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Relocating to Paris
Moving to Paris from Canada is a unique international move. You will be experiencing life in one of the world’s most iconic cities, with its vibrant lifestyle, rich culture, and incredible cuisine. Planning ahead makes a big difference. Bekins Worldwide, using its decades of international move experience and expertise, is here to help you, with both the best time of year to move and what to expect on the day you move into your new residence.
The timing of your move significantly impacts your move in experience. While you can visit Paris any time of year, moving is a different story. The best time to move in is late spring (May-June). The weather is nice and you’ll avoid the peak tourist crowds, the stifling summer heat and issues caused by many Parisians leaving the city for vacation in the summer months. Avoiding winter, avoids the extra weather risks and costs. Lacquer finished furniture and oil paintings, for example, separate from their substrates in the cold. Weather delays can interrupt the unpacking and repacking at customs inspections. It’s always good to avoid potential extra delays and unexpected port storage costs.
Move-in day in Paris can be surprisingly tricky, especially if you’re coming from the wide open streets of Canada. First, many Parisian apartments are located in older buildings without elevators, meaning your furniture must be carried up several flights of narrow stairs. Second, Paris is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, so don’t expect the spacious layouts you might be used to in Canada. Third, be ready for paperwork. Securing a visa, a French bank account, and health insurance can be a bureaucratic challenge. Lastly, Paris streets are notoriously narrow and congested, and a special permit (i.e.a permis de stationnement) needs to be arranged for unloading on the street.
Parisiens (male and plural) and Parisiennes (female) are often stereotyped as aloof, however many are welcoming … especially if you make an effort to speak some French and respect their cultural norms.
( Note: You may also hear the colloquial term “Parigot,” which can have a slightly pejorative or affectionate tone depending on the context. )
To check the Weather in Paris… Click Here
More Help With Moving to Paris
• Cost Of Living in Paris
• City of Paris
• Government of France
• Vehicle Importation
• France Consulate – Vancouver
• France Consulate – Toronto
• France Embassy – Ottawa
To make a call to Paris
• Dial 011 (outside North America)
• Dial 33 (code for France)
• Dial 1 (Paris area code)
• Dial the local phone number
or the cell phone number
In Paris use 112 for emergencies.