Emily in Paris is an entertaining show, quite cringe but still very much addictive. The views of Paris are stunning, and who wouldn’t dream of her glamorous lifestyle. It has for sure sparked the dream to move to Paris to more than one person. But let’s be real, the Parisian life showcased is idealised, romanticised and Emily makes all the common expats mistakes that can be made!

As a Parisian here are my takes on real life in Paris versus Emily in Paris season 1, as well as my related podcast episodes.

Living in Paris: day-to-day and logistics of moving

Housing

Emily is lucky enough to move with her company, meaning the paperwork and apartment hunt is probably taken care of. We do see her visit an apartment with a real-estate agent, magically her dossier is approved straight-away and the flat perfect: decent size, for Paris, a nice non obstructed view and in her budge!t

The reality of housing in Paris is the complete opposite! Hundreds of applicants, for small apartments in bad condition. Not having an elevator is quite common in old buildings. Once you find an apartment you like, your dossier and situation is what’s going to get you the flat: do you have a full-time job, do you earn three-times the rent, do you have a french bank-account.

Parisian Lifestyle

We don’t know how Emily get’s anywhere, probably using Uber given the heals she is constantly wearing, I doubt she takes the metro, however public transport or cycling are by far the easiest and most efficient ways to get around. Traffic is slow and unpredictable.

Fashion

The fashion is a big one of course, Emily roams around the city in high heals, bright colors, and dares to mix and match patterns. She stands out. The Parisian woman will tend to go for a an effortless chic and casual look. They will alway be chic, and perhaps more dressed up as Americans on a day to day, and specifically for random things like grocery shopping. However when it comes to big exceptional events, they generally won’t dress up as much as Americans.

The reality of working in Paris

Emily lands in Paris with a high-powered job, a clear role, and a level of autonomy that feels… optimistic. She challenges her boss in meetings, improvises campaigns, and somehow never seems constrained by hierarchy, contracts, or labour law.

Real working life in Paris is very different.

French work culture is far more hierarchical than what the show suggests. Looking for a job as an expat can be challenging. Titles matter, seniority matters, and you don’t casually bypass your manager because you have a “good idea.” As an expat, especially early on, you’re expected to observe, listen, and understand how things work before trying to shake things up.

Meetings are longer. Decisions take time. There’s often a lot of debate before action—and that can be frustrating if you’re used to a more fast-paced, “let’s just do it” culture.

Work-life balance, however, is one place where the fantasy almost becomes reality. The 35-hour work week, paid holidays, proper lunch breaks, and strong labour protections are very real. Leaving the office on time isn’t seen as laziness, and answering emails at night or on weekends is generally not expected.

Language is another big gap between the show and real life. Emily survives (and thrives) with very basic French. In reality, not speaking French will limit your professional opportunities, even in international companies. You can get by in some environments, yes—but career progression, trust, and integration are much easier when you make the effort.

And finally, there’s paperwork. Contracts, payslips, taxes, social security… none of it is glamorous, all of it is essential. No one warns you how much mental space admin will take when you start working in France.

Relationships & friendships in Paris

Emily makes friends instantly. Colleagues become confidants, neighbors become best friends, and romantic encounters are everywhere.

This is where Emily in Paris is perhaps the furthest from reality.

Parisians are not cold—but they are reserved. Friendships take time. Small talk with strangers is less common, and relationships are built slowly, often through repeated interactions rather than instant chemistry.

At work, colleagues are not automatically friends. You may have great professional relationships, long lunches, even after-work drinks—and still keep a certain distance. This can feel confusing for expats who are used to blending personal and professional lives.

Making friends in Paris often happens through:

• shared routines (sports, classes, neighbourhood cafés),
• long-term presence (seeing the same faces over and over),
• or being introduced through someone you already know.

Once you’re in, though, friendships are deep, loyal, and long-lasting.

Romantic relationships are another myth-heavy area. Paris isn’t a constant montage of flirtation and rooftop kisses. Dating can be subtle, ambiguous, and sometimes frustrating. Parisians tend to take their time, avoid labels early on, and value intellectual and emotional connection over grand gestures.

And yes, expat–local relationships can work beautifully—but they also come with cultural misunderstandings, different expectations, and language dynamics that the show mostly glosses over.