Meet the Parisians at work
So, you have decided that you’ll spend your next stay, not like a visitor, but like a Parisian? Then we can suggest a way of really getting to know the city, its neighbourhoods and its inhabitants. You will be able to meet Parisians in a warm, convivial atmosphere, for example, in their local cafes, and on walks or during festive events. Also you will have the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for their profession in their workshops, or in the back of the shops.
And then, if you opt to stay in bed and breakfast accommodation you will also get to see the inside of a Parisian home! So, happy discoveries! And we wish you some wonderful unforgettable memories!
And, a word of advice to wall-flowers and other timid types – all of these activities are strictly voluntary and involve no forced audience participation of any kind. So, don’t hang back if you are unsure of your French or don’t like speaking in front of groups: all of theses activities offer a wonderful low-key occasion to make new friends in Paris.
| Join the Parisians for a stroll |
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Who better than the Parisians themselves to show you the “real” Paris? They know the history of each neighbourhood, the out-of-the-way and surprising spots, local anecdotes, streets and residents that make up the essence of the city. On foot, by bike, during the day or in the evenings, these walks are also a unique opportunity to make the most of each other’s company while strolling together.
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| Paris, children’s capital |
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It is sometimes said that Paris hasn’t got much going on for the kids. However, if you take a closer look or when you know where to find the inside info, you’ll come across all kinds of events, activities and places to go, for kids from Paris and elsewhere to have great fun together all year round: games, shows, tours, exhibitions, workshops, fairs and parties... make no mistake, the City of Light is very much a city for kids!
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| Unconventional cafés for good company |
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In Paris, cafés have always been great places to meet people and they play an essential role in Parisian social life, well-known throughout the world. In recent years, they have benefited from a real comeback, in all kinds of entertaining ways.
Local residents and passing visitors get together to have a drink, of course, but also to play board games, listen to music, have a sing-song, have their tarot cards read, or to enjoy philosophical or political discussions... Good times to be shared!
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| Dancing in Paris |
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Wherever in the world you may be, dance is a universal language which breaks through the barriers and allows residents and visitors to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. Paris is no exception to the rule and be it tango, salsa, traditional dances, bebop, folk or an outdoor knees-up, you can happily dance together without the need for conversation, especially when the dances involve a group of people and the more experienced participants will help you to put your best foot forward!
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| Paris at the cinema |
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If you were under the impression that in Paris we go to the cinema just to see films, then that’s only half the story. You can also enjoy concerts, meet the performers, see exhibitions, dance the tango or salsa, attend lectures or join in film club sessions. Film buffs certainly are spoilt for choice in Paris: there are even screenings in the open air and in places that you wouldn’t normally associate with the silver screen. Here’s a selection.
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| Learn something new together! |
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More and more activities and classes popular with Parisians are opening up to visitors from elsewhere. Whether it be to learn the finer points of cooking, French songs, silk painting or foreign languages, these personal development sessions are also an excellent way to meet other people.
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| Find the whole world in Paris |
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Each year, Paris not only welcomes visitors from all four corners of the globe, but is also home to a growing number of expatriates, some of whom choose to settle in the French capital definitively. They bring with them their culture and curiosity, and help to constitute the rich tapestry that is Paris, contributing in many ways to the city’s dynamism, whether it be by way of tours, conversation workshops, cultural activities, nights out or popular events.
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| Inside info from the Parisians |
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The cliché of Paris as an expensive city is hard to crack. And yet, there’s a long list of arguments challenging this “bad reputation” in comparison with certain other cities: where culture is concerned for example, it is already common knowledge that the majority of national museums and are free for under-18s, and for everyone on the first Sunday of each month, not to mention free admission for all to the permanent collections of the Paris city museums, all year round.
For those who know the city well, there are all kinds of other tips for enjoying a couscous or a bowl of mussels, to have a drink or see a show, all without breaking the bank. We share some of the Parisians’ best-kept secrets with you here so you can spend some enjoyable moments with them, while staying within your budget.
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| At home accommodation |
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To take a room in a Parisian home and enjoy local hospitality is surely the best way to discover Paris from the inside. Friendships are formed, conversations started (in your own language or in French), city anecdotes are swapped, impressions exchanged…
To promote encounters between residents and visitors, while at the same time offering quality bed and breakfast accommodation “à la parisienne”, the Paris City Council, the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau and the relevant trade professionals have drawn up the “Hôtes qualité Paris”, a B&B quality charter.
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| Meet the Parisians at work |
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Yes, it is possible! And for a moment you will be able to share in the passion and enthusiasm they have for their profession.
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