The Truth Behind My Move to Paris

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My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa. Paris (yes the one in France) has been my home for years now and I have every intention of staying here for as long as they'll have me. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlogged daily for 3+ years, and love pizza a little too much. Now I make videos about visiting Paris, traveling in Europe, and try to share what I've learned along the way. I hope you enjoyed what you found.

Links are affiliate links where they can be - meaning if you click through them and buy something, I'll get some pennies. Thanks! (The FTC wants me to tell you that up front)

Patron Producer: Jane Boyce
Music by: @dcuttermusic

[andyshacks]

You’re not alone. It was love at first sight for me too regarding Paris. As a fresh-faced 19yr old in 1982 who’d never even been abroad before, I was just blown away. That love is still very much there all those years later.

[PokhrajRoy.]

“I did love Tintin books….”, said Jay while walking with a cute little dog.

If that’s not poetic, I don’t know what is.

[amyspeers]

I did not have a dream to move to France. I thought I might live overseas for a couple years due to my husband’s work. We came on a two year contract, with the agreement that of either of us were unhappy, we would go back. In month 17, something clicked and I knew I didn’t want to go back. I’m now working on citizenship and loving my life in SW France.

[thedavidguy]

It’s quite mysterious why we’re attracted to any particular place. I also grew up wanting to go to France, but in my case the reason was straightforward because my mother’s family is French by way of Québec and my mother and maternal grandparents spoke French. Once I started going to France I found that the special place for me was la Bretagne. While I’ve enjoyed every place I’ve been to in France, Brittany just felt extra special. I don’t really know why.

[brianlooksaround]

Much of what you say I connect with. I hope to move to Paris in the next few months — at age 70!

[matthewhook]

Love how Jay displays Paris in such a casual way

[barblongaphie]

I definitely relate to everything you’re saying and truly appreciate you sharing your story and perspective.
I became “obsessed “ with moving the Paris 12 years ago. It was like waking up one day and knowing I had to move there. It’s didn’t make sense but it was a deep knowing.
I didn’t end up getting to Paris for the first time until 7 years ago on a solo trip. As soon as I arrived I felt like I knew the place. I walked around for 8-10 hrs a day by myself without a map. I just “knew” the city, like I was remembering it.
A year and a half ago I was there for a month. It felt like home and I had never felt more happiness and peace.
My life in my home country has been filled with struggle and a lot of loss. And just this constant feeling like I don’t fit in here. I think I have been delaying my move because of family and friends. But now that most of them are gone or passed away(and I have changed) it’s now time to go “home” to Paris. It’s where I need the space away from my old life to create a new life after always being in the thick of the struggle.
I love your content because it resonates so deeply.
It’s fascinating to try and figure out why some places in the world call to us. And I hope more and more people answer those calls. Thank you. 😊

[scottjones]

Jay, I too have always loved Paris and France overall. My folks lived in Paris in the 50's my older sister was born there too. I have had the fortune to visit many times through my life. Initially as a 9th grader on a school trip but later through work opportunities. I found your YT years ago while searching for anything French. I live in France through your experiences, thanks for being my remote witness to what I love. Your personal story resonates with me for many different reasons, Keep doing what you're doing you're getting better every day!

[jeannierorro]

It’s great to hear real feelings from a thoughtful and genuine person. Keep on growing. It’s our life work!
❤

[verakanaan]

Hey you! Been following you for quite a few years now. I’ve never actually pursued writing until recently.. I began following you only based on the fact you moved to Paris. Now I feel even more relatable to your content. I love Paris, truly love Paris, I love Paris like she was my long distance girlfriend that is not faithful to me but I love her anyway. I can’t even describe why Paris and not any other great city in the world- like Rome for example (I also like Rome but not the same). I don’t think there’s a better city for a writer… it just has this magic❤️

[timbofromkeno]

It's so funny to hear about your love for Paris and how the city felt so much more like home after you initially spent time in Nice. I've been in Paris and the surrounding burbs a lot this last month, and it just doesn't feel like me. And every time I go back south to Nantes, it feels like a completely different place – more comfortable, more fun, more like home.

For many of us who've felt some sort of pull to France for a long time, I think it's good to frame it that there's a place here for all of us, even if that place isn't as obvious as Paris, Nice, or whatever place we're initially dropped.

[kaliou]

❤Seen your video colab with Les Frenchies, excellent as always Jay 🧸

[pamelasimpson]

Thank you for being vulnerable enough to share this. This seems like a real key set of truths about what you've been sharing with us lately.

[SueIsRetiringToFrance]

Somehow your channel showed up on my feed today - great thoughts and expressions, thanks! I am leaving from Texas for France in three days for a two-week scouting trip for long-term living locales. Making the hop end of May. I have my summer residence booked already as a precaution, so I can really enjoy this trip for the purpose of getting to know my hit list places better. Your messaging here is good timing!

[RAD]

A lot of people are running from things, mentally or physically. I'm glad that you stopped, looked around, and decided to work it out... a lot of people just keep running. Plus, you got Paris in the process. I think those are some pretty good wins!

[shinyshinythings]

I’m happy to support you, Jay. Your emotional honesty is a breath of fresh air (and would be on any topic, but the ‘expat’ space on YT often seems to lack some level of introspection … for what are probably valid reasons … but your candor is so very appreciated). Big hugs.

[agyos]

Truly…when you post videos like this, I honestly want to get down on my knees to thank you! (Okay…so, I’m a bit dramatic, LOL!) Nonetheless, I hope that you will come to deeply recognize the GOOD you do for others with your vlogs….(or, at least for me)! You come across as someone that, I believe, many would find to be a precious friend, and my guess is that you ARE such; especially with those you have become close to. Gifted are we that have the privilege of those things you see fit to share! Thank you!

[VFRCapBob]

What a great story. I know growing up my chaotic disfunctional family that I needed distance to heal and find myself. My go to was Boston and NewHampshire to become a great writer. Visited but never stayed. 45 years later and I'm finally traveling to Paris this March.

[scottfbradley]

Jay - thanks for the shout out to your Patrons…glad to have been on board since 2018. Keep it rolling! Side note re: the final shot, we stayed over your left shoulder on Rue de Rene Boulanger last week…love area of town.

[thistlenstar]

This video obviously touched a lot of people, myself included. We've been looking into moving to France for several years now. As I read the comments, I see how many viewers have similar feelings and experiences. They are so well expressed that I can't add anything, except, thank you for another great video.