How To Meet Local Parisians

Wouldn’t it be nice to make some French friends while you’re in France’s capital city?

If you’ve come to the country with the expectation to mix and mingle with Parisians and brush up on your français, but you’ve had a hard time meeting people in Paris, bienvenue au club.

Every traveller and foreigner has experienced this to some extent. The reality is, it takes time integrate into local life. And the French are a bit slower to warm up in general. It’s true that Parisians aren’t the most outwardly friendly (especially those who haven’t traveled internationally much), but once you break through the barrier, you’ve usually got a friend for life.

But how do you meet Paris locals anyway?

Take a Class

This is true for any newbie in any country. You have to get to know the locals in their natural habitat. At a university, you’ll be surrounded by locals and will get to mingle with them every day. No longer a student? Well, if you take a class in pottery, dance, piano, or gardening, you’re bound to sit next to someone with whom you can exchange in a casual setting. And you’ll get to learn about something you like!

If you’re not sure how to get started, try one of our unique Parisian experiences; you’ll get to meet native and new Parisians while tasting wine, learning the history of Le Marais, baking French pastries, or even painting handbags!

Go Out with Friends

If you’re traveling with a group, grab your friends and go to one of Paris’s many great bars or cafés. The French tend to go out in groups too, so it can be easier to chat up the Parisians at the next table if you’re not alone. And after a few cocktails, you suddenly have things in common with everyone. But, bien sûr, drink responsibly!

If you’re traveling solo, you might give Le Social Bar a try. The goal of this convivial spot is to get strangers talking, meaning that everyone who comes here is open to meeting new people and striking up conversations.

Join a Meetup

Depending on the meetup, you should be able to meet like-minded people with whom you can chat with and possibly form a lasting friendship. If you’re interested in yoga, languages, photography, or even Instagram, you’ll find Paris has plenty of meetups for you!

Several other organisations also host after-work apéros to help you meet new people in Paris, like The First Round. Learn more and reserve your spot at the next conversation table! ↗

Whatever you do, don’t make too much of an effort, but definitely don’t stay home! Just remember this, Paris is wonderful with or without a local Parisian friend.