Archive for category: Expat Insights

Heidi Parsont founded TorchLight, one of the Washington D.C. area’s leading marketing and communications recruiting and staffing firms, in early 2012. She built the company from a startup in 2012 to a nearly $6 million-dollar company in 2018. Currently, she manages business development, growth strategy, and finance for the company. Heidi relocated to the Paris suburbs with her family in 2019. Parisianguide caught up with Heidi to discover why she decided to relocate to Paris and to hear about how she coped with an international family move whilst continuing to run her successful company. 

Can you give us a little background about why you decided to move from Washington DC to Paris?

My mother-in-law grew up in Paris during WWII as a Jewish child. Forced to leave Paris, she and her sister were ‘hidden children’ in Chabanais, France, for more than six months. Fortunately, along with her parents, she and her sister survived. The family emigrated to the US in 1949 to start their new lives. My husband has dual nationality – French/American – because his mother is French. Our children, 12 and 13, also have dual nationality. We have always wanted our children to better understand and appreciate their heritage and their grandmother, who is now 85.  We decided that the middle school years would be a good time to relocate as most people do not speak highly of those times. I own a business in the US that operates 100% remotely so I can work anywhere. Although the children love their grandmother very much and wanted to understand their own heritage, they were very upset about moving to a new country and starting over.

Why did you choose the western suburbs as your home?

Originally, when we first discussed the idea, we wanted to live in Paris. But the kids revolted and once we saw the rental prices, so did we! In addition, we live in the D.C. suburbs so it was an easier transition to the suburbs than central Paris. We are all glad that we chose the suburbs as it’s easy to get around with public transport but we can also still have a car which gives us some flexibility. It’s closer to their school and life isn’t all that different towhat it was, at least before COVID.

What were the most difficult things about moving to France?  

Since we were moving rather than relocating with a company, some of the ‘simple’ things were the hardest. We needed to rent a place and were sponsoring ourselves – we didn’t have the ‘dossier’ that potential landlords wanted.  We also needed to open a bank account as a first step to renting a house. It was a bit of a chicken and egg game as we couldn’t get one without the other. We hired a relocation company to help us open the bank account. The rental property proved a bit more difficult but we finally found a landlord willing to take a chance on us. However, in order to approve the rental, we had to provide a large deposit which was very difficult. The relocation company helped us negotiate the lease, for a fee, once we were here, and it all worked out.

How would you compare your Paris neighbourhood to your area in Washington, DC?

The food choices are much better in Croissy and the surrounding areas with all the markets and specialty shops like the butcher, bakeries, cheese shops, etc.  Our access to the city (Paris/D.C.) is similar and takes a similar amount of time with public transport. Croissy is 10% of the size of our hometown of Alexandria, VA (at 110,000 ppl).  Due to its size, we had more activities, events, sports, and restaurants in Alexandria. However, I like living in a small town and it’s nice that people in town recognize me even though we’ve been here only a year. The dog also really likes walking along the Seine without the crowds. We have a river in the D.C. area but it’s not close to our house and the path along the river is always crowded. In Croissy, many of the houses, including ours, are gated with high fences. This is very different from our neighbourhood in Alexandria or the entire D.C. metro area where fences are much lower and there is less privacy.  We also do not park on curbs in the D.C. area (or anywhere in the US for that matter)! We have driveways and curbside parking.

What are some of the Parisian things you fell in love with?

I want to answer ‘everything’ because I love most things about living in France.  I like being so close to my favourite city. I like being able to easily see some of the world’s most famous art at a moment’s notice and take walking tours through interesting neighbourhoods. I like being able to eat falafel at L’As du Fallafel. I like walking along the Seine in Paris and watching the people kissing on the bridges. I like that we can take the train five stops and be in central Paris. I also am so thankful for pain aux raisins and baguettes! I smile every time I put a euro in a shopping cart/trolley because then people always return the carts to their proper places!

What were the main difficulties you encountered in the adjustment process? How did you overcome these?

