Is Paris Overrated? (my thoughts after living here for 2 years)

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[@DrJustininJapan]

Very cool!! thanks 🙏

[@MrEpectase]

Damn you're funny hahaha ! Everything is true, that's why I think we also love Paris

[@juleslefumiste9204]

You're welcome

[@melissasacz]

I would love to subscribe NordVPN but I just subscribed to expressvpn haha Also, I am visiting Paris for the first time in May and just doing a little bit of research, there is nothing that can stop me from going now, but just thought I should know a little more.

[@Poopy-ph9op]

C'est bien d'avoir fait une vidéo sur Paris mais tu as oublié un truc très important c'est que tu parles d'une position avec un certain pouvoir d'achat et un certain privilège la vie du Parisien moyen laborieux n'est pas du tout désirable avec les long trajet en métro matin et soir la grisaille et la crasse

[@laurettes.2494]

As a french person who grew up in , and went to study in Paris, I think I come to the same conclusion as yours. Paris is always a love-hate relationship with positive but also a lot of negative aspects. The best way to appreciate Paris, for me, is to live there for some time to get to find the places you really like, that give you this feeling of seeing what it was like in past centuries. When you get to know some places really well, it slowly becomes yours in a way, you feel comfortable and at home. A good way to appreciate Paris to its full potential is also to be able to leave the city and come back to discover it all over again.

[@DianachaoxfulL]

Totally love and hate relationship!!! I always said the same

[@dawae2162]

It's too "diverse" now that you need to imagine the past. Hehe

[@LemonGreenism]

@@dawae2162 you are silly, it’s an illusion to think it wasn’t diverse in the past ;) I don’t see any modern city or city of importance that is not or was not diverse. Despite what you seem to want to believe, that’s also the beauty of Paris/Europe. Diversity, it’s ingrain in French history

[@ryanexplorer]

Best way to enjoy Paris is to not live in Paris and go there when you want to for small trips, events & more.

[@DarrenHoussein]

Thats a great comment I must say. I feel feel the same about London but its much more hate. I want to leave and not return for a long time but eventually come back and discover it all over again as you said.

[@hothotheat3000]

I visited a few years ago with a friend I and told a French woman that I loved her outfit and that she was so stylish. She was so flattered that she gave me recommendations for where to go to get some clothes, and gave me her number in case I needed anything while in the city. We ended up meeting up and having lunch, and we still stay in touch via social media. Put yourself out there and you never know what you might find.

[@jasonkrick1614]

Exactly. Everywhere my wife and I have visited have been exceptional. We are not only remembered. But welcomed with open arms. Why? Because we are very polite, respectful and are always happy to engage others on their own cultural level despite the fact we are totally fumbling it. It helps that I speak French and my wife speaks Spanish. And together we can piece together Italian. But we definitely don’t look like any of those nationalities.

[@adoberoots]

As a New Yorker who has lived here for 5 years, I agree with you on every point here. Very well explained! The greater respect for people's private lives and healthier work-life balance is the biggest reason why I chose to move here - I felt like I was going insane in the US working 50+ hours a week.

[@jzm2293]

I couldn't agree more! I was born an raised in new york in the bronx after discovering this side of life im already planing my move to italy by late next year or 2024👏

[@maegalroammis6020]

at Paris ? what a joke. it's more or less than same thing than NY. i refuse to take that seriously.

[@aph7909]

Me working 84 a week 🛌🏻

[@adoberoots]

@@maegalroammis6020 Something only a French person would say 😄Paris is not even half as stressful as New York, trust me, I've lived in each place for a long time.

[@adoberoots]

​@@maegalroammis6020 Not to mention that in the US, in general, everything is just much more stressful. Work contracts basically don't exist there, which means you can get fired basically at any time for no reason... Salaried employees there, like I once was, don't earn overtime for those hours they work over 40 per week, which means that you're essentially working for free for a good part of your week. Lunch break? Forget about it - even if you have one, most of your colleagues will look at you like a lazy person and resent you if you go outside and don't eat at your desk while working like they do. Oh, and don't forget that you must pay for your health insurance out of pocket, which, for good coverage, will cost you at least 500 dollars a month. Don't have insurance and end up in the hospital? Congratulations, you are now $25,000 in debt and your life is screwed. And to add onto that, cost of living is way higher, the government doesn't help anyone except the extremely impoverished (and that help is laughable), and the entire culture is work-obsessed. You're expected to respond to emails when you're not at work, especially if they're "important" (they almost all are). There is literally a law against that here in France. I could go on, and on, and on, giving you explanations, but it really doesn't even do it justice. Paris is heaven compared to New York.

[@bchavesv]

I spent one year living in Paris as an exchange student during my early 20s and it was so lovely, such a beautiful experience. I used to go on walks on my own and visit as much art galleries, museums or historical spots as I could - I loved it.

[@antoniocarlosrodriguescamp1497]

Just as me. But it has changed a lot; mainly because of high prices.

[@layrienei2476]

I love living in Paris. I'm a french student at the Ecole du Louvre and my appartment is in Montmartre. Everyday, I get to see beautiful works of art, both in the streets and in the museums; I can go to concerts as often as I want and enjoy nice walks around the Seine and the city. Most of the places of my everyday life are litterally the pictures of postcards: and I think it is worth the five flights of stairs leading to my appartment, the cost of life or the not-so-clean streets. I have great memories of my life in Paris and I am really thankful for living here: for example, last year I woke up at 6 in the morning to enjoy the city at night in january (wich was not possible otherwise beacuse of the curfiew in France at that moment). I came out of my building and realised it was snowing. No one was up, the streets were completely empty and I went to the Sacré-Coeur in the snow. It is one of my favorite memories in Paris: taking time to enjoy the city and be thankful for its surprises. (I'm not a native english speaker,, I hope there's no huge mistakes in here)

[@frankmcnally5993]

Your is english is great.

[@layrienei2476]

@@frankmcnally5993 Omg thanks! It means a lot 🥰

[@wahoo4uva]

I’d never know you’re not a native English speaker if you hadn’t said so. Your English is way better than my French, which I barely speak and am only a little better at writing after studying it for 7 years (from high school through most of college).

[@kajin6776]

That's such a beautiful memory!! Snow really does make everything seem magical! Going out into the city at the break of dawn when almost no one else is awake is such a strange (but nice) feeling. It's quite surreal, in my opinion, seeing the empty streets bathed in the early morning light. And your English is great!

[@user-ry6ey8gq3t]

Ma sœur est à l'école du Louvre hihi

[@aichadiagne4473]

I've been living in Paris for over 8 years now and I completely agree with everything you've said: there are pros and cons but when we look at the city itself and everything it has to offer, I don't think it's overrated. The thing about Paris though is that you do need to know where to get your information which is why I think the typical tourist experience is totally overrated. But once you live here and you start getting your bearings, oh boy, you will get addicted. Unfortunately for non-french-speakers, I also do think that speaking french enhances everything by 1000%. Paris for people who speak french compared to people who don't is like two different worlds. So if you move here, I would recommend you learn as fast as you can.

[@cecily_alice]

So true! 💯

[@marizamentzou3293]

nailed it!

[@Jeca299]

How long did it take you to learn french?

[@hervedupont6955]

@@marizamentzou3293 c'est vrai ça 🤔🤔

[@AndreiaSantos-eb1yp]

Thank you

[@Lunafranklin]

I absolutely agree! Never lived in Paris but I’ve visited many times and always find something new and beautiful. I think tourists forget sometimes that it’s still a real life city, not an amusement park

[@lioneldemun6033]

It's an open air sewer

[@gg-ps1vz]

Exactly, it's a city, there are many just like it. It seems a bit overrated when you have similar, maybe better European cities

[@saraoctenjak389]

Amazing as always Nathaniel! I lived in Paris for a year and a half and I agree with you. However, as a European (non-French) I would like to point out that the point you called mentalite unique (about having a healthier balance, not working on sundays, people leaving in august...) is actually a European thing, not a Parisian thing. Everywhere I lived or visited in Europe has been like that and I love it. Wouldn't trade it for the world.

[@ahouais5620]

France has still one of the lowest amount of hours to work per week, so he's not wrong in that regard. A typical french guy would work between 35 and 39 hour a week, I don't know any european country where it's lower actually

[@kaysa1459]

@@ahouais5620 legaly it's true, but it's not as different as other european country if you look at real working hour at the end of the day. Anyway i agree with the first message, with different systems the cultural thing is shared accross occidental and northern europe. It seems arguably different in another way for the eastern part though (depend on the country too)

[@puccaland]

​​@@ahouais5620but there is working and working. Usually the countries with the long hours worked are also the least productive. When the French show up at work, they work for real. They don't stay on site just pretending working.

