Paris City Living: Would Your Life Be Better Lived in Paris?
City living from the top of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Paris is a most beautiful city, full of romance and nostalgia. Yet it’s a very busy city with a population of over 11,000,000 people. Many people dream of living in Paris, but does Paris city living appeal to you? And would your life, ultimately, be better lived in Paris?
Paris city living is like living in a museum. Rich in history, with a proud cultural heritage, amazing museums and world famous cuisine, Paris is a beautiful city bursting with life and vitality. But Paris is expensive, resulting in apartment living without the green space and privacy of a backyard.
Known for its culture, gastronomy, fashion and art Paris has long been considered a centre of intellectual and educational excellence.
But is city living in Paris really the best option for you? Read on and we’ll explore the many pros and cons that need to be considered on the way to making up your mind, one way or the other.
Table of Contents:
Paris Early History
You may well be thinking of moving to Paris. Well, you wouldn’t be the only one.
Paris can trace its history and habitation as far back as 7600 BCE. It’s long been regarded as a major hub, situated either side of the Seine, on important European trade routes.
But human interaction in the area goes back even further. In fact there’s evidence of hunter-gatherers in Paris dating back to around 8000 BCE.
A sub-tribe of the Celtic-Senones, known as the Parisii, settled on the banks of the Seine between 250 and 225 BCE. Parisii control lasted until 52 BCE when a Roman army defeated them and estabished a Gallo-Roman garrison town called ‘Lutetia’, likely deriving from the word ‘luta’ meaning marsh or swamp.
Once you’re in Paris it’s easy to immerse yourself in the history of this amazing city. Great museums that are well worth a visit include the following:
Louvre Museum
Musèe de l’Armée (Army Museum)
Musée de La Poste
Musée des Archives Nationales
Hotel des Invalides (commonly referred to as Les Invalides)
Muséum national d’histoire naturelle (The French National Museum of Natural History)
In addition there’s lots of tours to famous sites in Paris worth undertaking. Some notable options include the following:
Catacombs guided tour
Notre-Dame de Paris tour
Paris Literature Walking tour
Montmartre tour
Latin Quarter tour
While these sites are all on the tourist map, they’re also fascinating places for locals and for anyone considering relocating to Paris.
Of course the advantage for someone moving to Paris is that you have the opportunity to explore these sites, again and again throughout the year, free of the frenetic pace associated with most tourist schedules.
Geography of Paris
Roughly circular in shape the city is surrounded by beech and oak forests. These forests help to purify the air in and around Paris and provide wonderful retreats for those wanting to escape the crowds by getting back to nature.
Given its significant population, Paris itself is quite a small city. It’s only about 6 miles (10 km) from Notre-Dame Cathedral to the city’s boundaries.
Despite it’s relatively compact size there are 6,100 streets or rues in Paris, the shortest of which, Rue des Degrés, is only 5.75 metres long.
If you’re curious you can find Rue des Degrés in the 2nd arrondissement.
Fortunately, Paris is a very walkable city with its highest elevation reaching 430 feet (130 metres) at the butte of Montmartre, in the north of Paris, down to just 85 feet (26 metres) in the Grenelle area, in the southwest of the city.
During my own visits to the city I greatly appreciated the relative ease with which I was able to get around. While I wouldn’t call Paris flat, the relative walkability of the city certainly makes it easier to explore on foot.
Spectacular facade of the Academie Nationale de Musique in Paris, France.
Paris City Living | Life Inside the Museum
Visiting Paris is like entering a living museum. History is alive through the city’s grand churches, palaces and public buildings.
But Paris is not only one of the world’s most popular tourist cities, it also houses in excess of 11 million residents. Given all those spectacular religious and public buildings in Paris, there also has to be somewhere for people to live.
You can imagine everyday Parisians going about their lives with the same dreams and desires, and in much the same way as people living in other big cities around our world.
I wonder how many tourists think about that fact when they explore and photograph this marvellous city.
