The 10 Best Groups For Expats In Paris
It can be difficult to navigate life for new expats in Paris. Finding employment and somewhere to live can be tricky, let alone meeting fellow expats who are in the same boat as you.
Being a newcomer to the “City of Lights” shouldn’t be difficult! With so many expat groups across the city that host a variety of catchups and activities, you’ll be sure to find your people (and your feet!) in no time.
Whether you’re looking for your next sporting team, coffee crew or French class friends – and everything in between – we’ve found the 10 best groups for expats in Paris to join!
1. American Women’s Group In Paris
Address: 4 rue de Chevreuse, 75006 Paris.
The American Women’s Group in Paris is a social organisation that is actually open to English-speaking women of any age or nationality who live in Paris. Dating back a century, it’s actually the oldest English-speaking women’s group in Paris. The group aims to offer support for foreigners moving to the city. By becoming a member, you gain access to a wide range of club activities, committees, regular meetings and of course, the opportunity for new friendships to bloom.
2. WICE
Address: Various meeting locations.
WICE (“Where Internationals Connect In English”) is just what its name says – a group for international expats in Paris to connect! The group runs a wide array of activities and courses year-round, including writing and photography classes, French classes, French and foreign film nights. WICE is the place to learn a new skill or build on an existing one, while meeting like-minded people from across the world!
3. MeetUp Paris
Address: Various meeting locations.
MeetUp isn’t a group per se. It is an app that groups across the world can advertise meet-ups and gatherings for anyone who wants to come – and their Paris offerings are wide ranging! The Paris MeetUp thread has a diverse assortment of groups to join . French conversation meet-ups, American expats in Paris outings, general expat groups, foodie excursions, meditation classes, walking groups – you name it!
https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/topics/paris/
4. Let’s Run Paris!
Address: On Saturday mornings, the group meets at 9am at the café “Le Cercle Luxembourg,” 1, rue Gay Lussac, 75005. On Monday evenings they meet at 8pm at Nation, by the bar “Le Triomphe,” 6 place de la Nation, 75012.
If you love running, Let’s Run Paris! is the place for you to meet new friends with similar interests. The group caters to international runners, and has built itself up from a small group of friends in 2012 to a twice-weekly group open to anyone today! Run for fun or train for a marathon with the group. The group meets on Saturday morning and Monday evening each week.
https://letsrunparis.wordpress.com
5. BCWA – British and Commonwealth Women’s Association
Address: Maison de la Vie Associative et Citoyenne, Boite 86 – BCWA, 28 rue Laure Diebold 75008, Paris.
Founded 60 years ago, the BWCA of Paris is another women-only Paris expat group that opens up its membership to women who are Commonwealth or British nationals living in Paris. This also extends to women who are married to spouses that are British or Commonwealth citizens. This is a great opportunity to meet other expats in Paris with similar backgrounds. They have a set weekly catch up, and also regularly organise fun activities.
6. Sporty Expats Paris
Address: Various meeting locations.
Sporty Expats Paris is a group that runs fun sports activities and events for expats living in the city. Join their free Facebook group to gain access to a community of over 2000 expats in Paris. There’s a huge variety of weekly sporting activities on offer, including swimming, tennis, football, basketball, pool, darts and more! They even branch out into non-sporting events too! The group is also on Instagram.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/sportyexpats
7. Polyglot Club Paris
Address: Various meeting locations.
The Paris Polyglot Club is your go-to site for an exciting, up-to-the-minute event calendar for polyglots living in the city. Over 76,000 members regularly use this site to network with new friends across the city. They host board game nights, nationality-specific catch ups, Sunday picnics, trips across France and even international trips!
https://polyglotclub.com/france/ile-de-france/paris
8. Expats in Paris Facebook
Address: Various meeting locations.
There are a range of Facebook groups aimed at expats in Paris, but the main Expats in Paris group currently has over 50,000 members and counting! This is the place to meet fellow Paris expats, build your network, find housing or flatmates, practise your French or to get involved in the many advertised activities. In addition, you can ask advice in the group, like which arrondissement to move to, where the best coffee in your neighbourhood is or even find work in there.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/expats.in.paris/
9. Shakespeare and Company
Address: 37 rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris.
Shakespeare and Company isn’t just a famous bookshop in Paris! The nook in the 5th arrondissement is also a beloved expat destination that regularly hosts events that bring locals together. They hold book festivals, poetry readings, host writers and record their own podcast on-site . They even have their own cafe that serves up delicious meals and hot coffee. If you love all things literature, Shakespeare & Co is your place, with your people.
https://www.shakespeareandcompany.com
10. American Club Of Paris
Address: 4 rue de Chevreuse, 75006 Paris
The American Club of Paris is a non-profit association for American expats in Paris. It’s the oldest of its kind in the city! They group has a year-round calendar of events, including speakers, events and excursions. Joining the club is a tricky process however, and a strict one. According to their website “The American Club of Paris maintains high standards for new applicants. Two current members must sponsor each new member.Membership is also open to citizens of the United States and non-US citizens interested in American culture and the promotion of ties between the United States and France. Membership is open to residents and non-residents alike.”
Have you joined any of these groups for expats in Paris?
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