As with many things in France, things never go as smoothly as you hope. I’m not used to people not wanting to help when it comes to customer service. In the US, customer service is a top priority so it has been frustrating. Air France lost one of my bags at CDG and despite having Platinum level status, they didn’t care.  I called them 4 days in a row with the same response before Delta intervened to get them to call me and let me know they found my bag. I’ve had to be more patient and realize that things just don’t happen as quickly and sometimes you need to do something 3-4 times before it is done. Also, there is much more bureaucracy here. It’s harder to do menial tasks like mail a letter. Post offices close a lot and I often find myself unable to buy a stamp. I’ve also noticed that websites in the US run much more efficiently and have a better user interface than in France. I’ve had to use Google translate to help me and ask for help from French speaking people when I still can’t figure it out. And the translation often leads to challenges actually buying or booking the things I want!

How did you manage running a business in the US remotely?

It was actually very easy until COVID.  I travelled back and forth every 1-2 months for a week but since we were fully remote before COVID, I was able to keep up with my staff and clients. I work East Coast hours so I’m working when they are. It’s more difficult now with COVID because I can’t travel as freely but also now everyone is remote and using Zoom so no one cares where I am so that is easier. I never have to miss a meeting again!

How did you deal with the language barrier?

Fortunately, my husband is fluent or else we wouldn’t have been able to move here. He took care of all the administrative issues including successfully getting our carte vitale in a record 4 months! I had taken 9 years of French in school and college but I was very rusty so I’ve spent months going to a weekly French speaking group and taking a weekly private lesson. I’m improving and understand a lot but I’m not quite there. I’m proud to say that at least I’m at A2 so I’m no longer a beginner!

Have you picked up any Parisian habits you will take on into your Washington life?

Probably the most important thing I’ve learned is to slow down and enjoy life. In the US, I feel like we are constantly running from activity to activity.  But France is slower, and with everything closed on Sundays, we are almost forced to take a pause. We are now very accustomed to Sunday meals together and enjoy the opportunity to get out and see the sights or visit friends. It’s a welcome change.

What touristy things did you enjoy most about living in France?

I love being in the middle of Europe and being able to travel at a moment’s notice. Prior to COVID, we were able to see so many new cities and places. I also really like the people – when you are outside of Paris, it is easier to get to know your neighbours, especially when your husband speaks French!

What would your main advice be to readers contemplating a Paris move?

Give yourself as much time as you can to plan. And if you don’t have time, hire a relocation specialist to help. We decided to use a relo company for some very specific things that we knew would be more complicated – opening a bank account, negotiating the lease, and setting up our utilities. This saved us so much time and so many headaches.  We were able to enjoy things sooner because we weren’t fighting each of these. Also, if you don’t know French, try to take some basic lessons so that you at least have a foundation. It just helps. It really does. And most importantly, plan for the unexpected. That’s a constant.

A View of Expatriate Life in Paris by Amy Thomas

Parisian Guide talked to Amy Thomas about what it was like to forge new beginnings in the most romantic city in the world.

As an associate creative director for Ogilvy & Mather, she was recruited in 2009 to work on Louis Vuitton’s digital advertising. In addition to gleaning two years’ worth of delicious memories, Amy has managed to write a book about her experiences, Paris,My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate).

Aside from contributing to publications such as the New York Times, New York Post and National Geographic Traveler, she also maintains two blogs: www.godiloveparis.blogspot.com and dessertfordinner.com (Photos by Lindsey Tramuta)

What made you move to a new city? What made you choose the French capital?

I had a years-long love for and obsession with Paris. When the opportunity to move there for my job walked through my door, I was all too happy to say yes.

What were the most difficult things about moving here?

Leaving my friends and family. Leaving comfort and security. Fear of the unknown.

What was the first Parisian thing you fell in love with?

The sound of an ambulance. I was 19, it was my very first day in Paris – I spent a semester at the AmericanUniversity of Paris – and when I heard the siren, I knew I was very far from home.

How did you cope with homesickness?

I blogged.  And ate sweets.

How did you go about building a community of friends in a new city?

The great thing about moving to a new city is that you have to put yourself out there like you normally don’t. I was more open to joining language or expat groups, being outgoing, chatting with people and giving everything a try at least once. You stay busy, but it’s not always fulfilling – you’re connecting with people based on one interest rather than on a ‘soul to soul’ connection you have with friends.But I did get there. In my second year, not only meeting friends through other friends and at my job, I met a whole community of expat bloggers who were just wonderful. I’m still very close to a handful of them.

