ParisList

Wake in Progress: Illustration Exhibition at Shakespeare and Company

2011-06-24T18:41:00.001+02:00

In honour of Bloomsday, Shakespeare and Company bookstore will be displaying a selection of pieces from Wake in Progress, Stephen Crowe’s ongoing project to illustrate every page of Finnegans Wake, from June 16th to the 30th, 2011. Joyce’s final work is a giddy, disorienting dream that dramatises the internal conflicts of a sleeper's unconscious through a wild, satirical mash-up of history, myth and tall tale-telling. Stephen pays homage to the book's playful miscellany by plundering the history of the visual arts, from Medieval illuminations to cartoon strips.

Stephen’s project has been mentioned by literary web magazines 3:AM and The Millions, design blog Coudal.com, and Belgian news weekly Knack. Language blog Languagehat.com wrote of the project: “I hope that his gorgeous illustrations will serve as an entry point for some readers into that endless (literally), maddening, all-encompassing, and joy(ce)ous text.” Stephen’s work has been called “ambitious” (James Joyce Quarterly), “mad” (Scamp.ie), and “one of the most incredible and beautiful things I have ever seen!” (Behemot.si).

The project can be followed at wakeinprogress.blogspot.com. For more information, contact the artist at info@invisibledot.net, or the venue at:

Shakespeare and Company,
37 rue de la Bûcherie,
Paris 75005
Tel : 00 33 (0) 1 43 25 40 93
news@shakespeareandcompany.com

Monthly book club at Le Carmen cafe and bar in Pigalle

2011-05-17T17:55:00.000+02:00

Every month, in the Pigalle neighborhood in Paris, beyond the red-light district and Moulin Rouge, you’ll find a congregation of the literary sort.

“The Book Club” is a party that occurs on the last Wednesday of every month at newly refurbished Le Carmen cafe and bar. The event has one simple rule: bring a book, and make sure to swap it by the end of the night. Forget keys or clothes, this is a more modern way to meet people, the event founder Rosa Rankin-Gee believes. “Books don’t spill,” she said. “They are pocketable, holdable, durable, lovely and say so much about the person who brought them.”

The venue (22, rue de Douai; 33-1-45-26-50-00; www.Le-carmen.fr) is a 19th-century private mansion once inhabited by Georges Bizet, where he supposedly wrote the opera of the same name. The space, with its ornate moldings and plush velvet seats, recreates the ambience of “the literary salons of yesteryear, but brings them up to date,” said Ms. Rankin-Gee. “And democratizes them, in a sense, because just by turning up with a book, every single person contributes.” The atmosphere is rounded out by a selection of retro cocktails and live piano music.

The Book Club goes hand in hand with an upcoming arts journal called A Tale of Three Cities, to be released soon.

“Our aim is to join up the dots between London, Paris and Berlin by showcasing the cities’ new writing, photography and art in a printed magazine,” Ms. Rankin-Gee said. “The Book Club embodies that idea of sharing and exchanging stories, and our esteem for paper and print.”

[from New York Times In Transit blog]

Paris by Bus

2011-05-03T09:44:00.001+02:00

After a visit to the American Library, I stand on Avenue Joseph Bouvard and wait for the 69 bus. My heart leaps as the lights illume the Eiffel Tower just in front of me. I am still in love with Paris.

That thrill continues as we slip down rue St. Dominique (it’s often a tight squeeze here) toward Invalides and Napoleon’s Tomb. We pass Place Bourgogne before I press the button to get off at St. Germain and change for a 68 or 94 or 83 which will get me home. Had I continued, I’d pass through the Louvre and by Chatelet, around the column at Bastille, out to the Pere LaChaise cemetery and Gambetta.

My favorite line is the 63, which runs from Gare de Lyon out to Port de la Muette, where the Bois de Boulogne is. We take this line, with Harika, to go for an off-leash run. On the bus she must remain in her sack. She kind of likes that, sitting in the seat with me. Blair is taking pictures out the window.

My newest project has been to create a guide to monuments and attractions on the city bus lines of Paris. The 63 passes some beauties, including Trocadero and the Tour Eiffel, the Musee Guimet, and the Statue of Liberty Flame. On the other end, the Garden of Plants and Flowers, the Arab Institute with its camera lens windows and St. Sulpice await.

But today we’re headed to Porte de la Muette, the very end, in front of the Musee Marmottan, full of wonderful Monet paintings. A statue of Fontaine, the fable-writer, graces the park, but not really visible from the bus. Day in and day out, the fox compliments the crow with the camembert in his beak.

We cross the road and Harika chases phantom rabbits as we walk across the plain to the woods. Patches of ice dot the lake we walk around; terns and gulls, coots and moor hens flit from the ice to the water. Just past the island, Harika spots a cottontail, dead, beside a crow, on the ice. Our dog jumps from the path, slipping and sliding as she hits the ice. I stop myself before going after her: this ice will never support me. Blair and I hold our breath, willing her not to fall in the frigid water; I shout, “get back here, right NOW!” She comes to her senses and arrives at our feet, dry.

We finish our walk before we head back to Avenue Henri Martin (historian and mayor) and rue Octave Feuillet (writer) to catch the 63 home. We hop out by the Deux Magots and take the 95 to our house.

My next trajet will be the route 95, which runs from Montparnasse to Montmartre, crossing the Seine and passing the Moulin Rouge. I assemble pictures and stories and will bring them to the Paris Office of Tourism.

The Impressionists were in love with Paris, too, and Van Gogh, Monet, Whistler and Grant Wood painted images of the city. In May, June, September and October, I will be leading a group of painters through Paris in a painting workshop: visiting historic views, painting them (or not) and enjoying Paris “a la impressionism” . Please join me, and suggest my tour to your friends. Even if you are not a painter, we’ll look at paintings and drink wine in cafes, which is a lot of fun.

