Berkeley Parents Recommendations for Places To Go & Things To Do
Contacts for American families in Paris
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Visiting France
August 2001
I recall that there was earlier mention on the Parents' Network of
resources for families in Paris, but I can't find anything like
that on the website; the recent discussion, which included reference to two
websites (one for wives of Europeans, the other a subscription newsletter)
seemed to be directed toward permanent residents only. I will be traveling
to Paris this fall with my mother (who speaks no French) and my
four-year-old son (ditto), and I would really appreciate any info on
American contacts, playgroups, hangouts, activities, etc. This will be in
November, so the weather could be challenging -- any suggestions are
welcome.
linda
Try hooking up with either the French American Club (France-Etats Unis) or
Alliance Francais.
Alliance Francais is more geared to non french speakers looking to learn
french (from very beginner to advanced levels) but they may have a bulletin
board where you could post a notice. France-Etats Unis is more of a social
club for Americans and French people to meet. It was active in the city
where I was once an exchange student (Toulouse), and believe there is one in
all major cities. Perhaps Alliance Francais can help you with this as well.
They probably have a website. Good Luck.
Nancy
Check out the bulletin board of the American Church located on the left bank on the Quai d'Orsay. They have children's dance classes and other activities that either take place there or they can tell you about. I once found excellent childcare there from an ad on the bulletin board ( it's like the electronic network before the electronic network and to my knowledge, still functions as such.). Pariscope - the weekly activities calendar for sale at newspaper stands lists children's activities i think it comes in a bilingual edition. Even in November the Jardin de Luxembourg, on the left bank , is lovely. Another wonderful place is the Centre de danse du Marais ( you can find it in the phone book, I think). They have dance classes of every conceivable kind and you can sign up for individual classes or weekly
passes - yoga, jazz, ballet, African -- kids classes too I think. Take
the Beateaux Mouches for fun - boat trips on the Seine that point out major
sights in many languages (also listed in the Pariscope). Touristy but fun (
probably even in November). My daughter and i make an annual pilgrimage to
the Eiffel Tower - its fun. You get a marvelous view of the city from the
top floor of the Beaubourg museum ( 3e) - where they also have a cafe.
Also -- I think it still goes in November -- there is a carnival with ferris
wheel, rides, etc near the Tuileries ( near the Louvre) - my daughter
adored it. And you get a great view of the neighborhood from the ferris
wheel. There are lots of small neighborhood parks where families gather
with their kids . Look for one near where you are staying. There is a nice
one near the Picasso Museum in the Marais. Our other favorite thing to do
(from age 7 - now 15) was to to almost any restaurant and eat mussels and
frenchfries - moules frites.
Have fun!
suzanne
Two great resources for parents in Paris: first of all, MESSAGE -- an
organization of over 700 English-speaking parents (mainly moms) living in
Paris. Check out their website at . Secondly, a
great resource for anyone living, moving to, or even travelling through
Paris: the Information Center at the American Church. Located on the lower
level of the church at 65, quai d'Orsay in the 7th, this is a wonderful
clearinghouse of ALL types of information for Anglophones in Paris.
Sarah Lee
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