… a lovingly curated selection of the essentials you need for living in the City of Lights – prepared by people in the know.
Metro: Iéna (line 9), Trocedéro (lines 6 and 9)
You never have to feel alone or do it alone. AAWE is one of the longest running non-profit volunteer associations of (mostly) American women based long-term in France. Their varied social activities include: US-themed children’s parties, book groups, cultural outings, community fundraisers and much more.
Apart from its community gatherings, the association works diligently to remain the recognized leading resource for bilingual and international educational information in France. Their publications include: “Beyond the Bac: Higher Education in France and Abroad” and “Guide to Education in France, 8th Edition.” These are must have guides for international families living here with children in school.
Metro: Vavin (line 4)
Founded in 1973 as an international, non-partisan association with members in 46 countries. Advocates on vital topics that affect overseas Americans such as: taxation, absentee voting, citizenship, representation, Social Security, and Medicare.
Metro: Alma-Marceau (line 9)
The largest English-language lending library on the European continent, the ALP is more than just a library. It hosts popular evenings with authors and singers, organizes reading groups for toddlers, children and adults as well as offers writing workshops for teenagers. The super friendly staff serves more than 2,500 members from more than 60 different countries.
The American School of Paris (ASP) was the first international school established in Europe, in 1946. Their mission is to provide a student-centered American education in an international setting, underlined by a philosophy of respect and responsibility. ASP offers the International Baccalaureate program and a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It also has a rich technology, arts, and sports program.
With top-notch educators, modern and light-filled classrooms, state-of-the-art technology resources, spacious playing fields, two indoor gyms, theatre spaces, and a full-service cafeteria, ASP provides an exceptional environment where kids are inspired to learn.
Through the school’s popular Extension Program, also open to external students, they offer language courses and activities on Wednesdays and Saturdays and a variety of innovative camps during the major school holidays. CLICK HERE for more on ASP’s Extension Program.
Metro: Vavin (line 4)
A fixture in the expat community in Paris since 1949, AWG Paris is the longest standing organization of American women in France. It welcomes all English-speaking women of any nationality. With a mission to foster and encourage social, educational and cultural activities among English-speaking women in France, whether you will be in Paris for a month, a year, or a lifetime, AWG Paris could be the place for you!
Metro: St-Phillipe-du-Roule (line 9)
A social and cultural club open to women who are, or who are married to, British or Commonwealth nationals. Their clubhouse in the heart of Paris includes a lending library of English books for its members, as well as space for their many regular weekly activities.
Benenova makes it incredibly simple to match you with volunteer opportunities in the field so you can get involved whenever you can, in a friendly atmosphere and with the assurance of being both well received and 100% useful.
Just browse their calendar and pick a project that best suits your interests and availability, then join the other volunteers on D-Day! The association launched its first pilot actions in 2013, and how has a community of over 8500 volunteers supporting over 230 collective projects each month in Île de France, Nantes and Lille. Their website is in English and in French.
2 Rue Hans List, 78290 Croissy, France
At their two campuses (Junior and Senior) located in the western suburbs of Paris in the small market town of Croissy-sur-Seine, the British School of Paris is one of the largest and longest-running British international schools in the world. Established over sixty years ago, they follow an educational program based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales and are committed to encouraging their pupils to do and give of their best.
The Canadian Bilingual School of Paris is the first school to offer a Canadian curriculum in France. Its goal is to provide students from kindergarten through 12th grade (ages 3 to 16) a truly bilingual and bi-cultural experience that will develop the language skills students need as 21st-century learners. In adopting British Columbia’s Education Plan, the ECB-CBS provides students with a personalized approach to learning.
Metro: Invalides (lines 8 and 13)
Founded nearly forty years ago, in 1978, the Canadian Women’s Group in Paris aims to enhance your enjoyment of Paris through valuable friendships and new experiences with fellow Canadian women residing in France. They organize a wide range of activities such as guided visits of Paris’ many beautiful sites and museums, outings to the theater, concerts and operas, as well as book and bridge clubs. To keep their members informed, a monthly newsletter is published and monthly meetings keep members active throughout the year.
