Navigating a New Life in Paris: The Joys

Documenting the moments bringing me joy these first weeks in Paris

Jul 17, 2024

mood: just moved to Paris! image credits here

Here we are! Three weeks into our new life in Paris and it’s (already) felt like quite the journey. I debated whether to wait to share an update, but decided that documenting the process in real time would be the best approach, as I want to clearly recollect our experiences over the last several weeks.

The days have been filled with many moments of joy, with equally as many challenging ones. There have been croissants for breakfast, cozy family dinners in the apartment, play dates at the park, and family gatherings. And amongst the beautiful moments have also lived the uncomfortable, from our daughter missing the only home she’s ever known, to navigating summer plans amidst the Olympics and most notably, trying to find our footing here as a family.

When I first moved to Paris at nineteen I was met with culture shocks and language barriers, but this adjustment feels so different. Not only am I managing my own experiences and emotions, but we’re also helping our children (mainly our four-year-old) understand theirs as well, which has by far been the most challenging aspect of the transition.

I’ll preface these series of posts by saying this transition would be significantly more challenging if this was our first time moving to Paris. With my husband being a native Parisian, and I myself having lived nearly three years in the city, and more specifically in the neighborhood we’re living in now, we are very familiar with the lifestyle here.

With that being said, we are rediscovering Paris after being back in the states for over five years. Adding kids into the equation has undoubtedly changed the way we experience the city. Things that were simple before are no longer easy, and minor inconveniences are now amplified. On the contrary, we have a newfound, blossoming appreciation for Paris with kids, between the walkability, to the ample amount of parks and green spaces (however, if you ask our daughter, she’s less a fan of the walkability and more in favor of the plethora of ice cream and chocolate shops).

And speaking of yummy French desserts, here is a collection of moments that have brought me joy over the past several weeks. Next week’s post will focus on the more challenging aspects of our move, so please subscribe and stay tuned to follow along:

Walking

This was a lifestyle change we desperately needed. Our everyday in Austin was entirely dependent on driving, and we deeply missed the walkability of a city like Paris. From walking Ella a mere 7 minutes to school, to leisurely strolls after a long meal, I can already tell such a difference in both my mental and physical energy. I have quadrupled my daily amount of steps over the past few weeks and I’m loving it.

Exploring new (and familiar) places

Since this is the neighborhood we previously lived in, we have a list of go-to spots which have been nostalgic to rediscover. I’m excited to branch outside of our neighborhood once we get a bit more settled. I have over 100 restaurants and coffee shops on my Paris wishlist, and I’m eager to begin trying them all (in addition to revisiting some other favorites).

Grocery shopping

I plan to write a separate post on this topic because I simply have too much to share. I’ll quickly say that grocery shopping here feels like an art form (when done intentionally). The connection the vendors have to their products and to their customers is truly unmatched.

Decorating the apartment

While our apartment is furnished, our daughter’s room was not, therefore it’s given me a chance to have some fun and decorate at least one room. Even though our place is furnished, some freedom remains to make it feel like our own. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed shopping at a few of my favorite lifestyle/design shops (like Le Trésorerie) and have many more on the list to stop by soon (like Landline Paris and Merci; some other favorites.)

Taking photos again

I now take my camera with me almost everywhere I go. Capturing moments is a feeling and experience I’ve so missed. I’m also lucky to have a husband who knows his way around a camera (possibly even better than I do).

Romanticizing life

Needless to say I’ve been posting more regularly over on Instagram (if you aren’t following over there yet, I’d love to connect!) As I mentioned above, I find myself effortlessly capturing the mundane moments, whether it’s our morning coffee and croissant, or the light reflecting off the gold dome of Les Invalides. Obviously it’s easy to romanticize life in Paris, but part of me is kicking myself for not doing more of it in Austin. A small reminder to all of us to romanticize the everyday.

Family gatherings

While we’ve been homesick for our family in Austin, we’ve been welcomed by my husband’s family here in Paris. Our kids have cousins close in age, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even great grandparents. I grew up extremely close to my family, so I’m happy that our children will have the same opportunity.

Restaurant dining

Going to restaurants here is just simpler. With many options within short walking distance, dining out is more casual and convenient in my opinion.

Weather (both a joy and challenge)

It’s currently mid July and 64 degrees and I’m loving every second of it. While I’m hoping the cool weather sticks around, I know it’s bound to end sometime soon (we’re forecasted for high 80s later this week and I’m already dreading it).

Travel planning

It’s a good problem to have when there’s too many amazing trip options that you have a difficult time choosing one. We are already scheming several trips for the year, starting with a beach escape to Normandy next month.

Glimpses of settled life

While we’re still experiencing many challenges in everyday life (more on that next week), I’ve been having glimpses of what life will feel like once we’re more settled. Family dinners, grocery stops greeting familiar faces, morning strolls to our daughter’s school. We’re not there yet…but soon.

A spark again

I’ve briefly mentioned in previous posts that I’ve found myself in a “rut” of sorts over the past year since beginning pregnant and having our second child. I’m a firm believer that our environments play an influential role in our wellbeing and quality of life, and knew that this move to Paris would be the start of a new chapter. And no, I’m not alluding that if you change location all of your problems are solved. However, the change in scenery has provided a much needed change in perspective, pulling me out of a way of living that was not serving me.

The first time I moved to Paris it completely altered my life for the better, and I expect a similar shift to happen this time around. I feel more “myself” here. More creative, energized, and in alignment. It’s only been a few weeks and I already feel a spark again. A spark to create, to experience, to grow.

Now it’s time to turn the page on my previous chapter of life and walk into this next season of possibility and potential. It’s all happening.

As always, thanks for reading and coming along this journey with me,

If you enjoyed reading this post, I’d so appreciate if you’d like it, share or leave me a comment with any thoughts. I love connecting with readers both in Substack or directly in my inbox. Your support means so much:)