Does France life revolve around the Paris region?
Published on May 14, 2019 / Updated on June 19, 2023
Paris, the City of Lights and the City of Love, has long been a top destination for tourists and French language enthusiasts from all over the globe. However, while Paris may be a beautiful and culturally rich city, it’s important to remember that there’s much more to France than just its capital. Despite this fact, many people, including Parisians themselves, sometimes overlook the other regions of the country. In this blog post, we’ll explore why the Paris region seems to get all the attention and why other areas of France are equally deserving of recognition.
The Paris region, also known as the Île–de-France, is made up of Paris and the regions that immediately surround it. Everything that isn’t part of the Île–de-France is simply called la Province. That means both Marseille and Nantes are both part of la Province, even though they’re on opposite sides of the country. But why is that?
The division between Paris and la Province exists for a number of reasons. One of them is the fact that the city of Paris is the most populated urban area in the European Union. The entire Paris Region contains about 18% of France’s total population. Once we consider that Paris is also the capital city of France, it’s easier to see why so many people consider it to be the shining center of the country.
Naturally, because so many people live in Paris, you’re sure to find everything you need. Want to visit a museum? Most of the famous ones are located in Paris. What about attending a big concert, Fashion Week or a game? You can probably guess it’s in Paris. From the most popular historical landmarks to stores that never seem to close, Paris has more than enough to satisfy residents and tourists alike. Some might say that there’s no need to go elsewhere.
Living in a big city like Paris can be expensive, but there are also benefits to consider. Parisians typically earn more than those living outside of the city and have access to more high-paying jobs. This allows them to enjoy all the activities and events that Paris has to offer with greater ease. However, for tourists, the cost of living in Paris can result in higher holiday expenses.
Paris definitely offers a plethora of fashionable, luxury items and experiences for those who can afford them. Overall, the pros and cons of living in Paris are similar to those of other major cities like London, where more is accessible, but at a price.
Despite having everything imaginable, some Parisians are eager to leave city life behind. As with any large city, plenty of workers rely on public transportation to travel back and forth to their jobs, which means waking up earlier to start a stressful commute, only to arrive late far too often. Parisians are stressed and many of them are starting to look at life outside of Paris as an escape from the typical hassles of city living.
As for tourists, they may not have to worry about getting to work on time, but first-time visitors can find le métro confusing. Not to mention, the popularity of Paris’ attractions leads to more crowds and even more tourists trying to see the same sights.
So, what does that mean for those who dream of visiting France as well as those who live in Paris? Is life outside of the city really better? It all depends on who you ask. There are plenty of people who thrive on the bustle of city life and love to experience it. There are also people who would rather relax on a beach than push through a crowd of people. The most important thing to remember is that if you want to head to France, it doesn’t have to be Paris. There are many beautiful places outside of the capital and the country is large and varied. Explore this eclectic land, if you get the chance!
While the Paris region in France is undoubtedly a hub for tourism, perks, and opportunities, it’s important to remember that there is life outside of the metropole. As more and more people are seeking a change in lifestyle, they are discovering the many benefits of living in the quieter, more affordable suburbs and countryside. From picturesque landscapes to a slower pace of life, life dans la Province offers a range of choices for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. So the next time you plan a holiday, keep in mind there is so much beauty and diversity both inside and outside the limits of the Île–de-France.