It's Finally Here 🇫🇷

[@thedavidguy01]

Congratulations! I hope you won’t really have to wait 7 or 8 more months. To answer your questions. Plus de français, c'est toujours mieux. At the very least you have provided a lot of great information on France for tourists and you have always communicated your love of France. You’re a great ambassador for France.

[@JaySwanson]

Merci David! (See what I did there?)

[@thedavidguy01]

@@JaySwanson Je n'ai rien compris 😏

[@schwarzeropal7419]

Despite your frequent gratitude towards your patrions (and I get it), as a viewer, I must express how truly inspiring your videos are. I find myself addicted to them and was delighted to see a new post so soon. Your contribution to Paris makes Paris even more extraordinary. French citizenship is rightfully yours! Thank you for sharing the magic!

[@JaySwanson]

You're most welcome! And I very much appreciate you being here and watching. I hope you enjoy what 2024 brings!

[@SonnyGreenwichJr]

Wow! I think I got something in my eye... What country wouldn't want an artist such as yourself? Congrats and BONNE CHANCE!! Happy Xmas to you & Cooper - and to all the family! From chilly and festive Ireland! ☘💪🏽👀👍🏽☘

[@JaySwanson]

🥰🥰 Thank you Sonny!

[@BrandonTurnerTravels]

You’ve given lots of tourists no doubt. I’ve been to Paris 3 times since watching your videos and fell in love with the place. Only place I’ve traveled to I could see myself living in

[@JaySwanson]

Makes my day to hear it!

[@garz75]

Je suis déjà fier de t’avoir comme compatriote. Ce qui fait de toi un bel être humain n’est pas que tu deviennes français (I don’t care about anyone’s passport), mais que tu réalises tes souhaits et que tu le fasses en inspirant les autres. Merci pour toutes les vidéos, et pour le guide de Paris. J’y vis depuis 30 ans (plus ou moins 7-8 ans: Genève, NYC, California…) et j’adore ta perspective sur la ville. Bienvenue et bravo !

[@agyos]

Major congratulations! You are a gift to France, with your love of the country, your interest in its history and culture, and your true ambassadorship in demonstrating the spirit and beauty that IS France. Bravo!! I believe wings will sprout from my heart when I see you holding your French passport in your hand!! Happy New Year!!!! 🤗✨🎶❤️🪽🌿🕊✨

[@thistlenstar]

Hello again, Jay. I just saw your TED Talk and just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. (hint: a lot) I'd also like to tell some others who are learning French that TED Talks (in French) are really great for aural comprehension. The speakers tend to speak more deliberately so they are easier to understand. The subject matter is a given, so you are less likely to be misled by a homophone and you learn something extra! That's about as good as it gets! Check out Jay's Ted Talk, it's in English.

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you! And great tip - I hadn't thought about TED Talks in French being so helpful but you're totally right. There's bound to be such a good selection of interesting talks in there

[@kpernet]

My husband and I are super happy for you! Big congratulations!

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you!

[@kath6720]

Félicitations ! On croise les doigts pour vous, futur compatriote !!!!❤

[@secretsdunefeechannel]

Quand je pense que les pauvres européens, américains doivent attendre des années pour être naturalisés alors qu'ils sont adorables, courtois, travaillent, apprennent notre langue (complexe) alors que d'autres viennent foutre le bordel dans notre pays ... ça tiendrai qu'à moi je lui aurais donné depuis longtemps sa naturalisation ! Tous les américains sont les bienvenus en France ! Je ne suis jamais allé aux Etats-Unis mais ils ont vraiment l'air d'être très chaleureux, travailleurs et patriotes ! Je dis à cet homme que s'il n'est pas encore naturalisé il l'est déjà dans le cœur des français !

[@J0HN_D03]

8:45 You forgot Monaco... and Brazil (for Guyane française, in South America) 😉

[@andreaschiltz1915]

Congratulations on achieving this goal. Now breathe and enjoy! Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@JaySwanson]

🎁🎄🎁 Thank you!

[@iniabellepaz445]

Congratulations Jay, it’s beautiful to see all your hard work paying off! Continue success.

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you!

[@flatironnewyork]

omg that is so freakin exciting. i teared up too hearing about the signing/ impact on others - such a beautiful philosophical stance. congratulations, jay and merry christmas!

