“I thought Google Maps would be enough…”
That’s what Marta, an Italian expat in Paris, told us with a laugh as she recalled her first month of missed buses, language confusion, and expensive phone bills.
Moving to Paris is a dream for many, but without the right digital tools, it can quickly turn into a logistical maze. Whether you’re a freshly arrived expat partner, a student, or a seasoned globetrotter, these apps for expats in Paris can make your daily life smoother, smarter, and way more enjoyable. So, how many apps do you really need to feel at home in a new city like Paris? Here’s our curated list of 10 essential ones, based on real expat stories, local hacks, and daily needs.
1. Citymapper – Navigate Paris with Confidence
Citymapper is an essential transport app to navigate Paris with ease. It goes far beyond the standard metro map by offering real-time updates, route comparisons, and even tips on where to stand in the carriage for the fastest exit. This level of detail can be a game changer—especially during service disruptions or strikes.
Marta, who once missed a job interview due to an unexpected Line 4 closure, now relies on Citymapper. “It even told me which metro door to use for the quickest transfer. That detail saved me ten minutes,” she shared.
With a user-friendly interface and multilingual support, it’s particularly useful for non-French speakers and newcomers to the city.
2. SNCF Connect – Travel Beyond Paris with Ease
If you plan to explore beyond Paris, whether it’s a weekend in Lyon, a seaside getaway in Nice, or visiting family in Bordeaux, SNCF Connect is your go-to app for booking and managing train travel across France. It covers TGV, Intercités, TER regional trains, and even some international routes like Eurostar or Thalys to explore London, Amsterdam, Brussels etc.
You can compare ticket prices, reserve seats, track delays in real-time, and even store your tickets digitally. The interface is available in English and is user-friendly for newcomers navigating the French rail system for the first time.
Perfect for planning spontaneous trips or organizing summer holidays without standing in long queues at the station.
🔗 https://www.sncf-connect.com/
3. Timeleft – Meet New People in Real Life
Timeleft is a social dining experience app designed for people who want to meet others offline. Whether you’re new to Paris, recently single, or simply curious, the app connects you with groups of strangers for spontaneous, curated dinners around the city.
You don’t choose your guests in advance, Timeleft creates the mix. It’s an innovative way to build real connections and experience authentic French conversation in a relaxed setting.
Perfect for expats looking to expand their network in a meaningful and fun way.
4. Meetup – Build Your Social Circle
Meetup helps newcomers connect with local groups and events tailored to their interests. Whether you’re looking for yoga in English, entrepreneurial meetups, creative workshops, or bilingual playgroups, there’s something for everyone.
This app is especially valuable for expat partners and stay-at-home parents hoping to create a sense of community. From language exchanges to soft skill workshops, Meetup can open unexpected doors in both your personal and professional life.
🔗 https://www.meetup.com/fr-FR/
5. Eatwith – Share a Meal with Locals
Eatwith offers unique dining experiences hosted by local chefs and residents in their own homes. Whether it’s a homemade couscous dinner, a wine tasting, or a French crêpe-making class, you’ll enjoy good food and genuine conversation.
It’s not just about eating, it’s about cultural exchange. Eatwith is ideal for solo expats or couples eager to meet Parisians and explore French gastronomy in a more personal way.
👉 Planning to join your first French dinner? Brush up on the basics with our guide to essential French table manners, from where to place your hands to how (and when) to say bon appétit. Trust us, it makes a difference.
6. La Fourchette (TheFork) – Discover and Book Restaurants Easily
TheFork is the go-to app for reserving tables at restaurants across Paris. You can browse menus, read reviews, view photos, and secure a reservation in just a few taps. The app is available in English and often includes generous discounts, sometimes up to 50%, especially during off-peak hours.
It’s an excellent tool for discovering hidden neighborhood gems or booking a last-minute dinner.
Pro tip: Use the “terrasse” filter to find restaurants with outdoor seating.
7. La Fourche – 100% Organic Groceries Online
Looking for healthy, eco-friendly food options in Paris? La Fourche is an organic grocery delivery service offering high-quality, affordable products with a strong ethical focus. From pantry staples to eco-friendly cleaning products, it helps you support sustainable consumption from the comfort of your home.
La Fourche works as a membership model but quickly pays off if you buy organic regularly. A great choice for families and health-conscious expats.
8. Houra.fr – Fast Grocery Delivery Right to Your Door
Houra.fr is one of the fastest and most reliable grocery delivery services in France. With a vast catalog, including organic products, fresh produce, and household essentials, Houra.fr is a practical solution for busy professionals or expats living without a car.
You can schedule deliveries according to your availability and even choose your preferred delivery slot. It’s especially convenient for newcomers still adjusting to French supermarket schedules or for those juggling family life.
9. Deliveroo – Enjoy French Cuisine Without Leaving Home
When you’re too tired to cook or want to sample cuisine from your local neighborhood, Deliveroo brings Paris’s culinary diversity right to your doorstep. Whether it’s a casual crêpe, Moroccan couscous, or Michelin-starred bistronomie, you’ll find plenty of choice.
It’s also a great way to discover restaurants before booking them in person—perfect for testing the waters if you’re still getting used to French menus.
10. Doctolib – Access Healthcare with Ease
Doctolib is the leading platform in France for booking medical appointments. Whether you’re looking for a general practitioner, dentist, pediatrician, or English-speaking specialist, the app helps you search, schedule, and manage consultations without having to make a phone call.
You can also access teleconsultations, which are particularly helpful for busy schedules or minor health concerns.
According to Statista, more than 73% of patients in France used Doctolib in 2024.
What Happens When You Have These Apps?
Once these apps are installed, something shifts: you stop feeling like a tourist and start feeling truly at home. You gain clarity in your daily routines, confidence in your decision-making, and a deeper connection to your new environment.
These apps for expats in Paris are not just digital conveniences—they’re tools that foster autonomy, reduce stress, and enhance your overall experience in the city. Whether it’s avoiding missed appointments, discovering hidden culinary treasures, or navigating administrative tasks with ease, these apps save time, money, and energy.
💬 Which of these apps made the biggest difference in your Paris life, or is there one we should add to the list?
We’d love to hear from you, your tips might just help the next newcomer feel at home faster!
Absolutely French – Who We Are – Companies Services
Absolutely French is the best French language school in Paris entirely dedicated to expat partners and expatriates.
Our mission:
To support dual careers in expat families by helping partners integrate quickly and confidently into French life.
Our method:
Fun, friendly, and innovative French courses that guarantee results — and help build a local network.
Looking for French classes tailored for expat partners? Want to register your employee’s spouse for a high-quality program?
Let’s connect!
Email: contact@absolutely-french.eu
Phone: +33 (0)1 83 73 98 49
Address: 4, rue Faraday, 75017 Paris