[@pb.j.1753]

I am European and I love visiting Paris cause actually a lot is open on Sundays. Like Lafayette is open 11am-8pm on Sundays which is only 1.5 hours shorter than on regular days. I was looking for a suit and everywhere I wanted to look for one was open on Sunday.

[@oleksandrfabry8497]

To me Paris has become underrated because so many people had the stupid illusion that it was perfect (who could believe that?) and the delusion has made a lot of people mad. If you consider Paris like any other cities like London or New York and you’ll have a great time.

[@fabianmataihau145]

I went to these two citizens none of them come near Paris. May ne london.. New York has lost my love as soon as I saw Paris.

[@vaeeapirpiris9501]

I think many places are romanticized, and all the photos we see are just a sliver of what the country has to offer. I remember traveling to Greece for a family members wedding, and I was scrolling through endless photos of Santorini & Mykonos and sparking blue oceans. The part I went to near Serres was anything ~but~ what I saw in photos. There were mountains in the horizon, and small rivers scattered through this very small rural countryside village. I saw small farms, and open fields with roaming Buffalo. I think any city or country is easily over glamorized and when we end up seeing things for ourselves they end up being different. Different, but still beautiful.

[@TheMumasy]

Agreed! Also it works vice versa btw 👌

[@elenidroutsa841]

As a Greek person living abroad I totally agree and I try every day to make people see that Greece (like any other country) has many sides and many different places to see and experience. If someone actually wants to see the beauty and know the people he/she should try visit diverse places of the same country.

[@jimdandy6452]

Just a quick word about pickpockets - they are in most major cities worldwide and you should NEVER walk around with a backpack on (they are super easy targets) Keep your cash, credit cards and passport in a money belt UNDER your clothing. Ladies - same goes for you! Carrying your purse might seem safe but any theif with a razor blade can cut that strap and run off with your purse before you even know what happened...

[@joesantamaria5874]

You are correct! I do find that the pickpockets in Paris are far more skilled than those in other big European city.

[@kwazooplayingguardsman5615]

no, only cities in france, germany, and england suffer from abundance of pickpockets.

[@aandm7772]

Not in Australia they arent

[@miamitten1123]

@@kwazooplayingguardsman5615 not many in London. Just don’t be naive

[@vedadtr3509]

Yeah, not really, Paris is heaven for criminals

[@tjr4459]

I visited Paris in 2018 and absolutely loved it. The boulevards, the cafes, carousels, the architecture and history. Just loved it….from an American 🇺🇸 NYer here. I even experienced a strike/protest in which they were lighting flares which was very interesting. It was helpful that many in the city spoke English and tried to understand my terrible French lol.

[@ilolatu100]

I recently left Madrid after teaching there for 2 years. I know EXCATLY what you are talking about, some European Cities just have a certain 'feel' to them that is magical and encourages you to be a better person and live a more balanced lifestyle. Having lived in Canada now for two years and about to move back home to Australia, I certainly miss the balance and being part of a place that is inexplicably larger than yourself. But life is about experiences, and I am glad I have had the privilege to have had all of these experiences to begin with.

[@jmlepunk]

At least you Aussies know how to relax and leave work at 5 to meet at the pub/coffee-shop :)

[@sm3675]

Why live in Canada when you could've lived in Australia?

[@cameliap1146]

@@sm3675 : because is pretty nice to live in 🇨🇦. Hugs from Montréal !

[@cameliap1146]

@kai liepins: nicely said. You are right.

[@kozkozof]

Born and raised Parisian here. I've lived there all my life basically (except for a year abroad) and I do agree with a lot of people in the comments saying that you have to live here to truly appreciate it for what it is, and to basically find YOUR Paris. Bonding with local people truly helps : they will show you their favorite places, and bring you on unexpected adventures ! Unexpected being the key word here : I do think people have A LOT of expectations coming here, and it's never good in some way. Unfortunately Paris suffers from this a lot because of all the movies, novels, photographs (and so on) featuring it. EVERYBODY on the planet has some idea of what Paris looks like and feels like, therefore it's never a blank slate coming here, and it can become an obstacle almost impossible to overcome once you meet the real thing.

[@adamcotton2121]

So right!

[@pierren___]

Le truc c'est que les expectations des américains ont été bien réelles, jusque dans les années 80. Ils ont une image des années 20, voir ~1750

[@adamcotton2121]

@@pierren___ True. I have been going there for 20 yrs, from Canada, and I get the 20's allure and the current horror of the place. I still love it. Kisses from Canada.

[@pierren___]

@@adamcotton2121 sorry for me too, i have the same idea of Paris as a french

[@adamcotton2121]

@@pierren___ Please be well, Pierre! And keep the city warm!

[@gayatoro2332]

Nathanieeel, this is getting more and more exciting every time you post something...Incredible! I first learnt about Sephardic culture from wonderful Yasmin Levy's songs.

[@YOLITOPINTO]

Loving the video production quality!

[@syedraidarsalan4685]

Living in Paris (in my opinion) is certainly overrated, but travel isn't. The thing is, Paris isn't a place for everyone to just run towards. From what I've heard, all kinds of jobs aren't available. A banker would fair better in Frankfurt than Paris. However, for artists like you, Paris is the center of the world thanks to the beauty of the city and its being as a center of art and history.

[@joelstephenson8017]

Interesting...

[@matthewdaws9877]

Most people actually go there for work because it's easier to find than anywhere else in France

[@syedraidarsalan4685]

@@matthewdaws9877 I was speaking from the perspective of a foreigner.

[@tayloryoung9803]

for bankers i think you took a wrong example, there aren't any city in Europe with nearly as many finance jobs let along the salary. the problem would be more that english is less used making it harder for a non french to get a position. But la defense being by far the largest business district in Europe its quite a strange statement

[@syedraidarsalan4685]

@Pink Crab Hands I would say it is one of the centers.

[@robertl.gyorgyi7911]

Great video, as always! However, I personally think that romanticisation is a form of surviving, a sort of 'mental health instinct'. Nostalgia is a romanticisation of the past. Romanticising Moscow was huge for Chekhov and his work. It is inspiration, optimism, and daydreaming, and a huge cultural capital for any place. Paris (as other cities) would be but a collection of buildings and a bunch of strangers merely coexisting if they were not connected by the (somewhat shared and somewhat personalised) romanticised idea(s) of Paris for which, no matter the hard facts, people still want to stay.

[@djlasry2240]

That is a very interesting and unique thought

[@ellasmith3782]

An interesting notion!!

[@josephthomas3538]

Its when "that girl trend" and "sigma lone wolf alpha male trend" takes it over the top, does it becomes dull and sometimes, even toxic.

[@mitza420]

well said!

[@deborahcurtis1385]

Actually Chekhov is a fantastic example of exploring paradox. The Cherry Orchard has such poignancy about a way of life that was in decline, there was a sense of loss. Yet there was inevitable social progress and change for the proletariat. The French generally have a high regard for the arts. Whereas in many other countries artists are not as respected, They also have a long had a healthy regard for Australian Aboriginal art, and jazz flourished in Paris, and black writers of course found a place there where they could be supported. The problem is people imagine by going there the magic will transfer onto them, without realising the magic is also generated by ourselves.

[@martapalazon8410]

You remind me of myself so much with your genuine excitement about life. Love it!! Love your videos too, thank you for making them.

[@omarmontes90]

Great video Nathaniel! Honestly I like it when people who live places give a review

[@michellegonzalez401]

Hi Nathaniel! I'm a Colombian girl living in Italy, and I went to Paris last week. I would say that at first I was really astonished by the entire city, the architecture, the color scheme, the people.... And I truly loved it, I think it is because I come from Bogotá (the capital city of Colombia) and I'm used to moving around a big city.... with all the chaos, the noise, the speed of a capital. I did the touristic things but I also had some friends in Paris that showed me other spots and I really enjoyed it. I feel like I can't describe with words the feeling that Paris left on me, it was magical.

[@woofolliesmydog8628]

I'd love to hear your view of Bogota, Columbia!

[@contreras9776]

As a Latino, I’m curious about which you prefer, Paris or Rome?

