Lifestyle in Paris

The lifestyle in Paris is famously romantic and exciting and puts you at the heart of a lively capital where pavement cafés double as remote‑work hubs and weekend promenades along the traffic‑free Seine feel straight out of a film set. You will never run short of the hundreds of first-rate restaurants, some of the best shopping in the world and a stylish nightlife scene.

Best Things to See and Do in Paris

Nightlife in Paris

The City of Lights truly comes alive at night, with many distinct areas catering to their own type of night owl. Expats looking to dress the part and try their hand at getting into swanky high-end clubs should meander down the famous Champs-Élysées, a notable stomping ground of Parisian wealth and beauty. For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Marais and Bastille, which are host to a wonderful selection of bars and clubs and popular with the city’s international community.

For indie tastes that mix rock dives with electro and hip-hop spots, check the Grands Boulevards, which have a variety of great venues. Each 13 and 14 July, the legendary Firemen’s Balls spill onto neighbourhood streets, turning the city into one huge dance floor.

As a general rule, bars in Paris start filling up around 10pm and are open until around 2am, whereas clubs tend to pick up around midnight and continue until 4am.

If you want a uniquely Parisian night out, catch a cabaret show at the world-famous Moulin Rouge, located in the city district of Pigalle, or a production of l’Opera National de Paris at the Palais Garnier.

Shopping in Paris

Paris is a perfect destination for shopaholics, as it presents plenty of opportunities to peruse aisles and lighten wallets. Expats can browse the boutiques along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré for some of the best in haute couture, or stroll down the Rue Étienne Marcel for chic high-end fashion. Vintage lovers comb Le Marais for up‑cycled gems and concept shops.

The Champs-Élysées area is home to the famous Guerlain Parfumerie as well as several malls. Beneath the streets, Westfield Forum des Halles (the reborn Les Halles) features cheap knock-offs and trendy wares. There are several fantastic flea markets near the city gates to explore – Saint‑Ouen every Saturday to Monday and Vanves on Saturdays and Sundays – as well as open-air markets trading in fresh produce, flowers and clothing.

Eating out in Paris

Paris has plenty of restaurants and cafés to suit all palates, from bistronomie to street food. As one of the world’s culinary capitals, Paris is famed for its gourmet eateries. The city’s many pâtisseries also prove that food as an art form is alive and well.

The French are famous for their food, but those expats who’ve had their fill of croissants and crème brûlée won’t struggle to find restaurants offering international cuisines such as Chinese, Indian, Italian and Thai. Whatever cuisine you crave, you will find it within a short Métro hop.

 Expect lunch to start around noon and dinner tables to fill from 8pm to 10.30pm, with many modern bistros now running continuous service. Natural wine bars, food halls and time‑honoured cafés all keep the city’s palate busy.

Outdoor activities in Paris

There are plenty of outdoor activities in Paris that shine in every season. With a culture as serious about its leisure time as the French, it’s no wonder that Paris has plenty to offer those looking to spend the day outdoors. The city’s climate is highly seasonal though, so the outdoor activities available often depend on the time of year.

Jog or cycle along the riverside quays closed to cars on most weekends, or spin across town on a Vélib bike. Paris is home to many parks in which you can enjoy leisurely strolls throughout the year. Parc de la Villette is a particular favourite, as throughout the summer months a large screen is put up for Parisians to relax and watch classic films. The selection usually includes English as well as French cinema, and a screening can be a great place to enjoy a picnic. 

Come winter, swap blankets for blades at pop‑up ice rinks under the glass roof of the Grand Palais or outside Hôtel de Ville. Sports fans can watch Paris Saint‑Germain at Parc des Princes or catch rugby and concerts at Stade de France.

Meeting people in Paris

Making friends in a new city can be daunting, and meeting people in Paris works best when you share an interest. One of the best ways to start meeting like-minded people is to join a local club or meet-up group. Here are a few suggestions.

Joining a book club is the best way for book lovers to make friends in Paris. The Immigrant Book Club meets monthly to discuss contemporary English literature.

What better way to meet good people than by volunteering? Formed in 1985, ‘The Restaurants of the Heart’ is an association devoted to helping the poor, particularly in terms of distributing free meals, and they’re always looking for helping hands.

Joining a running club is a great way to stay in shape and meet people at the same time. Founded by marathoners and half-marathoners, Let’s Run Paris now trains for races starting from 5km to full marathons, and participants can join a variety of pace groups.

With over 50,000 members, Expats in Paris on Facebook is a great public group for expats to ask for and provide each other with help.

Useful links

• The Immigrant Book Club
• Les Restos du Cœur
• Let’s Run Paris!
• Paris Expats Meetup