What's it REALLY like living in Paris?

You're in Paris on a visit and it suddenly hits you: what would it be like to live there?

Maybe those croissants have gone to your head. Maybe it's the romance. Or the chic clothes. Or the lovely buildings. Or the cinematic streets. Or the cafés.

The city is so seductive, in so many ways. It appeals to so many senses.

But there's always that knowledge that there is a difference between VISITING a place and LIVING there.

This is where I come in. If you want a glimpse of what it is like to live in Paris, here I'm giving you real insight, as a French gal who lives in the city's buzziest neighbourhood, who has a decade's worth of insights to share.

(Sure, my Paris may not be the same as other peoples' Paris -- that's the joy of living in a big city brimming with possibilities -- but at least you'll get an idea of what a slice of Paris looks like.)

When it comes to Paris, there are definitely pros and cons, as you'd expect. It's not all la vie en rose.

The métro is often crowded, prices can be expensive (especially for the clothes I'd love to buy!), winters are long and gloomy, and... yes, there's still dog poop as a sidewalk hazard.

But those images you have in your head about Paris are also reality: yes, the cafés are lovely; yes, you can dress as chic as you like (or indeed in any way you want -- it's a city of many looks); and yes, romance infuses its streets.

If you do take the plunge and become a local in Paris (and believe me, you can do it), you may well find yourself changing, in the way you approach time and money and leisure.

Have a look.

And if you like this video, please do subscribe!

*** Shot on an iPhone, edited on an iPad with LumaFusion ***

- "Non! Ne Mange Pas, C'est Posson!" by Jake Bradford-Sharp
- "Electric Head" by AlexGrohl
- "Exotique" by Terry Poison
- "Où Allons Nous D'ici" by Dan Zeitune
- "Liberté" by Dan Zeitune
- "Open Fields" by Captain Qubz
- "Lever de la Lune" by Dan Zeitune
- "DuDa" by Ian Post
- "Rock This Joint" by Yanivi
- "Paris Je T'Aime" by Max H.
- "Speck of Dust" by Curtis Cole
- "On Fait la Fête" by Bamtone
- "Got It Like That" by Guesthouse
- "Entre les Doigts" by Sarah Benasouli
- "FreeWheel" by Rex Banner
- "Drinks on Me" by Rex Banner
- "Music" by Assaf Ayalon
- "Skate or Die" by AlexGrohl
- "Paw Prints" by Bob Hart
- "Un Coin Tranquille"
- "Turkish March" by T. Bless & the Professionals

[elizatimbo]

AMAZING! This is hands-down the most realistic video on being Parisian, As a Brit who lives in Paris, I have seen each of these examples, thank you for a swift and easy explanation on the most beautiful, romantic city in the world. xx

[realMalfaro]

My wife and I celebred our 15th wedding anniversary in Paris, and we tried to experience the daily life of Parisiens. What a joy to find small cafes, boulangeries and restaurants recommended by local people. For us the real treasure was to sit and watch the day pass us by in Paris. Merci Paris. Much love from NY. Marco and Luzia.

[waltersickinger]

This is life in the heart of Paris. The suburbs can be as bad as slums in any other city. People need to be aware that Paris is not representative of most of France.

[LifeontwowheelsRocks]

Oh well... thanks to you Aida, more than half my soul is now pining away for Paris. I was last there in the fall of 2022, and I was already in LOVE with Paris from my trip in 2008. Now, thanks to you, all I want to do is go back to Paris for a month, live in a 38 square meter apartment, and walk all day, every day, until I know every one of the arrondissements like the back of my hand. That I am trilingual (English, French, Québécois) makes it all the more desirable. WHAT HAVE YOU

[hereandthere]

Having continental heritage and having done most of my travelling in my youth, this is one of the most realistic videos on Paris. Also being on the right side of 60 and living off grid living in one of the most remote parts of the world, I yearn for an apartment in Paris first, Amsterdam/Berlin next. Thank you for bringing me closer to my dream.

[jackintheworld]

Gorgeous to watch, ravishing to hear, brilliantly edited -- like the city itself. Thanks for your lovely work. You saved me a plane ticket.

[karensattler]

I love Paris, been there four times and I cannot get enough of it. I love your video . One of the best I’ve seen to give a feel of Paris. It’s always been my dream to live there .I just feel so comfortable there. Thank you!

[PeterPenguin]

Really interesting… and I’ve been watching Paris videos for years, but this video makes it seem a lot more real. Thanks!

[gride]

Thank-you for the video - I really enjoyed your insight into Paris.
You have a lovely way about you.

[jeanwhite]

Bonjour from eastern Canada, I am one of those, one time tourists, hopefully twice, that admires not just Paris but many parts of France. Being definitely right of 60, much less 30, I do truly admire a lifestyle that speaks to me of France. I really liked your sometimes “cheeky” presentation of life in the iconic city of Paris. I know the lifestyle I admire is not for me but I truly still love so many of the French “ pro’s versus the con’s of French life. Merci for the” inside view”.

[leewomack]

We lived in Paris proper for about 4 months, and then moved to Poissy which is NW of Paris. I loved going to Paris and to the day can find my way around better than in my own home town! lol I miss the taste of true French bread! What I wouldn't give to taste that again, and also the Croissants! OMG! I've never forgotten those! YUM!!!😋

[daydreamerping]

this is the best Paris Vlog I have watched sooo far… 💐❤ I pray to see Paris one day! 🙏🏻🦋

[KB-rons]

I enjoy your videos. Please do more. Your favorite cafes, favorite wine bars, feature more neighborhoods, what do locals do at different times of the year, where do Parisians go on French holidays

[christopherwagner]

Great video. Accurate. Thoughtful. Indeed, Paris DOES change you. Thank you.

[mundorueda]

I have seen three of your videos today because they are very enticing and informative. Myself, being Hispanic, you look Hispanic or maybe from Spain like Penelope Cruz, not Parisian, even though I do not know what Parisians look like. You are definitely beautiful, classy, stylish, a cultured lady with a Mona Lisa mystical smile. No soy mentiroso, digo la verdad, OK. Paris, for me, is heaven on earth with all its imperfections. I will definitely come back later this year. Take care and continued success.

[Sirsquintalot]

Wonderful video! Thank you for all the pros and cons!

[philip]

Love this blog! I have visited Paris many times, totally loved it and planning to live there soon ❤!

[MrCherryJuice]

Very nice! One of the best self-produced videos of this sort that I have seen. The pace may be a bit quick for some, but the creativity, quality of the video and the editing added up to a very enjoyable viewing experience.
As for you apartment being small - maybe. But the space inside your mind - and I assume your heart - is very big, so you are blessed. Not everyone with a big apartment is so lucky as you.
Thank you, I look forward to seeing more of your videos and discovering more about Paris and whatever else you treat us to.

[CanadaFree-cejn]

I've long watched videos on London because I can speak the language, (Well...jumpers, trousers, prams, bangers and mash...may all need a bit of translation. lol) However, thanks to English speakers like you, I am learning about the lovely, and no so lonely, sides of Paris.

[nmj]

Great video! I’m from sunny ☀️ Florida! We visited Paris years ago and loved it! Can’t wait to go back again!