Family Move to Paris: Bilingual and International Schools and the Best Neighborhoods for Families
Moving to Paris with children sounds like a dream — morning croissants, weekend strolls along the Seine, and a city rich in culture at every corner. But it can also feel overwhelming.
Before you can even start searching for the right apartment, there are two major decisions to make: choosing the right school and choosing the right neighborhood for your family.
In Paris, those choices are closely connected. A school’s location affects your daily routine, commute times, housing options, and how easily your family settles into the city. International and bilingual schools are spread across Paris and the western suburbs, which means planning ahead makes everyday life much simpler.
This article looks at the best international and bilingual schools in Paris, how families manage school commutes, and which neighborhoods work best for raising children — so you can make choices that fit your family, not just the map.
Why Expat Families Moving to Paris Choose International or Bilingual Schools
Paris may be an international city, but daily life still runs in French. For expat families arriving from abroad, international and bilingual schools often make the transition smoother — for both children and parents.
Benefits of Bilingual Schools for Children from Expat Families in Paris
Bilingual schools give children the chance to learn French while continuing part of their education in English. That balance helps kids feel more secure during a big life change. They’re not starting from zero, but they’re also not cut off from the local language and culture.
Younger children — especially under age six — usually pick up French very quickly through daily immersion. Older kids benefit from staying on track academically while they adjust to a new country.
For many families planning to stay in France long term, bilingual schools offer the best of both worlds.
Benefits of International Schools for Children from Expat Families in Paris
International schools in Paris are a popular choice for families who may move again or want a globally recognized education system. These schools typically follow well-known curricula such as:
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- British GCSEs and A-Levels
- American curriculum
- Cambridge International programs
These international schools are also very experienced with relocating families. Teachers understand the challenges kids face when moving countries, and students quickly meet classmates who are going through the same thing. For many parents, international schools simply feel like a safe place to start.
Best International and Bilingual Schools in Paris and the Paris Region
Knowing where the main schools are located helps narrow down where to live.
Top International Schools in Paris and the Western Suburbs
Most international schools are located west of Paris or in nearby suburbs, which is why western neighborhoods are so popular with expat families.
Some of the most established international schools include:
- American School of Paris (ASP) – Saint-Cloud
- British School of Paris (BSP) – Croissy-sur-Seine
- International School of Paris (ISP) – 16th arrondissement
- Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye – Public school with international sections
These schools are used to welcoming students from all over the world and offer strong academic continuity.
Best Bilingual French Schools in Paris
Bilingual French schools follow the national curriculum while offering a significant portion of instruction in English. They’re an excellent option for families planning a longer stay in France.
Some of the best bilingual schools in Paris include:
- École Jeannine Manuel – 15th arrondissement
- EIB Paris (École Internationale Bilingue) – Grenelle, Trocadéro, Monceau
- Lennen Bilingual School – 7th arrondissement
Understanding School Commutes in Paris: What Parents Should Know
Paris doesn’t look big, but school commutes can take longer than expected. Families usually rely on public transportation, driving, or school buses.
Public Transportation and School Commutes in Paris
Public transport works best when you live on a direct line with few transfers — especially in western or central Paris.
The most useful lines for families with international or bilingual schools include:
- Métro Line 1 – East to west, reaching La Défense
- Métro Line 9 – 16th arrondissement and Boulogne
- Métro Line 10 – Left Bank toward Boulogne
- RER A – Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Rueil-Malmaison
- Tramway T2 and Transilien Line L – Saint-Cloud and Sèvres
Minimizing transfers is key, especially during busy school hours.
Driving to School in Paris
Driving is common for families whose children attend schools in suburbs like Saint-Cloud, Sèvres, Croissy-sur-Seine, or Saint-Germain-en-Laye. While distances are short, traffic—especially around the périphérique—can be unpredictable.
Families who drive often choose housing close to school or along a very direct route to avoid daily frustration.
School Bus Services in Paris
Many international schools offer private bus services from central Paris and western neighborhoods. Commutes can take 40 to 60 minutes, but buses remove the stress of driving and work well for families with busy schedules.
Best Neighborhoods in Paris for Families with Children in International or Bilingual Schools
15th Arrondissement: One of the Best Areas to Live in Paris with Kids
The 15th arrondissement is one of the most family-friendly areas in Paris. It’s residential, well connected, and slightly more affordable than other central neighborhoods. It offers excellent schools, residential streets, and green spaces such as Parc André Citroën.