Laurie (painting and text) and Blair Pessemier

Trees at the Bois de Boulogne LFP Acrylic on canvas 8 x 20 inches

Paris Painting Workshop

2011-05-03T09:41:00.004+02:00

With Laurie Fox and Blair PESSEMIER

Paint the scenes that inspired the Impressionists

Dates from May to October 2011 (and beyond)

Paint, easels and canvas included

Contact paintfox@aol.com for details

Soiree: dinner and a show with Patricia

2011-05-03T09:28:00.002+02:00

The crowd who shows up at Patricia’s is as interesting as the entertainment – this week we met J, a dancer from Australia – her husband is dancing at the Moulin Rouge, and the two perform an acrobatic “bands” dance, circus style. She was beautiful and fit, and it made me think about painting the two in their act. She had that fresh “Aussie” attitude -- American without the Puritan. I visited with a Croatian tour operator who spoke all the European languages and perfect English. There were several Americans there – a student from Oklahoma, a computer programmer from the DC area, who still used a standard camera and developed his own pictures whenever he could; a couple of French; and three Canadian women – one who taught art to children, both “Canadian” and aboriginal. We had a hearty discussion about art and culture.

Patricia offers a 20 euro dinner with wine and entertainment every Sunday night -- everyone is welcome. Entertainment varies – it’s the thing that draws me. This last week it was an R+B Gospel singer. The deep tones of “the Upper Room” came from a place out of this world. It turned out Connie Fredericks-Malone grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts – not far from Winsted, Connecticut where I am from. She is married to an ex-Jesuit and the two were out and about promoting the teaching of French by singing – a legacy to Connie’s sister, Carol Fredericks, who lived her life singing in France.

The whole affair is as close to Cabaret as I can imagine without getting “corny”. There was a couple who danced to recorded music after the singing was over: the woman had a body not unlike a weasel -- no waist, but a long muscled torso. She wore fabulous, dramatic makeup and her partner, less of a dancer, seemed like Karen Carpenter’s brother. She was going to belly dance here on Easter.

B, the American guy who is always there, dozed in a chair. It’s the kind of place one can get away with that. Patricia seems to have no expectations for us. Blair meets a woman who refers him to an opthamolagist. “Is that the dip?” she inquires.

It’s amazing the thing ever gets off the ground – the atmosphere is beyond casual. We arrived, a little early, at 7:15, as instructed in the directions. W, the computer operator was there, but there was no sign a soiree is about to happen. The setting is an one-room apartment, with an open kitchen and toilet down the hall. Mirrors surround the big room, making it feel festive and full, regardless of how many people show up. I think there were about 20 this time.

Wine is opened, but dinner is yet to be prepared. Patricia greets everyone, and about 8 PM, gets the singer going while she cooks. The vegetarian dishes are always good; I smelled the beef starting to burn while Connie sang. An assistant serves up the dishes of food – as much as we want, always enough. Wine is poured, and there is water, bubbly and flat. We eat and visit and before we know it the evening is over – we wish our hostess goodnight. Patricia wears a poker face – someone who has introduces snake charmers and dancers, sex therapists and artists. Come to the cabaret.

Laurie (painting and text) and Blair PESSEMIER http://www.paintfox.com/

"The Party (Soiree)" Laurie Fox PESSEMIER Acrylic on canvas 16 x 12 inches

The Secret Paris Metro: ghost stations, tunnels, risks and oddities

2011-03-11T01:28:00.001+01:00

From "Demolition of the Paris Metro" on sleepycity.net...

The Paris Metro and the service it provides are deeply intertwined into the fabric of the city. As the 4.5 million passengers who ride it every day will probably attest it's the quickest way around whether it's for work, for play or both. The metro's distinctive art-nouveau style is unmistakable and the plant like green wrought iron entrances topped with the orange orbs and Metropolitan signage designed by Hector Guimard which sprout up all over the city lead one down to the gleaming white tiled platforms to be whisked away around Paris. On my first trip to Paris I arrived into Gare du Nord and entered the dense maze that is the metro. Despite the crowds, the noise and the distinct odour of piss, I was in love. The kind of love which inspires one to risk life, limb and deportation to get up close and personal.

Ghost stations
Before developing a deeper appreciation of the system we were drawn to the abandoned stations. Some of these seem totally abandoned and haven't been reappropriated for other uses, some have become RATP storage and others, even more rare, were never even open to the public. With time we would conquer them all.

Raccord Tunnels
In addition to the stations … the system is full of raccords, or linking tunnels, which span between lines to enable easy movement of the rolling stock.

Attendant Risks
With time the tunnels become repetitive, the junctions similar and the abandoned stations seen. Cliché as it may be, eventually the metro becomes about the experience and the adventure, more a journey than a particular destination. The journey is a conflagration of uncontrollable variables which conspire to make it unpredictable and dangerous. But that's the fun of being within a live system and as they say, there's never a dull night in the metro.

Oddities
With the risks accepted, ghost stations done, raccords run and trains encountered one begins to develop an appreciation for the oddities in the system and begins to comb it, seeking out the weird, the undocumented and unknown places. These places will always draw back those who have a stronger interest in the metro than collecting the set of abandoned stations.

Visit http://www.sleepycity.net/posts/252/Demolition_of_the_Paris_Metro for the complete fascinating account and amazing photos.

What's New in Paris in 2011 (by RIck Stevens)

2011-02-22T22:29:00.002+01:00

The top floor of the Orsay, containing its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist rooms, is slated to reopen this spring after a year-long renovation. Until then, many of the displaced masterpieces are temporarily displayed on the museum's ground floor. At the Louvre, the pre-Classical Greek section will be closed in 2011. Construction continues on the new Islamic art wing, due to open in 2012.

The Eiffel Tower's online reservation system, which lets you skip the ticket line, is up and running (www.toureiffel.fr). At the tower, attendants scan your ticket (which you've printed at home) and put you on the first available elevator. Even with a reservation, however, you still have to wait in line with the masses to get from the second level to the summit.  