[@rosalinaakylbekova3187]

Yeah im curios too: Rome or Paris?

[@ledues3336]

Guys I’m italian, I think Florence and Venice are better tourist spots than Rome

[@arolemaprarath6615]

Italy is literally the museum of Europe alongside Greece. Italy is far more architecturally superior than France. Italian architectur dominates Europe till to this day.

[@shimmerngspirit]

No. Paris is not underrated. I loved Paris, the people, the food. Paris stole my heart. I'm from Chicago, and I couldn't help feeling that Paris was my kind of city. I loved its lack of perfection.

[@pierren___]

Its lack of perfection ?

[@yesi07]

That’s their point, both places are imperfect so she felt comfortable

[@xeniapromo3652]

I live in Paris and dream of living (even for a while) in Chicago. Such a perfect city!

[@fidgetspinner343]

The power of a good video!!! Watched this, loved this, then subscribed and was amazed at the huge amount of videos that are perfect for me when I had a look at your catalog. I've watched loads of your videos now! Good old KZbin 👍🙂

[@rberlese]

I think the love and hate relationship is typical in almost every European Capital. Visit Paris 10 years ago, hope to visit again soon, since this year I moved to Lisbon and have a similar feeling with the city haha

[@banzy3]

I found central Paris was all the things described in the video. It's great when you're young and kid free, and have a social life. There's a lot of lonely people in the city though; you can be lonely in crowds. The saddest story I know, was a neighbour who had a stroke, fell down behind her front door, couldn't alert anybody, and was found dead a week later, having pulled a rug over her for warmth. Paris was great when I was in my 30's; living there was nothing like being a tourist; I found it had more charm and secrets outside of the most touristic areas. Later, when kids arrived, priorities changed and the city became more impractical. Thankfully there are so many beautiful parts of France in which to lead a quieter life, and now I can just visit the capital as a tourist once in a blue moon. I've certainly found different places can suit people at different stages of their life.

[@wahoo4uva]

You’re a spot on about different places suiting people at different stages of life.

[@horgan09]

I visited Paris last year and to be honest I can’t understand the negative publicity the place gets. It’s a city of elegance with fantastic historical attractions, top level food and a vibrant atmosphere. The people dress with style and were friendly and accommodating. I will return soon. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@yberai]

idealization is never good we can only be disappointed, Paris remains an incredible city otherwise it would not be the most visited country in the world it is that some people like it anyway

[@filippomonaco2303]

The same can be said for all major Italian cities with the exception Italian cities are better.

[@maegalroammis6020]

are you naive? it's a polluted dirty place with many robbers and stalker all around with some' stupid rules

[@diyambarcil2310]

it's just another dirty city full of criminals, stupid laws from a rightist gov , etc.

[@jazz96765]

​@@filippomonaco2303very objective statement

Great video, you've captured the Parisian spirit so well..can't wait to go back there and spend a month or so wandering the streets and getting lost in cafes and intellectual conversation!

[@ds_7]

As someone who loves Paris and wants to live there for a couple of years, who speaks French and who has a French wife who has a few amazing French friends, I have other cons: - the homelessness - the crime - it’s dirty and smelly - people care about themselves, not you - people try so hard to be cool & it results in them being more standoffish and judgemental - you feel like you have to dress really well to fit in - the strikes can leave you waiting on a train for 4 hours extra or unable to get somewhere, and they are super regular - the pay sucks Other pros: - Walking is really nice and the subway system, although terribly unpleasant, gets you around super reliably - It’s easy to visit other places in France & Europe (French rail is awesome, when there aren’t strikes) - being in love in Paris is just sublime Paris definitely has fewer pros than cons, but the pros are just really really good. It’s also weird to compare it to New York because New York is also such an extreme place.

[@AlbumLeViola]

lol i dont get why paris is so overromanticized.... is it coz of the media? i find switzerland more romantic than paris

[@ds_7]

@@AlbumLeViola Fair enough! Paris is romanticised because of its beauty, its food, its language, and its fashion. It’s pretty easy to make that look good on screen and to make people want to go there! I don’t mind Switzerland, the skiing is insane and the chocolate is to die for. Many places in Europe are pretty amazing for lots of different reasons, and they also all have their flaws. If you like Switzerland, if that’s your place, then that’s great!

[@AlbumLeViola]

@@ds_7 idk... i dont think perfect places exist. its all in our mind anyway

[@ds_7]

@@AlbumLeViola Yeah nowhere is perfect, but it’s also great to appreciate what is good about wherever you go :)

[@Kryssthealien]

"being in love in Paris is just sublime". Is that your pro? Being in love is sublime, full stop. "you feel like you have to dress really well to fit in", you definitely don't know Paris if you say that. I lived 25 years in London, I can spot someone from Paris in a second. No designer clothes, no high heels, no complicate hairstyle (or weaves for black girl). You will not love Paris if you think like that. That's 100% the movie romantization you are describing.

[@BenMarriott]

Awesome video. Shout out to whoever's making the motion graphics. They are wonderful. :)

[@Mackesomething]

Completely agree! Skyler is the one creating these, Nathaniels brother - indeed a very talented motion designer.

[@Skymography]

Animator here -- thank you!! Been a big fan of your work for some years, it's definitely inspired some looks in these videos haha. Cheers :D

[@shapeoftimes]

Absolutely agree! I always watch his videos trying to learn something new.

[@romigoletto]

@Luis Guirola it's Skyler, his brother. if you don't believe it you can watch "A Q&A With My Brother" from No Backup Plan, Nathaniel's second channel.

[@fredericoluisfigueira9053]

I loved your video and the editing, the musics that you choose, amazing content, thanks for that :)

[@ragayomama]

Great video. You are a really good commentator, with a great conversational delivery and good observations. I hope to get back to Paris soon. I wish you had a list of places featured in this video.

[@LukeKorns]

Nathaniel, thank you for showing me Paris now I want to live in Paris. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Jordi_Llopis_i_Torregrosa96]

Enjoy the no go zones where westerners aren't even allowed to go into

[@Jucarlien]

@@Jordi_Llopis_i_Torregrosa96 it really doesn't exist inside Paris, maybe just in some suburb parts

[@Jordi_Llopis_i_Torregrosa96]

​@@Jucarlien "it really doesn't exist inside Paris" "maybe just in some suburb parts" make your mind up smoothbrain, the suburbs are still Paris and there's absolutely no justification for anything like this to happen anywhere in the west, the fact that you're immediately trying to deny it or ultimately justify it speaks volumes about how much you care about your country, there shouldn't be any no go zones in France to begin with

[@Jucarlien]

@@Jordi_Llopis_i_Torregrosa96 Why are you being so aggressive. No the suburbs of Paris is not Paris, I myself live in the suburbs of Paris, this video talks specifically of Paris not the region. I also didn't at all tried to deny the fact that there exist "nogo" zones, neither did I try to justify it. I just wrote my first comment because thanks to the media and particularly American media, some people think that Paris is filled with "no go" areas, wich is completely false. There exist some dangerous places to go in France, particularly NEAR and not IN: Paris and Marseille, wich is a really big problem, but you sound like you just repeat some stuff you read on a random article.

[@Jordi_Llopis_i_Torregrosa96]

@@Jucarlien sounds like a cope

[@coachvanessavalencia]

Ah, this was really great. I lived in Paris for two years and then spent over a decade going back for business and truly feel as you say; it is a city that feels out of reality and when I continue to return over the years, it feels like I'm returning to a recurring dream. Beautifully filmed, thank you!

[@macandfire5477]

I went to Paris a few years ago and it really was never a place I particularly wanted to visit. But maybe because I had low expectations 😂 I simply adored every minute!!! I love Paris!!

[@kevinpraditra]

I can't believe that after missing your contents for quite awhile, I get a collab between you and Luke Korns! What a welcome surprise!

[@RealJamieBarclay]

I discovered something similar about LA. It's super Romanticised as being the place to go to follow your film making/acting dreams but as soon as you read up or look into it, you realise there are a LOT of bad things about the place. Despite this however, I'm planning on going there for a while in the new year, because I know there's still lots of opportunity and great things about the city, I just need to have an appropriate view of the place before arriving. Ultimately, it doesn't matter where you go, your thoughts come with you.

[@zenstudiosla8614]

Great perspective

[@luckyDancer100]

I went to LA a few months before the pandemic and was disappointed. I loved the touristy places, but you have to drive everywhere and it’s wall to wall people. I remember walking to the beach and it was so congested, I left.

