Moving to a new country always comes with a unique set of challenges, some are expected, but many are not. Once the dust settles and you’ve finally arrived in Paris, you may find yourself facing one last surprise challenge- How do I make friends here? Luckily for you, you’ve already got a friend in Paris to help you find your community. Here are our recommendations for those looking to meet fellow expats and make friends in Paris!
Table of Contents
- Social Clubs and Organizations
- Interest-Based Groups
- Volunteer Organizations
- Online Communities
- Making Friends as an Expat Parent in Paris
- Making Friends as an Expat Retiree in Paris
- Staying Up To Date
Social Clubs and Organizations
Paris is home to many social clubs and organizations, some old and established, and some new and growing!
WICE – Where Internationals Connect in English
English-Speaking Expats | Paid Membership
Since it was founded in 1978, WICE has grown into a huge community with a variety of interesting and fun events and classes. Although it is a non-profit organization, there are still sign up fees for some of the events and classes. However, there are many free events you can join such as French-English language exchanges, board game meet ups, and morning coffee groups! Just be sure to register in advance.
American Women’s Group in Paris
Women Only | Paid Membership
The AWG provides the opportunity to learn, grow, and create meaningful friendships. If you are American, or are married to an American, you can apply for membership! With fun activities like culinary classes, exploring antique fairs, and book club, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
British and Commonwealth Women’s Association
Women Only | Free Membership
The BCWA is open to any women who are, or are married to , a British or Commonwealth national. This organization has regular events for those looking to stay active, play some games (including bridge and mahjong), and explore Paris. With monthly walks, weekly coffees, and fun events through out the month, the BCWA is a great way to meet people and make friends in Paris.
American Club of Paris
American Nationals | Paid Membership
With a long and rich history, the American Club in Paris is proud to have many influential expats amongst it’s members. If classy cocktails and exclusive galas are your kind of thing, you’re in the right place! Before you can become a member, you’ll need to find 2 current members to sponsor your application. You can meet members at their monthly happy hour events, which are open to the public.
Association of Americans Resident Overseas – AARO
American Nationals | Paid Membership
Although the AARO is headquartered in Paris, it has members living in over 40 countries! This non-profit, non-partisan organization works to represent Americans living abroad in American legislation and politics, hoping to defend and represent their interests as a group that may otherwise be overlooked. They have lots of incredible guides and articles on important issues such as banking as an expat, taxation, healthcare, social security, and more! They also have monthly in-person meet ups here in Paris, so you can meet fellow expats, and learn about life as an American abroad.
Inspirelle
Expat Women | Paid and Free
Inspirelle was created to inspire, connect, and empower women in Paris. With a special focus on business women and entrepreneurs, they host plenty of in-person events and conferences to help you meet others and thrive in Paris. The events are paid, but members get access to early sign ups and discounts! Even if you don’t attend their events, do check out their excellent blogs and articles on making Paris your home.
Interest-Based Groups
One of the best ways to find friends in a new place is to find other people with the same interests as you. Join these groups to meet people with a shared hobby in Paris!
Let’s Run Paris
Open to All | Free
Looking for some new running buddies? Look no further! Let’s Run Paris brings together expats of all different ages, nationalities, and speeds, twice a week to enjoy a run together.
Paris Front Runners
LGBTQ+ Friendly, but Open to All | Optional Paid Membership
Inspired by Patricia Nell Warren’s novel, The Front Runner, Front Runner clubs have opened up across America, and now around the world. This LGBTQ+ friendly organization is open to anyone who loves running! They have regular runs and training courses that are open to the public, no membership required.
Standard Athletic Club
English-Speaking | Paid Membership
Located in Meudon, just out side of Paris, this English-speaking social and athletic club has facilities for all kinds of sports and social events. Whether you’re hoping to play some squash, take a dip in the pool, or take up taekwondo, this club has something for everyone. We’ve also heard that their food alone makes the membership fees worth it. See you at brunch!
Le Peloton Cafe
Open to All | Partially Free
Le Peloton Cafe is an English speaking coffee/bike shop that brings together expats who share a love for a quality cup of joe and getting active! They organize weekly group bike rides that are open to all. Don’t have a bike? You can rent one directly from the cafe!
American Library in Paris Book Groups
Open to All | Paid Membership
Whether you’re interested in biographies, mysteries, or romance novels, there’s a book group waiting for you to join at the American Library in Paris! Each group meets once a month at the library, and is open to any member of the library. Don’t see a group that fits you? You can start your own!
