Discovering Paris (Department 75)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Paris (Department 75) is both a French department and the capital city of France. Located in the heart of the Île-de-France region, it is unlike any other department in the country. Although it is the smallest department by area, it is the political, economic, cultural and international centre of France.
Living in Paris offers access to world-class healthcare, education, employment, culture and transport. It appeals to professionals, entrepreneurs, retirees seeking city living, international families and anyone wanting to experience one of Europe's most dynamic cities. However, it also comes with a faster pace of life, higher property prices and the challenges of living in a major global capital.
Whether you're considering moving to Paris, retiring in Paris, purchasing a pied-à-terre, or starting a business, this guide will help you decide whether Department 75 is the right fit for your lifestyle.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Île-de-France |
Historic name | Historic County of Paris (within the former province of Île-de-France) |
Department number | 75 |
Department capital | Paris |
Largest towns | Paris (arrondissements rather than separate towns) |
Population | Approximately 2.1 million (over 12 million across Greater Paris) |
Area | 105 km² |
Climate | Temperate oceanic with warm summers and cool winters |
Best suited for | Professionals, entrepreneurs, international families, students, culture lovers, city retirees |
Is a car recommended? | No |
English-speaking community | Very large international and expatriate population |
Lifestyle summary | Cosmopolitan, fast-paced, diverse and culturally rich |
Why Choose Paris?
Paris attracts millions of visitors every year, but it is also home to people from across the world who choose to build their lives here.
Lifestyle
Living in Paris means having theatres, galleries, cafés, restaurants, parks, shopping and entertainment all within easy reach. Most daily errands can be completed on foot or by public transport.
Residents enjoy:
Excellent public transport
Countless cultural events
International communities
Extensive shopping
Beautiful public gardens
Vibrant neighbourhoods with distinct personalities
Community
Paris has one of Europe's largest international communities.
You'll find:
English-speaking social groups
International clubs
Business networking events
Sports clubs
Language exchanges
Expat organisations
Although English is widely spoken in tourist and business areas, learning French will make everyday life significantly easier.
Scenery
While Paris is famous for its architecture rather than countryside, its scenery is iconic.
Residents enjoy:
Elegant boulevards
Historic bridges
River Seine walks
Beautiful parks
Tree-lined avenues
Grand public squares
Each arrondissement has its own atmosphere.
Accessibility
Accessibility is one of Paris' greatest strengths.
You can easily reach:
Every region of France
Most European capitals
International destinations worldwide
The extensive metro, bus, tram and commuter rail systems mean owning a car is unnecessary for most residents.
Food
Paris is a paradise for food lovers.
Options include:
Traditional French bistros
Michelin-starred restaurants
Local bakeries
Fresh food markets
International cuisine
Organic food shops
Independent wine merchants
Culture
Few cities can rival Paris for culture.
Residents have access to:
World-famous museums
Opera
Ballet
Concert halls
Historic monuments
Art galleries
Fashion events
Bookshops
Cinema festivals
There is always something happening.
Property
Paris property remains among the most expensive in France.
Choices include:
Historic apartments
Modern developments
Luxury penthouses
Renovated studios
Family apartments
Riverside properties
Many buyers purchase smaller apartments as second homes or investment properties.
Pace of Life
Paris offers an energetic lifestyle.
Pros:
Endless opportunities
Excellent services
Career growth
Constant activities
Challenges:
Crowds
Higher living costs
Noise
Busy commuting during peak hours
Paris Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Excellent healthcare and culture, although costs are high. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Outstanding schools and parks but family housing is expensive. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ideal for those wanting regular city breaks and investment potential. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | France's leading business hub with excellent networking opportunities. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Superb internet, cafés, co-working spaces and transport. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Parks are plentiful, but countryside activities require travel outside the city. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | One of the world's finest cities for urban living. |
Popular Places to Live
Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements)
Description
A historic district filled with elegant architecture, boutiques and cafés.
Ideal for
Professionals
Second-home owners
Culture enthusiasts
Advantages
Beautiful streets
Excellent restaurants
Central location
Vibrant atmosphere
Things to consider
High property prices
Busy year-round
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)
Description
One of Paris' most prestigious neighbourhoods.
Ideal for
Retirees
Professionals
Luxury buyers
Advantages
Elegant surroundings
Excellent shopping
Museums
River access
Things to consider
Very expensive property
Batignolles (17th)
Description
A popular residential district with a village atmosphere.
Ideal for
Families
Young professionals
Advantages
Parks
Local markets
Strong community feel
Things to consider
Increasing property demand
Canal Saint-Martin (10th)
Description
A lively area known for cafés, independent shops and waterside living.
Ideal for
Young professionals
Entrepreneurs
Remote workers
Advantages
Trendy atmosphere
Good transport
Social scene
Things to consider
Can be lively late into the evening
Montmartre (18th)
Description
A historic hillside district famous for artists and panoramic views.
Ideal for
Creative professionals
Second-home owners
Advantages
Character
Stunning architecture
Village feel
Things to consider
Tourist crowds
Passy (16th)
Description
A quieter, affluent residential area.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Advantages
Green spaces
International schools
Safe environment
Things to consider
Premium property prices
Bercy (12th)
Description
A modern district with parks, shopping and excellent transport.
Ideal for
Families
Professionals
Advantages
Modern developments
Good amenities
River walks
Things to consider
Less historic character than central Paris
Cost of Living
Paris has one of the highest costs of living in France, although salaries are often higher to reflect this.
