WICE upcoming events

WO211 Chapter One (28 Oct 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

An in-person workshop to get you writing!

“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” -E. L. Doctorow

Description

Everyone has a story to tell. This class is perfect for beginners who aren’t sure where to start as well as for intermediate writers who are looking for feedback and inspiration. In this in-person workshop, we’ll examine elements such as tone, character, dialogue, description, and point of view.

Each is an important building block that helps create a story. We will explore fiction and nonfiction excerpts to study how authors have created the unique tones for their stories and characters, then try our hand at finding the pitch perfect tone for our own work.

Short exercises will focus on honing powers of observation and precise language. In a warm, supportive atmosphere, participants have the opportunity to share the stories they have written and to receive feedback. Optional homework assignments are given each week. You will leave the class with the tools you need to continue writing your stories.

Instructor

Originally from Montana, Janet Skeslien Charles came to France to teach for a year, and has now been here for two decades. She's the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library, Moonlight in Odessa, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade, and The Parisian Chapter.

Her essays and short fiction have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Sydney Morning Herald, and Montana Noir. Her work has been translated into 40 languages. She has taught creative writing in the U.S., France, Switzerland, and Ukraine. She looks forward to sharing her passion for writing with members of WICE.

Connect with her at JSkeslienCharles.com.

GS101 Needlework at Valerie's (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

WICE member Valerie Helmbreck-Mascitti (knitting on the left) opens her lovely apartment in the 1st arrondissement every Thursday afternoon to WICE members for an afternoon of needlework: knitting, crocheting, creweling, embroidery, etc..

Any and all WICE needle workers are welcome to attend. Bring your project, and if you're so inclined, something to nosh on (by no means necessary).

Valerie's apartment is conveniently located near the Louvre. Please contact wice@wice-paris.org for more information. Valerie's address and phone number will be shared with you to coordinate your visit to her.

WS171 Intensive Fiction-Writing Workshop (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Advanced Intensive Fiction Workshop

Description

This fiction workshop (meeting weekly via Zoom) is designed to help you make significant progress on a project you’re already working on and raise your craft to the next level. Whether you’re writing short stories or are knee-deep in a novel, you’ll have ample opportunity to workshop your writing and troubleshoot obstacles. We will supplement your works-in-progress with published pieces of fiction carefully selected based on the specific genres and craft issues you are grappling with, analyzing the ways other authors have tackled those challenges themselves.

In a supportive, generous, intellectually curious, and motivating atmosphere, we’ll dive into stories aiming to understand how they work, and what they’re trying to achieve.

When this course has been offered in the past, students made significant progress toward their personal writing goals and left with extensive, actionable feedback in hand to keep them moving forward on their own.

Instructor

Based in Paris, Noah Weisz has over a decade of experience teaching creative writing at a wide variety of institutions, including Sciences Po and CEA CAPA. His accolades include winning the F(r)iction Short Story Contest, the Katherine Paterson Prize, and the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award. His short stories for children, teens, and adults have been widely published in literary magazines. He has an M.F.A. in Fiction from the University of Texas at Austin. Learn more about Noah here: noahweisz.wordpress.com

GO301 Yoga for Well-Being (30 Oct 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Yoga classes for physical and mental well-being focused on mindful, precise movement, breath awareness, and the mind-body connection. You can expect asanas (yoga postures), breathwork exercises, and simple guided meditations designed to help you feel safe and empowered in your body.

Each class starts with a short check-in and is adapted to the students’ current needs and abilities. All levels are welcome. If you have had any surgeries or have physical injuries, please contact Ola prior to class (contact information will be provided upon registration).

Following class, members are encouraged to meet upstairs in the cafe for coffee, tea, cake, or other delicious creations made by the team at the Apycem cafe, to which the studio belongs.

Cancellations may be made more than 3 days before the first session. Please notify wice@wice-paris.org to cancel so that someone on the waitlist may attend in your place.

A word about Ola:

I am an experienced yoga teacher and psychologist. I teach yoga that supports body awareness and gently explores the inner world, combining movement with tools for stress management and emotional regulation.

