Finding Your Crowd: English-Speaking Clubs in Paris
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
From venerable institutions to sports clubs, family networks and conversation groups, Paris has a surprisingly varied English-speaking club scene. Here's our handy guide, organised by the kind of experience and social world each club offers.
For a bit of everything...
WICE Paris
If you want the broadest possible entry point into anglophone life in Paris, WICE is probably it. More a hub than a single-purpose club, it brings together classes, talks, walks, volunteer activities, cultural outings and conversation groups. It is a good place to start if you are not yet sure whether you want friendship, intellectual life, language practice or simply a reason to get out of the house. https://www.wice-paris.org/
For a traditional club atmosphere...
The American Club of Paris
A classic name in the English-speaking Paris scene: a membership-based institution with a clear Franco-American flavour and a year-round programme of events, speakers and social gatherings. It will appeal most to people who like the idea of an exclusive club – rather than a casual meetup.
For Women Looking for Community...
British and Commonwealth Women's Association
Founded in 1962, the BCWA is one of the more long-standing English-speaking associations in Paris. Membership is primarily for women who are, or are married to, British or Commonwealth nationals, though it also allows some associate members from other backgrounds. It has a slightly more British, old-established feel than some of the broader anglophone groups, but is very welcoming.
American Women's Club
A long-running women’s association, AWG is open to English-speaking women living in Paris and the Île-de-France region. It presents itself as international rather than exclusively American, and is built around friendship, community and regular events. https://www.awgparis.org/
For Sport and Space
Standard Athletic Club
If you want your English-speaking social life to involve sport, green space and a slightly Anglo country-club atmosphere, this is the obvious choice. Tucked away in the forest of Meudon, the Standard Athletic Club combines sport and social life in a setting that feels very different from central Paris.
British Rugby Club of Paris
Founded in 1923 by British expats, the British Rugby Club of Paris is one of the city’s older anglophone sporting institutions. It combines rugby with a strong social identity, so it is likely to suit people who want camaraderie, fixtures and post-match community rather than lectures or committees.
For Families
Message
Message is one of the main English-speaking family networks in Paris. A volunteer-run non-profit for international families, it offers events, classes, playdates and get-togethers for parents and children. For newcomers with family life at the centre of everything, this is one of the most useful and practical communities to know about.
For Conversation and Social Polish
Toastmasters
If you want structured, recurring English-speaking contact, Toastmasters is one of the best options in the city. Toastmasters of Paris is the longer-established club, while Toastmasters 75 offers a slightly smaller alternative. Both are built around public speaking, communication and leadership, which means they attract people who do not mind a little structure and are happy to keep turning up regularly.
For Newcomers and Networking
Internations Paris
Not a club in the old Parisian sense, but one of the main international networks available to newcomers. InterNations is geared towards expats and global professionals looking for events, connections and practical information, so it is often a useful first stop for people who have just arrived and want something immediate.
Comments