[@JaySwanson]

It was really cool. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@MicahMann]

Bravo Mister! Massive hugs. You got this. And Happy Holidays!

[@JaySwanson]

🎁🎄🎁 thanks!

[@lucysansom9739]

“Mmm, you have good taste!” ~~Cooper 10:29 I feel emotionally invested in your quest and very impressed by the hard work you’ve put in to achieve it! Attaboy, Jay 🇫🇷

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you so much! I'm so fortunate to have the chance to share it with you =)

[@Vesalius4us]

@14:36 : “you are taking this on not just for yourself, but for future generations”, …”life changing not just for yourself but for other people around me”… You have been a tour guide of Paris, and have become a grande influencer in “ the pursuit of a happy quality of life” , It appears to me that by example, you have already changed the lives of many around you, as well as your patrons and viewers. Toutes nos félicitations! 15:04

[@JaySwanson]

🥰🥰 merci

[@melissaartistry6041]

So exciting. Well done you for getting it done. Relax now, its in the bag. Envious. Paris is my heart home though born and bred in Australia. The time I spent there, though short, it felt like home. I feel the vibe you have going 🥰🥲

[@JaySwanson]

It's very much home 🥰

[@dccoulthard]

2:57 I wish you would have done that longer in French 😀

[@JaySwanson]

👏🇫🇷

[@Catips-i1v]

Good luck with everything and Happy Holidays to you!🥰

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you! 🎄

[@RueChristine]

You have a great pronunciation. It is great to hear you speak. Thanks for your videos.

[@JaySwanson]

Merci! I'll try to weave some more in over time =D

[@dansatMaryland]

Congratulations Jay! What an accomplishment and you are giving back to your country by all the excellent travel advice you put on your channel. My wife and I spent a week in Paris in early November and relied on your ideas and book! I’ve worked around tv newsrooms, editors, photographers for 40 years, and know how much hard work is involved in putting out just one video. France is lucky to have you.

[@missmarionlewis]

You literally came to mind the other day but I couldn't remember your name. I've been subscribed to your channel for years yet you don't pop up in my feed for some reason. Congratulations though! Glad to see you are still thriving.

[@JaySwanson]

Glad my face struck back and reminded you of my name! Hope you'll check back in a bit this year - lots of fun on the way =D

[@SLOAngieBabie]

Congratulations! What you have done for France? Improved tourist experiences and taught us to be better tourists and ambassadors of USA in France and other countries. Took Peloton bike tour of Versailles, took trip to Champagne, Church in San Germaine I wouldn’t have experienced and more…thank you. Joyeux Noel from California.

[@acbc3543]

I’m a Brazilian-American and I’m as elated as you are . It’s a sense of belonging in a country . There’s nothing better than one can say : I’m a dual citizen. You are an American-French citizen. Congrats all the way from Austin Texas . You did earn your Christmas gift this year . Claudia

[@PeterCLangTravels]

Congratulations! My wife and I ran into you at NOIR in the 16th, and we’ve enjoyed watching your well-documented journey to citizenship. After I studied in Paris in 2006, I too felt the indescribable pull of Paris. I’ve gone back almost every year since. This recent trip was 2 months with my 1-year-old daughter. Thank you for capturing and sharing the city with us.

[@Caerus84]

I'm learning French and stumbled across your video. I love your energy and focus for this video! I could tell this was huge for you and I really enjoyed watching your story unfold! I know I'm just a random internet stranger, but I'm happy for you that your interview went well! Wishing you the best for 2024!

[@JaySwanson]

I'm glad you found me! And happy for the support, it really did mean a lot to me. I've wanted this for a verrrrrry long time. Hope you enjoy my channel! 🥂🇫🇷🥂

[@judeh2646]

Congratulations! I have to say, I appreciate you speaking in French periodically because I can understand the majority of what you’re saying! That said, I am Canadian but so very far, far from being bilingual. Im just glad to realize that I have picked up some French over the years. 🙂

[@shinyshinythings]

Congratulations Jay, and thank you for the deets, for those of us who may be following in your footsteps. ❤️ Here’s hoping your wait just flies by!

[@andreamoboe]

Congratulations Jay!! Fabulous news! 🎉😊 looking forward to you confirming this in 7-8 months xx

[@lakeishasparrow7253]

I’ve been watching you on your journey for the last 6 years and I’m so proud of you!!! Congratulations 🎉

[@tthaaiis]

Congratulations, Jay!!! 🎉 and Merry Christmas!

