Meeting the French in New York

You know where to buy French food, watch a movie en français, and dress like a Parisian. But in a city as big as New York, you can still find yourself missing French people.

Did you know that as of December 2012, there were 18 055 French people living in New York¹? And that’s only counting the ones registered at the French Consulate!

Surely we can find a few with whom we can hang out, share stories and even bond over our nostalgia for France! Let’s find out where to meet the French in New York…

Socialize with the French

There are many websites online that list events for the French community, enabling you to go along and speak French with expats and other francophiles like you. Check the French Institute Alliance Française calendar for an extensive list of events.

The Lycée Français de New York also often organizes cultural and social events for the French community to gather and share common traditions, like their recent galette des rois celebration.

Party French style

The French know how to party, and won’t stop just because they live in another country. A few organizations in particular regularly organize events, happy hours and parties for the Francophile community.

Check the calendar at French Tuesdays and L’Afterworks, and don’t miss the annual Diner en Blanc and Bastille Day Ball and celebration.

Welcome to Little France

New York City does not currently have a specific French neighborhood, compared to other expat communities like the Italians or Chinese. But it looks like this is changing.

Carroll Gardens seems to be the new place to be for French people and already is the favorite location for the annual Bastille Day pétanque tournament.

Welcome to Little France!

And you, where do you go in the city to meet French people? Share your experiences in the comments below.