Paris gets a bad rap for what many consider unfriendly locals, but there are tons of places to meet people ready to welcome you in. You may even find yourself debunking some long-held stereotypes of Parisian etiquette. From one perpetual optimist to another, here are my top seven recommendations for places to meet people in Paris.
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Les Cocottes
The buzz of conversation, the warmth of an active stove, and the smell of cream and butter; this is what Parisian dreams are made of. Of all the amazing restaurants in Paris, Les Cocottes is easily my favorite.
But you’re probably wondering why I’ve included it in a list of places to meet people. So, how does one make friends at a distinctly French restaurant? Over elegant communal tables perfect for solo and sociable diners. Unless you have a party of 8 or more, you’ll be joining a table of mixed parties as you dine. And we all know that food is the best conversation starter.
I’ve been here several times, but my the most memorable was with my friend Jill. We were seated across from two Parisian locals. After something as simple as asking them what they had ordered, the lines of communication burst open. They wanted to know what we thought of Paris and told us all about their hometowns in southern France. Soon, the glasses were clinking and we were laughing so hard I was almost in tears. Then the real comedy came…
An American woman discreetly approached our table and began to school us on what she thought was acceptable French etiquette. In their very noticeable accents, our new French friends politely informed the woman that they found no fault in our behavior. And in fact, they were mostly to blame for it.
It was a pretty priceless moment and a memory I’ll never forget. When you’re traveling, remember that we’re all just people looking to connect, and sometimes stereotypes are meant to be broken.
Le Caveau des Oubliettes
Hidden beneath a seemingly dark and empty bar in the heart of Paris is the best jazz bar I’ve ever been to.
From the street view, you’d be tempted to think the place had been abandoned until you walk in and notice a discreetly placed tunnel in the back of the bar. Rounded with jagged edges like you’d expect to see from the remnants a prison break, the tunnel contains steep stairs leading down. You wonder if venturing in is a good idea, but then you hear it. The cacophony of brass instruments mingling with laughter and cheers.
Le Caveau des Oubliettes is small and cramped and can get quite warm on a busy summer night, but there’s no experience like it. Musicians travel from all over the world to perform in the hidden cave underneath Paris’ 5th arrondissement. Some come as groups and others join in with whoever else is playing that night. And the audience is full of people with a shared love for jazz and a good stiff drink.
Between sets or whenever an escape to the cool night air is needed, onlookers waft onto the dark street. As they catch their breath or take advantage of the fresh air with an unfiltered cigarette, a variety of accents and conversations come alive and invite you in.
Bonding over the improvised rhythm of jazz is an unforgettable way to enhance your experience and connect with someone new. If jazz teaches us anything, it’s that sometimes the unexpected is just the thing we need to move forward.
Rosa Bonheur in Butte Chaumont
Rosa Bonheur has multiple locations that all produce their own brand of fun and frivolity. Butte Chaumont is my favorite because of the more casual atmosphere. A quaint green and white cottage camouflages into its surroundings, looking out into the vast park built upon a hill. The inside is decorated a bit like a sorority house with bright splashes of pink, mismatched glass lanterns dangling from the ceiling, and a foosball table ready for the next game.
But wander outside and you’ll find live music and picnic tables ideal for a day of drinking in the sun and getting lost in conversation. The laidback vibe fosters a sense of congeniality and the affordably priced libations makes introductions a breeze. This is one of my favorite places to meet people because it honestly reminds me of a day back home.
The bartenders speak English and are friendly, setting the stage for a good time the moment you walk in. Most Parisians are happy for the chance to practice their English too, so don’t be shy. The prices aren’t too high (by Paris standards), so why not offer to buy a round for your tablemates or share one of their crispy and flavorful pizzas to get the conversation going?
Looking for experiences you won’t forget in Paris? Check out my top 10!
Pique-Nique in the Champ de Mars
Summer in Paris is a truly unique experience. The river Seine is turned into an urban beach, complete with sand and temporary skateboard parks. Already popular bistros overflow into the streets. And locals and tourists flock in droves to sip champagne in front of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a scene that lives in the minds of all who have dreamed of visiting the City of Lights and the perfect opportunity to make new friends.
