… a lovingly curated selection of the essentials you need for living in the City of Lights – prepared by people in the know.
Metro: Cardinal Lemoine (line 10), Place Monge (line 7)
A cultural and education center providing a vision and profile of the personality of Ireland. Offering student accommodations, events and activities in the heart of Paris.
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: Duroc (lines 10 and 13), Vaneau (line 10)
A classical dance school whose unique philosophy combined with a high standard for its teachings have made it the largest private dance school in Europe. Created in 1997 by American, Brooke Desnöes, she brings joy to the discipline of ballet dance. The school opens its doors to aspiring dancers from ages 4 to 21 years old and offers recreational, pre-professional and trainee programs, as well as master classes, workshops and summer intensive programs.
Alannah is passionate about demystifying the world of website creation. She runs workshops to show ordinary, not especially technical people how they can create their own website or blog. Her books are available on Amazon (her latest, Create Your Own Website The Easy Way, will be out in Spring 2016) and you can visit her website at http://www.alannahmoore.com.
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.
Founded by two cultural addicts, Artecase is a collectible design sourcing service working with individuals and interior designers. Their focus is on 20th century and contemporary design and they bring passion and the highest level of scholarship and connoisseurship to clients looking to make this type of acquisition. Services range from the sourcing of single object to the development of a collection over time.
Learn more about Artecase here: Artecase: Parisian Treasure Hunters in Search of Collectible Design.
This modern cooking school has 16 locations around France, including 5 in Paris, which offer cooking courses for adults and children, and a professional training center in Rueil Malmaison. You can drop of your kids for a 1-1/2 hour Graines de Chefs workshop or share the fun with a parents and kids session on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year.
For more after-school and weekend activity ideas check out our ultimate guide to kid’s activities!
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: Hôtel de Ville (line 1)
The Centre Danse du Marais offers over 40 different dance disciplines for children and adults, from beginners to the most advanced dancers. Choose from Classical ballet, African, Bollywood, Balinese, Belly dancing, Tap, Flamenco, Salsa, Tango, Hip Hop, Martial arts, Pilates, Yoga and much more. English is spoken.
Get more ideas about after-school and weekend activities in our ultimate guide to kid’s activities!
An informal organization for the exchange of news and information. Provides a comprehensive directory listing of more than a hundred English-speaking service groups and associations in the Paris region.
Metro: Marcadet Poissonniers (lines 4 and 12)
Adults and kids from 7 to 12 years old can learn how to cook the French way at Cook’n with Class. Classes range from market cooking to foie gras and wine and cheese pairing, to classic French desserts. The icing on the cake? Cook n’ with Class is one of the few schools in Paris that offer cooking classes in English. They’ll even organize private family classes in the kitchen with a translator in Spanish, French, Italian or Chinese!
Metro: Brochant or La Fourche (line 13)
Learn French cuisine in a cooking workshop, Les Secrets Gourmands de Noémie. Noémie Fournier has been passionate about food ever since her grandparents invited her to her first gourmet restaurant at the impressionable age of 12. After graduating from the reputable Lenôtre Cooking School in Paris, Noémie opened up her kitchen, where she offers French pastry classes and cooking workshops in English, and visits to a quintessential French market to learn how to select the best seasonal produce. Classes and workshops are available to both novices and connoisseurs, and perfect to do in groups of two or more!
Interior Designer, Amanda Godfrey, has created Maison32 to be synonymous with creating modern, elegant living spaces and providing practical support for projects ranging from small apartments to entire houses and second homes, in addition to a special home staging service to prepare properties for sale.
All aspects of a scheme are considered and supervised, from flooring and window treatments to furniture layout and sourcing accessories.
Whether your life is busy or you simply need inspiration, Maison32 provides solutions from concept to completion.
A boutique luxury consultancy based in Hong Kong and also operating in Paris & Shanghai. With an international crowd, founder Emilie Joulia conducts made-to-measure projects while keeping an eye at new trends. The team brings a French artistic direction and uses its expertise to organize memorable moments and original strategies. At the core of Paris Art Ltd is the strong belief that art and fashion are the ideal vehicle to make a real impact for an occasion or a unique present. The marketing expertise gets inspired in Paris!
