… 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. Whether you’re looking for specific pieces, types of items or groups of furniature (chairs, chimneys, lighting, etc…), they search, then organize their findings to share with you or accompany you around Paris to view the art pieces they’ve found.
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.
And here’s 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!
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
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 try La Quille’s “mini” bowling lane off rue Oberkampf, 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
La Quille:111 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 55 87 21
Front de Seine: 44 Rue Emeriau, 75015 Paris
Tel:+33 (0)1 45 75 35 37
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.
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.
** SPECIAL GIFT FOR INSPIRELLE READERS: Book any session at Oh My Princess and get a free, giant coloring poster (worth 19€) when you mention INSPIRELLE!
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.
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.
Metro: Vavin (line 4)
Imagine sipping your café au lait and reading your Sunday newspaper quietly in one of Paris’ most iconic and legendary Art Deco brasseries. Known for being frequented by politicians, artists, the literati and glitterati over the years, La Coupole is a popular tourist stop, but mornings are a tranquil time to go for a traditional French breakfast of coffee, juice and a basket of fresh croissants and pains au chocolats. English menus and wi-fi are a plus.
FIND MORE brunch ideas in our: “15 Best Weekend Brunches in and Around Paris”
One of the largest and most varied selection of white porcelain pieces, plus more, with 5 locations in Paris.
Madura creates collections with the aim to give pleasure and to make interior design easy, enjoyable and approachable. Together with their vast range of textiles, they also offer a wide selection of lamps, blinds and other accessories.
Numerous locations in Paris, around France, Europe and New York City.
Founded in 1995 by Françoise Dorget in the Marais district, Caravane’s collection are a mix of bohemian and modern. The furniture along with the lighting, handcrafted objects and textiles are a source of inspiration for everyday interiors.
Secrets of Paris was created in 1999 by American-born travel journalist and guidebook author Heather Stimmler-Hall to share the “hidden side of the City of Lights”. Heather and her team of handpicked guides enjoy breaking away from convention to offer private customized tours that reveal the city’s unknown historical past, visit hidden monuments, try new hotspots and explore French habits and social attitudes.
- READ Heather’s article: “Naughty Paris Expert: Why is Paris So Sexy?”
Joanne Archibald is a Paris-based life coach and writer. She is also a wife, mother, yogi, singer, patchworker, bookworm, Francophile, life-lover, and day seizer. She left the UK for France intending to stay just seven months and it’s now been 12 years… As a family coach and personal development writer, Joanne is dedicated to living life on purpose and helping others, particularly expat families in and around Paris, do the same.
For face-to-face, Skype or telephone coaching sessions in French or English, contact jo@joannearchibald.net. You can also follow her on Twitter @joarchibald and read more on her blog http://joannearchibald.net.
Read her article on INSPIRELLE, The Motherhood Diaries: Living with Chronic Fatigue.