Paris Inside Out: The Insider's Handbook to Life in Paris

Paris Inside Out is written for people who intend to live in Paris, either permanenetly or for a while. Much of the information is of use to tourists, too - at least, tourists who want to do more than just see the top ten sights in Paris. As one other reviewer noted, the book is written for an American audience, and consequently some of the discussion (such as the political and social differences between France and the U.S.) may not be entirely relevant to non-Americans.

Having moved to Paris from the States myself, I rate "Paris Inside Out" as one of the two most helpful books on my bookshelf. The other would be Polly Platt's "French Or Foe?" Platt's book gave me vital information on understanding French culture and how things work here in general. Applefield's book gave me technical information on how things work specifically - laws, processes, names, addresses, etc. I have read it countless times and still continue to refer to it even now that I'm well settled.I especially appreciated Applefield's attitude on moving to France. Whereas other books I've read have been pessimistic (or completely dismissive) about the chances of Americans finding work in Paris, Applefield remains positive. He explains the obstacles involved, then brainstorms up a multitude of ways that it could be possible. Other books might take a tone of exasperation when talking about dealing with French bureauocracy or laws, but Applefield greets them with determined enthusiasm. Anything is possible so long as you understand how things work and keep the right attitude. Applefield has the right attitude and it easily rubs off on you.This book also goes beyond other books in that explains more than just how to rent an apartment and get the telephone plugged in. His "insider tips" teach you how to get plugged into Parisian life, as well. He gives you pointers on finding the Paris arts scene, sports scene, French language schools, cooking classes, and a number of other things that help you build your new life here.The book has only a couple of minor shortcomings. First, even though this Sixth Edition was completely revised, some of the addresses and phone numbers given in it are already out of date. Applefield makes up for this, however, by keeping the website that accompanies the book (www.paris-anglo.com) more up-to-date. Definitely check the website before wandering off in search of an address.I also found the sections on getting a visa/carte de sejour to be a good overview, but not enough specific information. The book gives lists of documents that might be requested, but little more information than this. (e.g., What should an "attestation d'hebergement" say? How much money do you need for "proof of financial resources"? What exactly do you need your insurance company to state? What's involved in the medical visit?) Applefield states that these rules and processes change too often to detail them fully in the book. However, I doubt that they change more often than any of the other specific information he gives. Overall, if you are planning to live in France for more than a couple of weeks, "Paris Inside Out" is essential reference material and even a fun read.

Now in a completely updated and expanded sixth edition, Paris Inside Out by David Applefield (an American writer who has been living and working in Paris for almost twenty years) is a thoroughly "user friendly" and comprehensive resource for finding housing; getting a job; studying in a university, exchange program, or language school; or simply becoming immersed in French culture, society, vocabulary; arts, and cuisine. Paris Inside Out is particularly recommended for its "insider" tips for such newcomer survival skills as how to use the phones, computer and online needs, accessing health care, and even banking information. If you are planning a trip to Paris for business or pleasure, whether for a weekend, or a summer season or a year 'round adventure, then begin your planning by getting a copy of David Applefield's Paris Inside Out!

Let's just say, I don't even like to think what would have happened if I hadn't had this book when I moved to Paris. The format and writing makes it a pleasure to read. People ask me about living in France and I just tell them to read this book. I wish there were one like it for Strasbourg!

This book is clearly written by someone who knows! Appelfield speaks to the American with a firsthand account of the French experience, and with humor to boot. Many references to websites and other materials make this book a must have, especially for the potential expat.