[@JaySwanson]

Bonne fête ! 🎄

[@Hollyann76]

Congratulations!! I’m headed to Paris for the first time in October! Needless to say I’ll be rewatching all your videos again! Me and my husband will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in the City of Light!!

[@JaySwanson]

Happy Anniversary!

[@firehorse168]

Congratulations on your journey to be a French citizen! Reminded me of a time in my life when i had to make a similar decision. Thanks!

[@JaySwanson]

You're most welcome, and also thank you for the super thanks! 🥰

[@vickialschuler816]

You have quite a lot to celebrate in 2023! Hope it won’t take 7-8 months but the you have done your part so kick back and enjoy Paris. I am looking forward to visiting in June.

[@tinaoberjohann7371]

Congratulations on completing such a big step!! I am currently working towards moving to France in 4 years myself and researching all that entails. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, truly inspiring and informative. Happy holidays to you!!

[@ecaldwell9]

Oh wow. I’m very happy for yah Jay. Happy New Year! 🎉

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you!

[@TheFlipside06]

Congrats and even though you've already gone through the interview something you've given to France is helping someone like me to take my family and friends to Paris and to enjoy it a little deeper than it would have been. Took you up on the cycle tour a few years ago and it was a great way to see the city. Thanks for sharing your journey through the highs and lows and Merry Christmas! Have a great New Year and may 2024 be your year of citizenship!!

[@heathergrigsby1094]

Yes, give us the version in French & felicitations 🎉 what an accomplishment 👏 that I hope I can also achieve one day even if there are a lot of other things that have to get done & go right first 💪

[@jaxjourney_]

Congratulations!! So happy for you!🎉👏🇫🇷

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks!

[@vanessazannis5523]

Congratulations! And Merry Christmas 🎄

[@grunky0]

Congrats on this huge milestone. 9:14 in Cooper got a new fan!

[@JaySwanson]

Cooper draws all the fans 😆

[@DarSeitz]

Best of. Luck to you. You’ve worked so hard to achieve your goal and well deserved.

[@anns390]

Congratulations Jay! You deserve this! And I think we all know what your contributions to France and Paris are! You are one of the best tour guides, chearleaders, proponent for the city in which you live. Can't wait until you get the official word.

[@JaySwanson]

🥂🎉 Thank youuuuuu

[@erpatitube]

One step closer! Congratulations on completing another major milestone in this wonderful journey. Looking forward to the successful conclusion!

[@MattNav]

Congratulations! I am also in the application process for naturalisation waiting for my Récépissé de Complétude though sadly I'm stuck with the Nice Prefecture which is known as the slowest slowpokes in the country in terms of application processing times 🤦🏻‍♂️ Wish me luck cos I've seen some people who've been stuck waiting for 4-5 years to get a response from them just to get an interview 😢

[@michaeljay3629]

This is so moving. Congratulations!

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you!

[@timetraveler2060]

Congratulation Jay Wow Amazing !! Very Proud of you!!

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you!

[@amels_yt]

Avec ton niveau de français tu passes l'interview sans problème normalement. Bon courage! Wishing you all the best 🤞🏼🙏🏻

[@GoGoChateau]

Bravo!!! This brought me to tears!

[@willnelson3362]

So inspiring! What a journey you're on...

[@MichaelKantor1]

Congratulations!! I just found your channel and have really enjoyed watching the videos. I'm also an American living in France, although I'm in Lake Annecy. I'm still 3 plus years from being able to file for citizenship, but already looking forward to it.

[@JaySwanson]

That is awesome!

[@alexguezey4241]

Congrats Jay! You truly deserve to fulfill this goal of yours, given your love of Paris and your integration in France in general. I’ve been following your channel since 2017, and now it seems like it’s finally happening! Fingers crossed!! Signé: un de tes futurs compatriotes, je l’espère

[@bessonnet]

Super ! Et joyeux Noël !

[@Suzannes_Trip]

Congratulations Jay! I'm sending good juju your way. I hope you don't have to wait that long. Go Cougs

[@JaySwanson]

Much appreciated!

[@jenfnp]

Congrats Jay! Been watching you since the beginning.Wondeful to watch you and your life evolve. To the French citizen in 2024....

[@JaySwanson]

Onward and Frenchward! 🎉🇫🇷🥂

[@terenzo50]

Bonne chance! Hope it all works out for you!