The renovation of the east wing of the Army Museum in Paris is finally complete. The wing's exhibit, "From Louis XIV to Napoleon I," covers French military history from 1643–1814, with a focus on Napoleon. Highlights include a projection screen illustrating the Battle of Waterloo, the famous portrait of Napoleon by Ingres, and Le Vizir — the beloved (now stuffed) Arabian horse of the "Little Corporal."  

As more of France adopts chip-and-PIN technology for credit cards, US credit and debit cards are unlikely to work at self-service ticket machines, gas pumps, automated tollbooths, and parking garages with automatic pay points. If you travel with a smartphone or laptop, another high-tech change is however helpful: every McDonald's in France now offers free Wi-Fi.

New Design and Features for ParisList!

2010-09-08T03:00:00.001+02:00

ParisList is proud to announce a snazzy new design for the website and some useful new features.

Category Browsing: Postings can now be browsed by categories. Just click on a category label to see all the relevant postings. Current categories are:

Enhanced Search: A new search box allows you to do a Google search just of ParisList. The search covers all the ParisList posts and all the pages that are linked to from the posts.

New Ways to Subscribe: If you want to see items as soon as they are posted, you can now easily subscribe to the ParisList blog using popular feed readers.

Enhanced Links: The What's On, Useful Sites and Classifieds links have been updated and expanded.

City of flickering light: a movie fans guide (by Jake Coyle, AP)

2010-09-08T02:10:00.002+02:00

It may seem backward to travel to one of the most beautiful cities in the world and sit in the dark.

In Paris, there are seemingly endless rues and quais and museums and cafes to explore, which means visitors often hurry past one of the city's greatest attractions: its cinemas.

They're found throughout the French capital -- and in particular the Latin Quarter. No city in the world boasts such a bevy of independent theaters, where vibrant repertory series and exciting selections play nightly.

New York might quibble, but most of its independent theaters long ago shuttered. Manhattanites can proudly claim the essential Film Forum, but Parisians can stand on the Left Bank and have nearly a dozen similar options within a five-minute walk.

Spending an entire trip among flickering projections would, of course, be extreme. But it does occasionally rain in Paris and sometimes a cool night at the movies is just the ticket after a day of traipsing around the attractions. And, unlike many destinations in Paris, no one -- or perhaps everyone -- is a tourist at the movies.

Your first move is to pick up your moviegoing bible: the weekly Pariscope, which can be had for less than a euro at any newsstand. In it, you'll find a detailed listing of every showing that week. It's in French, but addresses, movie titles and showtimes are easily understood.

A key point: V.O. signifies version original (with French subtitles), whereas V.F. means version francais (dubbed in French). Now, if your French is poor, you are limited to movies in English, but this is only a slight impediment. Great old American movies are plentiful, and the odds are good that at any moment, a flick with Humphrey Bogart or Woody Allen is showing somewhere is Paris. As with jazz, the French are ardent celebrators of American filmmaking.

This is, after all, a birthplace of cinema. Here, it is the seventh art. So some history is in order, which means a trip to the Cinematheque Francaise. Any film buff is well aware of the Cinematheque's significance: Formed from Henri Langlois collection in the '30s, its archives and constant screenings have long served as a kind of home base for Paris' film scene. Many of the famed directors of the New Wave, like Francois Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard, gathered here, though you can't imbibe this history from its original location. It moved in 2005 to a beautiful, curvaceous building designed by architect Frank Gehry on Parc de Bercy in the 12th arrondissement.

Aside from several fine, modern theaters at the Cinematheque, you can also find the Musee du Cinema, which includes some truly magical artifacts from the history of cinema: Louis Lumiere's 35 mm projector, Thomas Edison's kinetoscope, Robert Wiene's expressionist sketches for "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari," a copy of the robot Maria from "Metropolis" made for the museum, and much more. There are also rotating exhibits at the museum, and the collections -- film excerpts, stills and props -- will surely whet your movie appetite.

Turning to your Pariscope newspaper, the advice is simple: Follow the movies. See what's playing and go after what intrigues you. I, for one, generally seek out the great films of the '40s and '50s, some of which found artistic renown through the French. The famed French film magazine Cahiers du Cinema, co-founded by Andre Bazin, was essential to trumpeting the artistry of American genre filmmakers like Howard Hawks and Nicholas Ray.

This is one reason Paris may be the best place to see a film noir, in all its black-and-white, moody, fatalistic grandeur. The films might feature fast-talking detectives in Los Angeles, but a film noir feels most at home in Paris.

The selection on any given week in Paris is usually exceptional. A recent week, for example, boasted an Alfred Hitchcock series, a new print of the Clark Gable-Marilyn Monroe film "The Misfits" (1961), an Al Pacino series, Charles Laughton's "The Night of the Hunter" (1955), the fabulous but lesser known noir "Fallen Angel" (1945), Bogart's "The Enforcer" (1951), Robert Mitchum in 1947's "Crossfire," Sydney Lumet's "The Offense" (1972), the new touring print of Michael Powell's "The Red Shoes" (1948) and much more.

You'll quickly notice some differences to the Parisian moviegoing style. Showtimes are often listed for when the ads and trailers start and for when the film actually begins. Popcorn is not something generally eaten at the art house cinemas: Moviegoing is serious business.

Certain theaters are worth seeking out. Le Champo, on the rue des Ecoles, is perhaps the quintessential Parisian art house cinema. First opened in 1938, its survival has at times depended on the support of protesters refusing to allow closure.

If you don't like the selections there, you can always try one of the other fine theaters around the block on rue Champollion. Many of Paris' independent theaters are only a stone's throw from here, including the nicely programmed Action Ecoles. After a movie at the Champo, walk up the hill for a drink outside at one of the cafes on the pleasant, restful Place de la Sorbonne.

One of the oldest cinemas in Paris is the Studio des Ursulines, near the Jardin du Luxembourg on the rue des Ursulines. It was built on the site of an Ursuline convent from the 1600s, and made into a silent film art house in 1926. It now shows first-run movies, but its plush red interior is hard to beat.

On the Right Bank, Cinema Mac-Mahon will always be dear to me, since it was where I first saw "Taxi Driver" on the big screen. It sits in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe, just off the Place Charles de Gaulle.

