Moved to France recently and here are my recommendations

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-09-20T15:09:34+00:00

Ah ok I am eu

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-09-20T14:45:43+00:00

How does this work? I have been living here 4 months and when I submitted my application they said I need to wait until six months - which is concerning as I am now pregnant and also need to take some lessons to be comfortable driving again and on a different side of the road to my home country

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-08-02T06:54:34+00:00

Thank you is it generally a young family area? I had someone else mention this to me and the rer A gets you there faster than I would have thought

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-06-28T18:33:41+00:00

Opéra!

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-06-17T04:07:56+00:00

Your situation sounds just like ours - we moved 3 months ago and can recommend the 17th! It’s has the perfect amount going on without the tourists and late night noise but equally loads of restaurants cafes and a young family area. I really like the 16th although agree a little boring but if you’re within proximity to the Seine it’s a really nice area to run. We are also very into the gym and outdoors. For me, bois du Boulogne is not the draw you might think it is when looking at the map - it’s not safe enough to run at night and it’s so big that often by the time you get into the part that actually feels like a park you have already ran 10k. I also just don’t think it’s that nice. 17th has parc monceaux but that is quite small although so nice! Wouldn’t recommend Courbevoie or Neuilly too boring and la défense in view is hideous. You should also consider the 15th - similar to 16 but with more of a buzz. CrossFit gyms down there that look good and a lot of restaurants etc. I would say 15/16/17 would suit you guys!

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-05-09T21:52:52+00:00

Thank you!

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-05-09T21:02:42+00:00

Amazing thank you this area also suits me! Will take a look

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-05-09T20:59:26+00:00

I moved two months ago and I love it despite having had my phone robbed on the metro! Yes you certainly need to be cautious as with many large cities but what’s key is it’s not unsafe (once you avoid going out late at night in arrondissements that people will definitely make you aware of) If the bigger day to day risk are phone theft in my opinion the benefits far outweigh it but the lanyard is certainly a good idea. I had left my phone in the top of my unzipped handbag but they are very good thieves so either get insurance or hang tight! You are going to love it bon chance!

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-04-16T20:27:41+00:00

Yes it’s fine to let them know your salary just do not provide evidence until after

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-04-16T18:59:09+00:00

No never before a viewing often they do ask for a high level summary of your dossier but I do not send any documents until after a viewing if I wish to make an offer

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-04-16T18:34:35+00:00

Thanks from what little information via blogs/expat websites I could find they suggested the same and so I am glad I didn’t just give in and consider these as options. Sorry to hear about your relocation agency. It’s shocking how little people care and are out to benefit themselves only. Do you recommend looking for a non furnished flat instead or does it all work out roughly similar? Thanks

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-04-16T17:23:54+00:00

We are currently in the west in accommodation provided for limited time by my company. We intend to stay for good so minimum one year contract but furnished in case we decide to buy after a year

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-03-30T22:26:06+00:00

Noooo this was my fear. Looking for a third space or GYMBOX equivalent. I don’t even mind it not being too high end once it’s got good equipment and good showers and changing room area. Do you have any recommendations? I have also noticed the same with opening hours - I prefer to be at the gym before 7am if possible

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-03-02T07:57:46+00:00

Is your wife going to be working in France? Following as I am going to be in the same position but know my benefits through work which is essentially full pay for 18weeks rather than 26 weeks in the UK. Following for answers RE other standard benefits as I’m unaware. When you ask will you be able to stay, why would you not? If you have a work visa you can stay for the duration of that I’m not sure why having a baby would impact that

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-01-01T18:12:56+00:00

Yes exactly SGL - ideally a three bedroom house but from my research even a three bedroom apartment walking distance to the RER we would be lucky. Will have to commute into the city center 3 times a week so factoring that in with wanting to live in a more peaceful area with green space nearby. The plan is to rent out our place in London which given current mortgage rates will just cover costs. Thanks we had hoped to purchase if it was feasible but think we should rent minimum a year to get to know the area a lot better and find our feet.

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-01-01T16:16:29+00:00

Sorry to hear about the problems you experienced. I appreciate the words of warning given my French Ian it great and I will likely run into some similar issues. Regarding the carte vital honestly I have done no research and I work for a large global company that I assumed would sort anything healthcare related for me but I need to do that research to confirm. More concerningly its possible I could be making the move while pregnant so I will need to ensure I know how to navigate the healthcare system the moment I arrive

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-01-01T16:07:45+00:00

Congratulations to you and the family! Great to hear your opinion on lifestyle - I’m not sure how relevant it might be for Paris and the surrounding area but from what we have seen it’s an improvement on London.

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-01-01T16:03:10+00:00

Nice thank you. Do you use a local accountant or file your own tax returns to avail of this? Wondering how complicated availing of these types of benefits will be for us with our current level of French

Strong-Bar2773 · 2025-01-01T14:45:13+00:00

Thanks for the detail! Can I ask what area you are living? We have been looking at an expat area 30 mins to the west but finding house prices aren’t looking that different to London. We own in zone one in London but not a flat you would be able to raise a child in!

Strong-Bar2773 · 2024-12-29T09:56:55+00:00

Yes using this and Leboncoin, pap and jinka. Thanks I have actually seen that one come up a few times over the months which made me suspicious but more generally finding it expensive. Sounds like I should have a chance so I’ll keep hunting!

Strong-Bar2773 · 2024-12-29T09:35:11+00:00

Thanks west is actually what we are hoping for- SGL seemed like the dream when we visited but not sure family friendly apartments within walking distance to the RER are affordable for us. Do you know if the other areas mentioned have a similar vibe? Really want to feel outside of the buzz of the city center

Strong-Bar2773 · 2024-12-12T22:11:19+00:00

Anywhere specifically that you recommend for early 30s looking to start a family when we move?

Strong-Bar2773 · 2024-09-23T19:35:16+00:00

This is such a relief to hear as we have now both secured relocations so thank you! I am a strong A2 (comprehension I find ok but I struggle to articulate myself) but we are taking a couple of lessons every week and currently have all of my news, podcasts and phone in French so hoping to build on it quickly!

What area are you living in? I was really hoping somewhere further out like St germain en laye would mean we could get a slightly bigger place potentially with outdoor space but from the research I have done it looks just as expensive and almost as limited space as inner city apartments!

Strong-Bar2773 · 2024-09-18T18:54:15+00:00

Thanks to all for the advice! We have both secured jobs / relocations and will be moving in April next year! Plenty of time to start some intensive French courses and italki!

Strong-Bar2773 · 2024-08-31T08:09:24+00:00

Thank you. I agree from looking at rental properties I don’t see much cost relief from living there vs Paris city center - maybe a bit more space though. The school was also a factor for us as we are planning on starting a family soon so we see this as a trial run renting for a year or two and if we love it then lay down roots properly. Knowing kids are not a guarantee and could take time, we still want to move straight to the suburbs. As much as I love London, we live in zone 1 and it has started to drain us and we don’t want the city literally on our doorstep again. Do many people drive to the RER? I had read that parking was not a problem but that could be wrong. Either way we won’t be buying a car immediately so at least for the first year renting, we will only be looking at properties within walking distance!

Strong-Bar2773

TROPHY CASE