[@JaySwanson]

Merci!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Interesting, there's a light at my gym that does the exact same thing. Has been for the past year and a half and nobody bothers to change it. LEDs. Now I hope they don't. Would change the vibe at this point. Congrats!

[@julieparker8176]

Merry Christmas to you and congratulations on your successful citizenship interview.

[@selenanavarro9935]

This is awesome!! Congrats!!

[@BasicAmericanDadAbroad]

🏆WTG Jay!! Been following your journey for the past couple years & know how much this means...VERY happy for ya & hopefully finalization comes sooner than they said! 🙏

[@debisusan4338]

Great job Jay! You are such an awesome human being. Your growth has been great, the videos have gotten so good. Your storytelling is amazing. Love watching you in my favorite city in the world.

[@732daven]

felicitation et bonne chance. Brasil et le Surinam ont une frontiere avec La Guyane Francaise and la hollande a une frontiere avec la France sur l'isle Saint Martin ( west indies island) Ce n'est pas seulelemt, Espagne, Andorre, Monaco, Italie, Suisse, Allemagne, Luxembourg, Belgique et Angleterre si tu comptes le tunel sous la manche comme un frontiere physique

[@bluemecrazy]

Bravo ! Tu mérites absolument de devenir Français ! 🇫🇷❤🇫🇷

[@kaleidoscopeallie]

-Congrats on a massive milestone Jay.

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks for sticking with me this far! 🥂

[@PokhrajRoy.]

9:41 Ok, that’s an interesting book! Also, I love Dorling Kindersley ❤

[@zenjii1]

Congratulations Jay i hope you get it soon!!! A question from my part... does Saint Martin also count as one of the French overseas departments??? About the question what you give to France: your a guide to Paris and other French cities, so you promote France to travellers and tourists that's a very positive thing I reckon... Happy Holidays and all the best for the new year!!!

[@mmeb7250]

WooHoo! SO MANY breakthroughs (and cups of coffee) on your journey. Félicitations! Yes, please - plus de vidéos en français (with your fun/newsy subtitles of course).

[@JBR2SRQ]

Congrats Jay...so happy and proud for you!

[@asuperstar]

Great news! Congrats

[@rosanneroszetta4484]

I am so happy for you, bravo! I remember when i passed mine in France too, i was over the moon!

[@melandyosgoodthings3142]

Congratulations Jay!! So excited for you. Merry Christmas to you and Cooper❤🎄

[@JaySwanson]

🎁🎄🎁

[@georgia4466]

I currently teach French in the US and I will be visiting Paris next year. I show your 20 in 20 series to my students for our lessons on Paris. I would love to see more videos in French to help my students practice their listening skills 😁

[@rozbickad]

I agree with the notes under, During the video I was getting nervous with you, I caught myself stopping breathing when you went into the building, emotional over the news. You deserve this and much much more. Congratulations

[@donnaschiefer4354]

Congratulations and best of luck although I’m sure you won’t need it. Thanks for sharing that personal milestone!

[@deidrecalabro5725]

How wonderful! Congrats 🥳

[@NickVennlig]

Been a viewer since spring of 2017 Jay. Incredible what you've accomplished. Keep us updated

[@LtKernelPanic]

Congrats Jay I don't think you have anything to worry about. Found your channel in late 2018/early 2019 when preparing for my first visit to Paris (and France for that matter) and found your tips to be quite useful. I'm looking forward to visiting Paris again since unfortunately I not only managed to get food poisoning in Bayeux while visiting the Normandy coast but also came down with the crud while in Paris which pretty much ruined my time there. I was lucky enough to see Notre Dame before I got sick and the devastating fire two weeks later and can't wait to see it after the restoration.

[@420amsterdam]

Super & Congrats Fellow Jay. I've followed your journey since the start.

[@nubisnotstump]

Merry Christmas 🎄 France would be lucky to have you. Hopefully we get a great mid summer vlog 🎉

[@adrianromerocodes3211]

HOW AWESOME!!! Honestly my favorite video of all time from you because of what it means to you, and also because it would be dream for me to also become a French citizen and live in Paris, as someone born and raised in LA lol. man I felt everything you felt in your video with ya, your face says it all, thanks for sharing the way you did! Cangrutalions Mr. French man

[@Paul_C]

Right, my first reaction was, How is it possible, Monday is Christmas. 😊 That said: Congratulations. 😊

[@JaySwanson]

Haha - the time warp persists!

