Coucou les ami(e)s !
What a weekend! The Café Cats in Paris trip has left me smiling from ear to ear. My cheeks still ache from all the laughter.
At the end of September, I travelled to Paris with my business bestie Judith Keys to meet up with 15 fabulous members of my online community, The Sound More French Café. These wonderful Café Cats flew in from the USA, the UK, and travelled from all over France to spend a weekend together in the City of Light.
A Sparkling Start to the Weekend
Saturday afternoon began with a group of early arrivals heading to Les Galeries Lafayette. They explored the rooftop, enjoyed the stunning views, and even tried the glass Sky Walk.
By the evening, everyone had arrived. We gathered at our hotel for a relaxed three-course dinner that set the tone for the whole trip. I had a few surprises prepared: each Café Cat received a copy of my Boîte à Bijoux notebook, a Café Cats Paris 2025 pen, and a pair of cat ears. To end the evening, we played a round of French bingo which was full of laughter and just the right amount of competition.
Sunday: Markets, Picnics and More
On Sunday morning, we strolled through the colourful Marché Raspail. The stalls were bursting with fresh produce, local goods, and Parisian charm. Afterwards, we gathered for a picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg. The sunshine, the lively atmosphere, and the sound of French all around us made it feel very special.
Some members left that afternoon, while others carried on the adventure. In the evening, a group went to MELT-Cambronne, a cosy restaurant where the food was delicious and the company even better.
Monday’s Grand Finale
Monday brought a wonderful finale for the Café Cats still in Paris. Some returned to Galeries Lafayette for more shopping and a rooftop lunch. Meanwhile, others visited the spectacular Le Train Bleu at Gare de Lyon. Its gilded ceilings and painted murals made it an unforgettable dining experience.
Why the Café Cats in Paris Trip Was So Special
The highlight of the whole weekend was the sense of connection. The Café Cats are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Online, they support one another and practise their French. In person, that bond became even stronger.
It was a joy to see friendships deepen, French spoken in little groups, and so much encouragement shared. This Café Cats in Paris trip reminded me exactly why I created the Café in the first place: to help learners feel more confident in French, while also building a community that cheers them on every step of the way.
By the end, goodbyes were filled with hugs, promises to meet again, and plenty of talk about “next time.” Paris will always be Paris, but it was the people who made this trip unforgettable.
The Café Cats in Paris waving happily while exploring the city streets together.
If this sounds like the kind of French-learning adventure you would love to be part of, join the waitlist for The Sound More French Café today. You will be the first to know when the doors open again.
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This is a fabulously friendly place where you can connect with other learners and pick up French gems: new vocabulary/expressions and tips to help you improve your French.
It was a fab weekend.
Ouiiiii ! C’était MA-GNI-FIQUE !