About Life at ASP and in Paris Housing Finding suitable housing in Paris can take a considerable amount of time and may be a frustrating experience as many Parisians will be on holiday and therefore not available for viewing appointments. ASP has contracted the services of a relocation agency to assist new teachers in finding an apartment and reviewing the rental agreement.
ü 3rd + 4th – the “Marais”. A funky area that is also home to the Chinese/Gay/Jewish community. (Because of the Jewish Quarter, it is one of the few areas open on Sunday). Longer, non-direct commute. Mid-range rents. Part of the center, north of the Seine. ü 12th – good rents and decent parks. Shopping and nightlife. Longer, nondirect commute. By the Bastille, east/southwest of the center. ü 5th + 6th – the “Latin Quarter”. A more touristy area, but therefore has many restaurants, theaters and shopping as well. Higher rents. Decent commute, if in the north of the area. By the Sorbonne and Notre Dame, part of the center, south of the Seine. ü 7th – A more touristy area, due to the Eiffel Tower. Many expatriates live in the area, therefore English is used more. Higher rents. Decent commute. Part of the center, south of the Seine. Furnished apartments are the easiest to find and rent. Unfurnished ones have more legal red tape, longer commitments, and are completely unfurnished – there may not even be light fixtures!
It is advised that you do a little reading before arrival, so that you can get an overview of the different areas of Paris and the suburbs and have some focus for the apartment hunt. Some who move here believe that if you move to Paris, you should live in Paris. An apartment within the city limits offers more than one could do in a lifetime, with many restaurants, theatres, clubs, music venues, and shopping areas within an arm’s reach. Others find the suburbs more to their liking due to cheaper rents, a somewhat quieter lifestyle, and a better commute. Apartments in Paris are expensive. Rents generally start at €950 per month for a studio, and it can go up or down depending on where you live within the city. The range is about €1,100-€1,300 for an apartment with one bedroom. Paris has 20 arrondissements. Some of the most popular among the staff are:
Banking Although the relocation agency assists new teachers in setting up banking services, it is good to know some things in advance.
ü 15th - good location in regards to school and the commute. Reasonable rents. Southwest of the center. ü 16th - good location in regards to school and the commute. Higher rents. West of the center. Borders large park. No nightlife. ü 18th – somewhat longer commute. Reasonable rents to higher rents. Excellent nightlife. By Sacre Coeur/Montmartre, north/northwest of the center. Close to St. Lazare – a major train station.
You can have money transferred to your Paris bank account quickly if the issuing bank is directly affiliated with the receiving bank account so that money does not have to go through intermediaries. You should have enough cash/traveler’s checks/money on a debit card/credit card purchasing power to get yourself started. Even though you will set up an account right away, it may take time to get a
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