What matters most to me is the person in front of me, their needs, story, and intention. I enjoy accompanying people in their self-discovery and witnessing their growth through yoga.

More information: https://practicewithola.com/about

VO301 Bonfire of the Vanities: Book Burnings through the Ages (30 Oct 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 09:30:00 GMT

For thousands of years, governments, armies, mobs, and everyday people have burned books in massive displays of hatred. Why do they do this? In this talk, John Eigenauer will explore some of the world’s most infamous book burnings through photographs, posters, history, anecdotes, and art, including a famous painting in the Louvre!

Registration opens 30 September.

John Eigenauer is an intellectual historian and professor emeritus of philosophy at Taft College in California. He holds a doctorate in Interdisciplinary Studies from Syracuse University. His work has been published in variety of publications. He has spoken internationally on human rationality and the pedagogy of critical thinking. His book, 'Paris and the Birth of Public Knowledge,' is available online. John lives in Vincennes and has been a WICE member for a year.

LO301 Booker Books: The End of Everything, by M. John Harrison (30 Oct 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

M. John Harrison’s The End of Everything is a darkly comic and unsettling post-apocalyptic novel centered on Phillip Tennent, who survives by collecting strange objects washed ashore from the English Channel. In a world altered by an unexplained catastrophe—where governments have weakened, the natural world has changed, and familiar geographies seem uncertain—Phillip discovers a mysterious, shape-shifting object he cannot simply leave behind. What follows is both an adventure and a meditation on uncertainty, perception, and the limits of what human beings can understand.

The Booker Book group reads and discusses—in English—books that have either received, or been on the short list for, the Booker Prize.

Two spaces are reserved for new WICE members. If no new WICE members have registered five days prior to the meeting, those two spaces will become available to the general WICE membership.

Registration for the October meeting opens on Saturday, 26 September.

BS113 Friday In-person French-English Conversation Group (30 Oct 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

The Friday group meets upstairs at the Le Nelsons, near Les Halles, from 15:00 - 16:30. Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.

There is no need to register, just show up and look for the WICE tables upstairs.

Le Nelsons, 16 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Metro lines 1/4/7/11/14, RER A, B, D, and buses 74, 85

Participation is free with WICE membership.

BS042 Friday Online French-English Conversation Group (30 Oct 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

We meet online (Zoom) every Friday. Participants are divided into small groups of 5-6 members. We converse 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. Conversations are free-form and address topics of interest to the individual group members.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

Each class will take place in a lively and friendly atmosphere that encourages students' enjoyment and active participation. Along with linguistic exercises, references to French culture and gastronomy will also be presented.

The course meets twice a week for 90 minutes (1.5 hours on Zoom on Mondays and 1.5 hours at the Impact Cafe on Thursdays) and is conducted in French. When necessary, supplementary explanations may be given in English.
This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions

About the instructor

Nathalie Allain is a native French speaker with a master’s degree in FLE (French as a foreign language) who is also fluent in English, German, and Japanese. To future students, she says: “In addition to textbooks, I like to make French come alive by using the language to discover the culture and history of Paris in one field trip each month.”

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This lively French course will improve your ability to deal with an array of everyday life situations in French. This level is for students who understand simple, straightforward information and can express themselves in familiar contexts and take part in an everyday conversation on simple, predictable topics.

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

Geared for learners with an intermediate knowledge of French, the course meets twice a week for 90 minutes (1.5 hours on Zoom on Mondays and 1.5 hours in person downstairs at the Impact Cafe Thursdays) and is conducted in French.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

PN021 Creative Photography: Finding the Essence (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This theme includes focusing on the essence and emotional impact of your subject and working with the art of minimalism in your compositions and lighting to ensure that what you experienced when you made your photo is felt by those who view it. It is about simplicity, precision, stillness, and mood—not so much what should be “in” the photo, but more about what should be removed.

We will do class exercises to learn how to really connect with your subjects and will review “assignments” in class to guide you on the path to the power of minimalism. We will finish with a presentation of your final project.

This virtual course will be held over three sessions giving you time to practise and hone your skills.

Session I: Monday 2 November

Session II: Monday 16 November

Session III: Monday 30 November

The price for all three sessions, held on Zoom will be included in the initial fee.