[@jordansarkisian]

Everytime I hear that song "California Dreamin" it makes me wanna move to LA so bad, and perhaps it was that amazing in the 1960s, but yeah everyone from LA I know these days says too hot, wildfires, rage inducing traffic, crime, they're always bitching about something rather than saying how nice it is lol (tho it's still got it's perks like anywhere, the weather is still amazing year round regardless)

[@Jessica_P_Fields]

I agree. My family lived in LA for many years when I was a kid, but I've lived outside of LA for most of my life. I returned after a long absence in 2020 (for a visit) and I wasn't sure if I would still love it. I was glad to find that even with the significant changes, I still love it there. BUT. Since I'm from there I avoided the touristy/famous places almost entirely, and I just chilled out while I was there. A few friends of mine who had never been to LA visited there after my trip, and they hated it. They did the touristy stuff and stayed in touristy/famous areas, and it was deeply unpleasant for them. They didn't see the LA that I see when I go there (my suggestions were ignored), so to them LA is a horrible, expensive, filthy place that's full of homeless people and selfish people. I think they felt lied to by the romanticizations. That makes me sad for them.

[@aurorap.7578]

My grandpa lived in the 17th arrondissement. We would stay in his apartment when we visited Paris it was right beside a market and a bunch of little local shops that I loved. It was at times overwhelming with the metro and the tourists but there was no lack of boredom or experiences. I do not miss the smells of the cities in France. Urine, pollution, dog poop and cigarettes are not the best combination of smells. I can live without them. I am much more of a country kind of girl. I much prefer the small towns and villages in France (or anywhere else for that matter) than the city. I like the quiet.

[@marktwain6609]

I lived in the 17th arrondissement too! Villa Aublet, between Ave Niel and Bld Péreire. But I understand why you appreciate the quiet too.

[@aurorap.7578]

@@marktwain6609 my grandfather was beside le parc batignole

[@LegendTheAnonymous]

I studied in Paris for six months, and I certainly have a love hate relationship with the city. On one had, this is one of the most annoying cities I have been to. There are often traffic disruptions, or some kind of protest going on. When I was there metro workers went on strike for a month, so I had to walk an hour to and an hour back from university each day. At the same time, I loved the "pulse" of the city. It is intense, inspiring and historic.

[@atesah]

strikes are important for worker rights

[@LegendTheAnonymous]

@@atesah I agree! But that doesn't change the fact that they can be annoying. Still, I like that in France many people support these strikes, even if they are inconvenient.

[@atesah]

@@LegendTheAnonymous okay, it’s just the way you described it made it seem a little self centred. not accusing or anything, I just think it’s important to remember why workers strike and the importance of it and the point of it is to show how vital the work they do is and that society doesn’t function efficiently without these workers so they should be compensated fairly and justly and not have their rights at work eroded by their bosses. The inconvenience of it all displays how important their work is and we should be “annoyed” at their selfish, greedy bosses pushing the workers until they had no choice but to strike

[@christianterraes8334]

Et oui vous n avez pas eu de chance. Un pays gouverné par des gauchistes cela donne ça et plus une invasion migratoire depuis 1981...

[@farcushenderson]

i love these transitions dude

[@garrettvercoe]

Nathaniel, I'm enjoying seeing you open up more showing both sides of the coin with your life. I felt a lot of your older videos were focused on the romanticism of place and life, and now I feel like I'm seeing a lot more tempered views and nuance through your more recent videos. Bravo 👏

[@p0keDAmo0seyXD]

I feel as though the “angry Parisians” trope is specific to American tourists who do not take the time to learn basic French phrases or words…as you mentioned earlier in the video, if you don’t start an exchange with “Bonjour”, you’re dead to the person. American tourism is notorious for the expectation that the world speaks English and therefore caters to them. The French have so much pride in their language that there’s actually an institution dedicated to preserving the language that’s been around since the 1630’s, so they respect those of us who can speak at least in basic terms with them! :)

[@christopherr.2137]

As an American the best way to get people to speak English to you that I have found is to really try and speak the local native language. Usually I am so bad at it they switch to English to prevent harm to themselves. I do not speak their language poorly on purpose I just suck at it. But I have also found that you get more respect for at least trying even if you only speak in simple toddler like sentences like I tend to. Learn Hello Goodbye Thank you and How to count to at least 10. It is amazing how just that little bit will make a huge difference.

[@jessieplexer]

@@christopherr.2137 Totally the same experience! Almost always works :)

[@cyrus7805]

Exactly, I often see videos or comments about people hating Parisians because they're always mad and rude. But as a Parisian, I've been to most countries in Europe, and though we are not the most likeable, I definitely don't think we're the worst either. It's true though that people can be touchy with very very basic politeness rules, like saying "Bonjour". I realized a few years ago how it was important to us when I witnessed a bunch of Americans coming into a bar where I used to go and didn't even say hello or anything. When I enter somewhere I ALWAYS start with a "bonjour monsieur" or "bonjour madame" before I even ask for anything. But they just entered and were talking extremely loudly and expansively, and what we would consider rude or disrespectful and just sat there and called the waiter. They expected everyone to speak a perfect English and acted like they were the only one in the bar, very over-friendly and like the waiter was at their disposal. And the waiter was visibly upset and not very nice with them. I thought to my mind, there we have some Americans that when they will get home, they will say that Parisian waiters are rude assholes, but there's an incredibly huge cultural gap here that Parisian waiters experiments all the time with some tourists (not only Americans), that we all have different standards when it comes to politeness. And I realized that those guys weren't necessarily rude or anything, they just had different standards. In Paris (and in France) we are less effusive than Americans who are very friendly, very fast. We aren't, but it doesn't mean we won't respect you or treat you well. And when we enter a place a "bonjour" is always expected. If there isn't one, it definitely isn't a good start. Even between French people, it's often that I see people arguing in the streets and someone who starts talking to the another person, and this person would answer with "euh, bonjour déjà", which means ("uh, first of all hello").

[@chiaraippoliti]

Not just U.S. American tourists, but anyone who speaks English and refuses to learn at least a few phrases in French because they THINK everyone should speak English. That sentiment bothers me so much, and I'm from the States. Fortunately, I speak French along with 5 other languages. And when I travel to other countries where I don't speak the language, such as Greece or Slovakia, I learn a few phrases and how to read the language, if needed. Locals really appreciate that. English is a world language, but it's not a universal language (b/c not everyone speaks it), and most importantly, it's not the ONLY language. Learn another language or at least some common phrases of the country you're going to visit. Be respectful of other countries and the locals.

[@chiaraippoliti]

@@christopherr.2137 How about speaking French without having the goal of getting them to speak English? Ask them to continue speaking to you in French because you'd like to improve.

[@marekkulhavy2937]

This video made me reconsider my own city which is Prague. I love it so much for its pros and cons and I think that the little flaws create the unique feeling you get when you are discovering cities because if everything would be perfect you would loose half of the experience 😊

[@jazz96765]

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities i have ever seen. And i'm french.

[@marcviscovi4689]

This is a great video for introducing those who romanticize the city to what living in Paris feels like. From the food, the beauty, the endless "contiguous villages" vibe to the acute housing crisis, Kafkian administrative nightmares and ubiquitous noise and dust from construction/renovation jobs, you've covered a lot of the essentials. Good job, man! I, for one, never romanticized Paris. I came here to do a six-month course in French at the Sorbonne. That was over 35 years ago, and I've been here ever since. It took a long time for the French to grow on me, but the city itself somehow felt like it could become my home almost immediately. I'd lived in Barcelona and Granada a few years prior to that, in addition to spending lots of time in Trieste visiting family, but none of those other European cities had the same immediate effect on me, despite the fact that my language skills in Spanish and Italian were far superior to my truly sketchy understanding of French at the time. The difference is that Paris is a truly cosmopolitan city. Sure, it's French, just as New York is American or London is English or Moscow is Russian, but it also a city that has been a haven for People from Elsewhere for a very long time, and it shows in the general mindset. Once you get to know the language and people here, you understand just how tolerant it is. And as far as major capitals go, it is very slow-paced, even though few people who live elsewhere in France or have no experience with other global megacities would ever agree with that statement. What else can I say? Paris is safe. Certainly not Japan safe, but very safe all the same. I have never had anything stolen from me here. Over the past 35 years, I have personally witnessed only two physical altercations, and there were no weapons involved. It has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, a system that also happens to be affordable. Paris is clean, and getting cleaner with each passing year, believe me. When you live and work here, you never have to think about health care. And the trope about how arrogant Parisians are is, in my experience, an outdated stereotype. During my first months and years here, I felt that, whereas in the States the customer is always right, in Paris the customer is always in the way. That has gradually changed, and more often than not, I find that Parisians, especially the younger crowd, are eager to interact with people from other countries and (gasp!) even practice their English. Sure, there are drawbacks, and you have pointed most of them out in this video. But as you rightly say, no place is perfect, and no place has universal appeal. Different strokes for different folks. The one thing that really stands out above all other considerations is this: Paris is CIVILIZED AND HUMANE. Long may it remain so.