With schools like École Jeannine Manuel and EIB Grenelle, the 15th is especially appealing for families planning a longer stay.
16th Arrondissement: Space, Greenery, and Easy School Access
Another big advantage is how easy it is to get to the western suburbs, where many international schools are located. Metro lines 9 and 10 run through the 16th district and connect directly to places like Boulogne-Billancourt, Saint-Cloud, and Sèvres, often without needing to change lines. If you’re driving, getting out of Paris toward the west is more straightforward here than in many other neighborhoods.
On top of that, the Bois de Boulogne is right next door, which means plenty of space for kids to run around, play sports, or just get some fresh air. For families who want the comfort of city living without the constant noise—and easy access to schools and green space—the 16th often just makes sense.
7th Arrondissement: Central Yet Residential
The 7th arrondissement is one of the few parts of Paris where you can live right in the center of the city without feeling caught in the middle of the action. Even though you’re close to landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, most of the neighborhood is quiet, residential, and very well organized. Families often talk about how safe it feels and how easy it is to get around on foot—school drop-offs, errands, parks, and activities can often be done without needing to hop on public transportation.
Several well-regarded bilingual schools, including Lennen and EIB Grenelle, are located right in the arrondissement, which makes day-to-day life much simpler. When you do need to travel farther, the area is very well connected. Metro lines 8, 10, and 13 run through the 7th, and RER C provides easy access along the Seine and toward western suburbs.
Rent in the 7th arrondissement is definitely on the higher side, but many families feel the trade-off is worth it. The calm atmosphere, strong schools, walkability, and excellent transportation all come together to offer a high quality of life that’s hard to match in such a central location.
Best Suburbs Near Paris for International Families
For many expat families with children in international schools, living just outside Paris is the most practical and comfortable option. The western Parisian suburbs, in particular, are home to many international schools and offer more space, easier routines, and a strong family-oriented lifestyle.
Neuilly-sur-Seine: Best Suburb Near Paris for Families
Neuilly-sur-Seine is often the first suburb families look at—and for good reason. It’s considered one of the most prestigious suburbs around Paris and feels very much like a natural extension of the city. Located right next to the 16th arrondissement, Neuilly is well connected by Metro Line 1, which makes getting into central Paris fast and easy.
Several well-regarded bilingual and international schools are located in or near Neuilly, including Marymount International School Paris, École Montessori Bilingue Neuilly, and easy access to schools in nearby Paris’ 16th arrondissement. The area also benefits from its close proximity to the Bois de Boulogne, which offers plenty of space for outdoor activities and weekend time with kids.
Boulogne-Billancourt: Family-Friendly and Well Connected
Boulogne-Billancourt is well connected by Metro Lines 9 and 10, making it easy to reach central Paris as well as nearby international and bilingual schools. Several respected schools are located in or near Boulogne, including Open Sky International and international schools in neighboring areas such as Saint-Cloud and the 16th arrondissement. With more space than central Paris, a strong neighborhood atmosphere, and a good balance between city convenience and everyday comfort, Boulogne-Billancourt works especially well for families raising children in Paris.
Saint-Cloud: Green, Calm, and Close to Major Schools
Saint-Cloud is a great option for families who want a quieter, more residential environment without feeling too far from Paris. The area is known for its tree-lined streets, calm atmosphere, and access to green space—especially the Parc de Saint-Cloud, one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the area.
Saint-Cloud is especially convenient for families with children at American School of Paris which is located right in town, making school drop-offs and pickups much easier. In terms of transportation, Saint-Cloud is well served by Tramway T2, Transilien Line L, and nearby train stations that connect directly to central Paris.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Space, Community, and a Village Feel
Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a favorite for families. It feels much more like a town than a suburb, with larger homes, wide streets, and an easy, family-friendly pace of life. One of its biggest draws is access to green space—the Parc du Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the surrounding forest offer miles of walking paths, playgrounds, and room for kids to run, bike, and play outdoors.
The area is well connected to Paris by RER A, making it possible for parents to commute while enjoying a quieter home base. Saint-Germain-en-Laye is also home to the Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, one of the most well-known international public schools in France, which is a major reason many families choose to live here.
Final Thoughts: Building a Happy Family Life in Paris
Moving to Paris with children is about more than logistics—it’s about creating a balanced, supportive lifestyle where the entire family can thrive.
By carefully selecting international or bilingual schools and pairing them with the right neighborhood, families give themselves the best foundation for success. With thoughtful planning and local insight, Paris can become not just a place to live, but a true home.
Editor: Siyi CHEN