You will be automatically registered for all three sessions when you register for the first one.

The Zoom link will be sent in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails.

Refund for cancellation is available until 28 October.

Requirements:

For photography and art lovers of all levels.
Suitable both iPhones and cameras.

Students can expect to:

Become familiar with photography best practices
Learn techniques for focusing on the essence of a subject and for approaching each composition with minimalism in mind
Participate in a friendly critique session of their work

About the Instructor

Meredith Mullins is a popular photo instructor and fine-art photography mentor, an internationally exhibited photographer, and a winner of international photography competitions, including the Grand Concours Photo sur Paris, PX3 Competition, Julia Margaret Cameron Award, Photographer’s Forum, and Worldwide Gala Photo Awards. She is the author of the award-winning book In a Paris Moment, a leader of photo adventure tours, and the Co-Founder and Director of the International Fine Art Photography Competition.

https://meredithmullins.artspan.com

Photo Credits: Meredith Mullins

SN031 Morning Coffee at Les Editeurs (03 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Join fellow WICE members for coffee on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday mornings of the month (and occasionally the 5th Tuesday) at Les Editeurs with host Hilary Kaiser. It's a great opportunity to hang out with fellow WICE members, make new friends, and enjoy those special experiences unique to Paris.

Open to all WICE members, but registration is required. This is a public restaurant, and anyone can go, but WICE reserves 10 seats together, and if you don't register you may not be able to sit with us.

Registration is open.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café (and pay for it before leaving).

Les Editeurs is located at 4 Carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006. It can be reached by metro lines 4 and 10 (Odéon), and busses 58, 87, and 89.

GN031 Drawing Club (03 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Join us for coffee and a relaxing, fun opportunity to exercise your creativity. We are excited to interpret the beautiful elements around us, NOT to create the “perfect drawing”. All levels welcome. No experience needed.

What to bring: Small sketchbook such as A5, or loose paper; drawing tools such as pencils, pens, or markers.

Registration is open.

About Michele: Michèle has recently returned to Paris for good after having stayed away for far too long. She has been a pet portrait artist, an illustrator, and a copy artist at the Louvre. Her favorite medium is soft pastels, and she especially enjoys sketching the world around her.

BS081 Tuesday In-Person French/English Conversation Group (03 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

The Tuesday group meets at the Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris from 15:00 - 16:30. Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.

There is no need to register, but if it is your first time to participate in person in Tuesday's group, please contact Christian Paolasso at c.paolas@laposte.net (primary), or Ellen Bryson at ellen.bryson@wice-paris.org (secondary) and let one of them know you are planning to come.

Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris. Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and buses #42, #70, #88.

Participation is free with WICE membership.

FN031 Talk: The American Revolution in Paris - Talk 1 of 4 (03 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join WICE in a fascinating tour de force of the places in Paris that are intimately associated with the American Revolution.

Through a combination of four PowerPoint presentations and three walks—based on the book "Paris: Birthplace of the U.S.A."—attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the critical role France played in the success of the American Revolution.

About the Series

This is a fundraising activity for WICE, and the series is open to all interested persons. The cost is €25 apiece for individual talks.

About the Organizer

Mary Jo Padgett is a journalist, teacher, former elected official, public relations consultant, and independent historian, with a special interest in the French connection to the American Revolution.

While living in Paris she was introduced to the book "Paris: Birthplace of the U.S.A." She has used this book as the foundation for walks and presentations, which she has conducted since 2013 for the American Library in Paris, the American Embassy, private groups, and WICE.

She lives in North Carolina, and does presentations at Lifelong Learning programs at community colleges, Furman University, Wofford College, and others. She is donating all proceeds from this series to WICE.

