I worked in Paris for a year and I can def say it was one of the hardest things I ever did. I am British so therefore had comeplete permission to stay and work there. Paris is over run with Brits, Europeans, Americans who have come to live and "experience" Paris - and every single one found it tough.
I think the first problem Americans have with the French, is the language barrier. As posted above, the French are a very proud nation and they take it personally when someone doesn't respect that - i.e. talking to them in English without asking them. I'm sorry to sound biased her, but out of all my time in Paris its only the Americans who do this (or at least 95% of the time) Therefore the Americans do have a bad reputation in Paris for being rude and not even trying. One thing about the Parisians which defines them from the French is they are VERY snobby. I cannot emphasie this enough. Nowhere in the world have I come across such attitude. I went to a party on night behind Bastille in this massive design studio held by a couple of well known designers - and one girl actually mocked me for wearing last seasons shoes. I do not joke about this.
I'm not trying to put you off but just go into this with your eyes open, becuase Paris is full of people who went in with their eyes shut and in a dream land about the way of life they expect to live there. I had full permission to work, a fresh fashion degree and experience and I really struggled. I had some American friends and it was harder for them because they did not have "papiers"
When you live in Paris you have to get a "Carte" which basically shows you have the right to work. These are very hard to get hold of and most people don't bother because the beuacracy is rife.
Another thing is the accomodation - Paris is one of the hardest places in the world to find somewhere to live. When you apply to rent you have to have the following: three months rent (one for the deposit, one for the first months rent and one for the last months rent), an "astestation" which is a written letter from your employer declaring that you have a job in Paris and how much you earn; copies of your bank statements showing how much money you have; three references from your previous landlord, estate agents etc; plus a personal reference showing that you are a worthy character. You have to take all of this with you when you go to see a property (and most likely the queue will be out of the door) Because Paris has a border it means that there is only so much to go around.
I'm not saying its impossible, but it is tough. Just please make sure you are prepared for this, plus have plenty of money to support yourself. I don't mean to be harsh but I met so many Americans like yourself who though living in Paris would be easy and were very disappointed.
Saying all this, I had a wonderful time. I met some wonderful people and made some great friends. People are still amazed when I tell them I used to live in Paris (I now live in Melbourne, Australia).
I really wish you the best of luck with this. My best possible recommendation is take *plenty* of money. Save up as much as you can as you will need that saftey net. It takes time to find a job and somewhere to live in Paris and without lots of funds it can be quite scary. Plus really work hard at your French. The French don;t mind speaking to Americans and as long as you are trying they will be patient with you. Its if you start speaking English to them without their permission is really quite rude and makes you look ignorant. I often found that I would start speaking French and they would answer me in English as they are very keen to try their English on you. Just as long as you are making the effort you will be fine.
Best of luck to you!
I really hope I haven't put you off but I am giving you a realistic account of what its like to live in Paris.
no. 
How would one even get started looking for a job? It could be anything entry level that doesn't require a fashion-related degree. As an american, would I even be eligible to look for a job in Paris? Please help. 