16 Rue Margueritte, 75017 Paris, France
9 Rue Villaret de Joyeuse, 75017 Paris, France
123 Rue de la Pompe, 75116 Paris, France
23 Rue de Cronstadt, 75015 Paris, France
Ecole Internationale Bilingue (EIB) Paris is a network of bilingual schools which welcomes international students of more than 70 nationalities in its co-ed and secular campuses around Paris. EIB offers a bilingual education to students from preschool (maternelle) through high school, according to the British, American and IB qualifications.
EIB’s four campuses in the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissements follow the official program of the French Ministry of Education (hence it is sous-contrat with the government e and tuition is partially subsidized), with daily lessons in English at various levels.
EIB Victor Hugo follows an English-language, international curriculum, with daily French lessons, from pre-school through high school. Students can earn an internationally-recognized High School Diploma or IB Diploma.
Contact individual schools for further information.
65 Rue du Théâtre, 75015 Paris, France
15 Rue Edgar Faure, 75015 Paris, France
141 Avenue de Suffren, 75007 Paris, France
Founded in 1954, École Jeannine Manuel has now become the largest non-denominational independent school in France. With a mission to promote international understanding through the bilingual education of a multicultural community of students and parents, they now educate 2,900 students, representing over 65 nationalities, between their Paris and Lille locations.
For new non-French speaking students beginning in CE1 (~age 7) and up to seconde (~age 15), enrollment takes place in “adaptation” classes where they follow a one-year French immersion program. Further special instruction in French continues for another additional year including three additional hours of French each week and individual support, as required.
They have 4 locations in Paris and boarding opportunities at their Lille, France location.
34 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Eurécole was founded in 1989 and offers a pre-school through secondary level of tri-lingual education. Following the French national educational curriculum, the experience is strengthened through additional activities such as sports, music, history of art and others. They offer language tuition every day from pre-school in French, English and Spanish or German.
This non-profit, volunteer association aims to help entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs “to be” to gain access to new and valuable skills, through workshops, networking, and real opportunities to showcase their products and services. Based in Paris’ western suburb of Yvelines, come and meet like-minded women who want to share their knowledge and experience as business-owners in France.
Metro: Rue de la Pompe (line 9), Trocadéro or Passy (line 6), Ave. Henri Martin (RER C)
Institut de la Tour is a private Catholic school offering an Anglophone section with over 500 students in the collège and lycée programs. Teachers and administrators aim to help their students develop intellectually, personally and spiritually employing their philosophy of “s’élèver ensemble” (raise them together).
See website for details on the Anglophone section application procedures, which begin in October for the following school year.
They also offer Wednesday afternoon English immersion programs for primary and pre-primary (maternelle) aged children.
Metro: Passy (line 6)
The International School of Paris (ISP) is the only school within Paris offering all three International Baccalaureate programs. From nursery school to high school, the educational program combining academics, arts and sports is designed to motivate students to become well rounded, sociable and open-minded. Classes are kept small (18-20 students) to encourage exchange between teacher and students. Its motto: “Educating for Complexity”.
Through their popular ISP Plus programs, also open to non-ISP students, they offer innovative and educational language and activity camps led in English on Saturdays during the school year and over the major school holidays.
A private co-opted membership club founded in 1996 to enable women of different nationalities living in and around Paris to share their cultures in a friendly environment. It offers a wide variety of activities and functions for members by members.
145 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France
176 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France
Founded in 1960 by a pioneer in bilingual education, Mrs. Patricia Lennen, this school welcomes children and their families from all over the world. With their staff of well-qualified and experienced teachers, they continue to adapt the concept of bilingual education affording children the skill to think and learn in both French and English from the beginning of their schooling – from ages 2 thru 11 years old.
Metro: Porte de Clichy (line 13 and RER C)
Located on the largest public school campus in Paris, Lycée Honoré de Balzac offers, in addition to the traditional classes, international sections open to students who speak fluently and write in one of the following languages: Spanish, German, English, Arabic, Portuguese or Italian. Within this dynamic, culturally enriching international environment, these students pass one of the French general baccalaureate programs, with an international mention (Option Internationale Baccalaureate).
