How to make friends in Languedoc Roussillon

One of the fastest and best ways to make friends I have found is to go to small concerts and festival events. Many times after a concert or event, the public meets the artists and the presenters at a little aperitif thing they offer. There you can introduce yourself to the presenter, and explain that you're trying to meet people. These presenters are often connected to groups of people, and can steer you over to meet someone with a similar background. They tend to be gregarious and enjoy connecting people. I can't think of a more pleasant way to meet small but interesting groups of folks than at one of the thousands of community concert events given across France, and especially the summer festivals. They are always looking for volunteers, so you could join a group and offer your services to put up posters, pick up folks who can't drive at night, help on the day of a concert to put out chairs or take tickets and hand out programs. I'm convinced this is a good way to make friends in any country that had community organized events. Just be open and don't be shy. It won't be long before you're too busy to be lonely. All the best,
Robin from Perpignan

I found that inviting my neighbours round for a party was a way of getting to know them. Only the nice ones came. If you're a parent, chat to other parents at the school gate, or get involved with the parents' association.

I also joined the local Brit club, found the pals I liked then left. I don't like expat company for the sake of it.
Another way is to join a club. They usually have social events. I've noticed that while people are quite friendly, they're not that interested in becoming friends. Probably because they have their own circle already.

I met my friends completely by chance, three through third parties, one because I heard her speak English, also through work.

I co-run the Languedoc group for the Survive France Network - we are organising a few get togethers in Montpellier, Carcassonne and Perpignan - all Feb/March 2011.

Membership to the online network is free and it offers helpful and friendly information for Anglophones ... if you're interested in joining here's the link: Survive France Network Languedoc-Roussillon group.

We at home don't make a point of only socialising with expats, but most villages have an active community with classes and social meets, anything from pilates to petanque!  We've made plenty of new contacts that way.   

Plus making friends with the owner of your local cafe is always a good idea ...

Hi my name is Lynn I am Writing articles about the life's of expats in France. We are looking for expats who would like to tell their stories about why they moved and how life has been etc since they took the step. If anyone would like to help please email me.
Many thanks
Lynn

Hello Lynn,

Can you please avoid copy-pasting the same message on different threads please.

Thanks