Studio 28, opened in 1938, is a lovely Montmartre theater and a good destination for "Amelie" fans. This is the place the beloved film's heroine frequented, (and she did chomp on popcorn). If you can, time your visit to coincide with sunset, and from the top of Montmartre watch the lights turn on across Paris as the city dims.

There are other unique theaters, too, like the Pagoda on the rue de Babylone in the 7th arrondissement. True to its name, it's styled after a Japanese temple. If you want a more modern view of Parisian moviegoing, try one of the MK2 theaters. The MK2 Bibliotheque at the Francois Mitterand National Library on the Quai de Seine has 14 theaters and a futuristic vibe.

The Grand Rex is a movie palace built in 1932, and its main auditorium can seat nearly 3,000. The biggest theater in Paris, it's a common spot for flashy premieres, so the selection is typically first-run films. Its exquisite Art Deco design gives it a fantastical aura, like a grand, fairy-tale cinema.

All of these theaters beam out wondrous films every night. As you exit to the street rubbing your eyes, you might think that the best part of all about moviegoing in Paris is that the city awaiting you outside is hardly less of a dream than the movies.

CINEMATHEQUE FRANCAIS: Parc de Bercy. 51 rue de Bercy, 12e: www.cinematheque.fr
LE CHAMPO: 51 rue des Ecoles, 5e: www.lechampo.com
STUDIO 28: 10 rue Tholoze, 18e: www.cinemastudio28.com
CINEMA MAC-MAHON: 5 avenue Mac-Mahon, 17e: www.cinemamacmahon.com
LE GRAND REX: 1 blvd Poissonniere, 2e: www.legrandrex.com

Good Value Eats around Montparnasse (14e/15e)

2008-03-24T16:44:00.009+01:00

A selection of restaurants a little off the beaten track or at the unfashionable ends of streets that offer good inexpensive food in an interesting decor and ambience. Three course dinners in the evening for 15-20 euros. Less for lunch (always better value). "Bonne cuisine pour petits budgets!"

Le Bistrot des Pingouins, 79 rue Daguerre, 14e. map 01 4321 9229 (French traditional)
Le Plan B, 89 Rue Daguerre, 14e. map 01 4320 2009 (French traditional)
Coffee India, 27 rue Gassendi, 14e. map 01 4320 0764 (Indian)
Le Nouveau Café, 15 rue du Maine, 14e. map 01 4321 6529 (French traditional)
Cana'Bar, 22 rue Raymond Losserand, 14e. map 01 4322 9215 (French traditional)
Maison de L'Inde, 25 ave du Maine, 15e. map 01 4544 9441 (Indian)
C'est mon plaisir, 8 rue Falguière, 15e. map 01 4273 0702 (French Provence)

Also, if you venture into the 10e, there is an excellent middle Eastern restaurant that I cannot fail to mention:

Le Globe, 198 rue St Maur, 10e. map 01 4208 1696 (Couscous, Tajines, Mechoui)

Enjoy!

The First of the Big Rollers

2006-11-20T05:16:00.010+01:00

Paris was the first place in Europe to host mass roller skating and the tradition continues today. Every Friday night throughout the year around 15,000 skaters take to the streets and cover between 25 and 30 km. If you can brake and control your skates reasonably well you are welcome to join. See the organizer's website for details. Starting at 21h30 rollers gather near the foot of the Montparnasse Tower (blvd du Montparnasse, 14e. Metro: Montparnasse) and 30 minutes later set off en-masse. Many keep going until 1h in the morning. www.pari-roller.com

Poetry Discussion Group

2006-11-20T05:16:00.008+01:00

This English-language poetry group reads and discusses poems every Friday from 18h30 to 20h15 with biscuits and tea at the home of Dr. Nagpal, ground floor left, 65 rue Pascal, 13e. Metro: Glacière or Les Gobelins. Reserve because space is limited. Call 01 47 07 55 28 or email: nagpal@nip.com.fr.

"This is the 15th year of our English poetry group. We read and discuss poems, the best we know or can find. Some of us write and these receive special attention. Anything goes, but ideally we want to read true, sweet, serious poems that take us forward, help us understand. We do not want boring, pretentious or incomprehensible stuff. Ten or so people, intelligent conversation, some fellowship, no showing off… it’s a good way to spend a Friday evening in this dry world. So do come and join us. You don’t have to talk or bring poems. All are welcome. There is no charge."

Free live jazz at Hotel d’Aubusson's Café Laurent

2006-11-20T05:16:00.007+01:00

The luxury Hotel d’Aubusson keeps the jazz spirit of St-Germain-des-Prés alive with live concerts in their Café Laurent every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 18h30 to 20h00 and 21h30 until midnight. Free entrance. 33 rue Dauphine, 6e. 01 43 29 43 43. Metro: Mabillon. www.cafe-laurent.com

French language schools in Paris (list)

2006-10-23T20:19:00.003+02:00

Accord Ecole de Langues. 14 blvd Poissonnière, 9e. 01 55 33 52 33
ADomLingua. 257 rue Fbg St. Martin, 10e. 01 42 05 42 68
Alliance Française. 101 blvd Raspail, 6e. 01 42 84 90 00
ASPLEF. 52 blvd de Magenta, 10e. 01 48 87 62 26
L'Atelier des Langues. 75 rue des Dames, 17e. 01 43 87 00 92
L'Atelier Neuf. 34 rue de Trévise, 9e. 01 42 46 70 19

Berlitz Champs-Elysées. 35 ave Franklin Roosevelt. 8e. 01 40 74 00 17
[Other locations: La Défense, Nation, Opéra, Porte Maillot, Quartier Latin]
CFILC Language School. 7, rue Duvergier. 19e. 01 40 05 92 42
Communicaid Langues. 36 rue du Mont Thabor, 1e. 01 58 62 50 60
Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne. 47 rue des Ecoles, 5e. 01 40 46 22 11