Entrance exams in the student’s “mother tongue” are required in order to ensure their language level is high enough to meet the rigors of the additional hours and subjects taught in these special international sections.
Metro: Pont de Levallois Bécon(line 3), Pont de Neuilly (line 1)
Marymount is a private Catholic school with a proud reputation for embracing cultural and religious diversity. The international day school offers an American based curriculum for students aged 2.5 years to 14 years from all over the world. Located in the leafy Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine, the school believes in providing a stimulating and challenging curriculum to bring out the best in students.
They also offer day camps during school holidays and after-school activities in English to non-Marymount students.
Whether you are a brand new mother needing some breastfeeding support or an “old” experienced mother anxious to start-up a career again in your adopted country, Message has the help you need. Established in 1984 by six English-speaking, expatriate women living in Paris, the association has grown to over 2000 members in 30 years. Their goal is to provide support and a network for English–speaking parents living in Paris.
If you love some of INSPIRELLE‘s portraits and Paris photos, turn to professional photographer Alexis Duclos. One of our most fervent supporters, Alexis is an experienced award-winning photographer and video cameraman who can capture your individual and family portraits for business or personal use as well as produce corporate videos to enhance your company websites.
To consult his versatile work visit his website: http://www.alexisduclos.com
The American School of Paris (ASP) in Saint Cloud, a western suburb of Paris, is a great place for families to find innovative activities and holiday camps in English. Through its Extension Program the private, international school opens its world-class facilities to external students aged 4 to 18 during school vacations as well as Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the school year.
Camps and year-round activities led in English include basketball, tennis, soccer, coding, science, fashion design, filmmaking, theatre and more. Kids looking to improve their English skills have a choice of English immersion classes and even intensive workshops to prepare for the English BAC exam or the SAT American college entrance exam. At ASP, there’s bound to be a camp or workshop right for your child.
Check out their WEBSITE for all the details!
Remember campfires, patches, leadership training and plenty of fun workshops and lifelong friendships? The Paris overseas branch provides a community filled with activity for American girls living abroad. It’s one of the USA Girl Scouts Overseas chapters that are located in 90 countries around the world. More than 5,000 girls living in the Paris region have joined the ranks since its start in 1949.
Metro: Iéna (line 9)
The first Chinese restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star in France, this is the place to splurge on special occasions when you want to treat yourself to fine, Cantonese cuisine in a refined, elegant setting. Chef’s recommendations include: BBQ Iberian pork with honey, sautéed sole filet with XO sauce and Lobster prepared any one of eight ways. Thinking of their Peking Duck has us drooling, and we love their dim sum lunch, with two set menus for 52€ or 72€. Savor. Every. Morsel.
Metro: Trocadero (lines 6 and 9)
Escape the rain and plunge into the water world at the Aquarium de Paris, located in the Palais de Chaillot at Place de Trocadero. Its darkly-lit rooms create the perfect ambiance for a mysterious tour of the large, underwater tanks with more than 100,000 species including clown fish, puffers, sharks and stingrays. With two cinemas screening documentaries and cartoons, as well as live entertainment on weekends and holidays, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for a couple hours.
Metro: Iéna (line 9)
Ear nose and throat specialist for children and adults. Office hours at the reputable American Hospital in Neuilly Sur Seine and at his office in the 16th arrondissement.
Eurécole was founded in 1989 and offers a pre-school through secondary level of tri-lingual education. Following the French national educational curriculum, the experience is strengthened through additional activities such as sports, music, history of art and others. They offer language tuition every day from pre-school in French, English and Spanish or German.
Metro: Alma-Marceau (line 9)
The largest English-language lending library on the European continent, the ALP is more than just a library. It hosts popular evenings with authors and singers, organizes reading groups for toddlers, children and adults as well as offers writing workshops for teenagers. The super friendly staff serves more than 2,500 members from more than 60 different countries.
