Sometimes I wish I lived in rural Thailand. Not just because of the exotic fruits and the amazing weather (though let’s not pretend that wouldn’t be a plus), but because, as a metropolis-dwelling parent, life in an old-fashioned village sounds idyllic.
A community of friendly faces, open houses, and warm grandmas would be just the ticket for a new mom. I think it really does take a village to raise a child, but mainly so that the mom of said child doesn’t go batty from solitude.
But shucks, you can’t get less village-esque than Paris… or can you?
As with all things, it really pays to do a bit of digging. Read on for my three favorite ways to make connections, and begin to turn Paris into a sweet little village where you and your family can thrive.
Blisshood
Self-care events and soulful connection for busy moms.
“What makes Blisshood different is that it’s centered around sisterhood,” says founder Ariadna Archer.
Ooh, keep talking!
“Whereas some parent communities are needs-based, Blisshood has a focus on soul connection. It provides a space to connect more deeply, in an authentic way.”
Blisshood organizes self-care events and meet-ups as a way for mothers to connect and prioritize taking time for themselves. Ariadna’s aim is to create a space for mothers to just be, and sink into some much-needed self-care, all the while creating meaningful connections with fellow moms.
Check out the Blisshood blog here, and be sure to connect on Instagram to learn about future events.
Playtime for your kids, social time for you.
This weekly event, run by the lovely Joyce, provides two hours of fun for little ones ages 0 to 3. It’s an international playgroup with a different theme every week, allowing kids to dress up, sing songs in English and French, and play with other expat offspring.
And what about you? Children are generally accompanied by their parents, so you can easily make some new connections and share experiences of new mom life, while your kids happily cavort around.
When: every Monday morning, from 9am to 11am
Where: 64bis, Avenue Raymond Poincaré, Paris 75016
Cost: 20€ for a two-hour session
Message Paris
Where all the expat families are.
Message is a platform for expats that aims to bring international families together through regular meet-ups, events, bring-and-buy sales, and community outreach programs. Most international families in Paris are members, so it’s a great place to start if you’re looking to make a bunch of new connections.
Since Message is such a big group, it’s been divided up into smaller sections geographically, so there will typically be a subgroup, and maybe even a WhatsApp thread, for your neighborhood. It’s an excellent, user-friendly way to test the waters, see who’s around, and eventually turn your neighborhood into a much friendlier place.
Message is currently celebrating 35 years of existence—not bad!
Price: 50€ for an annual membership.
So, short of moving to rural Thailand, rest assured that finding a vibrant family community, filled with friendly faces and helpful fellow moms, really is possible, even in a massive city like Paris. You just need a bit of enthusiasm, a smiley face, and some cute kids in tow (so helpful for breaking the ice). Good luck!
Related Links
- Are you expecting? Check out how to have a natural birth in Paris.
- Read about the trials and tribulations of mommy and baby in Paris.
- Check out the best kid-friendly things to do in Paris.
Written by Veggie Magnifique for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation, or long term, rental in Paris, Italy, France or elsewhere in Europe.
RELATED ARTICLES
Paris in May: Things to Do, Weather, Culture, Sports & More
by
Reagan O’Brien
Rude or Simply French? Debunking the Cultural Clichés
by
Lisa Czarina Michaud
Jane Bertch, “The French Ingredient”: 10 Lessons I Learned Making a Life and Starting a Cooking School in Paris
by
Kathryn Kinley
A Walk Through the Heart of Paris
by
Yvonne Hazelton
French Streaming: 11 TV Series to Watch Now
by
HiP Paris
What to do in Paris in April: Events, Warmer weather, Gardens and More
by
Reagan O’Brien
French Dining Etiquette: Restaurant Dining Like a Local
by
Tory Hoen
Moving to Paris Alone: Single in the City
by
Candice Johnson
Answering the Inevitable: “So, Are You Totally Fluent in French Now?”
by
Tory Hoen
I Know I’m in Paris When…
by
Claire Oldman
Parenting Like a Parisian: 4 Lessons From French Parents
by
Paige Bradley Frost
A Single’s Guide to Surviving Paris on Valentine’s Day: 6 Ways to Celebrate
by
Jessica Johnston
It’s True Because They Say So: 7 French Cultural Rules to Live By
by
Tory Hoen
Negotiating à la Française: The Meaning of Non
by
Sylvia Sabes
The M Word: From Mademoiselle to Madame in France
by
Darlene Lim
How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Like the French
by
Ali Postma
How to Choose and Serve Champagne: 9 Expert Tips
by
Lily Heise
Christmas at Galeries Lafayette: The Most Dazzling Holiday Display in Paris
by
HiP Paris
Thanksgiving in Paris: Shop Like a Chef
by
Lise Kvan
Ghostly Paris: Eerie Itineraries in the City of Light
by
Sylvia Sabes