For many, living in Paris is an aspiration, but the reality of the housing market can leave you scratching your head.
Natalia Vega, a young woman from Peru, recently went viral on Instagram after giving a tour of her tiny Paris apartment, a video that perfectly captures the quirks of city living. The clip, which gained traction on July 2, has garnered attention amid the excitement of the upcoming 2024 Olympics and the buzz around Netflix’s Emily in Paris.
Vega, who shares her experiences as @natalia_vegaj, revealed that her studio is just 9 square meters (about 97 square feet) and is located in the upscale 7th arrondissement, famous for the Eiffel Tower.
Paying €485 (around $530) each month, Vega’s modest home features a bed wedged against the wall, a compact kitchen unit beside it, a cupboard, a small bathroom with shower and sink, and a kitchen counter that doubles as a desk. A window above the bed lets in minimal natural light.
When a friend asked how she manages in such a small space, she humorously replied, “I don’t know,” despite having lived there for two years.
The Paris Housing Market
Vega’s apartment has left viewers both amazed and shocked, shedding light on the costly and competitive nature of the Paris housing market.
In Paris, high demand and limited supply create sky-high prices. The average price per square meter can range from €10,000 to €13,000 [$10,900 to $14,200], especially in prime areas like the 1st, 4th, and 7th arrondissements where Vega lives.
The type of apartment she occupies is referred to as a “chambre de bonne,” a small room that traditionally housed domestic staff in affluent households. These often cramped spaces are usually located in the attics of older buildings, providing minimal amenities and little room to breathe.
Small Space Living
Vega’s video doesn’t just show her petite apartment; it also highlights a common reality for many living in Paris. While the city is rich in culture and history, the living conditions can be quite challenging. Even the most modest of spaces come with a hefty price tag.
Despite the hurdles, Vega approaches her situation with practicality and humor, showcasing her efficient use of multifunctional furniture and colorful decorations that maximize her tiny studio.
Her adaptability has resonated with her 35.9 million viewers, some of whom praised her for thriving in her compact home while others were simply astonished by its size.
Comments ranged from, “She doesn’t live in Paris, she survives,” to expressions of sympathy over her living conditions. One viewer noted, “No windows? That should be illegal,” unaware that she actually does have a small window above her bed, albeit tucked behind a curtain during filming.
Vega’s experience has sparked discussions on the struggles of urban living, reflecting a broader issue faced by many in high-property-value cities. Her story is a poignant reminder of the reality of striving for that Parisian dream, revealing the creativity and trade-offs involved in living in one of the world’s most desirable cities.
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