Throughout the city are farmers markets open various days throughout the week. One of which is just a couple short blocks away from the park. Open on Wednesdays and Sundays until 1pm, shielded under metro line 6 between stops Dupleix and Motte Picquet, is one full of pungent cheeses, vibrant veggies, local vintages and delectable desserts just right for a picnic on a sunny day.
Dogs are welcome in the park too and always help to break the ice when extending an introduction. So grab a comfy blanket, your favorite guilty pleasure, and pop the champagne. Savor the quintessentially Parisian pastime and get ready to introduce yourself.
McBride’s Irish Pub
Whenever I venture outside the US, I know there’s one place I’m always guaranteed to have a good time no matter which country I’m in. If I’m feeling a little lonely, just point me to the Irish Pub. If I’m craving a pint over another glass of wine, where’s the Irish Pub? If I just need to dance my face off for a little while, you can find me in the Pub (…bottle full of bub…)! Paris is the city that I discovered this nifty trick in.
Located near Les Halles and neighboring Le Marais districts are several places that offer the chance to dance the night away. We’d initially headed to Rue St Denis one night to go somewhere else, but the sounds of bad 80s music floating onto the street made McBride’s impossible to resist. The décor is authentic Irish Pub, but late at night when the tables are pushed aside and the laser lights come on, you’re transported to the poor-man’s Studio 54.
As the best, worst dance music plays you can get down into the early morning hours. The bartenders are expats from Ireland and provide the hospitality their homeland is known for. It’s a great place to blow of a little steam, let loose, and make a few friends looking for the same.
The Moose Sports Bar
American football may only call one country home, but the popularity of the sport is felt around the world. In nearly every major city, you’re sure to find at least one place to watch the big game. As a Texan, I’m a Cowboys fan. Yes, even through the good, bad, ugly, and downright depressing. When the season starts, no matter where I am, I make sure I know where my team will be on.
There are several sports bars in Paris that play NFL games, but The Moose is my favorite. I wandered in one Thanksgiving at 10p to watch the game live. After perching at the bar, I couldn’t keep myself from talking a little smack to the bartender proudly wearing a Packers jersey. No, the Packers aren’t direct rivals, but they’ve been responsible for many major upsets over the years (which is worse in my book).
The bartender gave it back as good as he got and soon we were steeped in conversation with several others all around us. Because that’s the best thing about sports. It instantly connects us to one another. No matter who your team is, if you’re rooting for something bigger than yourself, you’ll find others to root with.
Meet Up
I almost never use MeetUp at home in the US, but it’s a wonderful way to connect with people in other countries. Whether you’re looking to connect with other expats or find like-minded locals who can point you in the right direction, there’s a group for it.
If I were being dramatic, I could tell you MeetUp saved my life. Not that it protected me from any physical peril, but emotionally is a different story. I moved to Paris in 2013 for work and long-story-short, I had a hard time making friends. Someone had recommended I try the app and I dove in all the way. I joined numerous expat groups, foreign language groups, single women’s groups, etc. and committed to going to at least one event per week.
The first event I was brave enough to attend was for cider and crepes in the 12th arrondissement. I happened to sit across from an Aussie named Paula who was also there for work. We came became fast friends and are still in touch today.
A group for a single ladies’ meetup introduced me to another Aussie who introduced me to an American she’d met and before you knew it, we had a tight little crew to explore with. Another group for British expats (but welcome and friendly to all) introduced me to the jazz bar previous mentioned and a whole host of new friends.
Though I may have been looking for more long-term friendships, MeetUp has something for everyone. The only thing you won’t find is an excuse to stay cooped inside, convinced making friends in Paris is impossible.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re traveling solo, or you and your friends are always looking to make merry with more, meeting people in Paris is a lot easier than you think. Be open to new experiences, resist believing in stereotypes, and be brave enough to reach out.
