Maya and Alex: From New York to Paris, the Artistic Odyssey of a Nomadic Couple

In the cozy setting of Les Petites Indécises café, just a stone’s throw from their school, we met Maya and Alex, a couple of artists whose captivating story traces a bold transition from nomadic life to a new chapter in Paris. Former actress turned web developer, Maya, and Alex, an opera singer specializing in baroque music, share with us their love for the French capital, the reasons behind their decision, and the daily challenges they face in their new Parisian life.

After four years of nomadism across the Americas and Europe, why did you choose France, Maya and Alex?

Maya: “France wasn’t an obvious choice at first. The first time I came here, I was 22, visiting a friend. At that time, France didn’t particularly attract me. But after that stay, I completely fell in love with it. It’s a country that, in one way or another, gets under your skin.”

Alex: “For me, the connection with France goes back to my childhood. I spent my ninth birthday in Bordeaux, and even years later, those memories remain vivid. My mother, who is a linguist, taught me a few French phrases for daily interactions. It was a real pleasure for me to use them.”

Why Paris rather than Bordeaux or another city, Maya and Alex?

Maya: “I’ve always been drawn to the energy of big cities, and Paris has that something that reminds me of New York, a city where we lived for years. What I love here is the cultural richness, the ability to discover unique works of art around every corner. In the United States, there’s this idea that art and culture are privileges for the elite, but in Paris, culture is for everyone.”

Alex: “Paris has this magical quality of being both vast and accessible. We’ve lived in New York and Los Angeles, two cities where everything seems far away. Here, it’s different; you can walk everywhere, and there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a museum, a monument, or simply a neighborhood we hadn’t explored yet.”

Maya: “And then there’s the culinary scene, which is incredible. The restaurants, the bars, it’s an exploration in itself. And what really surprised me is the kindness of Parisians. Contrary to stereotypes, they are curious and open. They want to understand cultural differences and exchange ideas.”

Alex: “There are, of course, some codes to know, just like in New York. Here, the language is more than just a means of communication; it’s a real bridge to the culture. Making the effort to speak French opens many doors.”

What are the most challenging aspects of Parisian life, according to you, Maya and Alex?

Maya: “Living in a country where you don’t fully master the language is a daily challenge. For instance, I wanted to get a pair of pants altered, and not knowing the exact word made it more complicated. It’s these little daily things that constantly remind us that we’re foreigners.”

Alex: “And then there’s the famous issue of street cleanliness… The dog poop everywhere, it’s quite striking!”

Maya: “That’s your big problem in Paris? (laughs). Well then, it’s not so bad! But seriously, it’s true that these little details remind us that we’re not yet fully acclimated.”

Alex: “I’m joking, of course, but in truth, even after several months here, there’s still a feeling of strangeness. Paris is a vast city, but there’s always this ‘veil’ for me, largely due to the language. Sometimes we still feel a bit like outsiders, as if we’re observing Parisian life through a window.”

What are your favorite places in Paris?

Maya: “Place des Vosges is one of our favorite retreats. Yes, it’s cliché, but there’s something magical about this place, especially when it’s not too crowded. You can really feel the soothing rhythm of the city there.”

Alex: “The Musée d’Orsay holds a special place in my heart. I’ve had the chance to perform recitals there, and it was incredible to be able to enjoy the museum on a closed day. It’s a place where art truly comes to life.”

Maya: “As for gastronomy, Le Rigodon, a restaurant in the 11th arrondissement, is one of our favorites. The chef is American, the server is French, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. For a bit of a change, we also love La Drogheria Italiana, an Italian grocery store where the products are delicious and the people are lovely.”

Maya & Alex’s story is a vibrant testament to the allure that Paris holds for artists from around the world. Their transition from a nomadic life to a more settled one in the French capital shows how this city can become a home, even for those who come from far away. With its challenges and discoveries, Paris is, for them, an endless terrain of exploration. Follow their adventures to see how they continue to integrate and evolve in this city that, like them, is constantly changing.