Language

As a young mother with a lively toddler and married to a very busy executive, I often felt lonely and disconnected in a foreign land, far from my family and friends.

Fortunately, I quickly found a solution by enrolling in French lessons with a private tutor, which allowed me to progress from beginner to advanced proficiency in no time.

Weather

Most of the year, Parisian weather tends to be cold, gray, and somewhat dreary, affecting my mood and mental state, leading to occasional feelings of sadness.

However, the summers in Paris are delightfully warm and dry. Regrettably, we missed out on enjoying the summer weather as we often took trips to neighboring European countries during that season.

Driving vs. Public Transport

One significant mistake we made was not getting a car, which meant we relied on public transport for journeys beyond walking distance from our home.

Navigating Parisian public transport, including the metro, RER trains, buses, and trams, proved challenging, especially with a spirited toddler. We occasionally opted for taxis when necessary.

The experience became even more complex when I became pregnant with my second child, necessitating two bus rides or an RER train and a metro to reach the American Hospital for routine prenatal check-ups.

Driving in Paris was a nightmare; therefore, opting not to own a car seemed sensible at the time.

Shopping

Despite the challenges, my time in Paris was filled with cherished memories, particularly the joy of shopping along the beautiful boulevards at renowned department stores like Galleries Lafayette and Printemps.

I often grabbed a pre-made sandwich from Marks and Spencer’s grocery department for a quick lunch while indulging in some retail therapy.

Favorite Time of Day

My favorite part of the day was dropping my son off at the local école maternelle (French preschool) in the early morning.

At that hour, the streets were mostly empty, populated only by other parents, shopkeepers sweeping the sidewalks, elderly ladies with their dogs, and delivery trucks making their rounds. It felt like the city was all mine.

Parks and Playgrounds

Paris boasts a wealth of stunning parks and gardens. My child and I would often buy a fresh baguette and a chocolate croissant from local boulangeries and patisseries.

We would enjoy our sandwiches and pastries on a park bench while observing the ducks and geese.

Many afternoons were spent at the many local playgrounds where my little one would play on the slides and in the sandbox while I enjoyed a book. It was a delightful way to spend the hours.

We lived close to Parc Andre Citroen, which is situated near the River Seine.

I fondly recall one occasion when my husband and son had the chance to ride a tethered hot air balloon in the park. My son, just four at the time, still remembers that magical experience.

American Library in Paris

We loved visiting the American Library in Paris, a treasure trove of resources.

My son and I could easily spend hours exploring the library—Europe's largest English-language lending library—before checking out piles of books to enjoy at home.

Historic Sites and Restaurants

With my toddler snug in his stroller, we enjoyed leisurely family walks around the city. On weekends, we explored the countless museums and monuments scattered throughout.

Our favorite spots included the Eiffel Tower, the Rodin Museum, and the Bois de Boulogne. My husband and I even attended a company holiday party at the Musee Carnavalet.

We were fortunate to experience a scenic evening cruise on the River Seine, where the city transformed into a breathtaking spectacle under the night sky—a true “pinch me” moment.

The vibrant energy of this bustling metropolis was intoxicating, and I cherished every moment of living in the French capital.

We reveled in the culinary delights of ethnic restaurants and admired the charming architecture and picturesque views.

I must admit that walking on the cobblestones left our feet sore, but it was a minor inconvenience for the privilege of living in such a historic place.

Final Thoughts

Living abroad as an expat brought about a myriad of new challenges for our family. Yet, looking back, we feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to reside in such an iconic city!

What’s your favorite travel destination? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

You may enjoy more of my travel stories here:

Further Reflections on Living as an Expat in Paris

Living as an American Expat in Paris in the early aughts was the experience of a lifetime

Reminiscences of New York City at the End of the 20th Century

Those were the good old days