Ecole de Langue Francaise pour Etrangers. 8 Villa Ballu, 9e. 01 48 78 73 00
Ecole EFI. 22, rue Rambuteau, 3e. 01 40 27 86 58
Ecole Eiffel. 3 rue Crocé-Spinelli, 14e. 01 43 20 37 41
Ecole France Langue. 2 rue de Sfax, 16e. 01 45 00 40 15
Ecole Parisien de Langue Française (EPLF). 55 rue des Archives, 3e. 01 44 54 86 90
Ecole PERL. 6 rue Spinoza, 11e. 01 53 36 16 96
Eurocentres. 13 passage Dauphine, 6e. 01 40 46 72 00
Executive Language Services. 20 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 4e. 01 44 54 58 88

Formalangues. 87 rue La Boétie, 8e. 01 53 93 67 89
Le Français Autrement. 92 rue Bonaparte, 6e. 01 46 23 91 47
Franco-American School of Language. 57 esplanade du Général de Gaulle, 92081 La Défense. 01 46 96 54 82
Groupe GEFOR. 2 rue de Valois, 1e. 01 55 34 37 20 and 7 bis, rue du Louvre, 1e. 01 55 35 00 20

Inlingua. 109 rue de l'Universite. 7e. 01 45 51 46 60 [Other locations: Bastille, La Défense]
Institut de Langue Française. 3 ave Bertie Albrecht, 8e. 01 45 63 24 00
Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises (ILCF). 12 rue Cassette, 6e. 01 44 39 52 68
Institut Parisien (de Langue et de Civilisation Françaises). 29 rue de Lisbonne, 8e. 01 40 56 09 53
Institut Prive Francophone International de Paris. 89 rue Barrault, 13e, 01 53 80 34 77
International Language Center. 20 passage Dauphine, 6e. 01 44 41 80 20
ISBCP. 161 ave de Choisy, 13e. 01 44 24 85 21 and 32-36, rue Merlin, 11e. 01 46 59 29 51

Language Studies International. 350 Rue St Honoré, 1e. 01 42 60 53 70.
Langue Onze. 10 rue Gambay, 11e. 01 43 38 22 87
Lingua-Institut. 95 blvd Berthier, 17e. 01 56 21 22 80
Lutèce Langue. 23 blvd de Sébastopol, 1e. 01 73 70 17 69

Oise Paris. 71 bis rue de Vaugirard, 6e. 01 42 22 01 98
Paris Langues. 30 rue Cabanis, 14e. 01 45 65 05 28
Quai d'Orsay Language Centre. 67 Quai d'Orsay, 7e. 01 44 11 10 50
Verlaine Langue. 18 rue Martin Bernard, 13e. 01 45 88 05 75

Parislist welcomes comments from readers who have attended any of these schools.

French language schools in Paris

2006-07-21T18:15:00.001+02:00

There is a wide variety of French language classes offered in Paris by different types of organizations. Some, like the Alliance Française, offer a formal "school-like" environment with relatively large classes while others use more personalized interactive approaches with smaller groups of typically less than 10 students. The scope and prices of classes vary a great deal so it is necessary to think about the type of course you are looking for and how intense you want it to be. Some schools focus on the needs of companies and business professionals and tend to charge more.

An introduction to French language schools in Paris is provided by Paris Anglo including reviews of some of the more well-known institutions. There is also a directory with schools offering classes of less than 10 students and business-oriented courses listed separately. The directory however is somewhat incomplete and out of date and does not provide links to the school's websites. Click on the links above to go to the Paris Anglo website.

Other directories of French language courses in Paris can be found at Europa Pages, Languages Worldwide, Language Finder and Paris AngloInfo. Click on the links to go to the relevant pages on these sites.

Great places to listen to Jazz in Paris

2006-07-17T15:06:00.002+02:00

Paris is a great city to listen to jazz in both large and more intimate venues. The following is a list grouped by arrondissement of the most well-known places featuring jazz with links to their websites where monthly program details can be found. Some are up-market and involve a hefty entrance fee or cover charge or require dinner but many are casual places, often inexpensive and smoke-free, that attract world-class musicians. Over the coming weeks, ParisList will post individual reviews.

"Le Duc des Lombards opens its doors at 7 p.m.; it also serves respectable food for dinner. To “promote, celebrate and democratize” all jazz forms, Le Duc des Lombards has formed an association with two nearby clubs, Le Sunset/Le Sunside and Le Baiser Salé. They organize special “soirées de jazz” in which admission to all three clubs costs 20 euros. Sunset, a basement venue focusing on electric jazz, has surprisingly good sound, despite its white-tiled walls; Sunside on the ground floor, which is largely devoted to acoustic jazz, feels cozier. Upstairs from the bar and terrace at Le Baiser Salé is a comfortable space that features varied musical styles, from afro jazz to fusion. New Morning is a jazz and world-music club that was Chet Baker’s favorite Paris jazz venue, and the last place he played before he died. The big and beautifully restored Salle Pleyel concert hall at 252, rue du Faubourg St.-Honoré (www.sallepleyel.fr), has perhaps the best acoustics in town. This is where the pianist Keith Jarrett plays when he comes to town." [ELAINE SCIOLINO, New York Times, March 25, 2009]

1st
Franc Pinot. 1 quai de Bourbon, 1e. 01 46 33 60 64
Le Baiser Salé. 58 rue des Lombards, 1e. 01 42 33 37 71
Au Duc des Lombards. 42 rue des Lombards, 1e. 01 42 33 22 88
Le Sunset / Le Sunside, 60 rue des Lombards, 1e. 01 40 26 46 60 (Sunset), 01 40 26 21 25 (Sunside)

4th
Les 7 Lézards. 10 rue des Rosiers, 4e. 01 48 87 08 97 [Closed in 2008!]

