My €20 Paris Apartment
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- čas přidán 9. 11. 2023
- How I live in my tiny €20 Paris apartment along with the story behind how I found it. Get access to my guide to Paris at parisinmypocket.com/ and help me make better videos at / jayswanson 🥳 I wouldn't have been able to make it here in Paris without them.
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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)
Are you interested in apartments in Paris? Whether you're looking to rent or buy a Parisian apartment, I'm right there with you (at least in spirit for the moment). There's a lot to learn about finding a Paris apartment and I'd love to share what I'm learning as I go - let me know in the comments if the apartment hunt in Paris sounds like something you'd be down for.
Patron Producer: Brigitte
Edited by: Jay
Music by: @dcuttermusic & @Dyalla
Thanks for watching this vlog about my amazing tiny space! Don't forget to subscribe and join me as I explore renting apartments in Paris!
It's a roof, you're off the streets, it's warm, you have access to bathroom laundry, etc sounds great to me🎉😊
Jay
The Lord made it possible for you. HE placed the blog, the friends , the mother in law in your path😊
I feel like we need more videos like this. Social media is flooded with people flaunting their wealth and I think we could all use a reality check. Also when you are struggling and still trying to figure life out (and you are not in your 20s anymore) it helps to see that you are not alone.
Yes, yes, yes to this comment. I also think we could all use a reality check.
Totally agree & appreciate this perspective 👍
Thanks Birgitte for making it possible for Jay to make videos for me and everybody else! ❤
So thankful!
Your landlady is an absolute saint- so generous. I’ve always admired how you manage to get so much out of that small space. I’m 60 now and ( can you believe!) I still dream of living in Paris and yeah I’d love to see what other apartments look like and what you get for your money. Cheers Jay! 👍
I'd love to dig in and share what I find!
I'm happy for you. I'm happy you have that safe space. I'm happy you have Cooper. You are obviously appreciative of what you've got because you know what it's like NOT to have anywhere you feel safe. We call the home that we're in now (that we rented for 11 years and then miraculously got to purchase two years ago) our healing home. It's not fancy, but it's safe and comfortable and we're forever grateful for what we have. Of course you should have goals, but it sure is nice to feel safe while reaching for those bigger goals. Take care!! ☺️ Hugs to you and Cooper!
Thank you! And congratulations! 🎉
Bring on the friends' apartments! It's interesting to see how inventive people get to utilize the space.
And how much stuff they manage to cram in 😆
Yes! Paris is definitely a city of inventive flats
Jay, I have been watching your videos for many years. After watching this video and learning more about your life and situation in Paris, I have a lot of respect for how hard you have worked to overcome all of the obstacles that have stood between you and your desire to become a French citizen and live your life in Paris. And finally, Cooper is a cute little guy...
Thank you! This means a lot, I'm glad to have you along for the ride!
I'm thrilled you shared this incredible story with us. Narratives like these offer a fresh outlook on life and the daily hurdles we encounter. Appreciate it!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@jay, your story has illustrated the importance of character currency. Your work in Africa was clearly enough of a testimony to your character that your land lady felt secure in her generosity towrds you. My husband &I are landlords & have wanted to be able to support friends. I can't deny, one in particular took advantge of that and it can leave you feeling very burnt 😢
I’m definitely interested in seeing other people’s apartments and knowing about the cost.
Talk about the kindness of strangers, Your landlady has such a huge, generous heart!
I'm so grateful 🥰
A chat about finding one’s space in the city with Puxan would be cool
One thing about such a tiny living space is that you’re out and about and then sharing your experiences with us. It’s amazing how well you’ve been able to feather that nest, too - with Cooper as the very best roommate/accessory! And yes - show us your friends’ flats, please and thank you!!
What a blessing your landlady gave you. Bring on the apartment videos!
Let's goooooo
Thank you Brigitte, may life repay your generosity tenfold! ❤
🥂 Cheers to that!
my kids live in Dusseldorf Germany - moved from USA (Jersey) in end of 2019 and grandson ellis is the only American racing electric driver at this time making strides. they love europe and have I think permanent visas - they drive all over to pursue ellis' career. he just turned 18!
That sounds fun! 🚗
I love this guy! His authenticity is so contagious and so put forth! I wish nothing but the best brother ❤
thanks David :D
I just love your personal blogs. Sharing your personal stories, struggles, and hopes connect us with you on a deep human level, and it is the best side of social media. I learn about myself learning about you, and your journey is helpful in so many ways. Thank you for sharing Jay.
Thank you!
