So turns out living in Paris is pretty awesome. I had been warned that everything is slower in France when it comes to getting things set up. So we came in with low expectations but we’ve been very happy with how things are coming together. (We still don’t technically have a bank account, cell phone, or place to live, so maybe I am being optimistic.) I have to give credit to Anne from PretaVoyager (she is also a Design Sponge editor) who we hired to help us look for apartments and act as a translator. She is so helpful and awesome. There are things on the burner so hopefully by the end of this week we will have all three.
Here are some pictures Paul took in the neighborhood we are staying, Montemarte. The first few are pictures of our building (and the six flights of stairs) plus the view from the balcony.
photos by Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day
jodi
February 7, 2011
oh, how wonderful.
Damaris @Kitchen Corners
February 7, 2011
Having low expectations ia a good way to live and almost a sure way to be content.
Hope you find the apartment of your dreams.
Two For Joy
February 7, 2011
wow, that view is absolutely amazing!! hope things fall into place for you all soon so you can finally relax and have that sense of "home". 🙂
Heidi
February 7, 2011
I am so envious of your adventure. I spent my Jr year of college in Paris and I love the city. I am looking forward to reading about your time there.
Alice Q. Foodie
February 7, 2011
I just can't get over how it always looks exactly the way it's supposed to! And you're going to learn French! So glad you're enjoying it, and can't wait to hear more!
London Lisa
February 7, 2011
This is so amazing! I'm moving to London in September so we are in "similar" boats. Bonne chance! (good luck)
agirlandaboy
February 7, 2011
Is it weird to think that, in a way, you're living the American Dream by running off to France? 😉
Marine
February 7, 2011
MonTMartre
Carolyn
February 7, 2011
Happy to hear that it's going well. I've been a reader of yours for a while, and I've been following your move happily. I moved to Paris a year and a half ago, and I couldn't love it more. Enjoy!
Sara @ House Bella
February 7, 2011
Oh, I love it! Looks beautiful!
Monica from Hola!design
February 7, 2011
hello, jordan! glad to see everything is going smooth.
i stayed in Montmartre, too and I loved it.
Good luck!
Catherine
February 7, 2011
Looks amazing! I will actually be renting a Paris apartment through HIP in April, so I'm looking forward to your posts on adventures in the city!
Donna
February 7, 2011
absolutely beautiful!
Jamie @ See You There!
February 7, 2011
AH, i LOVE Montmartre, it was my favorite area of Paris!! if you can, stay there! these pics are just lovely 🙂
Prêt à Voyager
February 7, 2011
You are defying all odds, Jordan and I'm super impressed! It's been a pleasure helping out and getting to hang out with your wonderful family in this amazing city 🙂
Fingers crossed the rest falls into place!
Bisous, Anne
Rachel
February 7, 2011
Montmartre-what a great place to start your Paris adventure! What a beautiful part of the city.
snygg
February 7, 2011
That sounds pretty good! And Montmartre, well, there can be worse neighbourhoods to live in that this one 🙂
robin k
February 7, 2011
Love the pictures!
Emily
February 7, 2011
what a great adventure! i've been following your sister's and your travels over to france and find myself thinking of you all a little throughout the day – so exciting and such a reminder that it can be done if you just go for it!
Victoria
February 7, 2011
Looks a fabulous neighbourhood. Enjoy.
Sandra
February 7, 2011
These photos make me we weak in the knees. They are beautiful and I am most envious of your move to Paris!
MUHS HOME
February 7, 2011
that apartment is ridiculous (the good kind)!
also, it's social media week in paris this week, if that's something you'd be interested in.
laura
February 7, 2011
you should definitely go to Rose Bakery in your neighborhood..delicious, and they speak English which is always nice!
kh
February 7, 2011
This is all so wonderful! Love that you (and your sis) are making these dreams happen.
michelle
February 7, 2011
go get a red balloon for Moses – stat.
gret
February 7, 2011
Oh wow, I can't describe how happy I am for you! Those images are incredible.
Jessica Appelgren
February 7, 2011
Have you taken your kids on the merry go round in Montmartre yet? I LOVE that neighborhood! Enjoy
Kendall
February 7, 2011
Ahhh!!! This is so exciting for you. I can't wait to see more!
Anonymous
February 8, 2011
The correct spelling is Montmartre, not Montemarte.
mai
February 8, 2011
welcome to Paris! good luck with apartment hunting!
Traveling Mama
February 8, 2011
I am so excited for you guys! Hope this is a great and productive week for you!
Lost In Cheeseland
February 8, 2011
What a fabulous view. So glad you're settling in nicely! Erica's place is absolutely gorgeous!
L A M A R T I N É
February 8, 2011
soooooooo HAPPY for you guys!!!!
Julie
February 8, 2011
those photos say it all! what a beautiful city.
Jolynn
February 8, 2011
I love it. Paris is my dream city and my husband has no idea why. It is just those simple pictures. I think we are planning on going this fall. Yeah!!!! So I am taking lots of notes.
jaclyn @ thelateafternoon
February 8, 2011
Montemarte looks beautiful! i would love to pick up live somewhere else – it sounds like such an adventure. good luck finding a place!
Busy as a Bee in Paris
February 8, 2011
These photos are gorgeous! I live 30 minutes away from Paris and yet this is not the kind of thing I see every day. Makes me want to go into the city more often! With young children it's not often possible, but since you're already living there… wonderful!
Savvy in San Francisco
February 8, 2011
Looks absolutely lovely! You are living out a dream of mine. I am going to live vicariously through you for the next year! Bon chance!
Sara
February 8, 2011
Your temporary pad is beautiful – love it. Can't wait to see the more permanent digs.
Sandle
February 8, 2011
What an adventure! I lived in Orleans, about 80 miles outside of Paris, for four years. Loved it! Soak in all that you can and happy apartment hunting!
Barbie
February 8, 2011
Best of luck! Looking forward to keeping up with your adventures in Paris. I'm totally living vicariously through you!
I lived in a 5th floor walk-up for several years. Like in your case, the view (mine was of the Manhattan skyline) was worth the trek.
jane
February 9, 2011
reading about your move chips the cement blocks off my immobile feet. just a little. 🙂 cheers!
Sigrid
February 9, 2011
this is going to be fun not just for you and your family, but all of us out here. thanks for sharing your adventures!
annawithlove
February 14, 2011
just got back from Paris on saturday, I miss it already I want to move there so badly! love it.
http://www.annawithlove.com
Anonymous
February 23, 2011
i lived in this building!! my husband and i lived at 14 rue houdon, and have moved to ny now. montmarte is definitely the best area of paris by far!