5th
Les Trois Maillets. 56 rue Galande, 5e. 01 43 54 00 79
Le Caveau de la Huchette. 5 rue de la Huchette, 5e. 1 43 26 65 05
Le Petit Journal Saint Michel. 71 blvd Saint Michel, 5e. 01 43 26 28 59

6th

Jazz Café Chez Papa. 3 rue Saint-Benoit, 6e. 01 42 86 99 63
The Swan Bar. 165 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 6e. 01 44 27 05 84
Alliance Jazz Club. 7-11 rue Saint-Benoit, 6e. 01 42 61 53 53
Le Bilboquet. 13 rue Saint-Benoit, 6e. 01 45 48 81 84
L'Arbuci. 25 rue de Buci, 6e. 01 44 32 16 00
La Balle au Bond. Péniche, 3 quai Malaquais, 6e. 01 40 51 87 06
Paris-Prague Jazz Club. 18 rue Bonaparte, 6e. 01 53 73 00 22
Café Universel. 267 rue de Saint-Jacques, 6e. 01 43 25 74 20

9th-17th

Elysée Montmartre. 71 blvd de Rochechouart, 9e. Paris. 01 44 92 45 49
New Morning. 7 rue des Petites Ecuries, 10e. 01 45 23 56 39, 01 45 23 51 41 (program)
Cafe bar Au Chat Noir. 76 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11e. 01 48 06 98 22
Jazz Ô Zèbre. Zèbre de Belleville, 63 blvd de Belleville, 11e. 01 43 55 55 55
Cithea Bar. 114 rue Oberkampf, 11e. 01 47 00 00 32
Le Petit Journal Montparnasse. 13 rue du Commandant Mouchotte, 14e. 01 43 21 56 70
Le Jazz Club Lionel Hampton. Hotel Meridien, 81 blvd Gouvion Saint Cyr, 17e. 01 40 68 30 42

Teatime & Talktime Chez Michael

2006-06-13T10:17:00.001+02:00

Every Saturday the cosmopolitan Frenchman Michael opens the door of his spacious bohemian apartment in the 5éme for international conversation and convivality. Half the time the preferred language is French, and half the time it's any other language (but mostly English). All sorts of people come to brush up their language skills or just to hang out. Tea and "tidbits" are provided. This early evening event starts at 17h30 and ends around 20h30 but often people continue the soirée at a nearby café or restaurant. Call or email Michael for the address and code: 01 4325 8655, michaelttt@noos.fr. A contribution of 10 euros is requested.

Michael is also the mastermind behind a pleasant weekly picnic during the summer months on the Pont des Arts starting around 20h00. You can find the group clustered around a bench at the Left Bank end of the bridge. Just ask for Michael!

English-language bookshops in Paris

2006-03-21T12:23:00.002+01:00

More than ten bookshops in Paris specialize in English-language books. The larger, more mass market ones are located on the Right Bank. WH Smith has helpful bilingual staff and stocks books, travel guides and newspapers that reflect its English heritage. Brentano's bills itself as "la librairie Franco-Ameréricaine de Paris depuis 1895" and might be considered WH Smith's American counterpart. Librairie Galignani carries a large stock of both English and French books in a comfortable environment where browsing is encouraged. Attica, "la librairie des langues" located near Bastille, is particularly good for books from small-press publishers and the latest new American fiction.

Librairie Galignani, 224 rue de Rivoli, 1e. 01 42 60 76 07 [galignani@wanadoo.fr]
WH Smith, 248 rue de Rivoli, 1e. 01 44 77 88 99
Brentano’s, 37 ave de l'Opéra, 2e. 01 42 61 52 50
Attica, 106 boulevard Richard Lenoir, 11e. 01 55 28 80 14

Smaller, cozier and generally less expensive bookshops are to be found on the Left Bank. Each has its own often unique style and focus. Many are open seven days a week, often until midnight, and frequently host author readings, lectures and other special events. It is well worth checking out their websites for details. Some, such as the Canadian-oriented Abbey Bookstore, the funky San Francisco Book Company and the sprawling Shakespeare and Company, carry both new and used books. The literary Village Voice Bookshop has a relatively large stock of over 18,000 titles including European literature in translation. The store also functions an important meeting place and center for American literary activity in Paris. Berkeley Books of Paris, which opened in early 2006, carries american and english second-hand books.

Shakespeare and Company, 37 rue de la Bûcherie, 5e. 01 43 26 33 22
The Abbey Bookshop, 29 rue de la Parcheminerie, 5e. 01 46 33 16 24 [abparis@compuserve.com]
The Book Cellar, 23 rue Jean de Beauvais, 5e. 01 46 34 62 03
San Francisco Book Company, 17 rue Monsieur le Prince, 6e. 01 43 29 15 70
Berkeley Books of Paris, 8 rue Casimir Delavigne, 6e. 01 46 34 85 73
The Village Voice. 6 rue Princesse, 6e. 01 46 33 36 47

The Right Bank is not however without its smaller, quirky bookshops that have considerable charm. The staff at these establishments tend to be well-read and very helpful. The jam-packed Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore is perhaps the friendliest english-language bookshop in Paris and the second-hand bookshop Tea and Tattered Pages features a cosy tea room at the rear.

Tea and Tattered Pages, 24 rue Mayet, 3e. 01 40 65 94 35
The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore, 22 rue Saint Paul, 4e. 01 48 04 75 08

Paris Linkup: an exceptionally effective means for making social connections

2005-12-08T00:09:00.001+01:00

Originating in San Francisco, the Bay Area Linkup concept is now up and running in Paris as parislinkup.com! The mission of Linkup is to provide an exceptionally effective means, within a clear ethical framework, for members to locate and cultivate the most important resources of life: people, relationships, ideas and experiences.

As the website explains, Paris Linkup is a way for people to meet in person, have fun, create new connections and discover opportunities. It's designed to bring people together for mutual benefit and help them stay in touch if they want to. Paris Linkup is not a traditional "events organization" but a way for people to create their own social and professional events. As their site says, events that are "like a potluck, but on every level, not just food."

