Profile of Louis

An accidental expatriate blogger behind NorthPaperTrail

Louis Martin - Founder of NorthPaperTrail Photo: NorthPaperTrail

Hello, I am Louis

Project lead. Parent. Expat living in Paris, France.

A few years back, I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.

How It All Began

Relocating to France wasn’t part of the long-term plan. Like many expat moves, it began as a work opportunity and quickly became something much bigger.

The first months were intense — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday tasks felt more complicated than they should.

City skyline in Paris, France
Life in Paris has its surprises. Photo: NorthPaperTrail

The Adjustment Phase

There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But slowly, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.

Why I Built NorthPaperTrail

Most information online was either corporate-level relocation advice or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was a genuine daily family viewpoint.

This site aims to bridge that gap — practical guidance drawn from real life in France.

What This Site Is (And Isn't)

This site is about:

  • Hands-on insights from living in France
  • Centered on family life and daily realities
  • Updated whenever a real change occurs

This site is NOT:

  • An official tourism resource
  • A paid-review platform
  • A typical travel blog

Looking Ahead

Our time in France goes on, and the learning journey continues. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll keep recording what we uncover.

If you have questions about family life in Paris or anywhere in France, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Louis

Paris, France