WS292 Bringing Stories to Life: The craft of scene (03 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

For all levels - Memoir, Novel, Short Story

DESCRIPTION

Scene is where stories come alive on the page. It’s where readers feel, understand, and step inside a story’s world. It’s also where the demands of a writer’s craft are greatest: strong scenes hold both action rendered in sensory, dramatic detail and the interior voice that shapes how readers experience the story.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Character & Setting Craft:

Ground story in vivid, purposeful locations;

Create characters with clear motivation and authentic behavior

Develop compelling dialogue that reveals character

Pacing & Structure:

Build tension through countervailing forces
Drive momentum with action and conflict
Practice page-turning pacing techniques

Voice & Subtext:

Weave in distinctive narrative voice and interiority
Add depth through subtext and implication
Balance showing and telling for maximum impact

HOW CLASSES WILL WORK

Each writer is workshopped at least twice over the term; submissions up to 1,500 words per turn, which allows for detailed feedback. Sessions include:

Study of effective published scenes

Analysis exercises mapping scene and expository techniques

Supportive read-alouds of new work

Collaborative workshopping of three participants' pieces

Q&A on scene craft and technique

COURSE OUTCOME

By the workshop's end, you'll have developed a compelling narrative scene and gained the confidence to craft stories that invite readers in and hold their attention.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Becky Ellis's debut memoir, Little Avalanches (Regalo Press, 2024), won the Rubery Book Award for Best Nonfiction Book of the Year and was a finalist for the Oregon Book Award. Her work has appeared in Northwest Review, The Ethel, Best Small Fictions, Psychology Today, and others.

Find out more about her at beckyellis.net.

BS012 Tuesday Online French-English Conversation Group (03 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

We meet online (Zoom) every Tuesday. Participants are divided into small groups of 5-6 members. We converse 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. Conversations are free-form and address topics of interest to the individual group members.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

SN041 Morning Coffee in the 9th at Le Grand Comptoir d'Anvers (04 Nov 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming morning coffee hosted by Pam Combastet at Le Grand Comptoir d’Anvers — a stylish and vibrant café-brasserie nestled in the heart of Paris’s 9th arrondissement. Situated conveniently just a short stroll or metro ride away for members living in the 9th, 10th and 18th arrondissements, with its warm wood-panelled interior and large windows, Le Grand Comptoir d’Anvers offers an ideal setting for catching up, meeting fellow members, and enjoying beautifully brewed coffee (or tea!) in a welcoming atmosphere.

Stay for as little or as long as you like, and enjoy friendly introductions, new connections, and the joy of relaxed attendance. Pam will be there to welcome you, introduce you to fellow members, and make sure it’s a memorable start to your day. Come unwind, engage, and start your morning in good company. We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration opens on Thursday,22 October.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

WO211 Chapter One (04 Nov 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

An in-person workshop to get you writing!

“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” -E. L. Doctorow

Description

Everyone has a story to tell. This class is perfect for beginners who aren’t sure where to start as well as for intermediate writers who are looking for feedback and inspiration. In this in-person workshop, we’ll examine elements such as tone, character, dialogue, description, and point of view.

Each is an important building block that helps create a story. We will explore fiction and nonfiction excerpts to study how authors have created the unique tones for their stories and characters, then try our hand at finding the pitch perfect tone for our own work.

Short exercises will focus on honing powers of observation and precise language. In a warm, supportive atmosphere, participants have the opportunity to share the stories they have written and to receive feedback. Optional homework assignments are given each week. You will leave the class with the tools you need to continue writing your stories.

Instructor

Originally from Montana, Janet Skeslien Charles came to France to teach for a year, and has now been here for two decades. She's the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library, Moonlight in Odessa, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade, and The Parisian Chapter.

Her essays and short fiction have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Sydney Morning Herald, and Montana Noir. Her work has been translated into 40 languages. She has taught creative writing in the U.S., France, Switzerland, and Ukraine. She looks forward to sharing her passion for writing with members of WICE.

Connect with her at JSkeslienCharles.com.

BS161 French Guided Discussion (04 Nov 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Course Description

This French Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of French. Group leaders provide participants with engaging weekly readings on a wide range of topics prior to each dynamic and fast-paced seminar. If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in varied, topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning through focused conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback. The French Guided Discussion group speaks only in French for 90 minutes which gives participants an excellent space to practice.

