There is a global microcosm in Paris called ParlerParlor. That might not seem like such a strange idea since "Paris en Chiffres," a booklet published by the Mairie de Paris, reports that 15.8% of Paris's population are immigrants from other countries. However, it certainly wasn't the expectation for a conversation group originally designed for the French to practice English and the English-speaking community to practice French.

     "I was amazed to learn that our membership represented more than 45 different countries!" exclaimed Adrian Leeds, co-coordinator of Paris' most popular French/English conversation group, Parler Parlor. The brainchild of Leeds, (author of the Insider Paris Guide for Good Value Restaurants), and Marie-Elisabeth Crochard (previously director of Berlitz France Champs Elysées language school) and the partnership of Valerie Grauer (Coprom Langues), ParlerParlor is a perfect example of a global microcosm, so unlike most other Paris organizations which tend to offer a homogenous membership. "With so many members from so many different cultures speaking so many other languages, everyone has a chance to hear both French and English spoken with a variety of different accents and learn more about other cultures and other languages," Leeds added.

    ParlerParlor was launched in March 1998 and memberships have been strong since the beginning, a sign that it has what the Paris-of-today is looking for. Advertised as a method to practice French and English in a comfortable environment, members also find it's a great way to meet people and make friends. As a prime example of the growing camaraderie of the group, the members took it upon themselves to organize a costume party in celebration of the American holiday, Halloween. Other events and parties for it's members have included Thanksgiving Day dinners, 4th of July Barbecues and anniversary parties.

     In addition to the conversation group sessions, ParlerParlor sponsors events and parties for it's members.

     When asked about the future of ParlerParlor, Leeds remarked, "Parler Parlor is just the beginning of an organization open to all nationalities, providing a variety of courses and services, as a way to integrate people from many different cultures within their contemporary lifestyles and their love of Paris - the one thing we all have in common."

Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, China, Columbia, Congo Brazzaville, England, Finland, France, French Guyana, Germany, Guadeloupe, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Spain, St. Lucia, West Indies, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan/Republic of China, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay, Vietnam