Meeting people in paris?

Question

hey so im in paris for 6 weeks witth some other americain students for a study abroad thing.....only prob is we arent taking classes at a french uni, we have our own classes.

so we have no idea how to meet french people. everyone says not to talk to the random guys that come up to u on the street cuz theyre creepers....soo when guys approach us we ignore them which is what everyone does here...soo i dont know how else....

true i can go to places where there are alot of youth and we have done that before but how does that help?? all the youth are amongst their friends they wouldnt randomly talk to us...and the only ones that do are perverts.

and we cant randomly go up to french ppl and start talking to them......

so what do we do? even in the pubs everyone is with their own friends theyre not gonna talk to us ....

Answer 1

Yeah, don't assume that all the guys who come up and talk to you are creeps -- they just want to meet people, and that's what you want, too, right? So chat with the guys who come up to you for a minute or so, and if you're not feelin' it, just excuse yourself.

If you want to be the one to initiate conversation, outside of bars is best, when people go out to smoke. Bum a cigarette -- that's the perfect way to meet someone. If that doesn't work or if you're not a smoker (congratulations, because that's hard in Paris) ask someone to recommend a bar. Maybe he'll invite you to come with him! If you're in a bar already, ask someone to recommend a drink.

Really, though -- don't be afraid to approach people. It can be hard if it's a big group, but if you see a couple of lone guys, rest assured they're trying to meet people, too, and they'll probably be relieved that you made the first move!

Answer 2

Whilst I wouldn't advise you to chat to just any weird stranger and certainly never on your own I think you are being a little over cautious (I know it's the way these days).

I was in Paris for just a weekend with my friend (two girls) and two French soldiers just started chatting to us when we were visiting the Eiffel Tower. Soldiers & French too - what a reputation! That was in 1984 and we've been married for 21 years...

Be safe, watch out for each other - but relax a little, not all friendly people are perverts, some are just... well... friendly! ;o)

Answer 3

Now I understand that as a male I don't have to deal with the same sort of harassment as women can be exposed to but I think perhaps you may be taking things a bit too far.

Not talking to people on the street makes sense but if you're going to a typical left bank student hangout, the notion that the only people who would talk to you are "perverts" is way over the top.

You might also consider going to places with where the expatriate community hangs out. Most of the "Irish Pubs" would qualify. There's an Aussie bar on the corner of the rue St. Jacques and the rue Malebranche that would also. Polly Magoo on the rue St. Jacques just a few blocks from the Seine has always had a good mix of locals, expats and tourists.

Aux Trois Mailletz (my favorite hangout) at 56 rue Galand in the 5th is a good mix of locals and tourists/expats and very friendly. If all else fails, head over and look for a piano player with a shaved head (often wearing a bowler). His name is Sylvan. The violinist playing with him is Arnaud. They're both very nice guys. Introduce yourself.

Answer 4

you're in the lucky position of, well, being a girl

and YES i agree that french people that go out, do so with friends and the group remains hermetic oftentimes.

However, if you go out with a friend, be it boy or girl, to a bar, I'm sure you'll find some french gentlemen will come up to you for conversation.

Failing that, try the Iguana near Bastille: it's a famously anglo-saxon haunt, loaded with youths that speak english

Answer 5

It is much easier to give you individual solutions, than collective ones -

From my experience I must tell you that the worst you can do abroad is to move in a group, and stick to it -

THE ONLY WAY to improve ( my pov ) is to infiltrate alone.

That's what I do - and what I've always done since the first time I was in GB in 1965 and was the black sheep of the group, since I escaped each time I could and created opportunities of contacts with natives - my french teen-mates called me " Mr P.R " but I didn't care - look how I write english and ask yourself how they probably speak it 40 years later.

There are categories of people who are easy speakers in all the countries of the world eg : seniors in gardens, on benches, museum staff + they'll often show you things that are not accessible to public or tell you things about the region or the country - in bars and restaurants, if you're alone not very difficult to start a conversation with your neighbours -

Rember : groups are closed, and people dislike them - individuals excite peoples' curiosity - of course it's better to have a minimum level in their language -

I have 1000  invitations - unfortunately I never go back to the same place

Answer 6

yes, that looks like a big problem if you dont have 'normal' ways to meet french ppl (i mean university or anthg like that).

rilifane had a good idea abt the british pubs (english, irish or whatever else). but i have noticed that in pubs in paris (like in any other city in europe), pubs are often full of... british ppl. so you could easily find british ppl, but french...

perhaps you have a chance with the "Aussie bar" rilifane spoke about. it's now called the WOS bar. the boss is young (abt 30 yrs old), french, but fluently english speaking (he travelled in many countries), and i'm sure he'll help you or give you some good advices. well that sounds like publicity, but he's a close friend to me and i'm sure he'll help you.

well, if you are desperate, i'd be glad to take a drink with you and help you.

enjoy