Shakespeare and Company Events
Open to All | Free
Although it’s not exactly a club or social group, Shakespeare and Company have several events each month that are great for English-speaking expats. Join your fellow bookworms for interesting talks from your favorite authors, or maybe an author you have yet to know! The events are free and open to all, just be sure to get there early so you can snag a seat.
Paris Choral Society
Open to All | Audition Required
If you’re looking to dazzle audiences with works by Handel, Leonard Bernstein, or Carl Orff, look no further! The Paris Choral Society has been praised as “unpaid – but professional level” by the New York Times, and always draws a crowd for their performances. Ready to join? Be ready to audition first! Auditions typically happen in January and September each year.
InterNations Paris
Open to All | Free
InterNations is a group created to help expats adapt to life in a new country, and make friends along the way. There are plenty of member-created events with a variety of topics. Whether you’re looking to meet new people at one of their afterwork events, or hoping to find a group to draw with at the Louvre, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and find your expat community in Paris!
MessageParis
Expat Parents | Paid Membership
MessageParis is one of the best resources for expat parents that we have found! With over 50 events a month, and topics ranging from childbirth workshops and art classes for kids, to guided meditations and coffee meet-ups for parents, there’s something for every parent (and child!).
Meetup.com
Varies | Depends on Event
Although this one is not really a group, Meetup.com is a great place to find communities and events in your area. Whether you’re looking for a philosophy discussion group, hoping to expand your professional network, or even some people to play board games with, this is where you can find those groups! Always remember to be safe when meeting people in Paris for the first time, and always meet in a public space.
Volunteer Organizations
A great way to meet new people in Paris and get to know your community is by giving back. Here are some organizations that could use your help:
Serve the City
Open to All | Free
Serve the City has ways for everyone to give back, no matter what your strong suit is. Help out your community by giving out food, helping people practice their English, knitting hats, and more! While some of these programs you can just sign up for, others require some training. You can get this training in an easy, online seminar.
Paris Greeters
Open to All | Free
What better way to meet fellow expats than by showing them around Paris? Paris greeters connects volunteers to new arrivals here in Paris, and helps them to explore their neighborhood with someone who has already settled there. Volunteers do not need to be professional tour guides, you just need to know your way around your area!
Online Communities
Online communities can provide a great way to learn about events, get advice, and even make new friends in Paris! Here are a few Facebook Groups we recommend for English-speaking expats:
Americans Retired and Thriving in France
Retired Americans | Free
This Facebook group is for Americans who are partially or fully retired here in France. Get tips and tricks, advice, and recommendations for all kinds of topics here!
Americans Retiring in France
Retirees | Free
Another great Facebook group for those thinking of, or currently, retiring in France!
Sporty Expats
Expats | Free
If you want to stay active in Paris, and meet some fellow expats, this is a great resource for you! Many members use this group to organize running groups, yoga in the park, or any other kind of sporty expat activities.
Moving to Paris… and Happily Ever After!
Open to All | Free
This group is all about sharing your experiences living in Paris, and learning from others. You can also find many members of the Your Friend in Paris community are active there, and are happy to give their expertise on all things expat.
English-Speaking Moms/Mums Living in Paris
English-Speaking Moms | Free
This group is incredibly active, with members always asking for advice, recommendations, and occasionally selling relevant items. We highly recommend this group if you are an expat mom trying to find your footing as a parent in Paris.
English Speakers in Paris / île de France
English-Speakers | Free
This Facebook group is extremely active and popular amongst younger expats. Members often post job or work opportunities, ask for advice on their situation, and share their knowledge and past experiences.
Expatriates in Paris and Suburbs
Expats | Free
If you’re looking for help with French, a variety of events, or just general advice on life as an expat, you’re in the right place!
Making Friends as an Expat Parent in Paris
As an expat parent, there are lots of great ways to meet fellow parents, get advice on expat life, and make friends who understand your situation. Here are the groups we recommend for expat parents in Paris:
- MessageParis
- Standard Athletic Club
- The American Library in Paris
- English-Speaking Moms/Mums Living in Paris
If you’re looking for more advice on managing your family’s relocation, here are some articles you may find helpful as well:
Making Friends as a Retiree in Paris
It can be hard to meet people in a new city when you can’t bond over the bad coffee in the break room. So where can you make new friends as a retiree in Paris? Here are some recommendations we have for you:
- WICE
- American Women’s Group in Paris
- British and Commonwealth Women’s Association
- Americans Retired and Thriving in France
Staying up to Date
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