Hello everyone! My company, a very large one, has offered to transfer me to Europe for my work territory. I originally thought the company would be specific about where I should work (Paris) but now I am being told I have some choice in where to go as long as I live next to a major airport for travel within Europe. Does anyone have any strong opinions on where to go?

About me: I'm early 30's, American, only speak English but will need to develop 2nd language skills of some kind, single but my UK girlfriend will probably be joining me. For her, London would be ideal but I would like to move somewhere continental Europe (I've lived in UK before for 3 yrs - would like to live somewhere else). I had a thought of Amsterdam but would pick Paris over all of these. Though I would imagine that Paris will be a huge learning curve for culture, language, etc.

More on what I want: I'd like to be in a moderate climate that isn't too gloomy but not boiling hot, somewhere that has a strong city identity and the city must have established research universities (for the girlfriend). I will be traveling quite a bit for work so that may factor into this decision. Looks as if I will be working at home/on the road and may not need to be next to corporate headquarters at all!

Any thoughts on the matter would be appreciated. If I had to make a split decision I would choose Paris - but I'm afraid it would be too difficult for my girlfriend (particularly since I would be away so much) and for both of us getting over the culture shock hurdle. The safety location would be London simply b/c I'm familiar with UK. But that seems dull!

Thanks!