The concept of crowded city living was certainly front and centre in my own mind when I made this rooftop view, from atop the Arc de Triomphe, of apartment blocks and traffic in Paris.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and Around Paris
It’s no wonder that Paris and the surrounding region has four designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. But, to be clear, only one of these, the Banks of the Seine, is in Paris itself.
The other 4 heritage sites are all located outside of the city proper, in the surrounding region of Île-de-France. The good news is that these sites are all within easy reach of Paris and are as follows:
Palace of Versailles, declared a world heritage site in 1979
Fontainebleau Castle, declared a world heritage site in 1981
Provins, a medieval town, declared a world heritage site in 2001
It’s easy to spend a full day exploring either Versailles or Fontainebleau Castle and the extensive gardens that surround these extraordinary sites.
Just try to avoid visiting Versailles in the middle of summer, as I did. The amount of tourists visiting at that time of year are huge. That’s perfectly managable when you’re outside exploring the extensive gardens at Versailles. But inside the actual palace the crowds may simply be too much for you.
I know they were for me, and I quickly chose to exit the chaos and head back outside to enjoy the delightful and serene gardens at Versailles.
Likewise, the Banks of the Seine offer an easy and safe way for pedestrians to take in a range of famous bridges such as Pont Alexandre III, Pont au Change and Pont au Double, as well as iconic Parisian landmarks, including the following:
The Louvre
The Eiffel Tower
Place de la Concorde
Grand Palais
Sainte Chapelle church
Petit Palais
Passerelle des Arts
Together with a myriad of marvellous dining options, world famous live entertainment, beautiful parks and gardens, and over 100 markets you won’t be lost for things to see and do in Paris, the city of light.
An Unusual Perspective Brings Perspective to Paris City Living
The view from atop the Arc de Triomphe is fantastic, providing a grand 360 degree bird’s eye view of the surrounding area.
But it’s the closer, more detailed view of the buildings and architectural elements showcased throughout this post that speak to the beauty and history of this iconic city.
While I love the geometric layout of the buildings in the photo at the top of this post, it’s fair to say that seeing the world around you involves more than looking across a grand cityscape like Paris. It’s also important to look up when exploring historic sites.
You see the detail really is within the detail, and Paris is a city that’s rich in details. Needless to say, one great advantage of city living in Paris is the closer you get the more detail that’s revealed.
Saint Denis statue on the facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Paris City Living: Surrounded by Myth, Metaphor and Legend
Just take a look at this image of a headless bishop above one of the entrances to the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
I love the humor that’s explored in the scene. But what’s it all about, and who’s depicted in this somewhat macabre sculpture greeting people above one of the main entrances to Notre-Dame Cathedral?
The unfortunate individual depicted in this statue is Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris. Similar depictions of Saint Denis can be seen at the Pantheon, the Cluny Museum, Place Suzanne Buisson (a small park in Montmartre, close to the site where Saint Denis was martyred), and in a variety of other churches throughout Paris.
Back in the third century, when the city was part of the Roman Empire, Denis was executed on Montmartre, the highest hill in Paris. These days Montmartre is said to translate as Mount of the Martyr, in reference to the place where Saint Denis was executed.
However, it’s now believed that the hill was originally called Mons Martis during Roman times. Mons Martis means ‘Mount of Mars’, being a reference to Mars, the Roman god of war.
Either way Montmartre is a wonderful place to visit. Its elevated position offers excellent views over Paris, and it’s also the location on which the sublime Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre has been constructed.
Widely known as Sacré-Coeur, this Catholic basilica is an architectural icon in Paris, with a height that’s exceeded only by the Eiffel Tower.
Of course there’s what we know about Saint Denis, and then there’s the myth that surrounds him.
Legend has it that, after being beheaded, Saint Denis stooped down, picked up his head and walked on for 6 km before he finally died. The town, also known as a commune, where he’s said to have finally given up the mortal coil is now known as Saint Denis.
City Living in Paris: What You Need to Know
In addition to several visits to Paris, during which time I made the photos in this post, I’ve undertaken a lot of research to help you determine for yourself whether city living in Paris, for an extended period of time, is the best option for you.