Please note: the Discussion moves to Wednesday evening this trimester so that Paris-based members can attend the WICE apéro on Thursdauys. Classes do not meet during the two weeks of vacances scolaires: 17 October - 1 November.
A Zoom link will be provided the day before the course begins. Be sure to check your email for it
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions

About the Instructors

Brice Dardel and Brigitte Le Quéré, both native French speakers with extensive experience leading discussions, alternate weekly sessions.

BS171 Les Femmes Impressionnistes (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Dive into the art, literature, and culture of France through this eye-opening new course on women impressionists. Focusing on three artists: Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, and Eva Gonzalès, the class is conducted in French suitable for an intermediate level of comprehension (high A 2– C1). Students will view a series of lively PowerPoint presentations, read relevant materials, and visit the Musée Marmottan as well as the Petit Palais. For art lovers, the class is excellent preparation for two upcoming exhibits: “Mary Cassatt, L’Indépendante” at the Musée d’Orsay and the first retrospective dedicated to Eva Gonzalès, Édouard Manet’s only pupil, at the Petit Palais. The class will meet in person at the Impact Café

There will be no class on October 22 or 29 during the French school vacation.

Plongez dans l’art, la littérature et la culture françaises grâce à ce nouveau cours enrichissant consacré aux femmes impressionnistes. Axé sur trois artistes : Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt et Eva Gonzalès, ce cours est dispensé en français et s’adresse à un niveau intermédiaire de compréhension (A2 avancé – C1). Les étudiants assisteront à une série de présentations PowerPoint dynamiques, liront des documents pertinents et visiteront le musée Marmottan ainsi que le Petit Palais. Pour les amateurs d’art, ce cours constitue une excellente préparation à deux expositions à venir : « Mary Cassatt, L’Indépendante » au musée d’Orsay et la première rétrospective consacrée à Eva Gonzalès, l’unique élève d’Édouard Manet, au Petit Palais. Les cours se dérouleront en présentiel à l’Impact Café.

Il n'y aura pas de cours les 22 et 29 octobre, en raison des vacances scolaires.

About the instructor

Nathalie Allain is a native French speaker with a master’s degree in FLE (French as a foreign language) who is also fluent in English, German, and Japanese. In addition, Nathalie graduated in art history from l'Ecole du Louvre.

SN051 WICE Lunch (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Come enjoy a lively lunch with fellow WICE members. Catch up with old friends and meet new ones over a fun and leisurely meal in a charming café in the Latin Quarter.

We normally stand, mingle, and chat for 30 - 45 minutes, and then sit down to eat at about 12:30 or 12:45. So please plan accordingly.

You pay for what you eat and drink, no extra fees, but registration is required.

Served by metro line 10 (Sorbonne-Cluny), metro line 4 (Saint Michel), and busses 21, 27, 38, 63, 86, 87, and 96.

Registration opens on Friday, 2 October.

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

FN051 Walk: The American Revolution in Paris - Walk 1 of 3 (Thursday) (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Join WICE in a fascinating tour de force of the places in Paris that are intimately associated with the American Revolution.

Through a combination of four PowerPoint presentations and three walks—based on the book "Paris: Birthplace of the U.S.A."—WICE members will gain an in-depth understanding of the critical role France played in the success of the American Revolution.

This first walk begins in Autueil and ends approximately three hours later on the Champs Elysées. During the walk we will visit and discuss the hotel where John Adams and family lived 1784-85 and the historical marker for his eccentric neighbor Madame Helvetius, who was a great friend of Benjamin Franklin.

We’ll metro to Passy to see where Benjamin Franklin lived and had his office, print shop, and research station for studies with electricity. Then we'll visit Square Yorktown (near Place du Trocadéro) with its handsome statue of Benjamin Franklin to honor the Victory for the Americans in the Revolutionary War. An important monument here lists all the French soldiers and officers who died at Yorktown.

We’ll see the magnificent statue of George Washington at Place d’Iéna, learn why the statue of Rochambeau nearby is pointing west, explore the many mementos at Place des Etats-Unis, and see where Thomas Jefferson lived as America’s second Ambassador to the Court of Versailles.

At the end of the walk we can settle into a local café and discuss what we saw.

