€420 Euro Paris Apartment

Kate's €420 apartment in Paris. Thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this video, use my link betterhelp.com/jayswanson to get 10% off your first month! Get access to my guide to Paris at parisinmypocket.com/ and help me make better videos at / jayswanson 🥳
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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.
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Patron Producer: Jen and Jason Warner

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this video betterhelp.com/jayswanson

[@andyshacks7812]

Kate has used her space so well. Ok it’s small but her apartment looks so homely and cosy and to have everything right outside is definitely a plus. ! It’s a lovely apartment!

[@JaySwanson]

I totally agree!

[@pwp8737]

homey, not homely is what you meant?

[@jeannek.srensen856]

​@@pwp8737...British English dictionary: Homely...(of a place or surroundings) simple but cosy and comfortable, as in one's own home. "a modern hotel with a homely atmosphere"

[@ShortsElena-17]

​@@jeannek.srensen856👍😊❤️

[@EliF-ge5bu]

@@jeannek.srensen856 she doesn’t sound British, she’s very likely American. In America the word homely generally means a woman who is rather plain looking. When you describe a place that is inviting, lived in and cosy, we say “homey”.

[@charlesblack1086]

Love this kind of content. Her place is so well utilized. Keep showing us how real people live in Paris!

[@JaySwanson]

Definitely trying to bring more your way!

[@thedavidguy01]

That's a very well arranged and nicely decorated apartment! My wife and I live in what's considered in the USA a very small house, but when I see Kate's apartment, my house feels huge.

[@SonnyGreenwichJr]

My Parisian flat was in the 11th, 1000 Francs a month ($200CND at the time), 10m², a tiny shower with a hot-water tank just big enough to wet (turn off) then rinse after soaping, shared toilet on the landing between floors. The bed was in the air like the Chateau, a small couch below with an almost floor to ceiling window looking out on the courtyard. So ridiculously tiny, yet man, I miss that place!

[@JaySwanson]

Love that it was in Francs

[@SOFIE447]

As someone who doesn't have ventilation/window in my bathroom either, installing a small dehumidifier there was a massive game-changer! It might be a great option for your bathroom Kate - mold is no bueno :))

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

That was very interesting and reminded me of my tiny Parisian apartment in the 80's with the bed and the super low ceiling. Well done

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks! Personally I'm really glad to have high ceilings 😆

[@BrianInFrance12]

8:37 "I just smile through the pain sometimes" - beautifully said. Thanks to Kate for sharing her Paris apartment with us! It is such a cozy space and the tour has made me nostalgic for Paris :)

[@JaySwanson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@iJMultiplication]

I love the direction your channel is going as of late. Paris was always the backdrop, now it's the subject.

[@JaySwanson]

It'll certainly be an evolving mix

[@catemoon]

What makes it is the window upstairs. Makes an otherwise claustrophobic space livable.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

This is like Kate’s ‘73 Questions’/AD Interview Moment and we’re here for it!

[@kat_n]

Such a cute apartment ! I love the paintings, the little trinkets and that lamp shade 🧡 Awesome video 🙌

[@nycp1969]

Such a dream! And an amazing price. I was a student in Paris in 1989-90 and I paid 1,800 FF a month to rent a room and private bathroom. That was around $300 then which is around $748 today. Kate is doing a lot better than I did. Enjoy!

[@hubertinepankhurst1161]

You are very lucky you had people agreeing to be your garant. This means if you fail to pay the rent, your garants will have to pay in your place, they are 100% responsible for any payment failure on your part. Many have been badly burnt this way. I would never accept to be the garant for anyone. You can easily be bankrupted.

[@JaySwanson]

Thankfully Kate had people that know and trust her, yes, that's very lucky!

[@flatironnewyork]

Your place is a lovely, cosy cocoon, Kate! I especially love the thoughtful artworks by your brother - it's these meaningful pieces that make it a home.

[@JaySwanson]

She's done so much with her space, it's very *Kate*

[@erinmh]

Her apartment is my minimalist's DREAM!! Kate, love your aesthetic and style. Nicely done!

[@JaySwanson]

She does so well to keep it from getting cluttered

[@hannah60000]

Not too cluttered but too detailed to be considered truly “minimalist”.