While I hope this post helps you make up your mind, I’d encourage you to undertake your own research and, if at all possible, spend some time in Paris yourself, ideally at different times of the year.
As you’ll discover as you read on, weather can be an important consideration in your decision making process.
Paris Weather Throughout the Year
The climate of Paris is described as temperate, which makes life in the warmer months of the year very pleasant for residents and tourists alike.
Summers are most often short with the average July maximum temperature being around 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius). The average minimum temperature during July is 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
The best months to visit Paris are April, May, September and the first week or two of October. Being either side of summer, these times of year provide pleasant temperatures in which to actively explore the many delights Paris has to offer.
Winter, however, is cold, cloudy and often windy. January, the coldest month of the year in Paris, sees average temperatures of around 40 degress Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).
Minimum temperatures actually drop below freezing for about a month during winter, with snow falling on, perhaps, half of those days.
If you like variation in weather throughout the year and enjoy cold winters then you won’t be put off the above statistics. But, for me, I’d prefer a climate with more moderate temperatures throughout the year. In particular, I’d choose to live somewhere with warmer winters.
Of course, this is why many who can afford to spend a good deal of their retirement following the sun between two or more abodes each year.
I can certainly see the attraction in that and I find the notion of warmer winters to be very seductive.
How many tourists visit Paris each year?
If you’re thinking of relocating to Paris you’ll be sharing the roads, footpaths and public transport system not just with locals, but with huge amounts of tourists.
It’s estimated that over 50 million tourists visit Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region every year.
While that number dropped to as low as 17,400,000 during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s been moving steadily upward since and the projections for 2024 suggest it will, once again, reach 50,000,000 visitors a year.
I was interested to discover that, despite the huge amount of international tourists exceeding 21,600,000 in 2023, over half the visitors to Paris are domestic tourists.
And why not? The city’s palaces, monuments, historic buildings, museums, art galleries, theatres, bridges, boulevards and gardens, and the multitude of restaurants and cafes provide a plethora of options to delight the senses and stimulate the mind.
Are You Expected to Leave a Tip When Eating Out in Paris?
The bill you’ll receive in restaurants and bars includes a service charge. That means you’re neither required nor expected to leave a tip.
Having said that, if you’re happy with the quality of your meal and the service provided it’s okay to leave a tip. It’s completely up to you and, if you do, a tip of between 5 and 10 percent of your bill would be considered appropriate.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Paris?
Fortunately, tap water in Paris meets all EU regulations when it comes to water that’s potable. That means it’s safe for drinking.
However, when you’re out and about it’s possible you’ll see a water fountain with a sign that reads ‘eau non potable’. That means the water at that site is not safe for drinking, so do be careful.
Is Paris Safe at Night?
As to whether or not it’s safe to walk around Paris at night, it really depends upon which part of the city you’re likely to be in at the time.
For the most part the 5th and 6th arrondissements, known as the Latin Quarter and St Germaine respectfully, are usually considered to be safe areas to walk around late at night. The same is true for Gare De Lyon in the 5th and 12 arrondissements, and Montmartre in the 18th Arrondissement.
The fashionable Marais district, also known as SoMa meaning South Marais, in the 4th arrondissement is also considered to be a very safe area.
However, the same is not true for the 10th, 18th and 19th arrondissments. Be careful if you find yourself wandering the streets alone at night in these parts of Paris.
Needless to say, whether you’re in Paris for a short stay or planning to relocate to this large, cosmopolitan city it’s important to keep your wits about you when walking around at night and to avoid showing any excess signs of wealth.
If you’re a keen photographer, consider taking only a minimal amount of gear out with you at night and, if possible, replacing your camera bag or backpack with one that less obviously screams “expensive camera gear inside”.
Are French People Polite?
From my experience, with the possible exception of taxi drivers, French people are both curtious and polite.
However, your average Parisian may appear somewhat reserved and not as openly frank or friendly as typical Australian, British or Americans might normally be.
