American expat in Paris reveals STARK reality of living in ‘shoe box’ of an apartment
An American expat living in Paris has taken a look at her tiny apartment in the iconic French city – and it looks nothing like Emily in Paris.
In the 40 second video Hailey Touchet agrees to rent popular creator Caleb Simpson a tour of her living quarters after he approaches her on the sidewalk.
Caleb, 31, is known for his signature real estate videos where strangers open their homes for him to explore.
The routine, which he’s perfected in NYC over the past few years, has earned him more than seven million followers on TikTok alone.
Hailey Touchet, who works as an au pair in Paris, agreed to show influencer Caleb Simpson, 31, her apartment
The footprint of the apartment is 129 square meters, she explains
Introducing Caleb to her Paris office, Hailey says the 129-square-foot studio she’s renting, located in Paris’ historic 5th arrondissement, costs her $750 a month — just over $800.
“Oh my god, it’s a shoe box,” Caleb exclaims as he walks through the front door.
He’s quick to add, “It’s actually kind of fun.”
Hailey mentions that she works as an au pair.
The job, which generally consists of more or less live-in nanny for a family, brings in a minimum wage of €320, or just under $350, per month in the City of Lights, according to AuPairWorld.
That said, employers are also expected to provide shelter and food for full-time workers.
Hailey continues the tour, then shows Caleb how her couch folds out into a bed, which looked roughly equivalent to a full-size American mattress.
Elsewhere in the apartment there is plenty of cupboard space and kitchen storage (albeit not enough room for a microwave).
Does Hailey’s couch double as her bed? Indeed it does, reveals the TikTok
Another advantage: the living areas have sufficient cupboard space (left), but not much space in the kitchen (right)
At first glance, Hailey’s lifestyle as a young American woman living in France drew comparisons to Netflix’s hit show Emily In Paris (pictured)
Caleb then asks, “I have to bring up the Emily In Paris thing.” Did you watch the show?’
Hailey replies, “Of course! I watched it before and then I watched it again [while] I was here.’
He then asks her, “Was it the dream to move to Paris or not?”
She then replies in a voiceover that she “absolutely loves it,” with a parting photo of her standing on her balcony – revealing that her apartment is on the top floor of her building.
During the tour of Hailey’s apartment, Caleb thinks the bathroom is ‘really nice’
Many commentators agreed that the apartment’s ultimate saving grace is the view. Pictured is the entrance to Hailey’s balcony
Hailey’s apartment is in the style of what’s known as a chambre de bonne, which translates to “maid’s room”
According to Bloomberg, space is called a room de bonne — or “maid’s room” — and was traditionally reserved for live-in hired help.
However, it was unclear if the family Hailey works for live in the building below her.
After the TikTok went live earlier this month, some commenters objected to its size, with one writing, “I would never do it.”
However, many more raved about the relatively low price given the posh, centrally located neighborhood and the view from her top-floor balcony.
Hailey’s apartment turned out to be much less spacious than the relatively spacious apartment Emily occupies in the series
Emily and Mindy are depicted in the titular character’s living space in the Netflix TV show
Mindy, played by Ashley Park, is sitting on Emily’s couch in her apartment
Viewers flooded the comments with their hot take on Hailey’s living situation in Paris
“Okay, but the balcony makes it worth it to me,” read one comment.
‘[T]hat is such a cute house omg,” gushed another of the sleek minimalist digs.
‘Okay, the balcony will be fine. Those views must be magnificent,’ enthused another.
Paris is really expensive now. This is a good deal!!’ an armchair appraiser agreed.