How to Make Friends in Paris (Without Feeling Like a Total Weirdo)
So you’ve landed in la ville lumière, all hyped up with your baguette in hand, maybe even attempting a confident “Bonjour!” to the barista who definitely rolled their eyes (don’t take it personally). Paris is breathtaking, romantic, and—let’s be honest—a little intimidating. Especially when you’re flying solo and thinking, How the heck am I supposed to make friends in Paris?
If you’ve ever walked around the Seine feeling like a background character in someone else’s movie, wondering where the heck the friendly humans are hiding—congrats, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about how to make friends in Paris without looking desperate, creepy, or just plain awkward. 😅
First Things First: Why Is Making Friends in Paris So… Weird?
Okay, let’s clear this up. The French aren’t cold. They’re just… selectively warm. 😏
In Paris, friendships don’t blossom overnight like in sitcoms. You won’t get invited to someone’s apéro because you held the door open for them. But when Parisians let you in? You’re in. Like, “I’ll babysit your cat and bring you croissants when you’re sick” in.
The trick? Understanding the local rhythm. Parisians don’t “network” the way some other cities do. But that doesn’t mean making friends in Paris is impossible. You just need the right strategy—and maybe a glass of wine (or five).
Step 1: Learn the Magic Words
Nope, not just “Bonjour” and “Merci.” (Though those help, obviously.)
You need to learn how to blend in before you try standing out. The French value subtlety, and being too peppy or oversharing immediately screams “tourist!”
Here’s what you should keep in your social toolkit:
- “Salut” for casual hellos (don’t use it with your landlord though… just trust me)
- “Ça te dit de…” = Wanna do…? (Like, “Ça te dit de prendre un verre?” = Wanna grab a drink?)
- “On se tutoie ?” = Can we use the informal “tu”? (YES, this is a thing.)
Pro tip: Speak a little French. Even if it’s broken. People appreciate the effort. FYI, saying “Je suis nul en français, mais je veux apprendre” (I suck at French, but I want to learn) works wonders.
Step 2: Say Oui to Meetups (Even If You’re an Introvert)
Ever heard of Meetup.com? Of course, you have. But did you know Paris has thousands of active events every week?
And I’m not talking about boring seminars where you awkwardly hold a cup of coffee and pretend to read your phone. Nope. I mean:
- Language exchanges in cozy cafés
- Board game nights in bars (yes, Parisians love Scrabble too)
- Picnics in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont with fellow internationals
IMO, Meetup is the easiest way to break the ice. Everyone shows up wanting the same thing: conversation. Boom—instant connection.
Ever tried making friends in a bar full of French locals who all came in pairs? Yeah, don’t. Go to a Meetup instead.
Step 3: Join an Activity-Based Group (AKA Find Your People)
Don’t just scream into the void hoping someone friendly responds. Go find your tribe.
Here’s where they’re hiding:
🧘 Yoga or Dance Classes
Parisians are very into their wellness these days. Join a studio like Yoga Village or Maison du Yoga and you’ll start seeing familiar faces in no time.
🧑🎨 Art or Pottery Workshops
Want something a little less sweaty? Try a painting or ceramic class. Not only do you learn something cool—you leave with a new hobby and potential friends.
🚲 Bike Tours & Cycling Clubs
Paris is bike-friendly (kinda) and joining a casual cycling group is a fun way to explore the city and bond with others over your near-death experiences in traffic. 😅
👾 Gaming or Coding Meetups
If you’re a little more on the geeky side (no shame—same here), Paris has a ton of tech and gaming events. Just search Facebook or Discord for local groups. Nerds unite.
Step 4: Be a Regular (The “Bonjour Coffee Effect”)
You want a sneaky little trick? Become a regular somewhere.
Same café. Same gym. Same corner shop. Parisians are observant, and after a few visits, they’ll start giving you that nod of familiarity.
Eventually, the barista might throw in a “Ça va aujourd’hui ?” And that, my friend, is the Parisian equivalent of “Let’s be besties.”