In relation to Parisian taxi drivers, when I found them to be a little curt or unhelpful I’d either leave them alone or find a point of conversation by which to engage with them.
For example, one driver I had happened to be from African decent, so I asked him about the music that was playing on his taxi’s radio.
The music was from Mali, the country of his birth. Once that was established we entered into an interesting conversation about Malian culture.
Over the years I’ve found that most folks appreciate it when you take an interest in their lives, including their cultural heritage.
These days a lot of people believe identifying someone with their heritage is rude. I can only say that, when it’s done out of curiosity rather than judgement or racial bias, I don’t see a problem, particularly when it’s obvious that the person in question may have immigrated quite recently.
Needless to say, as a traveler, it becomes a really interesting learning experience for me. What’s more, I’ve always considered travel to be more about the people I meet than the places I visit and the sites I see.
Rooftop view from atop the Arc de Triomphe towards Sacre Coeur Basilica.
Housing Options in Paris
Have no doubt, Paris is an incredible city. It’s been described as a living museum existing, somehow, outside of time. I made the photo at the top of this post from atop the Arc de Triomphe looking down on a cluster of Parisian apartments.
It's so different to my own background growing up in a small town in southeastern Australia.
The 3/4 acre (0.30 hectare) block, while rarely the size of the actual house and land package, came to symbolize the aspirations of most Australians who grew up in a house, owned by their parents, with a decent sized front and back yard.
Things have changed and that dream is no longer possible for many, particularly folks living in major Australian cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Buying a home in these cities is simply too expensive for most aspiring home owners in Australia.
Thank goodness for the Tiny House trend, which I’ve been following with interest for years. I believe tiny houses are going to offer hope to many, including young home buyers and those long stuck in the rental trap.
I also look forward to tiny homes being part of the solution for the long term homeless, many of whom exist uneasily on the fringe of our society.
But you’d be hard pressed to find, let alone afford, typical Aussie housing options in Paris. Almost certainly you’d find yourself living in an apartment and sharing access to one of the city’s wonderful parks and open spaces with locals and tourists alike.
According to the World Population Review the population of Paris in 2024 was estimated to be 11,276,000.
That’s actually quite congested living compared to Sydney, a geographically much larger city, which in 2024 had an estimated population of 5,185,000.
What’s Life Like Living in an Apartment in Paris?
So if you grew up in a house with the relative privacy afforded by a large front and back yard, be prepared for apartment living in Paris. And that means living without any green space of your own.
It’s worth noting though that Paris has some absolutley magnificent parks and gardens that are wonderful to visit.
There’s also great walking options along the Seine. However, be prepared to share these public spaces with other people, locals and tourists alike.
The good news is that, while most apartment blocks were originally constructed before the invention of the elevator, most now have added very narrow elevators into their infrustrature.
Just be aware these elevators are really petite, given the fact they had to be installed where the former narrow, spiral stairwells would have existed previously.
As space is extremely limited in these lifts, moving in and out of your apartment can be a tricky task. But at least you won’t have stairs to negotiate each and every time you go in and out of your apartment block.
One of many interesting stories I uncovered, while conducting research for this post, is the one about a Paris flat which was left unoccupied for 70 years, during which time the rent was continually paid.
When the renter passed away a painting by Boldini valued at over $2,000,000 was discovered inside.
Paris Rental Properties: City Living in a Very Competitive Market
Given the large amount of people who want to rent apartments in Paris, there are relatively few properties available. As a consequence, the market is competitive and the prices quite high.
Naturally, the closer you live to major attractions including parks, art galleries, museums and theatres, not to mention public transportation and great shopping and eating options, the more expensive you can expect rental property prices will be.
Some of the most expensive real estate in the world is located in the more historic neighborhoods of Paris. The 6th, 7th, 8th and 16th arrondissement are prime examples with the 6th arrondissement being the most expensive.
