France

Cost of living

What a month costs

Central rent is the big line item; food and transit are fair.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Paris

1. Eiffel TowerThe iron icon, best seen sparkling on the hour after dark.
2. LouvreThe world's most visited museum, from the Mona Lisa to ancient Egypt.
3. Notre-Dame CathedralThe reopened Gothic masterpiece on the Ile de la Cite.
4. Musee d'OrsayImpressionist heaven inside a grand old railway station.
5. Sacre-CoeurThe white basilica crowning Montmartre with sweeping city views.
6. Arc de TriompheNapoleon's arch anchoring the Champs-Elysees, with a rooftop climb.
7. Sainte-ChapelleA jewel box of soaring medieval stained glass.
8. Musee RodinThe Thinker and more, set in a lovely mansion garden.
9. Luxembourg GardensThe city's favorite park for reading, boules and toy sailboats.
10. Centre PompidouInside-out architecture housing top modern art.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. VersaillesThe palace and gardens are a quick train ride from central Paris.
2. GivernyMonet's house and water-lily garden in the Normandy countryside.
3. ReimsChampagne cellars and a soaring Gothic cathedral, under an hour by high-speed train.
4. Loire ValleyA string of storybook chateaux like Chambord and Chenonceau.
5. FontainebleauA royal forest and hunting palace loved by climbers and hikers.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe de FloreThe classic Saint-Germain literary cafe, unchanged for a century.
2. Les Deux MagotsIts famous neighbor, once home to Sartre and Hemingway.
3. Cafe de la PaixGrand Belle Epoque terrace beside the Opera Garnier.
4. Cafe AngelinaRue de Rivoli institution known for its thick African hot chocolate.
5. La RotondeA storied Montparnasse brasserie-cafe with red awnings and Art Deco charm.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Le Jules VerneAlain Ducasse fine dining up on the Eiffel Tower.
2. Bouillon ChartierA bustling 1896 dining hall serving cheap French classics.
3. L'AmbroisieThree-star haute cuisine on the elegant Place des Vosges.
4. Le Comptoir du RelaisBeloved Saint-Germain bistro from chef Yves Camdeborde.
5. Chez L'Ami JeanHearty Basque-tinged cooking near the Eiffel Tower.
6. SeptimeModern tasting-menu darling that draws a global crowd.
7. Le Train BleuOpulent painted brasserie inside the Gare de Lyon.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Du Pain et des IdeesCult bakery famed for its escargot pastries and pistachio rolls.
2. Cafe KitsunePalais Royal spot with strong coffee and a quiet courtyard.
3. Holybelly 5Canal Saint-Martin favorite for pancakes and proper brunch.
4. PoilaneThe legendary bakery for sourdough and butter pastries near Saint-Germain.
5. Cafe de FloreA grand terrace breakfast with coffee, eggs and croissants.
6. Boot CafeA tiny former cobbler in the Marais pouring serious espresso.
7. Ten BellesSmall canal-side roaster known for coffee and good toast.
8. AngelinaMorning pastries and hot chocolate on Rue de Rivoli.
9. Cafe VerletOld-school coffee roaster near the Louvre with fine mornings.