[@bonriver9420]

Really enjoyed the apartment tour. Kate has done a great job of making it work for her. I especially love her bedroom with the skylight, very cozy. Looking forward to more tours.

[@shelaghjackson9577]

So nice to see Kate again! She has made her nest very cosy!❤

[@JaySwanson]

She's the best

[@alexst-pierre8568]

I love Kate's apartment and what she has done with it! I can't wait for more videos in this series! I'm moving back to Paris in early 2025 and will take all the advice and tips on how to find a place this time around!

[@TheCmac316]

Ohh it’s a lovely apartment and a well used space. I’m sure living there will make great memories. Thanks for letting us see this awesome apartment!

[@ChineseAg]

Whoa! Loving these new vlogs Jay & Co. Keep up the great work!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks! Will do!

[@paulhorton5612]

This is great Jay (and Kate). It's amazing what can be achieved with a little imagination - well done Kate!. And the stairwell shot is iconic Parisien...

[@JaySwanson]

For sure. Gotta make due with what we have! 🥂

[@bduffy1215]

An efficient small space. Thank you Kate for sharing and Jay for making great content!

[@JaySwanson]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and dropping some comment support 🥂

[@linapasteur]

C'est quand même très trompeur de parler d'un loyer en enlevant les aides de la CAF... Je trouve ça très moyen et clickbait. Et ceux ne connaissant pas comment ça marche en France risquent de se faire de fausses idées.

[@JaySwanson]

Il ne faut peut-être pas continuer à regarder mes vidéos, car tu ne sembles pas y prendre beaucoup de joie. Dans tous les cas, il n'y a pas mal de chambres de bonne à ce niveau de prix sans CAF aussi, donc, ce n'est pas une fausse idée.

[@linapasteur]

@@JaySwanson des chambres de bonnes à 420 dans un bon quartier ? Tu rêves. Nan j'ai pas continué au bout de 2 vidéos tkt. Vu les petits mensonges que tu sors pour faire du clickbait :) et ton égoisme clair

[@JaySwanson]

D'accord, Lina, merci pour tes pensées!

[@maurawhelan3530]

Thank you Kate for letting us know in! Enjoy paris

[@AW-tz6fb]

Yes!! Love this series & tips for foreigners. 🎉 Love seeing how people live 🙌✨☕📚

[@vickialschuler816]

Love the knobs on the cabinets. Need to find me some of those.

[@JaySwanson]

It was a great touch

[@melissaartistry6041]

So interesting, love to see real people living in Paris. I love a small space to live in. Here in Australia its go big or nothing and the real estate situation here is totally off the scale and so unaffordable for the majority of people. You really don't need alot of "stuff" to live well. Love her tiny home 😊❤

[@cbeary2000]

I love the apartment episodes to you show. Please keep em coming. Thanks

[@mlle_francophile]

Very interesting and well made, Jay 😊👏🏼

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you! 😃

[@anttoronto3202]

Mean? No way. You are on your own in another country, at such a young age. Your apartment is so sweet. And, Bialetti espresso is the best❤❤

[@karenblum5429]

My kids are going back to France for Uni. This video has so many tips. Thank you, I subscribed. I wish you great success with your channel!!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks for the sub, Karen!

[@susangalpin4967]

I enjoyed this!

[@ColleenMarble]

We stayed in an Airbnb that was nearly identical in layout when we were in Paris. It was a fun experiment in tiny living!

[@rodblake8708]

Never too small if you live efficiently! Take location over size everytime!

[@JaySwanson]

Location location location 🥂

[@anierenimmay]

Beautiful place! Small suggestion, Kate. You can buy a dehumidifier for the bathroom! Helped with ours :)

[@aeolia80]

I had to chuckle to myself because she said she loved her velux windows because it felt like when it rained you were in the rain, lol, my first apartment in France only had velux windows and that was the part I absolutely hated, lol, I'm a very light sleeper, and if it was raining, the sound of the rain on velux always woke me up very harshly, and in summers it was the worst because he sun was always too harsh and it would get super hot in the apartment, and blinds rarely if ever helped.