For the rest of us, the average monthly cost of a furnished apartment in Paris is as follows:
Studio apartment in the range from €900 to €1,500
One bedroom apartment from €1,500 to €3,000
Two bedroom apartment from €2,500 to €4,000
Three bedroom apartment from €3,500 to €5,000
Heating and Cooling Options in Paris Apartments
While it’s common for an apartment in Paris to have electric heating installed, central heating and air conditioning are rarely provided.
Likewise, while it’s reasonable to expect a washing machine, it’s very unlikely that a clothes dryer will be supplied if you rent an apartment in Paris. The good news is there’s a growing trend to include modern washer/dryer combos in apartments.
But, be careful as electricity prices are relatively high in Paris.
Your other option is to hang your wet washing on racks around the apartment. It’s not an uncommon practice, so you shouldn’t feel bad about doing so.
City living expressed by traffic around the Arc de Triomphe, Paris.
Transport Options in Paris
What’s driving like in Paris? Is that a question you’ve asked youself? I know I did.
Watching movies over the years suggested driving in Paris was a romantic, yet somewhat hazardous affair.
Well, I can testify that the road network in Paris is chaotic and not for the faint of heart. Not only that, major intersections like Madeleine, Magenta and Malesherbes are known as dangerous accident sites, particularly for cyclists.
Major intersections in Paris can also be tricky for pedestrians to cross.
Take the Arc de Triomphe as a case in point. The monument is actually situated in the middle of a large roundabout. With significant traffic converging from numerous directions and moving around the site, crossing those roads would be a daunting experience.
Fortunately there’s an underground pedestrian tunnel which allows for safe and straightforward access to the monument. You can access the tunnel from either the Champs-Elysée Avenue or the Avenue de la Grande Armée side.
For the most part major roads, boulevards and avenues lead outwards from Paris’s city centre to outlying suburbs.
You’ll find the Place Charles de Gaulle to be the mother of all traffic intersections. Historically referred to as the Place de l’Etoile (i.e., Square of the Star), this huge road junction is the meeting point of twelve straight avenues, including the famous Champs-Elysées.
While it’s possible to drive throughout France and many other European countries on a US or Canadian driver’s license, it’s a good idea to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).
Having said that, an IDP apparently also makes it easier for a local police officer to book you for any driving offence you might commit.
Driving Rules in Paris
Be aware that, on multi-lane roads and highways slower traffic is expected to move into the right hand lane.
Another important road rule worth remembering is to give way to any vehicle entering the lane you’re in when they do so from your right hand side.
In France, it’s mandatory to give way to oncoming vehicles on your right at intersections. You also need to give way to vehicles that have already entered the road surrounding a roundabout.
Needless to say, you also need to give way to emergency vehicles with sirens and/or flashing lights activated.
Not only is it a good idea to switch car headlights on when it’s raining, it’s also mandatory to do so when driving in France.
Car Parking in Paris
Both street parking and underground car parking are available in Paris. However, as traffic levels are high, it can be quite a challenge to find a casual car parking bay on a busy day in Paris.
If you’re looking for street parking there are two distinct price zones you need to be aware of. The central zone costs €4 euros per hour, while parking in the outer suburbs will set you back €2.40 euros per hour.
These fees apply between the hours of 8am and 8pm, and you can pay directly on site or via designated mobile phone apps.
Paris has twenty public car parks that offer hourly parking close to some of the city’s top tourist attractions. Some popular examples include the following:
Quai Branly-Eiffel Tower car park
Lagrange-Maubert car park Notre-Dame
For the internet savvy a number of these car parks are available in the city centre which can easily be booked online. Examples include the following:
Q-Park Daumesnil-Gare de Lyon
Q-Park Saint-Placide
Maine Parking Gare Montparnasse
Q-Park Marceau - Champs-Elysées
Q-Park Institut Judo - Porte de Versailles
Q-Park Paris Opéra Bastille
Q-Park Tour Maubourg
Q-Park Rivoli Pont Neuf - Samaritaine
Q-Park Philharmonie
Metro sign by the banks of the Seine in Paris, France.
What’s Public Transport Like in Paris?