How did you deal with the language barrier?

You just try your best. I studied the language. I always tried to speak in French, whether at a store, restaurant, on the bus, at the office. You just have to overcome your fear of sounding dumb and study and try!

What is one thing that every expat should do in Paris?

Whatever speaks loudest and truest to them—Paris is a different feast for everyone.

What were the best and worst things that you discovered?

The worst: how positively blasé the French can be – shrugging their shoulders, impassive face, peu important. The best: they really do pursue pleasure – there’s so much for Americans to learn there!

What touristy thing would you love to do but haven’t yet?

Paris Authentic. It gives tours in those old 2CV cars and I just love the idea of being driven around the city. Paris is such a walking city, and I love roaming and Velibing, but it would be such fun to be chauffeured around while seeing the sights!

Any money tips or advice for new expats in France?

If you’re keeping funds in the US, find a bank that won’t charge you for converting dollars and euros and vice versa. Similarly, restrict your ATM and credit card usage as the fees can be crazy.

Would you mind sharing some of your favorite places?

Rue Montorgueil, a wonderful pedestrian street, for its food shopping and people watching. Nearby, I love Experimental, one of the very first cocktail bars in the city, which has fabulous drinks and bartenders. There’s a lunch chain called Cojean that I love for its easy, healthy sandwiches and salads. Café Flore and Café La Palette, both in Saint Germain, are quintessentially Parisian. My favorite chocolates are from Jean-Paul Hévin, and at the top of my pastry list is Du Pain et des Idées, Stohrer and Boulangerie Julien.

How would you contrast Paris and New York? How are they the same and in what ways are they different?

Each city is so seductive for its own reasons. New York has scale, energy and passion. Paris has grace, romance and history. New York, for instance, has skyscrapers, lofts, Central Park, yellow cabs, Grand Central, FDR, Brooklyn Bridge and never-ending avenues. On the other hand, Paris has La Tour Eiffel, the Seine, the grand plane tree-lined boulevards, hidden courtyards, the Vélibs and hôtel particuliers. As for places to eat and drink, New York has everything from bakeries, delis and pizza joints to cocktail dens, mega-restaurants and pretzel carts. Paris, meanwhile, has comptoirs, chocolatiers, patisseries, boulangeries and outdoor markets. The differences are dramatic, but both cities appeal to people for their architecture, food, fashion and art.

Where can one find the best French food in Paris?

Just about anywhere – all the specialty shops. I love the salads in cafés and a good old Nutella street crêpe. Some of my favorite restaurants include La Régalade Saint Honoré, Café Constant, Bistrot Paul Bert, Chez l’Ami Jean, Derriere and Le Verre Volé.

You have a very important guest coming over and you have to take him or her to somewhere  quintessentially Parisian. What’s the first place that comes to mind?

Luxembourg Gardens. They’re so iconic. They’re regal yet relaxed and scream “Paris” to me.

What should expats know about the locals?

Paris is the most visited city in the world. The locals, understandably, can be nonplussed about the “foreign invasion.” Be self-aware: at least try to speak their language and practice – or  at least respect – their customs, such as politesse and dress codes.

Can you name a fellow Parisian you’d love to share a drink with?

Alex Lobrano, the journalist and author of Hungry for Paris. I met him at a reading once. He has a warm, relaxed disposition, but he’s positively worldly and plugged in. I’d love to talk to him about dining in Paris and all of his European travels.

You’re surviving on your last 30 euros. How would you spend it?   

I’d create my own moveable feast. I’d walk and walk and walk—maybe start in the fourth arrondissement, cross over to the 12eme, 11eme and 10eme. I’d stop in boulangeries and patisseries for pastries and une demi-baguette. I’d get a Nutella crêpe somewhere along the way, some chocolates, and perhaps une tranche of quiche and then have a quiet little picnic along the canal, amidst all the bobos doing the same.

List 5 things that should be in one’s Paris survival list.

Plan of Paris, Converse, a bike helmet, Skype, and a sense of humor. 