[@JaySwanson]

That would be my concern too 😆

[@lesleykenwood2715]

Great advice

[@kerrin-gaihofstrand4313]

Such a great apartment for the size love it … love these videos about apartments!!! More please

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you! Will do!

[@walknwander]

Great video, happy to be a subscriber to this great content.

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks!

[@KitsuneHB]

Besides the leak this is a really cool apartment!

[@TheClunkingFist]

Yeah, I could live like that: IT'S PARIS! We lived in London for a while and had tonnes more space, but we paid more and one flat (the biggest) was quite some ways out (although my wife could be at her desk in the City in 20 minutes, the transport was great).

[@GoldfinchRobin]

Fantastic video. I love your friends apartment it is very nice. I live in a studio flat too and love tiny living.

[@Specialk6894]

Great video!

[@JaySwanson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yeseniafroml.a.8020]

Kate is truly cool.

[@JaySwanson]

She is indeed

[@aurevoirshoshannaa]

Even uncle Vernon was more compassionate; at least, he provided meals and allowed Harry to bring home an owl.

[@MsGnor]

Great video Jay! Kate, thanks for sharing your home with us! Seems like we live in a world of Ballers or Smallers 😂💖✨

[@nikitaylor8623]

Loved her! She seems great!

[@Paul-we7nt]

Awesome video, what Font did you use, locks super nice!

[@polosma77]

I mean, it's not bad at all if you have the convenience to have everything close. It's just to go to sleep pretty much, and if there's a gym around, you can take advantage of the membership to take showers,relax, and stretch a little.

[@JaySwanson]

Exactly! It's so worth it for the location

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Jay, please continue on this path of keeping it real estate.

[@JaySwanson]

It's been fun!

[@rodblake8708]

Agree, we have a studio, but 15 minutes to everything good in life (6ème)!

[@JaySwanson]

Small and sweet 🥂

[@nubiacabrera919]

Hey Jay! Omg what a dream to be able to live in Paris!

[@JaySwanson]

It's great!

[@abeach5420]

YES ...please APARTMENT and such vids...luv this. Could incl kewl building info.

[@JaySwanson]

Will do!

[@abeach5420]

Hiya again Jay ...I just saw Elena Taber content creator is now in Paris with work visa and looking to maybe move full time@@JaySwanson Anyhoo I left a note on her post that she needs to get in touch with you as you know it allllllllll about Paris...in my mind you do, haha. Then mayyyybe you can do an apartment tour with her eventually hehe

[@yonathansebban7166]

hi Ty for the videos . as I remember the minimum is 21m3, so it s a volume not an area...

[@gordonlow6798]

A little cheeky product placement on her shelf, Jay. 🤭

[@JaySwanson]

Haha, had to frame it in there for a second

[@gabethet8458]

The water damage would freak me out, especially if it so repetitive.

[@JaySwanson]

Same 😬

[@cleopatre9537]

To be honest as daughter of Americans in Paris since hundreds of years. It's really nice to see you guys . Normal,reel. Because everytime we see Americans or even other countries everyone seems filthy rich or that Paris is cheap. I am in an hlm, so I'm lucky but I 😢don't have the charm that we saw in the video. Merciiiii de ne pas êtres tous dans des appart bobos avec des bobos qui en plus "mentent "sur le loyer. Plus cher moins cher. Les français nous sommes compliqués quand il s'agit du thème oseille. 😂

[@sacroyalty]

Thanks for sharing your place Kate, very interesting to see as an American. I get it though, Paris was a really special place!

[@JaySwanson]

Definitely a different world

[@alexandracarter1408]

What a great space! So well thought out, personalized and homey! One thing I've wondered about as I've watched your channel the last few years is how much French-speaking you do in a day. I assume that it's all day, but I haven't seen it much on video... I've been on and off working on learning the language and it would be interesting (maybe? would it?) to see expats such as you and your community going about their day speaking the French language. Like, maybe modeling expected French behaviors in interactions? (One example that my husband and I still giggle about: The last time I was in Paris, I ordered a hot chocolate, but in ordering it, I fully pronounced 'chaude' with the 'd'. The waiters eyes popped, he laughed and then corrected me. Burned that one in my memory!) Although, thinking about it, that's also opening a can of internet worms - critiquing the non-native speakers. Sigh. Anyhow, just an idea.

