Where to hang your expat hat in Paris

Paris is one of the world’s favourite cities for tourists, and is especially sought after by expat professionals hunting for top jobs in an elite environment.

Last year, Paris received some 16 million visitors, most of whom were tourists attracted by its charm, beauty, fascinating history and reputation as the city of romance. In addition to tourists, a good number of expat professionals arrived to take on top-drawer jobs in this dream destination. Still seen as one of the planet’s most expensive capitals, Paris’s major attraction for expatriates is the elite lifestyle offered to those who can afford it. Location within the city is an important part of the desired lifestyle, with five districts famous for their luxury properties and upscale amenities.

The 15th arrondissement is found in the western part of the city and is a hub for tradition overlaid with innovation, with its two most famous areas Vaugirard and Necker set close to the Montparnasse high tower, several museums, theatres and well-known health centres. For green living, the 16th arrondissement is the place to go for its Bois de Boulogne and a breathtaking view of the city’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower. For expat families, the 17th arrondissement is perfect, set in the north-west quadrant of the city and offering green spaces, local shops and a plethora of typical French street markets crammed with fresh produce and gourmet delights.

The historic 11th arrondissement runs from the Place de la Bastille to the Place de la Republique and is crammed with upscale restaurants, bars and entertainments. It’s typically trendy, lively and totally urban. Set in the city’s inner suburbs, Hautes de Seine is a favourite with expat professionals living and working in the city due to its convenient business centres, selection of hotels and other aids to making a mark in the city’s commercial community. All told, Paris is everything expats want it to be, and most see it as the experience of a lifetime.