[@innerworksnyc9746]

I love this comment.❤️ I hope to one day visit France. I'm on day 3 of learning basic conversational French. I learned from a colleague that recently had an Art show in Paris, and he described the area where he stayed as the Lower East Side of NYC (my favorite place to hang out❤️) of the 60's and 70's.

[@MrJeremie60]

Le peuple français disparaît donc bel et bien. C’est extrêmement triste à lire.

[@kaischmidt730]

Lived in Paris for a year. Hated it for the first two month or so, but once I found my way around and got to know a few people I totally fell in love with it. One other thing you might wanna mention are all those farmer markets that pop up all over the city, and you need a local to let you know the schedule. From cheese to vegetables to wine, everything is offered fresh from the farm and often surprisingly good value.

[@drchtct]

I just went to Paris for a few days and thought the Paris syndrome was funny, because I had the opposite experience. As a German I never liked France because of the unfriendly stereotypes, and I never romanticized Paris to begin with. When I chose my university, I never considered France, I didn't even think about it. But when I came here, I was baffled, the city is beautiful, probably the best architecture, in such a harmony, I have ever seen. The atmosphere is amazing, the streets are filled wherever you go, there is great food and wine around every corner, it's like a never ending movie. I guess the movie ends somewhere out in the suburbs, but few cities come close in having such a big, lively area. I been to New York and even though it's also big, there were often corners close to popular areas where I wouldn't feel safe, I never had that in my time in Paris. I have a hard time going back to German cities now, knowing how beautiful Western European cities can be (I don't compare them to Southern European ones, they just have a different vibe and climate).

[@JorickTube]

As a Dutch guy I have exactly the same feelings. Paris is amazing and I don't get why I didn't get that sooner. There's something in our shared cultural understanding that Paris is shit. Maybe it got transferred through our parents generation or something, I don't really know.

[@michaelmains6785]

This is one of the best videos on the beauties and frustrations of Paris. You nailed it. I recently moved back to Canada after living there for 3 years. I miss it a lot.

[@SolarLiner]

As a not-Parisian French, Paris is definitely a place on its own. Both the pros and the cons are kind of unique to Paris. Nothing is as big and feels as expansive in France and probably Europe. And nowhere is as dirty, crowded as Paris. What I'm saying, I guess, is that you should go down and visit down here to the south someday ☺️

[@Kat-fw5jo]

I went to Niece and Cannes in January 2017 and it was quite clean, the weather was nice and sunny, people were nice :)

[@komaromatoma]

Not quite Europe anymore but I think we can certainly crown London as the filthiest and largest city by a long shot. And it doesn’t have nearly as many redeeming qualities as paris does 🥲

[@agmorn]

Love this video! My first time in Paris was a couple years ago and I found it overrated and I hadn’t had the most pleasant experience with Parisians. My second time tho, I loved it! I also saw Paris through a different perspective because I spent more time with locals. You try to take your tourist glasses off then. I loved the architecture of the city a lot. I live in the Netherlands and most surrounding countries have similar architecture (France, Spain, Belgium, etc), but the Netherlands has a quite different architecture overall so I admire seeing it in other countries. I also found public transport to be very convenient there. Took the metro a lot and the bus every now and then. As a non-Parisian/non-French person, it doesn’t matter how many times I’ve been to the city. Because I will always be amazed by the Tour Eiffel, the evening walks and the streets. When I look back at my pictures taken there, I feel nostalgic.

[@michal24]

Thanks for the video! :) enjoyed watching it

[@charlotten7295]

Really happy you mentioned la lumière 😀😀😀

[@theophilelouison7249]

The problem with the French (and I speak as a Parisian) is that we are fully convinced that we are in hell when we are actually in a paradise. I'm probably the only one of my friends who love Paris!!!

[@waynefernandes9455]

Every time I transit through Paris, I make sure I have 10 hours to get out of the airport and walk around the beautiful city. However I noticed a decline in the city with every visit.

[@Jordi_Llopis_i_Torregrosa96]

If by paradise you mean a place where you can't afford relaxing for 10 seconds straight because there's human filth all over the place trying to mug you, yeah it's paradise

[@soumayabensoltana6473]

No one will experience Paris the same way, it depends from where you come.I have been to Paris for a couple of days few years ago, by that time, I have no expectations about the City and I end it up by falling in love with it. I found it very intuitive to walk around the city, you can't risk being lost, the architecture is amazing, even the metro system I found it so practical and easy (I am coming from a place were the transportation system is so weak and kind of a burden) the city is so aesthetic and it feels like you are going through a history book or a "musée à ciel ouvert". Sure being a tourist is not the same as living there, as you have said, Evey place has it's good and it's bad sides, up to you to decide how much you can tolerate the bad ones and if the positive aspects out past the negative ones. That was an awesome video as usual, thank you for sharing this amazing experience.

[@keu.45-log]

Yeah for me as a person who was raised in a country that has been colonised by France I was raised to see france as evil and BAD for what it has done in the past to my ancestors and when I got there it was actually pretty deferent , I mean sure there is bad people but every place in earth has good AND bad ones and because I was raised to hate France I had zero expectations therefore I really liked it when I went there .

[@kyra_evans_writer]

Your excitement level when describing the bread is EVERYTHING.

[@callmeacab]

Im 52...I always wanted to live in Paris and I never realized I could have just gotten up and gone. I have visited a few times. And I haven't given up the dream. And this vid just got me all reinvigorated. I will be there again later this year. I plan on binging a lot of your videos to get some inspiration. Merci Merci Merci pour vos videos.

[@derrickmickle5491]

Great video. Surprised that you didn't mention "le système d" when talking about bureaucracy. Navigating French bureaucracy is an art form in and of itself. The example you gave of having a friend with you to secure a bank account is "le système d" in action. Another example: queuing up for lines. A line in America is one person behind the other, in the form of...a line. In Paris, a "line" is more of a wedge shape or scrum. Cutting the "line" is considered acceptable behavior if excused with a shrug of the shoulders and a casual "eh, c'est le système d!". La débrouillardise is a second-nature, core survival skill in France, especially in Paris. Another topic you could explore is the downside of the French obsession with food: they are constantly talking about food intake. Especially in Paris, where there is immense social pressure to stay thin. It is socially acceptable to openly chastise (bully) someone for their food choices: "You just had a baby, shouldn't you eat a salad?" "You're gaining weight. Maybe you should skip this meal?" The commenting on food intake teeters the line between unhealthy preoccupation and eating disorder. It is a uniquely French phenomenon that's particularly bad in Paris. Last thing: as a Black American, I have had the absolute weirdest racial treatment that only happens in Paris. I have spent decades perfecting my French accent. It's too perfect: I'm often assumed to be an African immigrant in my initial interactions with Parisians, and treated accordingly. I have learned that there is a social advantage in deliberately speaking French with more of an American accent. Why? I think it's the historical perceptions of Black Americans in France, from the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s, to Josephine Baker, to the black G.I.s who helped liberate France in World War II. It's also the current perceptions of black Americans in French culture, from hip-hop music and sports. The French generally put black Americans on a pedestal. My French friends rarely refer to me as "un américain", but almost always as "un noir américain". I wouldn't think it was a "thing" if it weren't for the consistent, Jeckl-Hyde change in demeanor the minute a French person realizes I'm "un noir américain".

[@kueller917]

You're not the first person I've seen attest that being noticeably American is actually better in France if you're black. It's an upsetting reality and reminds that Europe is not always the wonderfully progressive place North America idealizes it as at times.

