Why Live in Paris?

Photo: Sasha Lebœuf©Facebook

First, living in Paris is not as prohibitively expensive as many people think. You don’t need a car. You can shop at local markets for fresh food, where prices are reasonable. Rents are, actually, less than New York City and Los Angeles, as are utilities, and many apartments come furnished. ‘Furnished’ here means not only ‘with furniture’, but with refrigerators, washers (forget dryers), pots, pans, and bed linens. Just bring your clothes and a toothbrush. What’s more, many of the benefits of living in Paris–it’s museums, architecture, cafes, and culture–are free or inexpensive to enjoy. And flights to and from major cities are relatively cheap and convenient. (Use the mobile app Hopper for the best fares.)

Second, unless you are seriously affluent, you (and your spouse) are going to be living in a smaller space, with fewer material possessions. This means you lose some of the clutter and ‘stuff’ that has, perhaps, become an obstacle to fully enjoying life. You’ll be forced to live a simpler life, which will become a richer life. You’ll definitely be required to communicate better as you share a smaller, more intimate space. Live here will trim your perceived ‘needs’ and enhance more intangible pleasures.

Third, you and your spouse will be healthier. Living in Paris means you walk, even if a great ‘metro’ is available to whisk you underground throughout the city. Grab and go rental bikes are everywhere, as are jogging and cycling paths. You’ll also eat fresher, more nutritious food. The French are serious about fresh…and delicious. Women will find the makeup has about 1300 fewer toxins in it. (For details, read Old Money New Woman.) The government doesn’t allow them in the cosmetics that are sold here. Pesticides are also seriously restricted.

And finally, obviously, Paris is a tremendously romantic city. The broad, blue sky, the narrow, winding streets, the otherworldly light, and the rich, sophisticated culture conspire to surprise and delight, to tempt the eye, to take the breath away. The pace is measured, as if municipal schedules have been set by connoisseurs of life, not productivity experts. And indeed, I believe, that is the case.

So if you’ve thought Paris was out of reach, maybe you want to think again.

About Byron Tully (right)

Grandson of a newspaper publisher and son of an oil industry executive, Byron Tully is an author who also writes for the entertainment industry. His nonfiction debut, "The Old Money Book," was published in April of 2013 to excellent reviews and enjoys consistently strong sales worldwide. His other works include "The Old Money Guide To Marriage", "Old Money, New Woman: How To Manage Your Money and Your Life", and "Old Money Style - The Gentleman's Edition".

Byron regularly contributes to its blog, www.theoldmoneybook.com, which has been visited by over 1 million readers since 2014.

In February of 2020, "Old Money Style - The Gentleman's Edition" was published by Acorn Street Press. This fourth book in the Old Money series reveals the fundamentals of dressing well in a classic and timeless style. In November of 2020, Byron published a 2nd Edition of "The Old Money Book", which expands on his original classic. This 2nd Edition includes vital information and insights for readers as they navigate a very different, post-pandemic world.

Byron speaks frequently about the culture and values of Old Money. He has been interviewed by KABC New York's Financial Quarterback Show, The Huffington Post, and The Simple Dollar, among others.

He lives in Paris and is happily married to an Old Money Gal from Boston.