Moving to Paris -- how to meet people?

[kalidasa]

We're moving to Paris (6th ar.) at the end of July for at least a year (possibly 2). My husband is French and I have citizenship by marriage. The children are bilingual and will be in a French primary school. I have decent French but have never lived or worked in France. I will still be employed in the uk but will be researching and writing a book in Paris -- so I will have something to do but no office / colleagues / means of meeting people through work. I am excited about the move but a bit worried about being very lonely. I'm not a v v sociable person but would like to make a couple of friends if possible. Does anyone have any good ideas of how to meet people? I was thinking of maybe doing an advanced conversation class and also going to church.

No real advice but this sounds exciting! I would definitely do the advanced conversation course for a start. Church only if you are religious anyway but if so it would be a good way to meet like-minded people and get involved in the community.

I agree. It sounds so exciting! I should think through your children's school you'll meet other parents. Plus do you have any group hobbies?

There are several Facebook groups for English speaking women in Paris, eg Women Living in Paris, Social Women in Paris. I'd also recommend the American Library, which runs events and workshops.

Thanks all. Some good ideas here. Not sure whether to do local church for integration or English speaking one as quicker route re friends. I am religious but DH not - mixed catholic / Anglican background so could do either, not really fussy. Clubs / hobbies a good idea but mine mostly quite solitary -- I play the piano and write poetry. Also yoga but I actually prefer doing that on my own. Would love to be in a choir again but not sure when that will be allowed! Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

A great friend of mine lived in Paris for some years, she played bridge and met a lot of people that way.

Join Message which has loads of events, often by arrondissement.

Meetup also has lots of stuff .

How old are your DC? Mine are 7 and 9 and are biligual and have loved in Paris their whole lives

Join Meet up groups . Offering to help people learn English is a good way to meet people

@InvincibleInvisibility ours are 6 and 8 so very similar. The Message website seems like a great tip, I've had a quick look and I'll definitely join that.

The Facebook group ‘English speaking mums/moms in Paris’ is a great resource too, 5k members so really easy to find people with similar interests. They do virtual ‘coffee and chat’ meetups and in person ones too where covid19 restrictions allow.

We are still under restrictions here in Paris so for the time being there is little socialising (since Wednesday we can go to terraces in groups of up to 6, but that's hardly a way to meet people). The only things happening non-virtually are some kids' sports/hobbies, but those are about to close down for summer.

I hope by the time you get here things will be more sociable, the American church in the 7th near pont des Invalides/pont d'Alma was something of a social hub before the pandemic.

Message is good and you can try the Paris Choral Society for singing

Thanks @Songsparrow for that singing suggestion. @JeanneFrench yes we are quite in touch with how things are in Paris as DH's family are all there. We are hoping everything has loosened up a bit by the time we get there! I was looking at the website for the American cathedral, I might try that out.

I left facebook a while ago but it looks like it might be worth joining again as some groups are mainly on there.

PM me when you get settled in and we can meet up in a park with the kids if you fancy it

Brilliant, thanks @InvincibleInvisibility, will do. This has been a very helpful thread.

The Facebook group After Brexit Brits living in the EU27 has quite a few members who live in Paris.

I lived in Paris for my gap year, as an au pair when I was 18. At the time I went quite a lot to the English church - I wasn’t hugely religious but I found it hugely welcoming, lots of social events etc. Quite an international crowd etc. I also went to language school. Quite jealous really!

I think it was st Michael’s - it’s a long time ago now!

No advice as I've never lived in Paris, but I'm SO envious, because I've always wanted to! I've lived in other cities abroad though and doing a course is a good way to meet people. Advanced French would be a good one too, because you should meet others like yourself with a similar level of French. You lucky thing!

Thanks all! @Bridgenorth I think there are two Anglican churches in Paris, quite close to one another, and then also the American Episcopalian cathedral. Not sure which is which but will look into this.