What a truly wonderful situation and the kindness of your landlady just made my heart swell! Taking a leap, working hard, making sacrifices, along with incredible luck (as well as privilege- which I do think is really important to acknowledge): it helps us see how you're making this work.
Thank you for your reflections and thank you to your landlady for her generosity!
Would love to see apartments and corresponding rents in Paris. Perhaps focusing on good areas to rent relative to safety, ease of access to groceries, restaurants, shopping, etc. I just returned from my first Paris visit. Even after watching all the videos there were times when just getting from one place to another was stressful not to mention the stairs, sloped sidewalks, cobblestone streets and uneven entrances in shops. Realized early the shoes I thought were comfortable at home were not in Paris. I've never lived in a large city and it didn't help that my international phone plan refused to work reliably from the moment I arrived which made getting around more difficult. I finally bought a sim card which helped immensely. Wish I'd done that a few days sooner. Despite the challenges I enjoyed my visit and would come back but would stay longer and get a hotel or apt. much closer in. (My hotel was in the 17th.) The way your apartment is designed now is very efficient for the space and I'm glad it's worked out for you. If funds allow it might be good for you to make a move before you are forced to do so. Staying where you are may be holding you back from the future you really want because it feels safer.
I read your book several years ago. It was eye opening and answered many questions I had about you. I'd love to see the apartments your friends live in and what they pay for rent. You are a lucky man, but also very committed to your dream to live in Paris.
Thank you! I felt like being honest about my journey to Paris wouldn't be as fun or sexy as what most people expect from "American in Paris" stories, but I also hoped it would be of some encouragement to anyone else struggling to make it. Regardless of the dream at hand 🥂
We all agree that Brigitte is a saint but my praise goes to you Jay …for being worthy of her generosity….and for continuing to deliver fine vids.
Thanks, this means a lot! More to come :)
Jay! I appreciate your honest video. Gives a lot of perspective on your situation and how hard you work on your channel. I’m glad that although a tough journey you’re piercing it together. And grateful for your videos. My husband and I are in Paris now using our Paris in my Pocket guide, we love it. It’s a great peace of work, thank you ! We would love to see a video on Paris apartments and cost of living.
Thank you Martha! So glad the guide is helping you to have a wonderful Paris experience!
I’m so happy for you Jay! It’s uplifting to hear that kind and generous people like Brigitte do exist in this world. Your videos encouraged me to make my trek to Paris, and I’ve been happily living here since April this year! ❤
Congrats, Julie! That's a really big deal - hope you're loving it here!
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger... You've done well Jay.
Thanks 🥂
Thank you, David
First time watcher, now subscriber ❤ Loved your honesty and transparency in this video. We need more Brigette’s in this world, her kindness is amazing. Keep up the fantastic work. If you ever feel the need to travel down under to Australia and need a place to stay, please get in touch.
I know it can be kinda tough finding a place to live in Paris - I remember the video you made when Cheryl was looking.
Your dog Cooper is so cute. 💜
What a lucky windfall and a blessing! I'm in a similar situation: a large house in a major city in the States that my wife and I live in, basically, for free. The house is in a great neighborhood, very close to the beach zone. So it's a step up for us. It's not a situation, though, that can go on in perpetuity. It's just a 7 year scenario. And we have 5 more years to avail ourselves of this situation. So, we are making the most of it.
Oh wow! That sounds amazing; lucky you! Make the most of it :)
Commenting here because you specifically requested it. Mostly will comment on Patreon.
My wife and I definitely want more "actually living in Paris" content because we aim to move to France at the end of 2024, as our resources permit.
To be fair, our goal is France, but Paris would be more than acceptable. 😇
Bringing us along apartment hunting would be so interesting Jay.
Excellent 👍
This was so encouraging ❤ thank you for being transparent about your current situation and past struggles. It helps others to do the same and let's people know that they're not alone.
I moved to Paris in 2008 and had struggles, but nothing you’ve experienced. Bonne courage. CHAPEAU!
Merci!
After watching so many videos of people who live in cars or vans or NYC apartments, this seems perfectly roomy and normal - even the bathroom down the hall. I've seen that a few times watching videos of NYC apartments.
We all think we need more but really jay we don’t your a very lucky guy keep it small cooper can’t visit the nice parks in Paris 👍🙏
epic story Jay!
Love all your candid conversations!
As much as I try to talk myself out of the dream of one day living in Paris…it remains probably my number one dream. In the interim I just try to convince my husband to travel there as often as possible 🙌🏻
That's a good stopgap for now! Hang onto those dreams 🥂
Hope you manage to get him on board - it's an amazing dream, and you should totally pursue it!