Do you love children’s books and writing or illustrating for children? Join SCBWI France, a professional association open to both published and unpublished writers/illustrators. SCBWI organizes a wide range of activities, including evenings with children’s book publishers, authors and illustrators, writers’ workshops, exhibitions of works by illustrators in the group and writing contests.
When you join, as a member, you benefit from preferential rates for participation in all SCBWI events worldwide, which offer an invaluable network for improving your craft and sharing your work.
Telephone call center staffed with English-speaking volunteers, who are trained and supported by psychologists and ready to listen to your worries. It’s completely confidential and available from 3-11pm daily, either by telephone or Skype.
A non-profit organization of English-speaking and bilingual professionals who work with children of all ages with special needs. The network of specialists share their knowledge and resources to help families in Paris find the appropriate support to enable their child to thrive. The website has a thorough directory of all the professional members in the SPRINT organization to help families, schools and professors seeking guidance and study new ideas. SPRINT also provides counseling, and organizes lectures in and around Paris.
Metro: Rue du Bac (line 12)
BAW offers a full range of training and support for amateur and professional actors, writers, directors, and students in theatre and film. Experienced performers and directors teach the acting workshops and classes in English for all ages. BAW encourages a multilingual and multicultural exchange among performers to enhance creative expression. Aspiring teenage actors can enroll in the Wednesday workshops to study the acting craft and discover their potential.
Meet the savviest eSafety expert we know: Elizabeth Milovidov – an American lawyer and foremost European consultant on Internet safety who shows children, parents and educators how to get the most from the Internet, safely.
On her website, Digital Parenting Coach, you will find free tips and information about workshops and downloadable guidebooks for parents who want to learn about the benefits and risks of Internet, social media and technology.
She is also a dynamic speaker on Internet safety issues, a part-time eSafety consultant at European Schoolnet and an independent expert on children’s rights and Internet for the Council of Europe.
Read her story: “Meet a Cyberspace Cop Protecting You from Internet Abuse” and find her biography and articles written for INSPIRELLE HERE
Metro: La Motte Picquet Grenelle (lines 6, 8, 10)
One of Paris’ oldest Anglophone associations bringing together expats, new and old, through year round cultural, educational and social activities and events. WICE keeps the mind sharp, the body active and the spirit alive. Join the internationally known writer’s workshop, book club, learn a language or participate in an art class, walking tour or wine tasting.
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!
METRO: Cardinal LeMoine (Line 10) or Place Monge (line 7)
The perfect bistro for any occasion! Simple, fresh and homemade, what more do we need to say !
Who doesn’t like to bowl? There are several bowling alleys in Paris for great family fun, from the Bowling Mouffetard to Bowling Foch near the Champs Elysées, or the child-friendly lanes at Front de Seine in the 15th arrondissement which has lightweight balls for little ones 5 years and up.
Bowling is a great birthday party option as well. Check the lanes nearest you for their party packages.
Bowling Mouffetard: 73 Rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 31 09 35
Bowling Foch: 2 Avenue Foch, 75016 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 45 00 00 13
Front de Seine: 44 Rue Emeriau, 75015 Paris
Tel:+33 (0)1 45 75 35 37
Bowling de Champerret: 2 Rue du Caporal Peugeot, 75017 Paris
Tel: + 33 (0)1 43 80 24 64
An authentic American diner serving breakfast all day, juicy hamburgers, homemade chile con carne, bagels, and much more!
READ MORE IN OUR “Top 15 Weekend Brunches in and Around Paris” article!
Metro: Odéon (lines 4 and 10)
This beautiful park, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, covers 23 hectares and is known for its lawns, tree-lined promenades, and flowerbeds. The model sailboats on its circular basin will keep the kids busy for hours. For children, there’s an enclosed playground (small entry fee), a famous carousel with brass ring game, tennis and basketball courts, and pony rides.
Metro: Censier Daubenton (line 7), Jussieu (lines 7 and 10)
Longing to abandon the hectic city life and escape to an exotic location, but can’t leave Paris? A trip to the Grande Mosquée de Paris is all you need to feel pampered and rejuvenated. A beautiful historical landmark located in the 5th arrondissement not far from the Jardin des Plantes, the Grande Mosquée de Paris is home to one of the most popular hammams (traditional steam baths) in all of Paris. Get your massage or waxing done here too.
