Paris is the number one tourist destination in the whole world. It is the capital city of France located on the River Seine. The administrative limit regions have over 2 million people while the areas beyond the city limits have almost 10 million people. The third area has over 12 million people. In total, there are three main areas which is categorized as the City of Paris, Paris unite urbaine or the urban area and aire urbaine or the metropolitan area. With the addition of tourists and expatriates, the city has become one of the most populous areas in all of Europe.
Paris continues to be an economic and cultural giant influencing nations around the globe. Mainly, it is still largely involved in education, fashion, media and the arts and is considered as a global city. Paris alone contributes to more than a quarter of France’s gross domestic product or GDP. Paris has one of the most powerful business command centers on earth. Cost of living in Paris is very expensive but the average income per capita is also very high which makes it very ideal for UK expatriates eyeing on business and trade.
Residential Areas in Paris
Due to the continuous growth of residents and tourists in Paris, buying a home can be very difficult and expensive. There are communes in the many suburbs of the city with homes and lots available in all architectural designs. Some locations are remote and cheaper while those located very near commercial districts are among the highest worldwide. Boulogne-Billancourt is located in the western suburbs. It is conveniently situated near the middle of the city and is now well-populated. Vincennes is a commune in the eastern suburbs. It is a Francilienne town also near the middle of Paris. The homes here are closely packed together.
Le Pre-Saint-Gervais or The Meadow is located in the northeastern suburbs. It is also the most populous municipality in all of Europe. Levallois-Perret is in the northwestern suburbs. It has a number of industries and commercial areas. Due to the growth of real estate establishments in the area, premium lots and homes can still be acquired at fair prices. Saint Mande can be found at in the eastern suburbs of Paris containing the neighborhoods of Picpus and Bel-Air. Almost all the communes in Paris are heavily populated. Expatriates may find comfortable living areas in the city outskirts or getting an apartment in the heart of the city.
Hospitals and Universities in Paris
Paris offers some of the best hospitals in Europe specializing in surgery and medicine. The American Hospital of Paris has the latest equipment and methods in diagnostic and treatment. There are over 500 physicians that go through a very strict selection process before officially becoming part of the institution. The Outpatient and Emergency Departments are one of the best in France. Other notable hospitals in the area are Centre Medical Europe, Hertford British Hospital and Paris Community Hospital.
The University of Paris is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. In total, there are thirteen successor universities running independently. The University offers various degrees ranging from art to philosophy to humanities. The University of Paris VIII has a student capacity of 24,000 with internationally renowned departments such as arts and communication. ParisTech is another excellent educational institution with over 12,000 students and 3,000 staff and faculty.
Commercial Places in Paris
There are some artistic malls and shopping centers in Paris. The Palais Royal features several unique and quality crafts from its various shops. There are also restaurants and cafes located in several parts of the center. Palais Royal offers several vintage items, clothes and wares as well as china, glass, perfumes and shoes. Champs-Elysees is a garden area which has become a street full of life featuring various shops with a great view of the Arc de Triomphe. Next to it is Avenue Montaigne which has a barrage of designer labels and other luxury wares. L’Opera is another spot with many department stores including Galeries Lafayette.
Le Grande Vefour is a restaurant that expatriates should never miss in Paris offering the best wines and fine dining ambiance. There are other fun places to dine in like du Palais Royal and La Muscade which has outdoor tables for people viewing. Caruso serves excellent Italian cuisine. It is one great place to bring friends or hold meetings. Fouquet’s is backed up by the famous chef Jean-Yves Leuranguer serving world-famous seafood and salads. Le Carre des Feuillants has great ambiance and service. Most of the restaurants in Paris may be expensive for UK expatriates but the quality of the food and drinks is definitely worth coming back for.
Service Establishments in Paris
The Paris Police Department and the Interpol are among the most competitive in all of Europe. They are highly active in investigating and ensuring the protection of all citizens and visitors. There are departments that specifically take care of cases pertaining to international and local issues. Electricite de France is state-owned and provides electricity to all of France. The water utility in Paris is also very reliable provide safe and clean water to all residents. As for sewage and garbage systems, a computerized network has been working nonstop to ensure proper water distribution and waste disposal.
Paris uses state-of-the-art technology in its transportation systems. The mode of transport in the city is considered to be one of the best in order to cater to businessmen and foreign investors alike. Syndicat des transports d’Ile-de-France takes care of public transit networks such as tramway and bus lines as well as trains and taxis. The Metro is one of the biggest transportation systems in the city with 380 stations running both major and minor lines. The airport and motorway network of Paris has also been developed in order to make travel easier for all people.
Embassies in Paris
Because of its role as a central business hub, Paris is full of embassies such as the Russian, American, British, Iraqi and Arabian among all others. France ensures that relations with other nations are in good terms to make passport approval and other applications more convenient to all concerned.
The British Embassy in Paris offers services directly to UK companies that are looking for business and investing opportunities. There are specific sections in the embassy that support investments and other matters concerning the British government as well as private British agencies. There are also advisory and information services provided to UK expatriates in France. Currently, Peter Westmacott is the Consulate General of the British Embassy.
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