A Month in France: What It’s Like to Live and Work from Paris

A Month in France: What It’s Like to Live and Work from Paris

How about spending a month in France? It does seem attractive if you’re a digital nomad or remote worker who’s looking for a pristine destination to live and work in peace. When we talk of staying in France, most people would naturally gravitate towards living and working in Paris. After all, the City of Love stands out from many other global cities for its unique mix of business acumen, history and culture, art, fashion, food, and vibrant nightlife. 

Do you feel the same? If yes, here’s taking a look at what it feels like to live and work from Paris. 

Living & Working in Paris - The Practical Aspects

When you’re living and getting work done in Paris, it’s important to note a few practical aspects for a fulfilling stay. 

  • You’ll have to budget at least €800 to €1,200 per month if you wish to live in the city for longer stretches 
  • Expect about €35-50 per month in terms of public transportation costs
  •  Now, when it comes to entertainment, visiting nearby attractions, participating in activities, and other miscellaneous costs, keep about €80-200 aside for the month 
  • Food and grocery costs can hover between €200-350 for a month 

Of course, it all depends on the kind of lifestyle you lead while staying in Paris. Students and digital nomads/remote workers can usually manage with about €1,000 per month in Paris or slightly more, based on the location that they choose to live in. 

Getting the Right Accommodation in Paris

When you’re staying for a month in Paris, it’s vital to find suitable accommodation options for the trip. This is where conventional hotels and rentals can fall short, since they may be costly for longer stays and you’ll also have to stay cramped in a single hotel room. 

A good idea to enjoy your stay in Paris is to select a serviced apartment in your chosen location. This will offer separate living, dining, and sleeping areas with plush furnishings, high-speed internet, flat-screen televisions, and other features like balconies, terraces, 24-7 support, receptions, concierge services, and more. You’ll also pay considerably less than a hotel, while enjoying more space, privacy, and flexibility in the bargain. Maintenance, maid services, and other utilities are also bundled into these packages in most cases. 

Work desks, business centres, conferencing, and meeting rooms are among the business-friendly facilities offered at many of these serviced apartments in Paris. At the same time, several properties come with add-ons like complimentary gymnasium access, swimming pools, F&B facilities, lounges, and a lot more. Choose a reliable accommodation provider like TheSqua.re and book your apartment in Paris for a month online with ease. Don’t forget to compare amenities and the location carefully before choosing. 

Working in Paris- How It Stacks Up 

If you’re not just a remote worker, but are also attending your workplace periodically/regularly, here are some things worth noting: 

  • France has a standard work week of about 35 hours, with overtime for additional hours of work
  • There is a lot of respect for hierarchy/position at the office and professional interactions are also more formal and pleasant 
  • France workplaces are often about casual discussions and shared meals with colleagues, while the culture here is more about a balanced lifestyle. This enables ample personal and leisure time while working 
  • You should ideally choose an apartment that is situated near your workplace or major corporate/business zones along with stations and other transit points
  • Co-working spaces are readily available throughout Paris, along with other flexi-work arrangements 

Other Major Aspects Worth Noting

There are several other things worth noting if you’re living for a month in Paris. For starters, immerse yourself in the local culture as much as you can! The city is home to plenty of museums, art galleries, historical landmarks, and a lot more — with several long stay and short-term rental apartments in Paris available near major attractions. You’ll also love exploring the fabulous culinary scene in Paris, with all its bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and fine-dining joints. It’s not just authentic French dishes, but also some of the world’s best global cuisine that these eateries offer. 

Living in Paris is also about attending several concerts and events that keep taking place periodically, while you can also explore the beautiful gardens and parks for a relaxing break from the city bustle. The average temperature usually hovers around 21°C during the summer, while the winters are also mild. So, you should expect almost anything from sunny and bright days to the occasional spell of rainfall and even cooler climes. Once you land in Paris, spend some time getting your local SIM card, linking to the Wi-Fi at your apartment, and signing up for French classes if you can! It will help you get a hang of the beautiful language and enable you to live like a local. You can consider Alliance Francaise for classes or even hire a private tutor. You can also try Duolingo and various other podcasts. 

In case you’re looking make new friends and meet fellow expats, there are several expat and meetup groups available in Paris. Also, buy your groceries at local markets or stores to save money, while looking for affordable transportation cards for the metro network. 

Enjoying Your Month in Paris to the Hilt

Staying in Paris for a month will feel heavenly for the most part! The weather is mostly great, there are plenty of transportation options, and the quality of life is great. At the same time, it’s one of the best cities if you’re a fan of history, culture, art, food, fashion, music, nightlife, and basically everything else! However, there will be language barriers in some cases and you’ll have to get used to the city’s unique customs and traditions. 

But, nothing feels as surreal as this city’s insatiable zest for life, fine living, and of course, philosophy, creativity, and drawing inspiration from beauty. These are some of its defining traits and if you’re in sync with the same, then you can certainly make it in Paris for a month!