Property affordability
Property is expensive, particularly in central arrondissements.
More affordable options can sometimes be found:
On the city's eastern edge
In less central districts
In nearby suburbs
Renting is common among newcomers.
Shopping
Residents benefit from enormous shopping choice.
Options include:
Local markets
Supermarkets
Department stores
Luxury boutiques
Discount retailers
Competition keeps grocery prices relatively reasonable.
Utilities
Utility costs are generally comparable with other French cities, although apartment size and building age can significantly affect heating costs.
Eating out
Dining options suit almost every budget.
Choices range from:
Affordable neighbourhood cafés
Traditional bistros
International restaurants
Fine dining
Lunch menus often provide excellent value.
General value for money
Although expensive, Paris offers outstanding services, infrastructure and cultural opportunities that many residents consider worthwhile.
Healthcare
Paris has some of France's finest medical facilities.
Main hospitals
Major hospitals include:
Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière
Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou
Hôpital Saint-Louis
Necker-Enfants Malades
Cochin Hospital
Healthcare availability
Medical services are excellent.
Residents have access to:
General practitioners
Specialists
Walk-in clinics
Emergency care
Private healthcare
Access to specialists
Waiting times are generally shorter than many rural areas due to the concentration of medical professionals.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are plentiful throughout the city, with emergency pharmacies operating outside normal opening hours.
General healthcare considerations
Once registered with the French healthcare system, residents enjoy access to one of Europe's highest-rated healthcare networks.
Education
Paris offers exceptional educational opportunities.
Schools
Options include:
Public schools
Private schools
Faith schools
Bilingual education
Colleges and universities
Paris is home to many prestigious higher education institutions, including internationally recognised universities, business schools and specialist colleges.
International options
Numerous international schools offer British, American and International Baccalaureate curricula.
Language schools
There are hundreds of language schools offering French courses for beginners through to advanced learners.
Getting Around
Airports
Paris is served by:
Charles de Gaulle Airport
Orly Airport
Paris-Le Bourget (primarily business aviation)
Rail
High-speed rail links connect Paris with virtually every major French city and many European destinations.
Roads
Major motorways radiate from Paris, although traffic congestion can be significant.
Public transport
The city has one of the world's most comprehensive transport systems:
Metro
RER commuter trains
Buses
Trams
Cycle hire
Electric scooters
River transport
Is a car recommended?
No.
Most residents rely entirely on public transport, walking or cycling.
Weekly Markets
Town/Area | Main Market Day |
Bastille Market | Thursday & Sunday |
Marché d'Aligre | Tuesday–Sunday |
Président Wilson Market | Wednesday & Saturday |
Saxe-Breteuil Market | Thursday & Saturday |
Monge Market | Wednesday, Friday & Sunday |
Belleville Market | Tuesday & Friday |
Batignolles Market | Saturday |
Raspail Organic Market | Sunday |
Local Food & Drink
Paris showcases cuisine from across France alongside its own famous specialities.
Local favourites include:
Croissants
Baguettes
Paris-Brest pastry
Opera cake
Macarons
Croque Monsieur
Steak frites
Onion soup
Charcuterie
French cheeses
Fresh oysters
Chocolate pâtisserie
Drinks include:
Champagne
Wines from every French region
Craft beer
Artisan coffee
Traditional café culture
Things to Do
Historic sites
Eiffel Tower
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Arc de Triomphe
Panthéon
Sainte-Chapelle
Outdoor activities
Seine riverside walks
Cycling
Running routes
Parks
Boating
Public gardens
Museums
Louvre
Musée d'Orsay
Centre Pompidou
Rodin Museum
Picasso Museum
Festivals
Bastille Day celebrations
Paris Marathon
Nuit Blanche
Paris Jazz Festival
Christmas markets
Nature
Bois de Boulogne
Bois de Vincennes
Luxembourg Gardens
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc Monceau
Family attractions
Jardin d'Acclimatation
Cité des Sciences
Paris Aquarium
River cruises
Science museums
Nearby Disneyland Paris
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
While English is widely spoken in tourism and business, everyday administration is conducted in French. Learning the language will greatly improve your experience.
City living
Life is fast-paced, and apartments are generally smaller than many newcomers expect. Storage and outdoor space can be limited.
Internet
High-speed fibre broadband is widely available, making Paris an excellent location for remote workers and digital businesses.
Tourism
Popular areas remain busy throughout the year, particularly during the summer, major sporting events and holiday periods.
Climate
Paris experiences four distinct seasons with generally mild winters and pleasantly warm summers. Heatwaves can occur during July and August.
Community life
Although Paris is a large city, neighbourhoods often have a strong local identity. Joining clubs, language exchanges or local associations is one of the best ways to build friendships and settle into life.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
Find Places to Visit as recommended by readers
Some of the best places in France aren’t found in guidebooks — they’re discovered by people who live here, love it here and know where the magic is. Explore places recommended by our readers, from hidden gems and beautiful villages to favourite markets, cafés, beaches and unforgettable days out. Who knows what you’ll discover?
Find Properties for Sale, Rent, Winter and Summer Holiday Accommodation
Your next chapter in France could be closer than you think. Explore our Property Hub for homes, holiday properties and opportunities from local property partners across France. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move, a place in the sun, an investment or simply somewhere to escape to, go on — have a look. Your French property might be waiting.
Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
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