Check out the Bay Area Linkup site to get an idea of the kinds of groups that have coalesced there and events people have organized. Use is free for the first 90 days after which there's a small monthly charge. You can start and stop your membership on a month by month basis. www.parislinkup.com

Meet Swedes, Norwegians, Italians, Spaniards and Dutch expats in Paris

2005-10-03T23:27:00.001+02:00

Several expat circles and groups exist in Paris through which people can meet other expats from their own country and where others are welcome to join in.

Swedes and Norwegians: The Cercle Suédois holds an open house most Wednesday evenings starting at 18h00. Friends are welcome to come. Non-members: 8 euros. Call 01 4260 7667 to confirm details. Cercle Suédois is located at 242, rue de Rivoli. Second floor. M° Concorde. Cercle Suédois

Italians: The Italian expat community holds a "Aperitivo all'Italiana" once a month at the Le Pain Quotidien, 18, place du Marché St Honoré. Open buffet including one drink: 10 euros. Visit Italians Online for details.

Spaniards: Twice a month a dinner is organized for international Spanish speakers at a Spanish or Latin American restaurant somewhere in Paris. Email contacto@cenalatina.org for details. La Cena Latina en Paris

Dutch: Dutch speakers can share a drink with Dutch expats at "Nederlandse Borrel" gatherings held once a month. Visit Dutch in France for details.

Kunveno: a club where internationally-minded people can meet and feel at home

2005-05-27T10:21:00.001+02:00

Kunveno in Esperanto means "bringing people together, a gathering". The founders of Kunveno wanted to provide a way for global nomads and world citizens to meet internationally-minded locals and for people of all national backgrounds to get together and share their experiences in a relaxed environment. Informal monthly meetings are held - often at the Tadoussac Canadian restaurant and lounge bar on rue Saint Honoré - in addition to other events. For more details, visit the Kunveno website. www.kunveno.com

Café Philos events cover philosophical topics ranging from the classical to the absurd

2005-05-27T10:05:00.002+02:00

Café Philos - otherwise known as Philosophy Cafés - have sprung up throughout the world during the past decade. Originally starting in Paris in 1992 when Marc Sautet and several friends got together to discuss various issues of the day at the famous "Café des Phares" at the Place de la Bastille. Events in Paris now take place in various cafés, including Café de Flore (bd St Germain), and in restaurants for dinner meetings. Philosophy workshops are also organized. Visit the Café Philos website for the latest calendar of events and contact information. www.philodialogue.com

British Community Committee provides info on what's happening in the British community

2005-05-26T10:58:00.001+02:00

The British Community Committee (BCC) is essentially an association of British associations in France. It usually doesn't organize events but rather publicizes the existence of member groups and consolidates and communicates information on events being organized by all the groups. The BCC calendar forms a comprehensive listing of what's going in the British community for both Britons and anglophiles. To find out more, visit their website or email info@britishinfrance.com. www.britishinfrance.com

International cultural institutes and centres in Paris host interesting events

2005-05-26T10:11:00.001+02:00

Over 35 international cultural institutes and centres in Paris host a rich and diverse collection of events, exhibitions, concerts and talks that are worth checking out. ParisList favorites include:

Centre culturel irlandais - 5, rue des Irlandais, 5e
[www.centreculturelirlandais.com]
Centre culturel suédois - 11, rue de Payenne, 3e
[www.ccs.si.se]
Centre tchèque - 18, rue Bonaparte, 6e
[www.centretcheque.org]
Maison de la culture du Japon - 101 bis, quai de Branly, 15e
[www.mcjp.asso.fr]

A good starting point to find out what's on is the Forum des Instituts Culturels Etrangers à Paris (FICEP). Their website maintains information about each of the centres including links and there's a newsletter to which you can subscribe. www.ficep.info

Moving Parts play readings at Carr's Pub

2005-05-25T12:05:00.001+02:00

Moving Parts, a Paris-based outfit, organizes play readings in English and in French at Carr's Pub (1 rue du Mont Thabor, 1e, Métro Tuileries). They are always on a Sunday and always start at 19h30. The program is subject to change but the latest for the second half of 2006 is the following.

10th.September : William Whitehurst : title tba (in English)
24th.September : N.C.Heikin : "FE-MAIL" (in English - 2nd reading)
8th.October : Quentin Ochem : "Le Sacre de Frankenstein" (in French)
22nd.October : Jonus : "The Turnip Truck" (in English)
TWO DATES AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER
3rd.December : Kenneth Hickey : "The Rose" (in English)

The most up to date program can be found at www.scamparis.com. Email Stephanie Campion at stef@movingparts.org.uk to receive monthly mailings. If you want to have your play read, contact Stephanie at 06 14 67 18 58.

Expat Meet Up groups in Paris

2005-05-24T16:29:00.001+02:00

There are various expat groups in Paris hosted on meetup.com. They usually meet at least once a month for cocktails, dinner or a picnic and many organize other events.

Expats Paris: This group includes expats from around the world, some in Paris for short stints and some for decades. Most have a lot in common, starting with carte de séjour stories and going from there. expat.meetup.com/1/

Expat Brits: Totally informal and open to any expat Brits, friends, and anyone else who'd like to go out in Paris and share their ideas, thoughts, stories on anything in Paris. brit.meetup.com/16/

Expat Americans: american.meetup.com/16/

Expat Canadians: Everybody is welcome (even if you are not Canadian or don't know any Canadians). canadian.meetup.com/6/

Expat Aussies: aussie.meetup.com/19/

Paris International Association: Paris International invites people from all nationalities who are seriously interested in doing creative activities together including events like musical shows, fashion shows, langugae exchange for broader cross-cultural understanding. expat.meetup.com/88/

PAN brings together university graduates for professional and social networking

2005-05-23T16:57:00.001+02:00

The Paris Alumni Network is a non-profit organization that brings together university graduates for professional and social networking. PAN hosts social, cultural and educational events, and provides services to members relating to their work and leisure activities. These activities are complemented by a newsletter, Panache, mailed to members every two months, a yearly printed directory of members, and a web site. Thanks to the skills and talents of its active Board and membership, PAN is a vibrant group in the Paris community. www.pan-paris.org