Metro: Kléber (line 6), Iéna (line 9)
A welcoming sister team, both trained in the USA, practising pediatric dentistry. Office includes a large waiting area with toys, computer games and books. Every child leaves with a toothbrush and a small gift!
Metro: Alma Marceau (line 9)
The Nicolaïte de Chaillot is a cultural and sports association which offers after-school activities such as football, gymnastics, judo, kung fu, tai chi and tennis, as well as camps during the school holidays. They also organize artistic, educational and sports activities and outings for kids from 6 to 17 years on Wednesdays and weekdays after-school at their Centre de Loisirs. Activities are led in French.
Check their website for details and to enroll.
Baby Prestige can help you find a regular or occasional experienced, English-speaking nanny, tutor or babysitter in Paris and its suburbs, other cities in France, Geneva (Switzerland) and Los Angeles (USA). In addition to regular babysitting, they can help you find a qualified maternity nurse, professional care for special needs kids, someone to organize events like a girly PJ party or a bar mitzvah or even to accompany your child on a trip between France and Geneva or Los Angeles.
Established over 40 years ago as an independent and not-for-profit organization, all of their teachers hold AMI (Assoication Montessori Internationale) diplomas. The school offers a unique bilingual Montessori education, at 3 locations in the heart of Paris, for children from 2-9 years old.
Metro: Trocadéro (line 6)
INSPIRELLE’s favorite dentist in Paris! Advanced dental studies at the University of Washington. Dr. Leclercq and/or his staff speak English, French, Spanish, Portugese, Russian, Japansese, Arab, and Maldavian.
Metro: Alma Marceau (line 9), Franklin D. Roosevelt (lines 1 & 9)
American Childrens Theatre is a theater company for children ages 3-16 with classes during the school year, camps (stages) during school holidays, and occasional specialized workshops. With a little acting, a little singing, a little dancing, a little silliness, your child will have a LOT of fun! They only use material that has positive values and messages. A highlight of the Fall and Spring sessions is performing in a professional theater here in Paris! The children get to experience the thrill of a real stage performance with lights, sound, effects, and a full audience. ACT can also bring their program into schools, birthday parties, and other events!
Specialist children’s hairdressers with TVs at each seat, a playroom for waiting, and a small toy when finished. They’ve been a fixture in the 17th near Parc Monceau for 15 years and are now in the 7th and 9th arrondissements . Also, the owner recently designed her own children’s clothing line which is available for purchase in the salons.
Metro: Passy (line 6)
The International School of Paris (ISP) is the only school within Paris offering all three International Baccalaureate programs. From nursery school to high school, the educational program combining academics, arts and sports is designed to motivate students to become well rounded, sociable and open-minded. Classes are kept small (18-20 students) to encourage exchange between teacher and students. Its motto: “Educating for Complexity”.
Through their popular ISP Plus programs, also open to non-ISP students, they offer innovative and educational language and activity camps led in English on Saturdays during the school year and over the major school holidays.
Metro: George V (line 1)
A specialist handling forms of Autistic spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders. ASD is a condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests and behavior. It includes Asperger syndrome and childhood autism.
Member of SPRINT France, a non-profit group of English-speaking and bilingual professionals who work with children of all ages with special needs.
Founded in 1960 by a pioneer in bilingual education, Mrs. Patricia Lennen, this school welcomes children and their families from all over the world. With their staff of well-qualified and experienced teachers, they continue to adapt the concept of bilingual education affording children the skill to think and learn in both French and English from the beginning of their schooling – from ages 2 thru 11 years old.
Metro: Kléber (line 6)
An umbrella organization of British associations in France. Their activities in France are coordinated by collecting information on events organized by member associations. It operates under the registered logo “britishinfrance”. An excellent online resource for finding all things British in France!
Metro: Alma-Marceau (line 9), CDG Étoile (lines 1, 2, 6 & RER A)
Ever feel like you just need to explain an ailment in English? Find the help you need in your native tongue at this centrally located pharmacy just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe.