During my first year in Paris, just being able to successfully mail a letter from La Poste to my family was the highlight of my day. At that time, every small task was a challenge. I could never order a taxi on the phone because I couldn’t roll the French “r’s” and pronounce my street la rue d’Orléans. Taxi drivers would mock my attempts, “Roo, roo, quoi?”
On my first job as a production assistant, I eavesdropped on every office phone conversation to jot down French phrases that would come in handy. “C’est de la part de qui?” (Whom shall I say is calling?) Long out of school, I enrolled in La Sorbonne’s civilization course for international students just so I could secure a visa to work 19 hours per week. I came to France for my French husband who was often away weeks at a time on assignment. I was alone, and sure could have used a friend to help me cope with my new life in Paris.
Any of this sound familiar? Expats lured to the City of Light are bound to experience some form of the Paris syndrome sooner or later, when the challenges begin to overwhelm the charm. And if you are responsible for your family’s move as well, you need to learn quickly about apartment hunting, schools, social security benefits, and French taxes. Bureaucracy, may I remind you, originates from a French word.
But there is hope! Today, you are not alone in Paris. Besides a plethora of community associations to inspire, connect and empower you, there are professional coaches and experienced consultants available to help you navigate life in Paris.
This week, INSPIRELLE is showcasing some of the coaches and experts who will be present for our unique Unstoppable You conference on Saturday, April 5th 2025 to help you “Master Your Life in Paris.” Co-hosted by the International School of Paris, this will be an opportunity to hear invaluable insights and meet them for one-on-one speed coaching sessions. Also participating will be coaches and experts on business, finance, and tax as well as health and wellness.
UNSTOPPABLE YOU: Mastering Life in Paris Coaches
Delphine Brière of My Paris Touch
Delphine brings a personal touch to every request. Trilingual in French, English and German with an international business background, she created her company during the exodus of Brits moving to France after Brexit, and the settlement of American families transferred to Paris. She sees herself as a “greeter” to France offering customized services to ease the transition. Delphine is dedicated to building the bridge between the French and international community.
“My clients have me, a real person who listens, understands, and finds solutions tailored to each person’s needs”.
She adds, “Whether it’s finding the right home, opening a bank account, choosing a school for their children, or navigating the tricky French administration, I’m there every step of the way. I know how frustrating it can be to set up a mobile plan, get internet installed, or handle French paperwork—so I take care of those details to make life easier”.
Sonya Allen, Reframing Transitions: Unlocking Personal and Professional Evolution
With over 20 years of experience spanning North America and Europe, Sonya Allen, guides individuals and organizations through personal and professional reinvention, helping them navigate transitions, cultivate purpose and unlock their fullest potential.
“I help people unpack what’s really happening beneath their frustrations—whether it’s a stalled career, isolation, or feeling like an outsider—and re-frame it into something empowering. Instead of trying to recreate their old life in a new city, we focus on designing a life that actually fits who they’re becoming.”
Sonya says the biggest lie about expat life is that it’s either a grand adventure or a complete disaster. The truth? She points out that most people exist in the messy middle, where they feel guilty for not loving every moment but also don’t want to admit they’re struggling.
“For individuals, the hardest part isn’t logistics—it’s the loss of professional identity. Many people move abroad only to find that their credentials, experience, or expertise don’t translate in the same way. They suddenly feel invisible in rooms where they were once leaders.”
For families, it’s the hidden tension—partners who adjust at different paces, children who pick up the language faster, and the silent emotional labor of keeping everything together. The real challenge isn’t just adapting, it’s adapting without losing yourself. Sonya helps people reclaim a sense of agency and identity in a life that no longer has a script.
Justyna Simmons, CEO and Co-Founder of Your Friend in Paris
Justyna learned from her personal experience of moving from Poland to France just how hard the transition can be. She says she learned how difficult it was to rent an apartment, navigate French bureaucracy and find a community to help her appreciate her new adopted home. After 16 years in the relocation industry, Justyna has seen all sides of the French real estate market, French administration, and expat life, and confidently sees herself as an expert in the field.
“Since then, I have made it my mission to help others navigate these same issues, and create an easier way for people to make Paris their home. I understand the feelings and experiences of the ‘expat blues’ many feel they struggle alone with.”
Allison Grant Lounes, Founder, CEO of Franceformation & Visa Expert
Allison and her team have helped numerous international individuals, couples and families successfully move and settle in throughout France. She moved from the US to France in 2011 to live, study and work in tax services. In 2021, she created Franceformation in 2021 and is the co-author of the book, “Foolproof French Visas”. Whether you are a newcomer, an expat seeking permanent residence or considering retirement in France, Allison and her team provide expert guidance, digital resources and personalized support.
Allison’s five key takeaways on the importance of understanding French administration for a smooth transition:
1. French administration is non-negotiable
2. Mistakes can be costly
3. Stability comes from understanding how the structure works
4. French rules are different from other countries.
5. A well-organized start leads to long-term stability
Laura Atack, Positive Parenting Coach, Founder of Encouraging Parents
Parenting is always challenging, but parenting children abroad in a new foreign environment requires extra sensibilities. Laura is a certified professional coach and a specialist in positive parenting who works with families that have changed schools and need to navigate cultural differences and adjust to a foreign setting.
The difficulties some children have in adapting to all these changes can manifest in their behavior, which can overwhelm parents who are dealing with their own major transitions to France. In the French educational system, children are expected to start school as early as three years old, read by five and decide their field of study for higher education as early as 15 years old.
“I support parents in making sense of it all—whether that’s understanding the French school system, managing cultural differences in parenting, or simply figuring out how to blend different traditions into a family life that feels right.”
Through coaching, workshops, and group programmes, Laura provides practical tools to help parents navigate these transitions with more ease. For parents of children with ADHD, she offers tailored support to help them create a calmer, more connected family dynamic. Above all, her work gives parents “a sense of clarity and confidence in their parenting, no matter how many cultures they’re juggling”.
Caroline Bouffard, Independent Educational Consultant, A+ College Coaching
Caroline specializes in guiding French and International students applying to universities in the US, the UK, Canada and Europe. As a Franco-American educational consultant, she spent years helping families identify the best academic, social and financial fit for their child while navigating the complexities of global admissions systems.
Having raised her three children in Germany, Japan and France, Caroline understands the unique challenges faced by global mobile students, and offers personalized support from school selection to essay coaching and interview preparation.
“Since founding A+ College Coaching in 2014, I have successfully guided students towards universities in the US, UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. More recently, I have expanded my services to help American students exploring European universities, partnering with local experts on the French higher education system”
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Coming up next: Unstoppable Balance: Thriving in Mind, Body and Spirit
Click HERE for profiles of the 26 participating coaches and experts participating at our Unstoppable You conference on April 5th. Details below:
Meet 26 Coaches & Experts at Unstoppable You: Live Your Best Life in Paris
a unique event to help internationals thrive in France
Whether you’re navigating cultural differences, launching a business, rethinking your career, managing health challenges, or planning finances and higher education for your family, this half-day conference is designed to help you build the life you want in France.
Co-hosted by INSPIRELLE and the International School of Paris, Unstoppable You: Live Your Best Life in Paris brings together professional coaches and experts across many fields to share insights, strategies, and resources tailored for internationals seeking fulfilling careers and lives in Paris.
Spaces are limited. Reserve your ticket now and take the next step toward an Unstoppable You!
WHEN: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 2pm- 6pm CEST
WHERE: International School of Paris, 45 rue Cortambert, 75116 Paris, France