American Library in Paris hosts diverse cultural events and programs

2005-05-23T16:48:00.001+02:00

One of the Library's most popular programs, a tradition since the 1930s, is the "Evenings with an Author" series. Dating back to the early days of the Library, this series has featured some of the most prominent writers of the 20th century. Another interesting series is "Evenings with an Expert". A recent event (24 May 2005) featured Peter Linton, the Brussels-based Europe Chairman of BKSH, who talked about how the European Union is governed and the proposed constitutional changes. The "Author" and "Expert" events usually start at 20h00 and are free and open to the general public. There are also many other programs designed for children and musical events are also held from time to time. www.americanlibraryinparis.org

Funkymaps: the definitive guide to the Paris pub scene

2005-05-19T09:55:00.001+02:00

This site features pub and bar news, an exhaustive What's On listing of pub events including monthly top ten Musn't Miss events, TV sport listings, and recommended pub crawls. www.funkymaps.com/funkyparis

Craigslist: the mother of all local community classifieds

2005-05-19T09:44:00.002+02:00

Craigslist was started in early 1995 by Craig Newmark in San Francisco, California. It quickly became the leading alternative place to find a job, housing, goods & services, a social life, advice, and just about anything else. About 8 million people all over the world use craigslist each month. The Paris site started in 2004 (version française bientôt disponible). paris.craigslist.org

Franglo: free classifieds for Anglophones in France

2005-05-19T09:37:00.002+02:00

From the Franglo website: "Franglo Classifieds is the new service for Anglophones & Anglophiles in France and around the world. Franglo Classifieds lets you read and post small ads (petites annonces) for free. There are dozens of different categories, and it's fast and easy to publish your own ads. We started Franglo Classifieds because we saw that there was a real need for a free, easy-to-use classified advertising resource for the English-speaking community in France. But Franglo Classifieds isn't just for English-speakers, and it isn't just for people living in France. Franglo Classifieds is for anyone who wants to connect with the international community in France, England, the USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and elsewhere." www.franglo.com

MeetYou: community and services website for anglophones and expats

2005-05-19T09:29:00.002+02:00

This new site has announcements, classifieds and forums. It also includes language exchange listings, an expat information center, a real estate center and a business & jobs center. You must register to gain full access to all the content. Members get to see listings of member events and meetings. www.meetyou.fr

The American Women's Group: social and cultural events for English speaking women

2005-04-22T21:51:00.001+02:00

For over 50 years, The American Women's Group has provided social and cultural events for English speaking women. Classes, tours and gatherings offer an opportunity for English speakers in Paris to experience and appreciate the many wonderful things France has to offer while making friends and having fun. Membership in the American Women's Group is open to all English speaking women. You must be a member to participate in events. Partial year memberships are available. www.awgparis.org

American Women's Group
32, rue du General Bertrand
75007 Paris France
01.42.73.36.74
awgparis@wanadoo.fr

Garden Brunch: every other Sunday in the summer

2005-04-16T06:21:00.001+02:00

During the summer months, Bernard Navelet organizes brunches in a wonderful large garden every other Sunday from 11h30 to 16h00. Check on the website to find out which Sundays. The first summer brunch of 2005 is scheduled for the 15th of May. Note: during the winter months, Bernard also holds inside brunch and barbecue events at his home in the 7eme.

Cost is approximately 20 euros. Reservations are necessary and can be made via Bernard's website or by telephoning 06 13 26 96 94. www.lessoireesdu7eme.com

Les ARTpéritifs-Buffets combine art and entertainment

2005-04-16T06:15:00.001+02:00

The concept is simple: with other convivial guests meet with an artist to discuss their works while tasting wine and eating from a buffet. As a bonus, at every event there's the chance to win an original work of art.

Organized by Bernard Navelet, the ARTpéritifs are held the last Thursday of each month from 19h00 to 23h00. Cost is 18 euros (students 15 euros). Reservations are necessary and can be made via Bernard's website or by telephoning 06 13 26 96 94. Part of the proceeds are used to sponsor two orphanages in Togo and Tibet. www.lessoireesdu7eme.com

Top Média Club - an informal gathering for people in the media

2005-04-16T05:54:00.001+02:00

The Top Média Club meets on the last Wednesday of the month at Carr's pub (1, rue du Mont Thabor, Metro Tuileries) from 20h00 to about 22h00. There's no charge and reservations are not necessary but it's wise to check with the organizers that the meeting is happening as usual. Just turn up, buy your own drink, and network with your fellow media folks.

If you wish to be on the Top Média Club mailing list, send your address, e-mail address, telephone numbers etc. to robertie@aol.com.

Over 70 wide-ranging Meetup.com groups in Paris

2005-04-14T00:23:00.001+02:00

Time Magazine wrote this about Meetup.com: “A convenient, non-threatening way to connect to other people who share similar interests and live nearby.” Originating in the US, Meetup.com now supports communities all over the world including Paris. The goal is to help form lasting, influential, local community groups that regularly meet face-to-face.

“No matter what your interest, there's a Meetup for you.” reported the Chicago Tribune and the remarkable variety of over 70 meetup groups already established in Paris confirm this. Here's just a small sampling: Les Parisians Designer Graphistes, Asperger's Syndrome, English-speaking Nannies, English-speaking Roleplaying Gamefreaks, Sense Of Life Objectivists, "Save The Banana Stand From France", Paris Against Bush, Paris Anglophile, Paris Burlesque. www.meetup.com

Canadian Clubs monthly bilingual exchange pub night

2005-02-08T10:58:00.001+01:00

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

2005-02-08T10:57:00.001+01:00

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

2005-02-08T10:55:00.002+01:00

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

2005-02-08T10:47:00.001+01:00

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

2005-02-08T10:40:00.001+01:00

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

2005-02-08T10:24:00.001+01:00

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

2005-02-08T10:20:00.002+01:00

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

2005-02-07T09:56:00.002+01:00

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

2005-02-07T09:38:00.002+01:00

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.