Canadian Clubs monthly bilingual exchange pub night

You don’t have to be Canadian to join the Canadian Clubs monthly bilingual exchange pub night, every last Wednesday of the month at The Great Canadian Bar, Quai des Grands Augustin, 6th. (RER B/RER C/Metro 4 St Michel) from 8pm. Conversation in French, English, and Franglais accompanied by hot wings and Happy Hour beers. No reservations needed, look for them at the far end of the bar. Next 2005 meeting is Wednesday, July 27. Email clubcanadaparis@wanadoo.fr to confirm location and future dates.

EuroNet connects international professionals with a global perspective

Founded in Washington DC, EuroNet aims to connect creative and influential people through high-profile social events, speaker engagements, cultural events and community service. There are chapters in London, Helsinki, Paris, and San Francisco.

From the EuroNet website: "EuroNet International is a unique organization for connecting International Professionals and individuals with an interest in diverse cultures and global issues. Founded in Washington DC, Euronet International is in a special position to bring together creative and influential people through high-profile social events, speaker engagements, cultural events and community service. Currently, we have chapters in London, Helsinki, Paris, and San Francisco and new affiliates are currently being added." www.euronetinternational.com/euronet

ExpatContact brings together young expat professionals at fun social events

Launched in 2001 by business school friends, this organization caters to young expat professionals in Paris. A variety of fun social events are held every month.

From the ExpatContact website: "For Cool & Young Professional Expats! Founded in early 2001 by friends from an international business school, ExpatContact exists to: (1) welcome expat professionals into a vibrant expat community; (2) bring expats together at cocktails, parties, gala balls, wine tastings, karaoke, salsa or pub nights, picnics, squash tournaments, paintball, go-karting, laser tag, ski or sailing trips, etc.; (3) let expats discover and be welcomed as VIPs at the best bars & restaurants in town; (4) help when we're looking for expat jobs, housing, sports partners, travel buddies, etc.; and (5) enable us to help others via reputable local or international charities." www.expatcontact.com

EuroCircle informal network of European professionals

EuroCircle has outposts in major cities all over the world, each with its own flavour. The Paris chapter attracts an eclectic mix of people and has Happy Hour gatherings and other social events at least once a month.

From the EuroCircle website: "EuroCircle is an informal network of European professionals. It has no political, religious, or ethnic affiliations. It is a place where ideas, thoughts and information are exchanged freely between all European and non-European individuals, companies and other institutions. All of the EuroCircle activities are run by enthusiastic volunteers." www.eurocircle.com

Paris Soirées: convivial dinners with guest speakers held every Sunday and Wednesday

From Particia: “Patricia Laplante-Collins has international dinner parties on the Ile St-Louis. There is always a guest speaker, perhaps a Writer, Actor, Historian -- you name it, Patricia hosts them all. Patricia is proud to have a 21st Century Parisian Salon. Her mission is to simply enlarge your circle of acquaintances in a safe and stimulating atmosphere while promoting Cultural Achievement, The New Age and Paris Personalities. And it's fun! Patricia's place is the gathering place for the International Community of Paris. Enjoy! Discuss! Meet new and interesting people.”

The Sunday soirées start at 18h30 and there is a charge of 20 euros. Call or email for details and entry code. Confirmed reservations are necessary.

Patricia also holds a Business Networking Cocktail Buffet event every Wednesday from 18h30 to 20h30. A guest speaker is invited to give a short talk on some relevant topic. Wine and canapes are provided and also Pasta of the Day for those who want to stay after the talk. Patricia suggests bringing lots of business cards to exchange with others. There is a charge of 15 euros. Call or email for details and entry code.

Patricia Laplante-Collins
14, rue St Louis en L'Ile
75004 Paris
01.43.26.12.88
parissoirees@noos.fr
www.parissoirees.com

Jim Haynes' Sunday Dinner Soirée: a 30 year-old institution

Unbelievably, Jim Haynes has been hosting a soirée in his 14e arrondissment atelier virtually every Sunday for the last 30 years. Around 50 to 80 people from all over the world are usually in attendance, most for the first time, chatting in multiple languages, supping wine and eating the buffet dinner. In warm weather the gathering spills over into the pleasant landscaped area outside.

Call Jim on Saturday or Sunday for reservations, directions and entry code. Reserve your place early in the summer as the balmy evenings can be very popular. Telephone 01.43.27.17.67. Email jim_haynes@wanadoo.fr

Jim Haynes, Atelier A2
83, rue de la Tombe Issoire, 75014 Paris
www.jim-haynes.com

Café Metropole Club: a virtual club that welcomes the world

The Café Metropole Club has been meeting at the La Corona café near the Louvre virtually every week since October 1999. A product of the imagination of Ric Erickson, a long-time resident of France, the club attracts Parisians seeking a cozy English natter and visitors from all over the world who read Ric's online "Club Report" each week and dream of Paris. Many actually finally get to Paris and turn up at the Club café for an afternoon drink and a mingle. Those that don't, settle for Ric's wide-ranging report that touches on all topics known to man but in particular the latest weather in Paris. www.metropoleparis.com

US Embassy's famous Blue Book Guide for U.S. Citizens Residing in France

The material provided in the Blue Book, Guide for U.S. Citizens Residing in France, has been compiled to provide Americans living overseas with information and assistance concerning administrative and personal matters. A veritable treasure trove of useful information.

If you don't find the information you need, you can contact the Office of American Services by e-mail at citizeninfo@state.gov. In emergency situations always call 01 43 12 22 22.

Setting up a Club or Association in France

Many expats are keen to set up an association - a sports team, a cultural group, or a social club. A French law, the 'Loi de 1901', is designed to facilitate the move and provides for the advantages, not least fund-raising, of being a legal entity. Simon Coss explains how it works in this Expatica article.