Kind Coffee Paris
A space for kind, easy conversation — in English, in Paris.
Paris can feel a little lonely sometimes, especially if you’re not from here or don’t speak fluent French.
Kind Coffee is a gentle antidote. A small, English-speaking meetup for anyone who wants to share a relaxed moment of connection with others living in the city.
There’s no theme, no programme, and no expectation to share anything personal. We just sit round a table and talk. Sometimes it’s light, sometimes it goes a little deeper. But mostly, it’s just real, friendly conversation.
You don’t need to be confident, loud, or funny. You don’t need to “network.”
You just need to be open, kind, and willing to show up.
Where & When
We meet a couple of times a month at Food Society Paris — a large, friendly food court near Gare Montparnasse (métro Gaîté).
Look for the Kind Coffee sign and a red cap on the table.
We usually sit somewhere near the Bar Central.
Kind reminder:
This is a non-drinking event. Please stick to hot or soft drinks. Since the venue doesn’t allow outside food or drink, we kindly ask that you purchase something small to support the space.
What To Expect
This is a low-key, lightly structured meetup. Here’s how it tends to flow:
### 3:00–3:30pm – Arriving & Settling In
- The coffee bar can get a little busy, so please aim to arrive with enough time to order and settle in. We’ll be starting the group conversation at 3:30.
- This first half hour is informal: settle in, say hi, pick a seat, and chat freely.
### 3:30–5:00pm – Seated Group Conversation
- We’ll begin with a quick welcome from your host (Tim).
- If needed, we’ll make small adjustments to the setup: table size, seating, or moving somewhere quieter if it’s loud.
- The seated conversation isn’t about speed-friending or performance. It’s about being part of a shared moment with others.
💬 You’re warmly encouraged to bring your own themes or questions, especially the kind that invite openness, connection, or curiosity.
Past conversations have touched on:
- What it feels like to live between cultures
- Forming friendships as adults
- Creative blocks and passions
- Everyday joys and frustrations
- Identity, language, or life in Paris
🎴 Prompt cards will be on the table for anyone who wants a little nudge — completely optional.
👂 You don’t need to share anything personal if you don’t want to. Some people talk more, others mostly listen. What matters is curiosity — and being present with others.
🤝 The people who enjoy Kind Coffee most tend to be:
- Open to others
- Curious about how people live and think
- Happy to let conversation unfold naturally
There’s no “right way” to join in. Just come with a willingness to speak, listen, and share the space in whatever way feels right for you.
🧑🤝🧑 Your host won’t be leading the conversation. This isn’t a guided event — it’s simply a table where connection happens through presence, not pressure.
🌿 You might not leave with grand insights or clear answers — and that’s not really the point. What matters is the exchange itself, the mix of perspectives, and the quiet joy of sharing an hour or so in good company.
### 5:00–5:30pm – Mingling & Moving Around (Optional)
- You’re welcome to stick around, stretch your legs, and move freely.
- This is a great time to chat one-to-one with someone you found interesting during the group conversation.
- Not sure how to start? Try something like:
“You mentioned something earlier that really resonated with me — I’d love to hear more.”
Feeling Nervous? You're Not Alone?
Many of us have experienced some level of social anxiety in our lives. If you’re feeling nervous, here’s what to keep in mind:
- It’s totally normal. The first 10–15 minutes are often the hardest. It gets easier once you settle in.
- Try to smile, breathe, and just listen.
- You don’t have to talk more than you’re comfortable with.
- If it helps, name it. Saying something like “I always get nervous in groups” can help break the tension. Others will likely relate.
- You’re also welcome to mention it to Tim, who’ll be happy to help you feel more at ease.
🪑 We sometimes sit fairly close together around a large table so everyone can hear, but if you’d like a bit more space, just say so. We’re always happy to shift or move to a larger table if available.
🕊️ This is a free-flow space. You’re not stuck at the table.
Need to stretch, take a break, use the toilet, or leave early? Go for it. It’s all welcome.
A Note On Expectations
Some people come expecting to speak one-to-one with everyone, and that's not always how it goes.
Kind Coffee is more about:
- Being part of a thoughtful group conversation
- Letting things unfold naturally
- Building connection slowly, over time
If one-to-one chats are important to you, here are a few options:
- Use the mingling time at the end
- Say hello to someone during the arrival period
- Join the Kind Coffee WhatsApp group (open to those who’ve attended at least one event)
- Keep an eye out for informal spin-offs self-organised by members through the group chat
Who It's For
Anyone who:
- Speaks English*
- Lives in Paris (or nearby). Visitors welcome!
- Feels a bit in-between or disconnected sometimes
- Wants to meet others in a low-pressure, welcoming space
- Feels drawn to kind, curious conversation
🧩 The space often resonates with people navigating:
- Life between cultures
- Layered or shifting identities
- Creative or non-linear paths
- A desire for connection that doesn’t feel transactional
It’s a space you can return to, where connection grows gently, one conversation at a time.
A Note About Connection
Connection is something many of us crave, and when you find a space where it begins to feel natural, it really is life-enhancing.
But there’s no magic trick. Just this:
Show up. Be willing to give a little of yourself each time. And keep returning.
Sometimes it’ll feel a bit awkward. Sometimes it might feel surface-level.
That’s okay. That’s how connection begins.
Keep showing up, and something shifts.
That’s what we’re here for.
Group Size & Etiquette
We currently cap each event at around 15 people to keep the vibe comfortable.
With no-shows, the actual group is often smaller, sometimes 6, sometimes 12. Either way, the tone stays relaxed and welcoming.
If you're shy, don’t worry — there’s always space for quieter voices.
If you RSVP but can’t make it, please cancel so someone else can take your spot.
A Few Gentle Boundaries
- This is not a space for flirting or picking people up
- Please respect everyone’s boundaries and backgrounds
- Be kind. Be curious. Let others be as they are
Our Values
- Kindness
- Presence
- Openness
- Respect
- Inclusivity
We’re not trying to change your life — just offering a small, steady space to be human, in English, in Paris.
We’d love to have you with us.
Kindly,
Kind Coffee Paris X
*Just a small note on language:
You absolutely don’t need to be a native English speaker to join, many of us aren’t. But we’ve found that people tend to enjoy the event more if they feel comfortable holding a casual conversation in English, even with native or fluent speakers.
If you're mainly looking to practise your English, this probably isn’t the right space. Kind Coffee isn’t a language exchange café (there are plenty of great ones on Meetup!). It’s really about connecting through conversation, not about learning the language itself.