Paris is covered by an extensive public transport system with fourteen lines criss-crossing Greater Paris, from east to west and from north to south.
When you enter the Paris Metro you need to choose between two distinctly different train lines: the Metro and the RER lines.
Paris Metro lines run, for the most part, within the city limits. They are identified as lines 1 to 14. Originally running from Saint Lazare station in central Paris to Olympiades station in south east Paris, the Metro 14 line now has seven new stations beyond Olympiades that connect the city centre to Orly Airport.
Once you’re at Orly Airport you can take the Orlyval, a light metro shuttle service, that provides free travel between airport’s 1-2-3 and 4 terminals.
From Sunday through to Thursday Paris Metro trains run from around 5:30am through until about 12:40am the following morning. On Fridays, Saturdays and on days before a public holiday Metro trains operate from 5:30am till 1:40am.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, and on the eve of public holidays, metro lines in Paris operate until 2:15am.
Frankly, I found the Metro and RER train systems difficult to get my head around. It would take a number of trips to do so, which is probably beyond what most tourists have time for.
However, if you were to move to Paris, then you’d probably be able to navigate the large and complex Paris Metro system reasonably well. But it will take time and patience to do so.
When it comes to changing lines Nation, Châtelet Chtelet-Les Halles, Paris Gare de Lyon and Paris Gar Montparnasse are stations that you may want to avoid.
These stations are massive in size, with up to 15 platforms, and it can be difficult and time consuming to find your way onto the right platform for the next leg of your trip.
Réseau Express Régional (RER) trains are five express underground train lines that connect the Paris city centre to surrounding suburbs. Trains on PER lines run each and everyday from 5:30am till around 1:20am the following morning.
PER lines are identified by letters. Lines A, B and C run between the city centre and the suburbs and to Paris’s CDG airport.
You can reach Charles de Gaulle airport from the city centre by train on RER B line.
Paris Metro Pass
You can purchase a 3-Day Metro pass or a Paris Visite travel card at any Metro or RER station. These multi-day passes help to minimize the amount of tickets you’ll have to purhcase and the overall cost of travel you’ll encounter on the metro while in Paris.
Costs for Metro passes in Paris are as follows:
1 Day €13.95 for Adults and €6.95 for Children between the ages of 4 and 11
2 Day €22.95 for Adults and €11.30 for Children between the ages of 4 and 11
3 Day €30.90 for Adults and €15.45 for Children between the ages of 4 and 11
Alternatively, the cost of a single ticket, which covers Metro, RER and bus journeys within Paris is €2.15.
It’s possible to purchase a ticket to travel on public transport around Paris via Apple Pay.
To be able to purchase your ticket in this way you’ll need the latest version of iOS and either an iPhone XS or later or a second generation iPhone SE or later.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to do so with either an Apple Watch Series 6 or later, or a second generation Apple Watch SE or later that’s paired with a compatible iPhone.
Bus Travel in Paris
The bus system also works quite well though, unlike the trains, it runs alongside cars on the city’s busy road system.
You can purchase bus tickets at any metro station and also at some newstands and tobacco stores.
The standard bus fare is one metro ticket, which is good for 90 minutes from first use, including transfers between bus lines.
Look on the front of the bus, above the driver’s cabin, or along the side of the bus for the line number and direction that bus is currently traveling along.
Be aware that you’ll need to wave to the driver to ask for the bus to stop, and remember to stamp your ticket or validate your pass when commuting around Paris by bus.
It’s also important to understand that bus services throughout Paris are somewhat limited in the evenings and throughout the day on Sundays.
Getting Around Paris by Taxi
It’s true to say that, of all the usual transport options available in Paris, the metro is the most popular. However, taxis and ride-hailing apps are particulalry popular in the evenings.
My own experiences traveling around Paris in taxis were quite positive. The only negative experience was having to stand out in the rain for over 20 minutes with a line of taxis parking, in a taxi rank, only metres away from me.
When I asked the taxi drivers why they wouldn’t take me, they all replied that they were on a lunch break. Needless to say, they refused to let me shelter in their cars while it rained.
