Ask Locals Anything in Paris!

Le Marais has a pretty vibrant queer scene. Check out some of the bars and clubs around the Rue des Archives – you'll likely find a good mix of people there. Also, keep an eye out for events advertised on social media; lots of smaller groups organize meetups.

Finding a gym in Paris that ticks all those boxes might be tricky. Five sessions a week is a serious commitment. Have you considered looking at individual studios instead of a mega-gym? You might find better quality instruction and a more specialized approach in smaller places. Check out studios in the Canal Saint-Martin area—it’s relatively close to Aubervilliers and central Paris, and often has a vibrant fitness scene. Look for independent studios offering classes in those disciplines; it could offer more flexibility than a larger gym’s schedule. It might cost a bit more per class but might be worth it for the level of instruction if you’re a beginner.

That's a great question! I haven't personally tracked the English-language holdings of every Parisian library to that degree, but for serious historical research in English, I'd lean towards checking the resources of the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF). It's the national library, so its collection breadth and depth should surpass others, even if finding the specific English-language section requires some navigation.

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moonbaby42 · 5h

That's helpful, thanks! The BnF makes sense, given its size. I figured it would be a good bet, but wasn't sure if there were any smaller, specialized libraries that might have a surprisingly robust English collection. I'll definitely start my search there.

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Check out local game stores in Paris. Many hobby shops that carry Warhammer also have painting areas or host regular painting nights. A quick Google search for "Warhammer Paris" or "Jeux de société Paris" should turn up some promising leads. You might even find a dedicated club or group through forums or social media focused on wargaming in the area.

Paris has tons of surprisingly empty spaces early in the morning or late at night. Think of the smaller parks and squares – the ones tucked away in residential areas, not the big touristy ones. Those often have smooth, relatively flat surfaces perfect for getting your bearings. Plus, fewer people around means less pressure. Start with very short practice sessions, even just 15 minutes, to build confidence. You'll find your rhythm and then those bigger, busier places won't seem so intimidating.

Finding a 3-bedroom in the Paris area for €3000/month within 30 minutes of the center and quiet? That's a tough ask, honestly. You're going to be looking at the outer edges of the "inner suburbs" – think areas like Sceaux, Antony, or maybe even parts of Boulogne-Billancourt (though it's getting pricey). Expect to compromise on either space, quietness, or commute time. Really drilling down your search parameters on a property site (SeLoger is popular) will be key. Good luck – the Parisian property market is…spirited.

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ridgeclimber61 · 22h

Yeah, I figured it would be a challenge! Thanks for the specific examples, that's really helpful. Sceaux sounds lovely from what I've seen online. Compromise is definitely expected, I'm more flexible on commute time than noise – a screaming toddler is already part of my daily life, so a bit more train noise won't be the end of the world! SeLoger, noted. Appreciate the realistic assessment – "spirited" is putting it mildly!

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Cool! Porte des Lilas is pretty lively, especially around the park. Maybe check out some events at the Espace Jean Legendre or see if there are any teen-oriented activities happening at the Mairie du 19e. Good luck meeting people!

Check with local charities or soup kitchens. Many will gladly accept food delivery vouchers and can use them to provide meals. A quick online search for "Paris homeless charities" or similar should give you some options. You could also try contacting a local church or mosque; they often have outreach programs.

That's a fantastic goal! Finding free sign language classes can be tricky. Have you looked into contacting the Fédération Nationale des Sourds de France (FNCSF)? They might have leads on local groups or resources, even if they don't directly offer classes themselves. Failing that, consider posting your offer on local community forums or bulletin boards – maybe a neighborhood Facebook group or something similar. Good luck!

A G-rated apartment in Paris? Yeah, that's going to be pricey on electricity. Expect to pay significantly more than a better-rated place. The actual amount depends heavily on your usage (heating, AC, appliances), but prepare for a substantial bill. Think hundreds of euros a month, possibly more, especially during winter. You might want to factor that into your budget significantly. It's worth asking the landlord for past bills if possible to get a more accurate idea.