What’s it really like to live in Paris for a month—not as a tourist, but as part of a vibrant local community? In this session, The Good Life Abroad founder Andrew Motiwalla is joined by Alexandra De Villiers, our community manager in Paris, and alumni guest Kim, to offer a behind-the-scenes look at our immersive stay in the City of Light.

This is a great watch for anyone considering a longer, slower, and more connected European lifestyle experience.

Paris Beyond the Guidebooks

The conversation begins with an overview of the Marais, the historic and centrally located neighborhood where most of our Paris apartments are situated. Andrew walks through the layout of the city, the rhythm of daily life, and how this particular area offers the perfect blend of charm, walkability, and culture.

The pair also discuss how easy it is to navigate the city—from public transportation to simply exploring on foot.

Living Like a Local in Paris

Alexandra offers her insights on the French pace of life—meals that stretch on for hours, café culture, and the joys of Paris after dark. She shares how the program is structured around weekly events like Tuesday lunches, Wednesday cultural activities, and Thursday happy hours, all designed to bring the community together without being overly scheduled.

You’ll hear about the balance between independence and group connection—where each person has the freedom to explore at their own pace with the option to join curated experiences throughout the month.

The Paris Apartment Experience

The group touches on what it means to live in a real Parisian apartment. While not five-star hotels, these apartments are safe, clean, centrally located, and offer the kind of immersive local experience many travelers crave. There’s also a weekly cleaning service, Wi-Fi, and full kitchen amenities.

Whether you're a solo traveler or arriving with a partner, the Paris housing setup supports independence—with help always close at hand.

Community That Forms Naturally

One of the most inspiring parts of the conversation is the sense of community that develops among participants. Alumni guest Kim talks about forming friendships with fellow travelers, spontaneous group outings, and even hosting her own community dinner.

You'll get a glimpse into how the WhatsApp group, shared interests, and Alexandra’s guidance help turn a group of strangers into a true community—often within the first week.

Your Month, Your Pace

With a full month to settle in, participants don’t just see the city—they begin to feel like locals. Some guests dive into culture and cuisine, others take weekend day trips, and many fall into a comfortable rhythm of morning markets, afternoon museums, and evenings by the Seine.

Paris becomes more than a place to visit—it becomes a place to live.

✨ Want to learn what’s included in the full Paris experience?
Explore the full Paris Experience to see housing details, program structure, community support, and more.

📩 Interested in a future destination?
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Andrew Motiwalla

Andrew is the Founder of The Good Life Abroad and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. His first experience living abroad was as a Peace Corps volunteer. He is also the Founder of Discover Corps, a company specializing in meaningful vacations for families. Learn More about Andrew Motiwalla