Paris City Living: Fun and Interesting Facts
Do doubt most folks think that the term, the City of Light (‘la Ville Lumiére”) is associated with Paris due to how beautiful it looks, illuminated by artificial light, at night.
In fact the term was given to Paris during the Enlightenment, due to the city’s importance as a centre for education and intellectual pursuits.
By the way, did you know that in 2012 a Paris police report noted that there was only one stop sign in the entire city?
Located at the exit of a building company in the 16th arrondissement (a subdivision of a French local government department), the sign was removed soon after the report had been made.
Have you ever wanted to visit the enchanting Sacré Cœur Basilica? I’d certainly recommend you do, but be aware that doing so requires a climb of 270 steps.
It’s not an easy climb particularly if, like me, you’re carrying a heavy camera backpack and a sizeable tripod. But the view from the top is beautiful. And the interior of Sacré Cœur Basilica is simply sublime.
The same is true for the Eiffel Tower, unless you take the elevator, which I did. If you want to make the climb, prepare yourself for the 1,665 steps up to the top of Paris’s most famous landmark.
If you’re looking to earn some sort of mystical merit for your effort, then good luck to you. But, looking up from the bottom, I didn’t much like the thought of lugging all my camera gear up those steps.
Did you know that the Eiffel Tower was only meant to be a temporary installation?
Built for the 1989 World Fair, the structure was only planned to stand for 20 years before it was demolished.
Thankfully, the structure stayed and the Eiffel Tower is now considered to be one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
Most folks have seen the Statue of Liberty in New York, even if that’s just in a movie, book or magazine. Well, there are at least three replicas of the Statue of Liberty in Paris, including one located on an island in the middle of the Seine.
Now that’s something I didn’t know until after I’d visited Paris. It’s a pity, as it would have been fun to photograph at least one of these replicas. Particularly as my travels have yet to take me to New York.
City living under the domes of Sacre Coeur Basilica on Montmartre, Paris.
Conclusion: City Living, Where Space is A State of Mind
Life in Paris is so very different from my own upbringing, most of which was spent in a small, weatherboard housing commission home in a country town in rural Australia.
We were fortunate to be able to move to a beautiful home with a lovely garden when I was seventeen years of age.
But I left that existence when I moved to Melbourne, long ago, for a formal education in photography, 8 years employment at Kodak and many, many years working as a photography tutor at colleges throughout Melbourne.
It seems to me now that city living is, by its very nature, a place where space is a state of mind.
Paris would have to be the most beautiful mega city I've yet visited. Churches, iconic palaces, monuments and public buildings provide great subject matter for tourists wanting to document their visit through the photos they create.
There is so much to see that the opportunities for photography seem, almost, endless.
Paris really is one of those places where it would be ideal to spend three months or more exploring the city, documenting its rich history and expanding one's perspective.
I say that because travel isn’t just about where you go and what you see, but who you meet along the road. And the longer you stay in one place, the more likely you are to interact with interesting people, some of whom might well change your life.
It’s a significant decision for anyone, particularly those from outside of France, to relocate to Paris. If you’re planning to try city living in Paris for a year, whether that be for work, as an artistic retreat or a gap year, then I’d say it’s probably well worth the risk.
But if you’re looking to relocate on a more permanent basis, then I’d think very carefully before making the plunge. Certainly, having relative fluency in French would be a tremendous advantages. As would a healthy bank balance.
After all, while Paris is undoubtably one of the world’s most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities, it’s certainly not the cheapest. What’s more, to successfully live in Paris you’d need to be able to cope with all those people, many of whom are tourists.
Whatever course you decide to take, I wish you well. And if you’re yet to visit Paris, I’d absolutely recommend you do. It really is a remarkable and most beautiful city.
Here's a classic view, through an archway, onto a bridge and towards the medieval Church Of Our Lady, Bruges in Belgium. It's one of my favorite black and white photos. Nonetheless, you might be surprised to discover that it's also one of the most difficult photos I've ever made.