Note: Participants will gather at 13:30 at metro Michel Ange-Auteuil, street level, on rue d’Auteuil (sortie 2). The organizer, Mary Jo Padgett, will have on a gray silky scarf. After the first site visit, participants will take the metro to Passy, so please be prepared to provide your own metro ticket. From Passy participants will walk to all other locations, ending the day’s tour at the Champs-Elyseés. Altogether, we expect the walk to take about three hours, so please be prepared with comfortable walking shoes, water, umbrella, the usual things you need in Paris.

About the Series

This is a fundraising activity for WICE, and the series is open to all interested persons. The cost is €25 apiece for individual walks.

About the Organizer

Mary Jo Padgett is a journalist, teacher, former elected official, public relations consultant, and independent historian, with a special interest in the French connection to the American Revolution.

BS172 English Guided Discussion (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Course Description

This English Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of English. Our group leaders suggest interesting topics and readings prior to each group discussion. If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in diverse topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning and developing through guided conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback. The group speaks only in English for one
hour.

The class will not meet on 22 and 29 October (vacances scolaires).

Note: A Zoom link will be provided the day before the
course begins. Be sure to check your email for it.

Contact languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

Ce groupe de discussion guidée anglaise est ouvert aux personnes qui parlent anglais presque couramment (niveaux intermédiaire-avancé ou avancé). Nos animateurs proposent des sujets intéressants et des textes avant chaque groupe. Si vous appréciez la lecture, la communication, la présentation et la participation à des discussions
diverses, ce groupe est pour vous. En plus d’apprendre et se développer à travers des discussions guidées avec d'autres participants, vous aurez également la possibilité d'obtenir des
commentaires constructifs. Ce groupe de discussion guidée est un endroit idéal pour rencontrer d’autres passionnés de la langue anglais. Le groupe ne parle qu’anglais pendant une heure.

Facilitators

The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.

GS101 Needlework at Valerie's (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Any and all WICE needle workers are welcome to attend. Bring your project, and if you're so inclined, something to nosh on (by no means necessary).

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

WS171 Intensive Fiction-Writing Workshop (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Advanced Intensive Fiction Workshop

Description

In a supportive, generous, intellectually curious, and motivating atmosphere, we’ll dive into stories aiming to understand how they work, and what they’re trying to achieve.

Instructor

BS181 French 4.1 (Adv. Intermediate DELF B1+/B2-->C1) (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Course Description

French 4 is designed for upper-intermediate learners who want to move toward advanced proficiency. The course strengthens fluency, accuracy, and confidence while expanding students' ability to express complex ideas with nuance both in formal and informal settings.

Real-Life Situations Practiced:

Participating in professional or academic meetings
Presenting and justifying a project or idea
Managing misunderstandings and clarifying meaning
Writing formal emails or structured texts
Debating cultural or social issues with well-supported arguments.

This course will not meet October 30, the second week of vacances scolaires,

Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

GN061 Yoga for Well-Being (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Following class, members are encouraged to meet upstairs in the cafe for coffee, tea, cake, or other delicious creations made by the team at the Apycem cafe, to which the studio belongs.

Cancellations may be made more than 3 days before the first session. Please notify wice@wice-paris.org to cancel so that someone on the waitlist may attend in your place.

A word about Ola:

What matters most to me is the person in front of me, their needs, story, and intention. I enjoy accompanying people in their self-discovery and witnessing their growth through yoga.

More information: https://practicewithola.com/about

BS182 French 5.1 (Advanced DELF C1-->C2) (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Course Description

French 5 is an advanced conversation-focused class created for learners who already communicate fluently and aim to reach near-native mastery. The emphasis is on rhetorical finesse, persuasive speaking, and highly nuanced comprehension.

Focus of the Conversation Training:

Persuading, negotiating, and convincing with credible arguments
Defending a viewpoint under pressure
Handling complex, fast-paced discussions
Subtly adjusting tone, register, and rhetorical strategy depending on audience

This course will be held in French once a week on Zoom for 90 minutes. It does not meet on 30 October, the second week of French school vacation. Please contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

LN061 Murder, They Read: Better the Blood (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Better the Blood -- Michael Bennett, New Zealand.

