We are spending 6 nights in Paris in April and would like to meet some people who live there would be willing to show us around and perhaps have lunch or dinner. My wife speaks some French and would enjoy talking to a Parisian. We have found some web sites but are interested in hearing some other ideas.
Posted by
Pearland, TX, USA
852 posts
http://troi.cc.rochester.edu/~tdip/tomsguidetoparis.htm
Tom, another Tom has a guide called "Tom's Guide to Paris". At the bottom of the web site home page he invites you to contact him (see "Contact Me" and click on it). bon voyage! ... P.
Posted by
in a train schedule...
267 posts
My best memories of meeting Parisians were unplanned. Here are some places to start:
1. Jardin de Luxembourg
2. A local café
3. A pub
Posted by
Powell Butte, OR, USA
6 posts
My wife and I always rent an apartment in the same area of Paris, (Rue Jaques Callot), and on our first visit we made a point of having lunch at the same place every day. we both speak some French and treied to be as low key and respectiful as possible. After the first week we were acknowledged with a wave and a nod on arrival and our prefferred drink were brought without asking, and a friendly overview of the menu in French and English followed. eventually we graduated to a handshake and kiss, and then to dinner at home. Don't push but take advantage of every opportunity and be yourself!!
Posted by
NYC, USA
219 posts
Another idea. Not knowing how you feel about kids, but Aquaboulevard is a great place to observe middle class Parisians in their most relaxed state other than in their homes. Everyone spoke French (no English at all) and had fun w/their children or grandchildren in this very small indoor pool park. This is definitely not Disneyworld. Maybe you'll be able to start a conversation. I had a mother talking to me as if I was fluent in the language. My family and I felt most comfortable there. Also, you know the kiddie pools we have over here, well, they have the adult only pool where kids stay clear of it. The place also have a gym.
Posted by
Paris, France
506 posts
A thought might be contacting Expatica and/or Fusac - these are publications where typically you can run an advertisement for conversation exchange. It is very common here.
http://www.expatica.com/fr/main.html
Meeting people on the fly here can be hit or miss. In general, Parisians have a different perspective on public interaction than Americans. So sometimes it can be perceived as being rude. It is not common that one will strike up a conversation with you out of the blue.
Many are wanting to practice their English as it is becoming a necessity - thus conversation trade is very common - part-time in English - part-time in France. Many people like to meet an walk -thus a bit of sightseeing.
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
Look at this website www.meeting the french.com
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
Try couchsurfing.com
You will have a chance to "meet" locals before you get there.
It's all free.