[@j-loosenfout67]

Hello Derrick, I'm Parisian by birth and white (I'm 54) and have spent most of my life in Paris in the very near suburbs. Your analysis is relevant, and I wouldn't take a word out of what you said. On the other hand, I'd like to add a few details to this analysis and perhaps thus modify your perception a little bit of this differentiated attitude between black Africans and black Americans in Paris and France in general. The first thing that comes to mind is the cultural difference between black Africans and black Americans. Indeed, most of the former are Muslim, while the majority of the latter are Christian. This isn't a detail to be overlooked. Because suddenly, the cultural differences between the two at the level of social behavior are very different. France is historically Christian (even if since 1789, the country has been secular). In every village in France, there's a church, often ancient. The way of perceiving things is closer between a white French and a black American than between a French white and a black African, and perhaps even between a black American and black African who will not have the same city culture. When a black African arrives in Paris and comes to settle (most of the time in the suburbs) there, he arrives with his African habits and customs. This isn't the case with a black American who most often will behave more or less like a French white. Black Africans in the suburbs come together and often live in isolation. It will not be the case for a black American, who will instead seek contact with the local population. And above all, the biggest problem is the number. There's a lot of delinquency on the part of black Africans in France who have also landed in mass in France in the last twenty years when the country is already financially in bad shape. On the other hand, we know few and even practically not at all black Americans who behave like delinquents in Paris (or elsewhere). Yet, on the other hand, young black Africans from so-called "sensitive" neighborhoods are talked about a lot in France. There are, of course, obvious reasons for this; The first is poverty, unemployment. The second is also the ghettoization and prohibition of cannabis in France. It generates enormous trafficking with all the problems this causes in the suburbs. Most of the black Americans who come to Paris have studied and had a trade. They most often come from the middle class compared to their African counterparts. These last most often arrive here totally destitute and without fundamental professional skills. This is why the view of the French on black Americans who land here is so different from that which they have on black Africans. Have a friendly day, 🤗

[@lexbogie1]

@@j-loosenfout67 Well, “black” American and Native Africans are not the same people and have two totally different histories but i’m sure all you know is the European slave narrative of history that get propagated throughout the world

[@j-loosenfout67]

@@lexbogie1 Hello, First, I' like to clarify one thing. I come from the neighborhoods and the working class and I still live and work there. My parents were not graduates. I grew up surrounded by black Africans, Italians, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and all that the world can offer as a difference in culture. I have friends of all origins including Malians, Arabs, etc. Those who know me know that I'm not racist. I don't judge people by their skin color, their origins, or even their words. I judge people one by one, not in groups and in relation to their attitude towards me personally. I have no preconceptions when I meet someone for the first time. I'd even say that the better someone has a good face, the more I'm wary. 😅 And yes, when you grow up in barrios, you know that the cover of the book isn't necessarily a reflection of what it contains. On the other hand, concerning the History, know that the manipulation works as well in one direction as in the other. And that no one has the pure truth. Reality and truth are two very different things. Truth is human, multiple and variable depending on the point of view from which it is observed. On the other hand, reality is universal. It belongs to Nature (some call it God, others call it Universe, others still give it other names). So I'm never sure to hold any truth. Neither am I sure you have it yourself. Truth is a variable. Have a nice day my friend.

[@rayanstar7]

@@j-loosenfout67 your reply is the reason why as a POC who grew up in Paris i feel so much happier and healthier in the US. Though Paris is to me the best city in the world hands-down, white French people are the most obnoxious, arrogant and ANNOYING type of people I have ever met when it comes to their weird obsession with assimilation of POC to their white culture and their rejection of French-African culture. And most of them don’t even realize how problematic and extreme the assimilation narrative sounds in other multicultural countries

[@ivneetkaur9393]

This video makes me still want to go to PARIS and experience it on my own but your little heads up would make me less disappointed if things aren’t the way I am imagining. Thank you Nathaniel

[@marlonzubizarreta6446]

It’s definitely NOT overrated. I love Paris . I have been there thousands of times and I feel it’s never enough because I always look forward to return . It’s a city that takes my breath away sand bring a smile when I think about it

[@hugs92104]

Nathaniel, I watch your videos and I'm so enamored by your life adventures at such a young age. Watching you "grow up" is so sweet and I am so touched by your honesty and willingness to share. I have a favor to ask, my partner and I will be traveling to Portugal, Paris, France, and Norway over the course of three months. We have never been away from "home" for this amount of time in our lives; but being in our early sixties, we aren't getting any younger and need to travel while we are still well enough. You are an experienced traveler and have been robbed. What can we do to avoid theft while traveling? Any suggestions, uTubes we can watch to help support safe travels would be so appreciated. Thank you - thank you for your videos and education. With a happy heart and wishes for an amazing 2022. Mark

[@caponkafa]

Thank you for making this video and your energy ofc 🙏🏻 it absolutely made me feel inspired to work towards my manifestations

[@CalvinDegraaf]

I stayed in Montmarte with a friend for a couple days back in 2019 during a heat wave, and I'll always remember how we romanticized the heat and the stairs to the point where we were sprinting up flights of stairs together, sweating buckets, when we could've just taken an elevator. There's truly something about the place that paints even hot, sweaty days in a crowded metro with magic. Great video!

[@barbarabolotner8000]

Merci pour ce magnifique portrait 🧡Je vis à Paris depuis 15 ans et je suis amoureuse de ma ville 😊 J’aime tellement ma ville que je regarde des vidéos sur elle ! 😅Merci en tout cas !

[@ondrejvogl4296]

Great vid! Inspiring, beautifully consumable. Thx :D

[@damianocasula4713]

9:59 As an italian that was the same reaction and I loved that you put your italian friend's one. Tough I think we are also pretty aggressive when it comes to food.

[@jessica8155]

Recently travelled throughout Europe and wasn’t even planning on visiting Paris. Decided at the last minute to go for a couple days and was absolutely blown away by the city. One of the best parts of my trip.

[@pierren___]

Why you didnt Even plan to go ?

[@xEckored]

i lived in paris for a year, was going to stay forever, but moved back home because of the pandemic. this made me smile in memory of the adventure that this city has always been for me. can't wait to go back one day. merci pour cette vidéo

[@biancapadilla146]

I went to Paris for the first time in my life just a month ago. I was only there for for four days so it definitely was a tourist experience. But it didn’t disappoint at all. It was so beautiful and exciting and romantic. I’m already missing it. No París syndrome here.

[@gumburgobek]

Moving there in 3 weeks.. Super anxious. Thanks for some heads-up:)

[@zachboeheim1029]

First off, merci beaucoup for an accurate and beautiful summation of Paris. This synchs up perfectly with my experience of living in Paris as a fellow American ex-pat, who moved here almost 2 years ago as well! Also, not sure if you remember, but we bumped into each other in Montmartre, and I was one of the people who tried to help you with the infamous bank situation. haha Sorry, that didn't work out, but glad it did in the end. Bref, thank you for documenting Paris in such an honest and poetic manner. Keep at it, man! Such a gift of filmmaking, you are putting out into the world!

[@nathanieldrew]

Ah yes I remember! Thank you for the kind words :) - I hope you’re doing well!!

[@louisbriollais1595]

Merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo Nathaniel !!! Tu retranscris parfaitement ce que je ressent entant que parisien depuis que j'y ai emménagé .. toutefois, t'as oublié, surement à juste titre, un point qui me semble commun à tous les parisiens : la chance !! En effet, être résident à Paris représente un privilège énorme et une chance hors du commun. Ça peut paraître un peu prétentieux de parler de "privilège de la vie parisienne" mais en réalité c'est assez perceptible quand on y vit à l'année. Continue de nous faire rêver comme tu le fais si bien ! Bien à toi 😇 edit. Paris c'est un état d'esprit.

[@youcoolaylaygal]

Thank you to share your expérience :). Je vis à Paris depuis 4 ans et je ne m’en lasse pas :).

[@anabt9039]

definitely agree with everything you said! No place is perfect and at the end of the day each person values things more highly over others when choosing where to live. What is important is to not lose sight of the amazing things a city has to offer when sometimes bogged down by the cons of that same city. I remember experiencing huge disappointment when I studied abroad in Paris during my "Spring" semester and was faced with Paris in the grey, overcast and rain until end of April. It wasn't until i read the book Sarah's key while doing my semester there that it re-opened my eyes to all the history seeped through the city then and now, something I love about Europe and Paris vs. the USA. I remember reading about certain events from WWII in Paris and realizing they occured at/near the metro I took for my classes every day. My favorite thing you said was at the end, the indescribable feeling that you feel deep down Paris is a city where you can dream or be most yourself. I share that and feel that each time I visit, knowing I am meant to live there again, that I am meant to be more than just a tourist in the city

[@DemetriPanici]

Nathaniel you have lived the life of like 20 people. I love that you've seen the world and lived in so many places. Great video!