The goal? Turn casual run-ins into conversations. Conversations into coffee invites. Boom: you’re making friends organically.
Step 5: Use Apps (Yes, Even the Cringey Ones)
I can already feel you cringing. “Apps? Really?”
Yes. Apps. Because modern problems require slightly awkward solutions.
Top Friend-Making Apps in Paris:
- Bumble BFF – Not just for dating. Surprisingly decent for finding new besties.
- Tandem – For language learners. Practice your French, help someone with English, maybe become pen pals IRL.
- Friender – Specifically made for making platonic connections (no weird “U up?” vibes here).
Just don’t ghost people, okay? Even in Paris, it’s still rude.
Step 6: Tap Into the Expat & International Communities
Paris is full of expats who’ve been there, done that. They’ve stared into their baguettes wondering, “Why is this so hard?” 😩
So… why not hang out with them?
Where to Find These Lovely Humans:
- Facebook Groups like “Expats in Paris” or “Girls Gone International – Paris”
- Internations.org – Fancy events, a bit bougie, but great for professionals
- Couchsurfing Events – For more casual hangouts and cultural exchanges
These spaces are goldmines for finding folks who get it. You’ll bond over weird bureaucratic experiences and shared confusion over French sarcasm (wait, were they being rude or just French?).
Step 7: Say Yes to Apéros (Even If You Don’t Drink)
If you don’t know what an apéro is, let me just say this: It’s the glue that holds French friendships together.
Think of it as:
- Not-quite-dinner
- Not-quite-happy-hour
- Definitely-sit-down-and-chat
It’s wine, snacks (hellooo cheese), and chill conversation. If you get invited to one—GO. Even if you’re tired. Even if you barely know anyone. These are the moments friendships in Paris are born.
And if no one invites you yet? Host your own! Buy a bottle of cheap Bordeaux, some saucisson, and invite a few people you’ve met from other steps above. Apéro culture is contagious. You’ll thank me later.
Step 8: Let Go of the Timeline (Seriously)
Okay, I need you to hear this: Friendship in Paris is a slow burn. This isn’t speed-dating.
It might take a few weeks (or months) to find your circle. But when you do? You’ve got ride-or-die brunch buddies for life.
Don’t get discouraged if someone seems standoffish. People here just take their time. Keep showing up, keep making small talk, and eventually, you’ll hit that magical moment when someone invites you to a real party or even their pays natal (hometown).
Bonus Tip: Be Genuinely Curious (But Not Creepy)
Ask questions. Show interest. Be that person who actually listens.
Don’t just talk about yourself. Don’t treat people like a checklist (“Friend #3: ✅”). The more interested you are in their culture, stories, and quirks—the more they’ll want to keep you around.
And for the love of camembert, don’t try to be “that cool foreigner who doesn’t need anyone.” Vulnerability is charming. Just ask Bridget Jones. 😉
Final Thoughts: Making Friends in Paris Isn’t Impossible—It’s an Adventure
So, how do you make friends in Paris?
You show up. You smile. You speak (even badly). You listen. You wait.
Paris doesn’t serve friendships fast-food style. But when it delivers? It’s a 5-course meal with wine pairings and deep conversations till 2am.
You’re not just here to visit. You’re here to connect. And trust me—some of the most amazing people are just a few awkward “bonjours” away.
So go on. Say hi to that girl sketching at the café. Compliment the guy’s jacket at the gallery. Sign up for that awkward yoga in the park. Just don’t stay home watching Netflix wondering why no one texts you.
You got this. And Paris? It’s got room for one more friend. 🙂
✅ TL;DR: How to Make Friends in Paris
- Learn basic French phrases to show respect and effort.
- Attend Meetups—especially language exchanges and casual events.
- Join activity-based groups (yoga, art, cycling, etc.)
- Become a regular at your local café or gym.
- Use friendship apps—Bumble BFF, Tandem, etc.
- Tap into expat communities and Facebook Groups.
- Say yes to apéros—they’re the holy grail of Parisian bonding.
- Be patient. Real friendships take time here.
- Stay curious. Ask questions. Be open.
