You’re finally in Paris. The scenery almost feels familiar. Yet the rush of city life is disconcerting—plus, those famous restaurants seem a little . . . intimidating. If only, you think, I knew a Parisian.
Well, there are actually locals who would like to meet you, share a glass of wine, a movie, even a game of billiards. In fact, they’re just a mouse click away. Don’t worry, I’m not talking about online dating (a topic on which Parisians I know are best not quoted). I’m talking about the ingenious website On Va Sortir (Let’s Go Out).
This site reaches 90,000 adults in Paris, all of whom want to meet new people while exploring the city. Once you register, you can propose an event or attend anything posted. There are activities for any interest, from movies to hiking to seeing an artist’s brand-new atelier (free glass of champagne!). If you’re willing to speak French, everything is open to you. But even if you can’t, you won’t be left out.
That’s because so many locals want to practice their English. Maybe you’ve been passing Café de Flore each day but still don’t have the nerve to go in and order. On Va Sortir’s English conversation groups meet there often. Native speakers are welcome, so why not join one?
You can search the site’s offerings by date, taste or language. You can even add criteria such as “gay friendly” or “I have kids.” Event proposers post their photos so that you’ll be able to find them (or they offer clear instructions on how you will meet).
Sound too good to be true? That’s what I thought when a French friend first mentioned it. A fashion buyer who visits Paris for the couture shows, she uses On Va Sortir for an impromptu social life. Months after her last visit, late one Saturday, I finally checked out the offerings near me. There were two English conversation groups, an evening aperitif and numerous movies, concerts and dinners—all of them already full. But there was also an afternoon course on wine just blocks away. It was only 36 euros and something I secretly wanted to try.
Grabbing the last of nine places, I raced to the Latin Quarter. There, outside the door of La Vénus Noire, I recognized our host-proposer, Laurent. He was chatting with Rosemarie, who told us she was there to learn about pairing wines with food. Moments later, the genial Philippe Oberti, who would present our degustation, joined us. More people arrived, and more introductions were made. Then, with lowered heads, we all crept downstairs to a warm, cozy caveau.
Soon we were listening intently, sipping and sharing opinions. Philippe taught us the basic terms used to talk about wine and explained how to size it up and what essentials to look for. He also answered all of Rosemarie’s culinary questions. For the next three hours I was intrigued and often surprised. Wine, as always, proved an international language.
Our teacher finished by giving us each a hefty booklet reprising his mini-course, with its own listing of useful Paris addresses. After a bit more socializing, my fellow tasters checked their iPhones, wished each other bonne soirée and started drifting into the twilight. There was no pressure to exchange more than first names, yet it had been a rather special afternoon.
Later, over dinner at home, I was able to offer my own (much better informed) toast—to the inventive team behind On Va Sortir.
Tip Sheet
To register with On Va Sortir, all you need is an email address. Postings for English conversation groups, or “Practicing English,” may be in French, but native speakers are welcome and valued.
Philippe Oberti offers regular wine courses at different levels; contact him via philippeoberti@yahoo.fr.
Tags: Cynthia Rose, France, meeting Parisians, nightlife, On Va Sortir, Paris, social networking, socializing, travel, wine tasting, women
