scene, but did you know you can also make your own gin just steps from the Louvre? Whether you’re a gin connoisseur or just looking for something totally different to do in Paris, this experience is a seriously fun and memorable find.
America, the land of the free! But how free are you if you can’t drink a beer in a public park?
Here’s a list of some things you can do in France that you can’t do in the United States.
Filing taxes in France for the first time can feel daunting, especially when you see the number of forms involved. If you’re feeling stuck and have questions about filing your French personal income tax return, here’s where you can get some help.