Sweet video, I love honest behind thr scenes stories, plus seeing where people live and how much they pay for rent. Plus travel videos, and life for Americans in other countries!
This one checks them all! Thanks Jay and Briggite!
Great story.
Any way we could have a vlog dedicated to the little cooper boy? How he's doing, updates on how he's loving life? Thanks, Jay!
Definitely been plotting something 😎🐶
Got to this one late. I think two of your best videos were of your friends apartments. As someone who would be interested in living in Paris seeing more (renting or buying) would be great, especially if you tapped into a variety of price ranges. Would also love to see hotels in your favorite neighborhoods. All the best
Glad you like them!
Wow, that does look cozy but at least you’ve got a safe place to stay. Very generous of your friend 😊 I’m not interested in living in Paris (I’d prefer the countryside) but absolutely interested in seeing and learning more about how this all works in France 😊
There's so much to know - the system is similar and yet sooooo different
Thank you for your feedback!
I’m sure there are many more that would like to hear about this topic. I’d imagine it would make a great guide for anyone wanting to follow in your steps 😊
Love watching Paris apartment videos!
This video is pure gold! You are awesome Jay! Thank you for all you do!
I am so thankful Brigette helped/helps you to bless all of us with your videos by giving you a place. I would definitely enjoy seeing other people's apartments and learning more about the process. Looking to become an expat within the year!
Awesome!
Yes! Show us more apartments!
I lived for four years in a 14m2 furnished studio in Paris. The beginning in France was tough sometimes. One year ago I moved into a 30m2 unfurnished apartment. Now I feel at home and couldn't be happier. I hope that will happen to you 2 soon.
This video deserves way more view than it currently has
Super enjoyed seeing your place again and I would enjoy seeing you checking out other places.
Ive been watching you so long, ive loved the evolution of the pad. The long wait for a bed and all the coffee i swear i could smell. Thank you for the insights into a diffrent world
Glad to have you along for the ride!
Great story.
you have amazing windows!!
Grace a vous, Brigitte!
thank you for sharing this very personal story!!!❤
Thanks for watching!
I Love your story! Nice reminder that there are good people in the world.
Love this video and have used your others for our visit to Paris (which we're in just now) We would love to see more about Paris apartments and cost of living. Cheers
Love this and love all your stories. I've been lucky enough to visit Paris every two years for a trade show and usually hotel in my favorite neighborhood close to the Metro (Marais). Thank you for your wonderful content...can't wait to return in January!
Yes, I am interested to learn more.
Yes, let's check out the market. 🎉
Yes, yes and yes to everything you have mentioned about showing us. My long time dream too, to live in Paris. What a beautiful, kind lady Brigette is. Rare in this world, especially among landlords 😅 Keep exploring the possibilities, Jay. Put it our there into the world again, you never know what good may come 😊
This is such a great video! May your 'original patreon' continue to be blessed. Yes, I would be so curious to see all of your friends' apartments and to see the search for a place to own in Paris. It would be interesting.
What an incredible video.. Thank you for this and for Brigitte. I would love to see other videos of your friends apartment and the rents they pay. I LOVE Paris and it pulls at my heartstrings, I try to spend time there every year and hope to live there, part time, in the future. Thank you for all the content you make!
I would really like to see more videos of other apartments/flats. You & your pupper are awesome and I enjoy your videos a lot.
jay, you are a brave soldier! Brigitte, an angel. all the best!
Thanks Bridgette! I would love apartment tours! I watch NYC apartment tours all the time.
Thanks for the great video! Yes, please tell us more about your friends’ rentals/living space and what it takes to rent in Paris!
Please do more videos on this topic
Will do! 🍻
Yes, would love to see properties!
Jay, I'd love to see a video on renting in Paris. What you get for your money, in which areas etc.
Great!
I want to thank Brigitte for helping you to do so much for us. She sounds awesome.
She is!
Love that you shared this story Jay. Brilliant video, crazy story but well done on making it work for you. I’m about to jump out of my safety net and try to make it work in a new city. Scary but exciting and your video has given me a well needed boost. Thank you 🙏🏽
You've got this. It's scary but amazing to move somewhere completely new. Best of luck for the next phase!
It would be great to see what else is out there. I’ve considered coming there and it would help getting a better idea.
Please do share the whole rent journey/knowledge process! Love your videos!
