Even if Paris is filled with activities, it’s not always easy to meet locals when travelling to the city. You don’t really know where to go or what to do to encourage exchanges with people. That’s why in this article, we give you some tips to meet and interact with locals Parisians!
Staying with a local family
Living with a local has some silver linings. Among them is the price, which will be very pleasant for your budget, since this type of housing is the least expensive you will find. Moreover, your stay in Paris will be much more pleasant! Your host will be able to give you their tips and special addresses to visit the city.
Hire a local guide
Enjoy a unique moment in the City of Lights with your local guide! Knowing the city like the back of his hand, the guide will reveal to you his best addresses. There are several websites available, among them, Tours by Locals or Paris Local Guides(in French).
Attend meetups or couchsurfing gatherings
You’re probably wondering what a meetup is. Well, it is an event which allows the members to meet new people to talk around a particular theme. It’s an excellent way to make new encounters. Couchsurfing is the same concept but in addition to making new friends, you spend the night at their place!
“Parisien d’un jour”: an association of Parisians in love with the city
“Parisien d’un jour” is a circle of Parisians who wish to share their love for their city. Get in the shoes of a local and discover the most beautiful neighbourhoods and all the unusual addresses!
The restaurant “La Cave de l’Os à Moëlle”
For a great experience, go to “La Cave de l’Os à Moëlle”! This restaurant has an atmosphere similar to those of a wine cellar and offers very unconventional meals, as you are the one to serve yourself. Once you enter this restaurant, the keyword will be: communication. The all-you-can-eat-buffet will satisfy you entirely and, as a bonus, with its innovative ideas, this restaurant will allow you to make new acquaintances! Regarding the gastronomy, local cuisine will be served, like charcuterie and terrines.
©La Cave de l’os à Moëlle – Official site of the Cave de l’os à Moëlle
Address: 3, rue Vasco de Gama – 75015 PARIS
Hours: 11am to Midnight Tuesday to Sunday but full meals only served from Noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm.
Public transports access: Balard (M8, T3a)
The Social Bar
Most of the time, you go to a bar with some friends, and go back with the same people. It’s different in the Social Bar: you need to speak with people and make new friends. A name-tag with a few of your characteristics will probably be of some help. To encourage the dialogue, the bar even proposes games and activities! In a nutshell, this bar was conceived to encourage and boost meetings between people.
©Le Social Bar
Address: 25 Rue Villiot, 75012 Paris
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 2am, Thursday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from Noon to 3pm and Sunday from 6pm to midnight. Closed on Monday.
Public transports access: Bercy (M6, M14), Gare de Lyon (M1, M14, RER A, RER D)
Stay in a hostel
If you enjoy the peace and quiet, avoid hostels! But if you wish to meet new people, hurry and book a room immediately! In hostels, travelers come and go constantly and it is very easy to get to know people.
“Airbnb experiences”
You probably already know about “classic” Airbnb, “a communitarian platform entirely dedicated to the rental of apartments and houses.” But do you know about “Airbnb experiences” (in French)? It is a platform on which the hosts are cooks, hikers or just locals who wish to share areas of their neighbourhood that are little known. They will offer you to share a moment during their favorite activity or to show you Paris under all of its aspects.
U2 Guide
U2 Guide is the combination of two passions: traveling and solidarity. Arriving on the market in 2014, it is a website for collaborative and solidary travel, which combines local guides, alternative travel agencies and travelers to make of their trip a unique human experience. If you’re keen on meeting new people, we recommend you go on the official website of U2 Guide to book online the activities of your choice! And what a large choice of activities: a practical guide of the XVe arrondissement by one of the inhabitants, Paris by Night in a Citroën 2CV, a little shopping-spree in the city, the discovery of the Château de Versailles and much more!
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