[@MoodstepBonheur]

Merci. I needed that video. I was blue because today I had to face rudeness and crazy administrative rules. I couldn’t shake off that bad feeling but your thought rebalanced everything. I live in Brittany (le pays des crêpes que tu sembles apprécier) and those cons you mention could apply to the French culture as a whole. I lived ten years in Paris and I love the city. One of the cons that made it difficult to live there was the increase of poverty in the street. I was heartbroken everyday. I also lived in NYC and I love that city too but I also knew that It couldn’t last more than a few years because it’s constantly buzzing with noise and activity. Today I enjoy the sea side and your video was at the perfect timing to remind me that I love the french culture even tough I am really pissed off by certain aspects of it. Thanks for your great videos.

[@nirvanakamala2809]

I lived in Paris for 6 months and absolutely fell in love with it. It definitely helps to speak French! You also should find places that make you feel grounded and lucky, then it feels like home. You get used to walking around the city & the metro quiet quickly, it’s not so hard to build a daily routine. I saw the same sights nearly everyday and the city never lost its charms for me. Just absolutely in love and would love to go back.

[@MrJeremie60]

Content que vous ayez aimé.

[@callmeacab]

I'm so impressed by you and the fact that at such a young age you became an social anthropologist. I love the depths of your insights and opinions. One day I hope I can do the same (albeit at a much older age)

[@martastanley]

I have visited Paris for the third time this year. It was unexpected and I certainly did not plan to love it. But, I fell in love with the light, the places, the metro system! I felt home but excited at the same time. There was always something new to do, another museum, another side of the river, another dish to taste. Not everything is perfect of course (rats, customer service, traffic, construction). And I do understand that tourism in such an iconic city can be so annoying for the residents... I hope the government can do something about the real estate. Nonetheless, I see myself visiting it more in the future. It fuels me with inspiration!

[@darkbrumecaldin1902]

I'm French from Reunion Island. And since I was a little girl, I spent a lot of my holidays in Paris where my grandparents live. And I love this city. For a time, I wanted to study there but growing up, I realized I find Paris too busy and overwhelming, the traffic is insane and I didn't want to spend my days in the subway. But going there for the holidays is always wonderful, because it's beautiful, there are so many things to do, there is so much history, so much culture and there is definitely a romantic atmosphere. Just something I noticed in your video, you talk about how cheese is amazing in France while showing images of pecorino which is an Italian cheese. Other than that, I agree with everything you say in your video. And I'm both proud and grateful to be French.

[@sandramuis7430]

I have been to Paris only twice, for short periods of time. I LOVED Paris…..the food…..the sights….the architecture…..places to go, things to do….awesome place. The vibes…..right on for me. Will go back again if time permits!!! 🥰👍

[@thelmaelliot3335]

Wow what an amazing video! Makes me want to visit Paris even more now❤️

[@oleksandrfabry8497]

One recommendation about visiting Paris (that applies to everywhere else though) is try to meet someone via internet that is from the city and that will show you great places. My friend from Montreal came to Paris and loved it, and I definitely think that the fact that I was there with him showing him hidden gems made a difference.

[@EmilyClaireRussell]

Well, good timing. I just got home from three months in France. I tend to hate cities wherever I am, but Paris really spoke to me. It was a place I could envision myself staying in for a longer period of time, and as a person with perpetual restlessness, that’s a rare feeling. On the metro I kept thinking, ‘man, nathaniel drew has probably been right near this spot that I’m standing. that’s sick.’ Another absolutely bangin’ film. Cheers!

[@rozawadzki]

Great poetic essay. Well done

[@BrianBaileyedtech]

I have visited Paris several times in my life. The first time I was 13 in 1977 and was with my family. We took the hovercraft over from England and had a VW CamperVan. Legendary - we drove around the Arc de Triomphe at rush hour and were astonished to see cars driving on the sidewalk - yeah really! Of course we hit all the highlights like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and Versailles and I was astounded. The second time I was a 20 year old backpacker coming over from Canada. I went to see Purple Rain at its premiere on the Champs Elysee (it was 1984) and had a blast staying in a dorm in La Defense while visiting my sister who was attending the Sorbonne for a year, while living in well, basically a closet, just down the street from the Arc de Triomphe! On that trip I met her sexy french friends who took me out for dinner and later we had dinner with her family - I will never forget it - we all got drunk on homemade pear alcohol! Driven back to our hotel late at night in a Mercedes taxi driving along the Seine at 2 am with the Notre Dame in the background, illuminated by a full moon. Legendary. Finally, last summer I stayed for several days after France reopened - rented a car and got lost and of course, ended up driving around the Arc de Triomphe, my old friend, several times before I got headed in the right direction. Paris was more beautiful and cultured than ever - and zero rude people. One of my favourite cities in the world for the past 45 years.

[@kseniaberger2715]

Hey, thanks for making this video! I moved to Paris in April this year, and though I didn't dream of Paris or had much of expectations before coming here, I completely agree with everything you said. Paris has its challenges, but it's such a wonderful, beautiful, vibrant city that has a lot to offer, and I'm only just scratching the surface. Now when I get asked what I think about Paris, I'll just point them to this video :)

[@levitatedcat]

I would love to find a North African creator tackling this same question. I've always been interested in visiting Paris, but I'm Algerian and the more I learn about the Algerian war, there's aspects of French culture that I personally can't see any different. Like the way people romanticize the Seine -- walks along the river, picnicking, etc -- I can only think of the thousands of Algerian corpses that were thrown into that river. I have a hard time reconciling an interesting cultural hub like Paris with such a grimy colonial history. That problem is not unique to France, or even unique to me... but I just know that as an Algerian, I can never see Paris the way you see it, and that makes me a little sad.

[@hicetnuncmonamour]

I invite you to go to Hiroshima or Nagasaki, then you will realize how the banks of the Seine are beautiful and that we don't forget such atrocities. I think about French singer Barbara's song Göttingen. Indeed roses are beautiful everywhere~ I will also quote the famous Algerian poet, the poet who signed with a sun, the European, the Christian, the homosexual, the fighter for the independence of Algeria to whom his fighting brothers of the FLN did not grant the Algerian nationality, the fighter for the independence of Algeria who was murdered, then buried without tribute from his fighting brothers of the FLN, Jean Sénac: "Children of my country, I have seen you running together on the beach, freed from our races and freed from blood". 🇫🇷💙🇩🇿 🫂 over all -ism

[@BuzziMuzzi]

Quite literally I had a discussion with my friends from the most elitist political school here in Paris that got triggered by me calling the Algerian war French genocide saying that it’s not a genocide but simply just a war… Man I’m sorry. I love Paris and I love the French but they’re very much still tied to their Napoleonistic idealisms of their own history.

[@TheElenaNumb]

SO GOOD SEEING AN ALGERIAN ON NATHANIELS VIDEOS!!!!

[@thomasharter8161]

You should think of the Algerian ships that plied the French coasts to capture slaves for centuries and Algiers was the hub of slavery and besides that is the reason why France to land in Algeria. To end its horrors. It will help you see Paris from a different perspective.

[@hervedupont6955]

@@thomasharter8161 EXCELLENT EXCELLENT 👏👋

[@TheQueenofcat]

Your video is on point! And oh my god I laughed so much!

[@sierrarosethompson1053]

Oh my gosh I love you. Thank you for all your creativity

[@DEBANJAN1CR06]

This video is so so amazing, and considering that even I have been living for just over 2 years in Paris, I 100% agree with everything that you mentioned. The good and the bad parts, including the Paris syndrome which I had read about just a week before I boarded my flight to Paris, were so intriguing (no disrespect towards anyone who is or has suffered from it). This is what I love about Paris, the parts that you hate, you hate it so much, but the parts that you love, its true love in its purest form, haha.