[@JaySwanson]

I could definitely do another vlog in French (or largely). It's been a long time!

[@Yzabell0M]

I would add as advice: don't waste time in any advert that is over 48h, it's probably already rented. Also try to be the first at the apartment visit: they usually work in a first come, first served basis if you fulfill the renting conditions (earnings 3x the rent, proof of earnings...). And give your application right away, even if you are missing one thing or two, it will get you on the top of the pile and you can always send the rest in a follow-up. Good luck to any one looking to rent in Paris!

[@JaySwanson]

Great advice

[@justinistanbul]

I am feeling claustrophobic just watching, I am french living near Paris and in Paris all my life but when it was time to take my first flat I just left the area to find some descent sized flat 😅

[@shinyshinythings]

Amazing use of space, Kate! Good for you. Makes me feel like I could make much better use of my suburban 65m2! (I’m not sure if the official smallest allowed m2 is 9 or 7, but I know 7 is the smallest I’ve seen an ad for.) Also FYI they’re talking about limiting the CAF so it’s only allowed for foreigners if they’ve lived in Paris for five or more years. AFAIK that hasn’t happened officially yet.

[@JaySwanson]

Wow I hadn't heard that! That's really tough, because often the first few years are the most tight financially...

[@msf8297]

for some reason i am so excited to move to Netherlands and score a "cheap" apartment

[@rachelwyatt9529]

This is very interesting. I am currently looking for an apartment in Paris.

[@JaySwanson]

Best of luck!

[@agyos]

Love, love, LOVE! Thank you, and a big extra thank you to Kate!!! I will be so happy (and a tiny bit sad), when you find, and move into your next chateau! Bon chance..which I know you have in bushels!

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you! And me too, will be bittersweet I'm sure

[@Lilly-xz9gm]

It's like one of those tiny Japanese apartments... I was born and raised in Paris and I don't think I've seen many small appartments with mezzanines, she arranged it well! Personally, I prefer small spaces over big ones...I find big places less inviting sometimes

[@canwejustnot]

Is a really nice place!! ♡ For people who want goldfish in a small space: you need at least two, a solo fish will get lonely and depressed. Fancy gold fish need 50 liters of water, normal goldfish need 100 liters of water, each. The aquarium needs to be at least 100 meter wide so the fish can get a good swim in. NO ROUND BOWLS OR AQUARIUMS!! The round shape is unhealthy for them. You need a very good pump to keep the water clean & oxygen rich. They live up to 25 years, be prepared to commit.

[@canwejustnot]

Guppies or a beta fish is easier to take care of. For a tiny apartment, I'd go with a solo male beta fish.

[@anniestumpy9918]

I didn't really get a good impression of the apartment. Like, where is the entrance, where is everything in relation to the other parts? But it felt really cute and cozy!

[@TheFire1202]

The Agency part would be great to have for New York City.

[@JaySwanson]

NYC doesn't have them?

[@mariebrown9415]

You’ve done a great job with your space and personal touches. That’s what home is about regardless of the amount of space. Nice to be able to sleep under the stars in your loft with the window open above. I’m just a little worried about your safety . I hope you have smoke detector and a fire alarm just in case in your space. I hope you also have a planned emergency exit somewhere like outside stairs since we can’t see how high up and or how your entrance - exit looks. Is that regulated in Paris? I carry a small battery operated smoke and fire alarm detector when I travel in Europe or stay in an Air BNB since they are not standard in Europe. Consider a Charcoal mounted desiccant in your bathroom for mold and mildew control . They help to absorb moisture and smells And cut down on dampness . I use them in my refrigerator in the states, closets and may help your bathroom smell. You change them out about every 3 months.

[@yonathansebban7166]

Thats why a 9m2 can be illegal if ceiling are low, and 7m2 legal when ceiling at 3 meter heigh...

[@iainsanders4775]

I have some little door-knobs from Anthropologie!

[@JaySwanson]

They were great!

