There is a strong community of expatriates in Paris. No matter what your area(s) of interest, you are likely to find friends to spend an evening with. Here are a few ideas for places to go to get started building your after-work social network.

Frog Pubs: There is a series of Frog Pubs spread out across Paris. Perhaps the most popular of the Frog Pubs is the Frog and the Princess, located in the 5th arrondissement on Rue de Princesse. This pub is open at all hours for beer and serves a mean Sunday brunch.

Harry's Bar, located near the Opera, is world-renowned for its Bloody Mary's and American clientele. The decor is that of the old-style British bar and offers a party practically every night.

The Lizard Lounge is a popular hang out for young professionals in the 4th arrondissement. This bar is classic American-style and is decorated with steel fixtures and open spaces. The music is generally very contemporary, as is the clientele.

Shakespeare & Company bookstore on the Quai is one of Paris's finest treasures. Books are crammed into every nook and cranny, offering limited mobility, but lending itself to unlimited curiosity. Each Sunday night, the bookstore offers poetry readings. There are also frequent gatherings of English-speaking expatriates, particularly young persons groups. Young travelers have also been known to trade an evening of sleep for a day's work in the bookstore, making the space almost always inhabited by international travelers.

Kilometer Zero, located on the right bank, is a popular underground poetry slam hole where poets young and old gather to share their works with other literary artists. Most of the work is presented in English and the majority of audience members are young English speakers.

It's also a fine idea to attend art openings for international artists. Dress nice and plan to drink a glass of wine or two. Art openings are a great way to mix and mingle with fellow art lovers (and there are many in Paris).

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