This is so lovely! Big thanks to Brigite! Would love to hear more about your journey to getting a new place over the next however long and see some other apartments! Good luck with it all!
Will be keeping you all updated!
I absolutely love your story!! It’s one of struggles and triumphs. Thanks for being so honest. I wish you the best as you move towards achieving your dreams. ❤😊
Thank you, Linda!
Yes! Please take us on your journey so we can learn what it takes to find and buy/rent one’s own apartment in Paris.
I really appreciate your candour🇦🇺🐨🦘
You do very entertaining videos. You seem like a great guy. Hi Cooper. Bostons are cool dogs!
I watch your videos all the time and used the recommendations to find a great cup of coffee! I am looking forward to coming back to Paris and am looking at potentially moving - so having you do some videos on how to find and rent or buy would be great, but especially how a foreigner can achieve it. Recommendations of realtors or bankers or how we should look for them would be ideal.
Hey Jay, what an inspiring story! Your pup is so adorable! Yes can we see other people’s apartments. You are living the dream!
You got it!
Great video Jay! I’d be interested in learning about your friends rent and apartments. My wife and I plan to retire in Europe in a number of years. France (not Paris due to costs) is one of the countries on our research list. Have a great one! Keep pushing out great content. I also enjoyed reading your entire story in your book.
Would love to see info on other apartments and renting
Awesome video love this kind of stuff, would love to see more content on living situations you know of in Paris!
Sounds fun!
I would like to hear more about your and others search for apartments and where they live. I am living in Paris in a small space and depending on my future might also be wanting to make a move in a few years to a different area & a bit larger space.
WOW FOLLOWING YOU FOR YEARS! very interesting very efficient and inexpensive. WOW!
Thank you!
You are so lucky! I’m going to Paris next week and your video just pop up on CZcams.
Perfect timing!
And, I'm excited for you, Jay! More great "stuff" for 2024!
Huzzah! 🥂
Thx for explaining all this. I remember before you added the elevated bed. Hope you can find your own space at some stage. 👋🏻👏
I hope so too!
Yes. Yes and yes.
Definitely interested in seeing your friends apartments and in your journey to find yourself a great space!!! Wishing you all the best on your journey
Thank you!
Thanks, Naomi!
Very interesting video. I see several steps forward. Your vulnerability felt as if it came from a really balanced place. Your ability to reframe something that has obviously haunted you into gratitude for need fulfillment that can now launch you into a better (more appropriate) container for your current life. I think dogs are very helpful in accomplishing this kind of growth. They provide an emotional focal point & their unconditional love is an energy source that empowers us to trust & to take a step forward.Good for you! Bonne chance.
Thanks, Sherrie!
Jay, it brings me so much joy that there's a map of Pullman in Paris.
Jay, I remember when I first saw you in the new and upgraded 'chateau'...initially when looking at one of the first videos of you and Puxan (I think) in it after you had installed the new bed/steps/couch unit, I was watching the video and thinking, oh, he's moved into a new place, this looks cool. Until I then realised that you had taken the first steps in upgrading the existing space, it wasn't a new apartment! Lol. Remember the old videos when you were sleeping on a mattress on the floor. A huge amount of change and progress over the years when you look back at it now.
Such an honest account of your struggles, dreams and hopes. Thank you for opening up and sharing.
You are so welcome!
Thank YOU for watching
Jay, when I saw your Moulin Rouge video, I decided to go on my recent trip to Paris, it was FABULOUS! Thank you for all your videos ❤❤❤❤❤
Wonderful!
Jay I so enjoyed this vlog. I knew from your previous vlog the story of how you got your place but the direness of your situation I was unaware of. I would really enjoy seeing content about apartment hunting in Paris. I watch many such videos on CZcams now. However having the perspective of someone I feel an inter web connection thru your content for years would be interesting. I had a similar situation getting my New York apartment. I believe the universe provides for those with a good heart and a faithful openness and yearning. Thank you for sharing and please continue to provide your thoughtful life's journey. Many of us who wish to someday live in Paris are encouraged and motivated thru your story.
Thank you Charles!
We are very interested to see the friends apartments!!
An insightful account on your life. Wishing you well in future endeavours. I'm going to Paris with my wife next year. First time for me, although second time for my wife. I'm a recently retired high school teacher and this is part of my bucket list adventures. All the best.
Cheers
Eddie
Thanks Eddie! Super exciting to be knocking an adventure off of your bucket list - I hope you love Paris!
You are doing great, and now with all your patrons, you will be able to afford a bigger apartment! 👏🏼 💰