[@veggie1984]

I was in Paris only once, when I was in high school, it was (OMG!) 20 years ago :-o It was only 3 days. 2 days for city visiting and one day for Disnayland Paris. And what can I say, I love this city. Beautiful streets, buildings, monuments, architecure etc. I hope to back there and visit Paris again, maybe for longer to see more, to make photos, videos. Paris is greate!! Best wishies from Poland!! :-)

[@billcordell9797]

My favorite city in the world. Excellent video. Glad I found you and I’ll look forward to seeing more from you. Merci!

[@JoseLopez-zg9nm]

Men, where should I start you're just so good in camera I just found you through the recommendations and you are the first person to convince me to get the VPN subscription and already hit the follow button.

[@kiko8842]

I'm Japanese living in Paris for almost 5 years now. Since my work allows me to see other French and European cities, my experience hasn't been too bad. But after being in the city for a few weeks or months straight, I always have this massive need to get out and connect with nature or something. Because it is quite dirty, noisy, and polluted. At this point, I just don't have any expectations of the city so I guess I need to focus on the good 😄

[@kajin6776]

I definitely get that feeling. Every time I visit Paris, I get so overwhelmed by the noise, the crowds and the atmosphere! I live in the west of France, and it always feels relieving when I go back home, it's so much quieter and peaceful. I think that in order to fully appreciate Paris, you have to live there and slowly make the city yours by finding places you love. Other big European cities are similar to Paris, in my opinion, like London and Barcelona. May I ask what kind of job you have?

[@pastadecosta5683]

Don't you get disgusted? It's just filled with black people right now

[@yungtitynac]

@@pastadecosta5683 based

[@pastadecosta5683]

@@yungtitynac based on what? Reality? Man I have visited patis in 2018, feels like Africa now

[@lmo4879]

@Kiko Absolutely agree - and I've been in Paris for a similar length of time. The other problem I've had, that isn't addressed in the video, is the hassle on the street. I've lived in the 14th, 17th and 18th arrondissements, i.e. the areas that are shown a lot in the video, and I have been pushed around on the street, shoved against a wall, sworn at, and even been spat at by random guys. In my experience it's a misogynist culture, which of course won't be visible to male visitors. I ended up feeling really unsafe every time I left my apartment. I've lived in cities most of my life and never experienced this sort of aggro. Can't wait to move elsewhere!

[@thomasherard6428]

Other things I hate about it: Paris can be extremely dirty in general, it is a nightmare for pedestrians and bicycles as a lot of space was given to cars even in the city center and it seems like we are centuries behind other countries concerning recycling, vegan options in restaurants, etc. Over romanticising Paris is prejudicing its case. I love my city and it is full of wonders, but it has a lot of flaws and people need to be aware of it otherwise one can only feel disappointed when they come here!

[@Magnificent881]

A nightmare for pedestrians? Phew, as a Latin American living in Paris that statement blows my mind. We have different standards of comparison I guess. But even still, Paris is the most walkable city that I've been to in Europe and walkability alone would be at the top of my "Pros" list.

[@shimmerngspirit]

I'd heard horrible things before our visit. My husband and father in law speak French. I speak Spanish. I was shocked by how much fun we had and how... It was shockingly wonderful. People I expected to be mean weren't mean at all. A+.

[@_sparrowhawk]

With all due respect, you could say that about pretty much every huge city in the world. :\

[@thomasherard6428]

@@Magnificent881 It is far worse than other capitals in Europe like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Brussels...

[@thomasherard6428]

@@shimmerngspirit See, that's a good example. When you expect the worse you can only be gladly surprised :)

[@Feyko]

Wow. I'm a French person that has always hated Paris, because there are a lot of problems with it. But after watching this video I'm reconsidering my views, maybe I was being too binary. The city is quite beautiful and the culture is overflowing from every corner It also made me appreciate our food and overall culture way more to see you this enthusiastic about living there, so thank you! Can't wait to travel to see how the world is outside of our country. Keep being great!

[@fialaville1900]

Yes!! From someone who moved & lived here in the U.S. for almost 2 yrs. the food here are insane!! they are processed in anyway but long term you’ll just get used to it (but it makes me ick thinking about it). And living here is work work work Welcome to the American Dream😂

[@kajin6776]

Fellow French person here! I used to hate Paris too, but what really made me reconsider my opinion are videos like this one. Seeing a city through someone else's perspective brings new aspects to light that you otherwise wouldn't have considered. I love it when foreigners discover and appreciate our culture, because it makes me fall in love with my country all over again :))

[@chrisperry8220]

I spent 9 September days in Paris in 2015 before heading south to start my Camino de Santiago. It kept a part of my hear. As an American, it was the first time I've felt the AGE of a place, sometimes overwhelmingly so. If I was in my 30s or 40s again, I'd be living there now.

[@alfredesquer85]

I stayed in paris a couple of months ago and I fell in love. I wasn't satisfied with the food I had, but I'm gonna credit that to perhaps it was a touristy location (2 blocks from the eiffel tower.) However, everything else: architecture, the WINE, the cheese, the candy, the river, to me it was like literally walking through some romance novel. Yes we all know it has its issues I'm sure but its so magical. I could never live there but it will forever be my go to vacation spot.

[@giuseppe3274]

I think Paris is wonderful but too frenetic, as you were saying for New York. I've seen people nearly loosing their mind to stay behind the rhythm. I'm from a city near Naples (Italy) and I think here we enjoy more the life.

[@shimmerngspirit]

My grandparents were from Naples. I've always wanted to see where we were from. (born in Chicago USA)

[@MishaElRusito]

I visited Paris back in October 2018 for one week (after spending a week in Marseille), but I actually stayed in a suburb town Montgeron that is located probably 20-30 minutes by train from Paris. So the city looked completely different from Marseille that has a lot of hills, sea, beaches, sun, arabic influence. Paris was rainy, greenless, kind of dirty and fast paced, people were walking with baguettes everywhere lol So I didn't like Paris much (although on my first day I met a famous french rapper Gambi which I took a picture with lol), and I felt like in Paris people focus too much on fashion, having the most expensive brands etc. Marseille was simple, more down to earth. Although I liked visiting some of the less touristic places such as Nanterre with the Picasso Towers and some old Theater-type housing project building where guys were selling drugs lol Maybe im a person of nature but I actually liked Montgeron more, cuz it's a small town surrounded by nature. There are literally never-ending parks with small rivers where you could even see some rare animals. And the streets there look super cosy. So IMO, Paris is overrated but it depends on the person ;)

[@theomichel72]

I’m from Marseille and I just wanted to thank you for the good image you share of this city 😄

[@MishaElRusito]

@@theomichel72 haha yeah Marseille was really nice especially the southern part. And the mountains. And the cathedral on the hills.💪🏻

[@theomichel72]

@@MishaElRusito yes Marseille is a very diverse city and different from Paris, in terms of landscapes, mentality and of course the weather! It's cool that you saw this difference with capital and it would be nice if people stopped seeing France only through Paris 😅

[@pierren___]

Did you visited any monuments on Paris ? It seems you just passed in it

[@armyarielgay8357]

Anna polina ❤🇷🇺 😉

[@adamsfamilyinfrance]

Wow, can't believe I just now discovered your vlog! Anyway, we've now been in France for two years. We moved to Grenoble. It's always funny to us that our friends consistently think we moved to Paris, as if France and Paris are synonymous. Anyway, we feel like we get most of what people love about Paris without many of the negatives, e.g., cost. The food, the little stores and "ateliers," the public spaces and museums, the way of living, getting around by foot, bike, and public transit, the narrow streets, the quirky buildings, organic construction that rivals nature for beauty, the a dense urban environment that's livable families and children. And on and on - so much of it almost intangible and hard to describe. And almost no tourists here and super friendly locals. So I always wonder, why Paris? Why not Strasbourg, Bayonne, Toulouse, |Lyon, etc etc. Of course, were in a different demographic than you so maybe other cities just don't provide the excitement and events that Paris. I have a friend from the U.S. visiting Paris as I write and after a couple of days in Rouen, he practically ran back to Paris. This is a university town and the students often complain about Grenoble being to small and boring. But coming from the U.S. suburban wasteland, it has a lot of vitality. As for some of the practical difficulties you experienced, we have been lucky. I found a Netherlands online bank before we moved that was fairly easy to open (Bunq) that works just as well as French banks (it's the EU). We also found a super helpful expat community that helped cut through the red tape. We even were able to get a home loan here. And the healthcare system alone has made the move worth it. We are now in the insurance system but even without insurance, the costs are ridiculously cheaper. Anyway, loved your video and I will be mining your vlog for more. Just subscribed.