 

 

As an expat, we are often without our families for the holidays, friends for the celebratory drinks or even just familiar surroundings that offer comfort. We may have chosen the life less ordinary living in another country but with that comes extraordinary experiences. Celebrating the holidays far from home is bittersweet yet it can also be exciting and stimulating to discover new traditions while meeting new people.

In Paris, the city simply wows us with lights and a holiday spirit that attempts to make-up for a year of big-city attitude. By taking advantage of its diversity, you’ll find that you can have a cheerful holiday even away from home. Here are a few suggestions within the capital to get you started:

ICE SKATING ABOVE GROUND

Both kids and adults can have their choice of ice skating venues all over the city. Right by Hotel de Ville, the esplanade in front of this majestic building turns into a skating rink each winter. If you’ve never tried the sport, it is a good place to start with an area dedicated for kids and beginners. Bring your own equipment to skate for free or rent a pair for as little as €6. If you’re looking for slightly more space to practice those jumps and turns, why not check out the Grand Palais which offers 2700 square meters of skating bliss making it the biggest indoor rink in the world. Alternatively, the Patinoire de la Tour Eiffel takes the sport to new heights with an ice rink 57 meters above ground. This allows you to enjoy the sport and the view on the Eiffel’s first level all at the same time. More details on the various venues here (in French)

A SNOW PARK IN THE CITY

A ski station right smack in the middle of Paris? Why not. We certainly do not get much snow around these parts but at Charlety sur Neige, your kids can enjoy a proper winter with a snow park and sledding ramps. Kids can also try a beginner’s high ropes course (accrobranche), trampolines, a snow playground, carousels, and ice skating – all for free! A miniature golf course and a video game area are also on offer for those who would rather keep the little ones off the snow. Check here for more details on activities and opening hours.

UP UP AND AWAY

Whoever says that Ferris wheels are for kids, certainly has never tried the Grande Roue de Paris. The big wheel is back at the Place de la Concorde for another turn until the 15^th of February 2015. These heated panoramic cabins are sure to give you another perspective of Paris and will literally lift your spirits for the holiday season. Reaching up to 65 meters high, it offers unique views of Champs Elysees, the Tuileries, and all the way up to the Louvre Museum. Hop on for a spin in the evening to take full advantage of the city’s holiday lights and illuminations. Open daily from 11h00 to Midnight and till 1h00 on weekends (€10 adults, €5 for children under 10).

FRENCH CHRISTMAS MARKETS

The holidays would not be complete without the Christmas Markets all over the city. The biggest of course is the Marche de Noel des Champs Elysée. It is undoubtedly crowded but an essential part of the holiday season. Brave the crowds by getting your serving of tartiflette with a glass of vin chaud for you will find hidden treasures in those merchant stalls! If crowds are not your thing, try some of the smaller markets spread throughout the city such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, Montparnasse or in quaint Montmartre, etc. Check here for more details.

Lastly, if you’re yearning for a little holiday nightlife, there are plenty of places to toast the holidays and ring in the New Year.

COMEDY NIGHT IN ENGLISH

Several Paris venues offer an evening of fun and laughter for the holidays. Carr’s Irish pub holds its Carr’sambar comedy open mic every Wednesday night at 21:00 with a special theme for December 31. Check out their page for more details. SoGymnase also holds regular shows with its Melting Pot Comedy Night on Fridays and Great British/American Comedy Night on Saturdays. More details here on their shows.

EXPAT PARTY GROUPS

If you’d rather mix and mingle with other expats try the Meetup Celebration Party. This large group gathers on the 31^st and holds a program that sounds promising with DJ, drinks, and a full course dinner. For a similar yet alternative crowd, InterNations’ New Year’s Eve Celebration is also held yearly at various locations in the city.

We are very lucky to be in the city of lights for the year-end celebrations where a walk down Grand Boulevards or Champs Elysees is enough to put anyone in good spirits – even Parisians! And while there are reasons to go home for the holidays, Paris gives us 101 more to stay. However you decide to celebrate, we certainly hope you have a great one! We wish you Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year!

This article was written by Rosemary Reyes, a marketing and communications consultant from New York.  She is currently in Paris finishing her post-graduate studies.  Find out more about her at http://www.roseworks-marketing.com