Let’s face it, making new friends can be quite challenging. Now imagine making friends in a place away from your home--like France, for instance. A place where natives have a reputation for being snobs, the language is tricky, there’s a lot of cultural differences, and the opportunity to meet people let alone befriend them seems few and far between.
Sounds difficult, isn’t it?
But hey, that’s what this article is for. We’ll talk about:
1. Social media
First and foremost on the list is social media. With everyone’s faces glued to their screens nowadays, it’s inevitable that you should find a treasure trove of friend-making possibilities in Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media sites.
Join Facebook groups of people based in France, find relevant hashtags in Instagram, check Facebook events near you. Your people are there and it may take just a few clicks on your mobile phone to find them--who knows?
FRENCH PHRASEBOOK FOR TRAVELERS AND NEWBIE LEARNERS
2. Websites and Apps
Aside from social media, there are also plenty of sites such as meetup.com where you could meet new people that might just end up as new friends. French websites such as https://www.lebonbon.fr/ can be great for scouting interesting events and fun things to do.
You can also go the Tinder path and similar dating sites if you like. Just specify that you’re into platonic relationships and not hookups (or up to you really).
If you want something different, try the Jumpin app which gives a group of ten people the chance to meet in different cool spots.3. Check town halls for local activities
Now that we have gotten the virtual methods of finding French friends out of the way, let’s go old school style. In France, town halls often hold local activities such as fetes and sports events. It pays to visit your local town hall and find out about upcoming events. You might meet your new French BFF there!
4. Join "fête des voisins"
Founded in 1990 by a group of friends, La Fête des Voisins or The Neighbors’ Party/ The Neighbors’ Day was created to fight off against isolation in big cities in France. Each year, different neighborhoods and Town Halls participate in this event.
Aside from being a venue to get to know your neighbors and become friends with them, this movement has also undertaken different lofty goals such as sponsoring neighbors who are experiencing difficulties, providing services for job search/ disabled people/ day care.
5. Attend university events
If you’re in France to study in some university, university events can be a great way to meet new friends. Just don’t be afraid to sign up to events and make an effort to show up. Meeting friends takes a whole lot of effort and you know it.
6. Join local clubs suited to your interests
Whether you’re interested in
...or whatever activity you fill your time with, there’s bound to be a local club nearby.
So better do a little bit of sleuthing and find out where and when you could sign up. Having similar interests is a proven and tested way of meeting new people and maintaining friendships, so yay!
7. Check out language exchange events
Another great way to meet French people in France is through language exchange--you’ll be able to practice your French while they practice their English with you! Language exchange events often lead to exchanging numbers so you could hangout outside the event. That just might turn into friendship, eh?
8. Take classes
Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn a particular skill. Cooking? Pilates? Poetry writing? Take a class. It’s also a great way to make local friends.
9. Sign up to lectures and conferences
There are a lot of lectures, conferences, and tours happening every week especially in big cities like Paris. Grab the chance to join them and get to know new people! These events could be held in museums or other local spots. Make sure to check out Le Figaroscope to keep abreast of upcoming activities.
10. Hit up your local bar
Clubs in general are not a great place to meet new friends. I mean, how can you talk over the loud music? Besides, let’s face it, your standards after you’ve had a few drinks too many might not be at par with your usual. Bars on the other hand might be better suited for making friends.
Bars often have a set of loyal patrons who find themselves in the same place regularly to hang out or de-stress with a glass or two of wine. To up the chances of making friends even higher, choose themed ones that are suited to your interests. This could be jazz bars, book-themed bars, 90s bars, sports bars, and so on.
11. Frequent a cafe
Another one similar to the previous suggestion, but this time, a cafe. The entire France is dotted with thousands and thousands of cafes. Now all you gotta do is pick one that is convenient to you, and one that you enjoy visiting.
Pretty soon you’ll be a “regular” and would eventually hit up a conversation with the other usual folks.
12. Your co-workers
If you’re working in France, chances are you already have a built-in group of people you see everyday---your co-workers. Co-workers can turn into good friends though with French people it may take time and a savvy understanding of their culture to be able to do so.
Check out this Guide to French Business Etiquette to help you navigate the corporate world in France.13. Look up old friends who are presently in France
Do you have existing friends who are also in France at this moment? Reach out to them! Your friends may be able to invite you to parties and gatherings and introduce you to French people in their circle.
14. Take your dog for regular walks
Now this one might seem manipulative and contrived, but if you have a pet dog, you’ll find that French people might warm up to you easier. France is a nation of dog lovers, and dog owners have this natural tendency to stick together. So if you have a dog, take her out for walks and have a nice chat with other dog owners who are also out with their furry friends.
Does that sound like you’re using your dog to make friends? Well, your dog uses you for food and shelter so it’s an even exchange. Okay, okay, I’m kidding. Don’t hate me.
Nurturing your friendships
Now that you have done the first step in meeting new people and making friends, don’t just sit on your laurels. Keeping friendships is waaay harder than meeting people. Everyone’s busy and preoccupied with life in general, so it takes effort to keep your friendships with French people.
Here are some ways to do that.
Conclusion
I hope that with this article, you’ll be better-equipped to find new French friends of your own or just even maintain the current ones you have!
Want more tips like this?
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