[@spicynomad]

EVERY leak can be permanently fixed even in this old bldg. the landlord probably wont do it because he is not getting market rent. *sigh*

[@TeddyAura]

I love Paris but not as much as living in a claustrophobic apartement. I paid the same amount on rent (without a caf) but I live in a 40 M2 apartment in Lille. I miss all the excitement of living in a big city but at least I have some space for me and my guests. When I want to visit Paris, I go for the day or stay one night in a hotel.

[@JaySwanson]

Definitely a big difference

[@roserocks1979]

This cute, but I just couldn't deal with a constant leak all the time.

[@JaySwanson]

Would definitely be annoying

[@shelleynice5431]

Hey @Jay Swanson, GO COUGS!

[@sweetkari25]

It looks like a little comfortable, cozy, beautiful Home to me. I would Love to find something like that. It is necessary here in Spain to change the chip so, people can access a personal space to call it Home. It should be a human right, things have to change

[@219enri1]

L'appartement est certes mignon, mais il est aussi très petit. Pour moi, c'est une raison de ne pas vivre à Paris mais à la campagne, où il y a de la place à profusion et où l'on peut trouver une maison ou un appartement à un prix raisonnable.

[@hubertinepankhurst1161]

Il n'y a pas de boulot a la campagne, a moins d'etre rentier ou retraite, ce n'est pas une option pour la plutpart.

[@patboudotlamot]

bonne vidéo

[@JaySwanson]

Merci!

[@tinajyow9483]

Are most Apartments in Paris that small?

[@carolbrenner3121]

❤❤❤

[@JaySwanson]

🥂🥂

[@anne-mariebiorci5453]

Real Paris living🇦🇺🐨🦘

[@kiwigirljacks]

It’s a cute apartment! But I would not want my clothes in open storage by my cooking area… smells would permeate the fabric.

[@MikaRomeo]

This in central London would easily be 1.2K.

[@JaySwanson]

That's nuts

[@vision1707]

Thanks for sharing - like vdo like this .

[@JaySwanson]

It was a lot of fun to make!

[@mamaloveshercats]

Appreciate your WASU cap! 🧢

[@seanmcconachie6774]

I have a mirror that I swear must be the same as Kates (Sun mirror in the kitchen) so I will not be making fun of her mirror in the comments ha ha. Thanks for sharing 🥹

[@lucybrown2379]

Hi Jay first time watching your channel. I noted it looks like you have a WSU ball cap on are you a coug.??? I’m a Coug. From 1975. PS I did Subscribe.

[@Cheesetastinginparis]

This is a really cute place (we don't care about the mirror) but I wonder how foreigners manage to have a garant.

[@JaySwanson]

Connections are key, but there are some online services now that you can pay for like insurance

[@crustykells27]

Thanks. Luck is there somewhere.

[@JaySwanson]

Always 🥂

[@ololol662]

Thank you la CAF.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

10:44 If your bathroom is moldy, we’re not focusing on the mirror which is actually quite nice.

[@JaySwanson]

😆

[@user-ny6li8bi2i]

Dios las vistas son deprimentes😅

[@Nadia-yd9pw]

It's like a tiny house

[@kath6720]

La CAF donne aux étudiants étrangers?!?

[@JaySwanson]

Oui, ceux qui habitent en France avec un visa/tire de séjour, travaille, paie les impôts peuvent effectivement bénéficier de la CAF... bon c'est plus compliqué que ça, mais c'est l'idée

[@StarOnTheWater]

It kind of looks cold and damp.

[@actapus1]

You speak so fast! (FOR A FRENCH GIRL LIKE ME!)

[@JaySwanson]

For a lot of people unfortunately 😆

[@babsfocker7751]

i like paris, been there 3 times, but i would move if mattress gets soaked like that and clothes get ruined. mildew and mold can kill you. hopefully she will be oaky

[@JaySwanson]

I'm sure she took care of it :) Paris is renowned for damp, though, you're totally right. Tenants have to be very careful when they move in to check for mildew/mold/humidity, and landlords have to take care of it when it's found... technically.

[@PinkDiamond7777777]

Brocante: Cross between a garage sale & a car-boot sale.

[@JaySwanson]

+ antiques, sometimes really nice and overpriced ones... just depends on which one to you go!