Developing your social network in Paris
The 2.1 million Parisians make the French capital city a vibrant center for socializing, from cafés or “terraces” as they are commonly called in French filled with people enjoying afterwork drinks with friends or colleagues or a morning coffee, to an eventful nightlife…
Despite or because of this, you may feel intimidated to put yourself out there, as you would in a big city. But with all that Paris has to offer, there is no shortage of opportunities for those who wish to make friends and build relationships in Paris.
Become a regular
One of the fastest ways to feel at home in a new city is to become a regular at the local café or bar. Parisians may seem a little unfriendly at first, but they will quickly warm up to you. Feeling comfortable in your neighborhood helps to make friends and striking up a conversation with your waiter is a great way to get to know the city in a more authentic way.
Get acquainted with the lingo
What better way to connect with locals than to immerse yourself in the local language and lingo? Locals speak in a local lingo that can be confusing, even for experienced French speakers. Don't hesitate to talk to them and ask them to explain an expression to you. Not only will they be happy to explain, but they will also appreciate your interest and this will create a bond.
Paris has many opportunities such as the famous language exchange week, Franglish, which is held in various local bars. For 12 euros (a drink included), you will have the opportunity to exchange with French speakers, seven minutes in French and seven minutes in English. The Conversation Exchange website is also a good option for a language exchange. You can create a profile to help you find an ideal language exchange partner in Paris. This could be a great way to meet locals, expand your network while improving your language skills.
Expat Bars
Paris has a myriad of pubs and bars with their own built-in social networks. Le Bombardier, the Long Hop, the Corcoran, the Cricketer and the Green Linnet are just a few of the more well-known names. With plenty of pubs hosting events like quizzes, sports broadcasts and live music, there's no better place to start your social networking in Paris.
Group events
Attending events is one of the best ways to meet people with matching interests. You'll find an eclectic calendar of events for all tastes on Meetup, tailored to offer everything from welcome cocktails for newcomers to Paris to photography groups, yoga, brunch, rock climbing and so much more.
Cultural centers in Paris
Some places in Paris offer instant access to a world of culture, as well as a community of potential friends. The famous Shakespeare & Co is more than just a bookstore: it has a rich and impressive calendar of events, from poetry and literary readings to book signings, workshops and discussions. World-famous authors gather there, and you'll always find an eclectic crowd to chat with. The American Library in Paris in the chic 7th arrondissement is another option for those looking for English-language events. You'll find an incredible collection of over 120,000 English books. An outstanding lecture once even brought together several big names such as David Sedaris, Patricia Wells, Kristin Scott Thomas and Michael Palin.
Look into your network
Once you've made some connections in Paris, try to use those connections to expand your social network. Networking on both a personal and professional level is a common practice in Paris. It is also common for locals to put you in touch with people who share the same interests as you, or to give you suggestions on how to get started. Try to have a particular interest or question in mind so that this new connection can help you in that area, then suggest a meeting over coffee, and you will do the same when trying to develop your own professional network in Paris. This way you are not only expanding your social network, but also your local knowledge, resources and tips!
