We're moving to Paris in August with our four year old. Any recommendations on schools, places to live (Paris or close in suburbs), finding apartments, french classes, resources for english speakers or farmer's markets would be greatly appreciated. Also, I have a job there, but my wife does not. Any experiences with getting working visas for a spouse would also be appreciated. Many thanks! toby

1. Bloom Where You're Planted. This refers to both a book and a workshop. The book is published (annually, I think) by the American Church of Paris. The workshop is conducted each fall by the ACP. I can't speak about the workshop, nor about the ACP generally, but the book is worth getting (ideally now, before you move).

2. MESSAGE. This is a nonprofit group for anglophone parents (we dads were recently allowed to join for the first time). MESSAGE (a loose acronym for Mother's English-Speaking Support Group) publishes a quarterly newsletter with articles, ads, and activity listings. The activity listings are mostly one-time play-sessions, with a description of the appropriate ages, and are organized area by area. For more info, go to www.messageparis.org.

3. ABC's of Motherhood In Paris. This is a book published by MESSAGE.

4. Paris Inside Out: The Insider's Handbook To Life In Paris. This is a book by David Applefield, probably available at Cody's.

5. Le Paris des Tout-Petits. This is a book, in French, with brief descriptions of thousands of shops, classes, schools, etc., for kids. It's sold at most bookstores here.

6. Chez Vous En France: Living & Working In France. This is a book written by Genevihve Brame and distributed by HSD Ernst & Young, the E&Y law firm affiliate in France.

7. The Blue Book: Guide For US Citizens Residing In France. This is a guide published by the US embassy in Paris. The info is also available at www.amb-usa.fr.

8. AAWE Guide To Education. This is a guide to anglophone and bilingual schools in France, published by the Association of American Wives of Europeans. I don't know if they have a website, but the email address is aawe at wanadoo.fr.

9. French or Foe? Getting The Most Out Of Visiting, Living, And Working In France. This is a book by Polly Platt, probably available at Cody's.

10. Culture Shock! Paris At Your Door. This is a book by Frances Gendlin, probably available at Cody's. The Culture Shock! series also has a book on France in general.

Finally, if you are being moved by your employer then you will probably use the services of a relocation company to help you find an apartment, choose a school, etc. If your employer is not paying for this as part of a relocation package, then you should consider paying out-of-pocket for a relocation company-- it could be money well spent. The one that we used (paid for by my wife's employer) was called Cosmopolitan.

Good luck. Drew