Natalie Portman Prefers Paris Over Los Angeles Citing Privacy, Cultural Appeal

Natalie Portman has expressed her preference for living in Paris over Los Angeles, highlighting the distinct cultural differences and the friendly yet respectful nature of Parisians. She appreciates how people in Paris value privacy, describing it as a major compliment to be considered 'very discreet.' Portman enjoys raising her two children, Aleph and Amalia, in Paris, where the kids and their friends practice polite French customs such as greeting with 'Bonjour Madame' and giving cheek kisses. She finds the cultural environment in Paris stimulating, with frequent access to art exhibits, concerts, and social gatherings that enrich her family's lifestyle. Portman also noted that returning to the U.S. feels unusual due to the lack of similar social niceties she has grown accustomed to in France. Overall, she values the specific and deep cultural experiences Paris offers, contrasting them with assumptions about Western cultures being uniform.