Lights, camera, action! Follow in the footsteps of James Bond, Audrey Hepburn and Carrie Bradshaw as you walk through the streets of Paris! Hollywood lovers will relish visiting Parisian locations featured in their favorite films and TV shows, including Midnight in Paris, a View to a Kill, the Hunger Games, the Da Vinci Code, Amélie, Sex & the City and many more. Set in Paris offers a variety of walking, car and bus tours to help you re-live famous scenes from your favorite films, while exploring the City of Light in a unique and fun way.
Metro: Cluny-La Sorbonne (line 10), Saint-Michel (line 4)
Sometimes you just crave a good bowl of Chinese noodles. Mirama is the place to go for the best shrimp wonton noodle soup, roasted duck and BBQ pork in the heart of Paris, just steps away from Notre Dame Cathedral. Open daily till 10:30 pm.
Metro: Vavin (line 4), Raspail (lines 4 and 6), Port-Royal (RER B)
Oh My Princess! is every little girl’s fantasy brought to life. Picture dazzling silk gowns in every color, Alice in Wonderland-inspired porcelain tea sets, and a pink dressing table fit for a princess – all set within the magical Le Petit Boudoir in Paris’ 6ème arrondissement. But it’s not just about looking pretty, Oh My Princess also hosts unique leadership workshops for young girls, to reinforce their self confidence. Activities are led in English or French.
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.
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: 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.
With more than 15 shops across 4 continents, Maison de Famille furniture and decor are a fusion of classic, ethnic and modern styles. This blending of new and old, local and exotic immediately wins over a clientele of all ages and styles.
Other locations in Morocco, Italy, USA, Russia, and Japan.
Metro: Odéon (lines 4 & 10)
Located in the same gorgeous passageway as La Jacobine, Un Dimanche à Paris (A Sunday in Paris) is well-known for its luxury hot chocolate. Chocoholics will love its concept store dedicated entirely to chocolate! The concept includes; a boutique, a chocolate bar, a restaurant, a chocolate salon, a chocolate lounge AND cooking and baking classes.
You can pop in anytime between 3pm and 6pm to grab a hot chocolate and warm up in their cosy and delightful tearoom. Their luxury hot chocolate includes a dash of cream and is flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. It’s a little on the pricey side but it’s definitely worth it.
Read The Hot Chocolate Challenge for other great spots to satisfy your chocolate craving.
Metro: Odéon (lines 4 & 10)
La Jacobine is a tiny cafe tucked away in the Passage des Arts. Their Aztec hot chocolate is absolutely to-die-for – it’s unbelievably smooth, not too rich and just sweet enough! You can order it plain, with whipped cream, or with a ball of vanilla ice cream.
Read The Hot Chocolate Challenge for other great spots to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Metro: Pont Marie (line 7)
The ice cream shop where you hear La Vie en Rose playing in the background as you enjoy a scoop (or two!) on the picturesque bridge connecting the two islands, Ile Saint Louis and Ile de la Cité. All of the flavors are delicious, if you actually manage to choose from the incredible selection chez Berthillon!
Metro: Pont Marie (line 7)
Grab a refreshing gourmet popsicle at La Paleteria on Ile Saint Louis in one of their really fun flavors like chocolate cherry, clementine, mojito, and even speculoos — those delicious, spicy French biscuits !
Once known as the original American diner in Paris, Coffee Parisien now boasts 3 restaurants, with talk of a fourth opening! Count on American staples like eggs benedict, bagels with cream cheese and lox or French toast with grapefruit. For a French touch, enjoy a big cup of café au lait.
FIND MORE brunch recommendations in our: “15 Best Weekend Brunches in and Around Paris” article!
Metro: Mabillon (line 10), Saint-Michel (line 4)
A slight departure from your typical Chinese canteen-style restaurant. This cozy, zen, teahouse with 12 tables serves up healthy, traditional Cantonese cuisine, including vegetarian, tofu-based dishes to accompany the star of the house: dozens of varieties of fragrant teas (white, green, yellow and blue). Lunch Only.