Paris is often called the city of dreams, attracting people from around the world with its cultural vibe and luxurious lifestyle. However, the reality of living in the French capital can be starkly different from the ethereal images seen on social media. A viral video has revealed what might be the smallest apartment in Paris, rented for €600 (approximately ₹67,000) per month, requiring tenants to climb 134 stairs daily and climb over the bed to reach the balcony.
Viral Video Shows Compact Living Space
The clip, shared on Instagram by Sebastian Hedberg, features a tenant named Ulysse who calls his place the "smallest apartment in Paris." When asked about the location, Ulysse leads Hedberg to a building that looks very Parisian. The apartment is on the seventh floor, accessible only by climbing 134 steps, as there is no elevator. Hedberg jokingly calls it the "sport of the day."
Inside the Apartment
Upon entering, Hedberg is surprised by the architecture and space, calling it "crazy." To the left of the door is a closet, and to the right is a shower. Further in, there is a dressing area on the left and a small kitchen on the right. Directly ahead lies a bed placed horizontally on the floor, and beyond it, a balcony that can only be reached by climbing over the bed. Ulysse guides Hedberg to remove his shoes and climb over to the balcony, which he describes as his favorite part. "It is my favourite, I never get tired of it. We got Paris in our hands, baby," he says. When asked about the toilet, Ulysse takes Hedberg out of the apartment to a corner on the floor where a toilet is located.
Micro-Apartments: A Growing Trend
Videos featuring extremely small apartments in cities like Paris, Tokyo, New York, and Hong Kong have repeatedly gone viral. Part of the fascination comes from seeing how people adapt to such limited spaces while paying exorbitant rents. Many viewers are intrigued by the creativity and organization required to balance necessity and aesthetics in these micro-apartments.
Social Media Reactions
The video has amassed nearly 7 million views, sparking a mix of shock, appreciation, and humor. One user wrote, "Indian rupees 67,218" with a crying emoji. Another shared, "I lived in a place like this in Paris. It's insane we have normalised living under these conditions for +600! Rent should be strictly regulated. Housing is a right not a business." A third comment read, "Capitalism is going back to its roots I'm afraid, working your ass to live like that..." However, not all reactions were negative. One user noted, "For everyone saying €600 is too expensive. I think you’re missing the point. He has his own small flat in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities. He’s young and living life to the full with a bright future ahead of him. Enjoy every moment. I think this is very special and a lifetime of memories." Another added, "You will be motivated to see this guy, people remain happy even with small things." A humorous comment compared the apartment to the one from the movie "Ratatouille."