[@megandigregorio03]

This is so exciting! Congrats on a successful interview. I know exactly how you feel with the interview being moving and special. I received my Italian citizenship by descent last year with a pretty similar process (I did not have to achieve a certain level of Italian proficiency, but there were SOOOOO many documents!) and it was a major life moment for me and my family (my two daughters were recognized as well). We hope to live in France in the next couple years as EU citizens now. :) Félicitations et bonne chance ! I hope it is not as many as eight more months for you to wait.

[@KarinLynnBates]

I’ve been catching up. Thanks for sharing some of the questions! I’ve taught U.S. citizenship classes and it’s an intense thing going the other direction, too. Lots and lots of questions for which to know the answers. I’m 100% sure this is going to go through. I’ve known people with a lot less to give France who’ve gotten their French nationality (no shade to any friends of mine! I’m thinking of acquaintances I’ve heard about, haha): you are an amazing addition to the country and I’m sure they will recognize that. Bonne chance! 🍀

[@CourtneysRocketZZ]

Genuinely, Jay, I love this for you!!! Congratulations!!!

[@jessicalemelle]

I’ve been watching your channel for years! I’m so happy for you!!! Congratulations Jay!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

3:29 Idk I’d like to give a different answer like the World Fair in 1889 or 1924 Paris Summer Olympics.

[@artSFCA]

Wow...Congrats!!!

[@nolanani]

It’s wonderful to see you accomplish a major goal after following your journey for so long. I also like that you speak to us in French with English subtitles. I’m learning French with Duolingo and I enjoy hearing and understanding words here and there. Hearing your accent is very helpful. And seeing you work to achieve all your goals is inspiring.

[@gp18tvw]

Congrats! @ 9:15 🐶 haha

[@andyshacks7812]

Well done Jay! I’m so pleased for you. You have more than earned this. What have you done for France? - you have done so much to showcase Paris through a genuine love for that amazing city. Hope there were a few verres later that day. Congratulations! 🎉🥂

[@dr.alisonbudd7409]

Congratulations on your interview, I loved listening to you answer your questions in French. I believe your a great spokesperson for France. You are helping English speaking people, get the most of there time in Paris. Merry Christmas Jay

[@carolyngregerruthardt3853]

So happy for you. I can feel your emotions.

[@JaySwanson]

🙏🙏

[@kellymeredithdc7436]

Merry Christmas and Congrats on passing your last hurdle. Now the French wait !

[@JaySwanson]

Huzzah! 🥂🇫🇷🥂

[@razzertazzer]

Amazing! All the best

[@Ranit-Das]

Congratulations Jay! Much like you I want to as well but a long road lies ahead. So this will act as a great reminder and throwback whenever I feel I can't do it. Because, as I you know, I am sure, it does get to you sometime and you feel like nothing is happening. So, yeah! Congrats again and good luck. Hopefully we stumble on to each other in Paris one day and get to talk about it. Till then, wishing you and Cooper loads of luck and good health :)

[@jordan8276]

As someone who’s been following you the past 5 years, it’s heartwarming to watch this vlog. Congrats on this milestone Jay! Bonnes fêtes! 🥂

[@magdalenagas]

Jay, this is such a wonderful news and WHAT A MILESTONE for you to pass! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing that important moment with us, a bunch of strangers on the internet, following your dream adventure. Keep going, keep vlogging, keep being a great inspiration for (for SURE) many of us! All the best in 2024! Bonne année 🥳🍾🥂!

[@christllee1]

Jay, I’m really happy for you, excited for you, proud of you especially following your journey and transformation. What’s your contribution to France? Your wonderful channel! I found you researching for a trip to Nice and Paris and it was sooo helpful and then really found your channel really interesting, honest, real. You’re amazing and thank you for what you do and who you are. Good luck and hope you hear back soon !!

[@anacapela6196]

Hello Jay, I discovered your videos when I was researching information on Paris because I'm going to be in your city with my family in march 2024. I like your content very much and wish you and your lovely dog all the best. Best wishes from Lisbon. See you soon😘

[@JaySwanson]

hope you love it!

[@bwaw1972]

Congrats with this huge step. We’re all rooting for you! Have a wonderful Christmas and a top French 2024.