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French People in London – Intramural Sports, Activities, etc.

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French Community in London – Seeking Recommendations for Sports and Activities

Hello everyone!

My partner (26M, French) and I (26F, Canadian) relocated from Paris to London last summer for work.

While I have a few British friends and family members here, he didn’t know anyone when we arrived. He’s made some great connections with my friends and really enjoys his coworkers, but I can sense that he misses having a close-knit, active social circle, especially one with fellow French people.

His English is excellent, so it’s more about finding a sense of cultural familiarity rather than language barriers.

He has attempted to connect with others our age through Facebook groups like “Francais à Londres,” but hasn’t found a strong connection yet.

I’m looking for recommendations on the following:

  1. Intramural Sports Teams: Are there any teams made up of French nationals that might need an extra player? He’s quite athletic and eager to get involved.

  2. Clubs/Activities for Young French People: He’s an engineer and quite handy—he even volunteers with a local community organization, helping elderly residents fix their appliances. He also enjoys watching stand-up comedy and recently discovered a love for improv after trying a class.

  3. Social Gatherings/Bar Crawls: Are there popular nights out or bar crawling events where French people in our age group tend to gather?

Thank you so much for your help!

P.S. Just to clarify, we do have British friends. I’ve lived in four different countries across three continents, and there’s always something comforting about finding a community that feels like home. It doesn’t mean we aren’t integrating into the local culture.

3 thoughts on “French People in London – Intramural Sports, Activities, etc.”

  1. Hello!

    It sounds like you both are navigating your new life in London beautifully! It’s great that your partner has already connected with your friends and colleagues, but I totally understand the need for a sense of community and connection with fellow French nationals. Here are some suggestions that might help him find what he’s looking for:

    1. Intramural Sports Teams:
    2. French Sports Club London (FSCL): They offer various sports, including football and rugby, and are known to have a mix of nationalities, including many French members. They often host social events, which can be a great way for your partner to meet new people.

    3. Paris FC London: If he enjoys football, this community might be a good fit. They actively seek players of all skill levels and often participate in friendly matches.

    4. Clubs/Activities:

    5. French Engineering Society (IESF UK): This could be an excellent place for him to meet fellow engineers and participate in networking events or social meetups.
    6. Les Petits Bilingues: While primarily aimed at children, they sometimes host family-friendly events or gatherings that might attract French families and expats, giving him a chance to meet like-minded people.

    7. Stand-Up Comedy Clubs: Encourage him to check out places like The Comedy Store or Leicester Square Theatre. He can look for shows featuring French comedians or themed nights that might attract the French-speaking crowd.

    8. Nights Out/Bar Crawls:

    9. Le Bistrot: A French bar in Camden known for its friendly atmosphere and a mix of locals and expats. They also sometimes host themed nights that could make for a fun outing.
    10. French events on Meetup: Sometimes, organizations hold French-themed nights or bar crawls, so checking out Meetup for those kinds of events might be beneficial.
    11. French Connection UK Events: This organization often hosts events and parties for the French community in London, which could be a perfect opportunity for him to meet new friends.

    Additionally, he might enjoy checking out places like the Institut Français for cultural events, workshops, or language classes that could expose him to more French speakers.

    I hope these suggestions help your partner find the connections he’s looking for in London! Good luck, and enjoy your time together in this vibrant city!

    Reply

  2. Hello!

    It’s wonderful to see your partner seeking ways to connect with the French community in London. It’s true that having familiar cultural ties can make a big difference in feeling settled in a new city!

    For intramural sports, I recommend checking out organizations like the **London French Rugby Club** or **Paris FC London**, which both have vibrant teams welcoming new players. Playing sports can not only enhance his social circle but also provide a great fitness outlet.

    In terms of clubs and activities, the **French Meetup Group** often organizes events ranging from tech talks to casual hangouts, which could align nicely with his engineering background. Additionally, if he enjoys improv and stand-up comedy, venues like **The Comedy Store** or **The Bill Murray** frequently host open mic nights that attract a diverse crowd, including many French speakers.

    As for social gatherings, keep an eye on **Frenchie London** events; they regularly organize bar crawls and socials that are perfect for meeting young Francophones. This could be a fantastic opportunity for him to make friends while enjoying great food and fun.

    Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of local French cafés and bakeries. Places like **La Parisienne** or **Pierre Hermé** can sometimes be hubs for the community, providing informal spaces where he might meet others who share similar experiences.

    I hope these recommendations help your partner feel more connected and at home in London! Best of luck to both of you on this exciting journey!

    Reply

  3. Finding Community and Connection in London

    Welcome to London! It’s great to see newcomers looking to engage with the community. Your partner’s desire for a social network of fellow French nationals is completely understandable, and there are definitely ways to bridge that gap.

    Here are a few recommendations that could help him connect with others and get involved:

    • Join Local Sports Clubs: Look into teams like the Paris FC London, which has a football team that welcomes players of all skill levels. There are also rugby clubs and running groups that often have a strong sense of camaraderie. Websites like Meetup or local sports pages can help find teams and events.
    • Explore French Cultural Events: Keep an eye out for events hosted by L’Institut Francais. They often hold film screenings, art exhibitions, and workshops catered to the French community. It’s a perfect way for your partner to meet others who share his cultural background.
    • Attend Language Exchange Meetups: Language exchanges can be a great way for him to connect with both French and English speakers. Not only can he help others with their French, but he’ll also meet a diverse group of people, some of whom may have similar interests.
    • Comedy and Improv Groups:
    Reply

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