Per amazon.com: An absorbing, clever debut thriller that speaks to the longstanding injustices faced by New Zealand’s indigenous peoples, by an acclaimed Māori screenwriter and director. Kirkus Reviews characterises the book as "a striking debut and a significant addition to Indigenous literature."

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/michael-bennett/better-the-blood/

Availability: amazon.com in several formats; orderable from Shakespeare and Co, Momox

Registration opens on Saturday, 03 October.

BO023 French Film Discussion (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

COURSE DESCRIPTION: For this advanced French course, you will watch a film at home (available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Canal Plus, Orange, YouTube and other platforms) before a lively and engaging discussion in class. Each month a new film provides a basis for an immersive lesson with authentic spoken language and cultural reference points. If you love movies, there’s no more enjoyable way to increase vocabulary, improve conversational skills, and deepen your understanding of French cinema and culture.

Each discussion will focus on analyzing the film from different angles:

Creation; production; and reception, both critical and commercial
Screenplay, direction, and artistic collaborations such as script, cinematography, acting, and music
Specific features in the director's filmography and its place in the French cinema of his/her era.

Trimestre d'automne: Danielle Darrieux, une actrice dans un siècle

Ses initiales DD ont été célèbres avant celles de BB. Danielle Darrieux (1917-2017) est décédée à 100 ans, après avoir tourné avec les plus grands cinéastes. Elle débute en 1931, à l’âge de 14 ans, et capte la lumière en incarnant la jeune femme moderne du cinéma français. En 1936, elle devient une star internationale avec Mayerling. Hollywood lui ouvre ses portes. Elle devient alors la plus populaire des actrices françaises et un modèle féminin. Dans les années 50, elle triomphe aux côtés de Gérard Philipe, Jean Gabin ou Jean Marais. Elle devient la muse de Max Ophüls. En 1967, Jacques Demy la choisit pour Les Demoiselles de Rochefort. En 2002, François Ozon la dirige dans 8 femmes. Ingénue, libre, inventant un ton et un style sans pareils, Danielle Darrieux incarne la femme française moderne et libre. Parcours en 3 films emblématiques dont le point commun est les années 50, une décennie de reconstruction de la France, où la femme est encore enfermée dans des rôles traditionnels, que Darrieux incarne et transcende par son jeu d’une éclatante modernité.

Madame de (1953) de Max Ophuls

Avec DD, Vittorio de Sica, Charles Boyer

Une histoire prétexte de boucles d’oreilles en forme de cœur qui circulent de mains en mains et de capitale en capitale, pour raconter le destin tragique d’une grande bourgeoise succombant à la passion. La mise en scène totalement virtuose de Max Ophüls, le style de jeu de Danielle Darrieux nous entraînent dans une valse étourdissante et intemporelle. Un des trois films du duo Darrieux - Ophüls.

La Vérité sur Bébé Donge (1952) de Henri Decoin

D’après Georges Simenon, avec DD, Jean Gabin

François Donge, riche industriel, a épousé Elisabeth d’Onneville surnommée «Bébé ». Sentimentalement déçue, incomprise de tous, BB empoisonne son mari. Sur son lit de mort, François revoit son passé et comprend ses erreurs.

Ce film sombre réalisé par le premier mari de Danielle Darrieux rend parfaitement l’univers des romans de Simenon. Ce drame de l’incompréhension, construit en de multiples flash backs, ne juge pas de manière morale l’héroïne, mais montre au contraire la prison patriarcale dans laquelle la société a tenté de l’enfermer. Le film est une autopsie du couple bourgeois et porte un message féministe très en avance pour son époque.

8 femmes (2002) de François Ozon

Avec DD, Catherine Deneuve, Fanny Ardant, Isabelle Huppert, Emmanuelle Béart, Virginie Ledoyen, Ludivine Sagnier

Dans les années 50, à l’approche de Noël, la neige tombée en abondance isole une maison familiale dont le propriétaire est retrouvé poignardé. Le coupable est forcément l’une des huit femmes réunies pour les fêtes et prisonnières de la tempête : sa femme, sa sœur, sa belle-sœur, ses deux filles, sa cuisinière, et sa femme de chambre.

S’inspirant d’un succès du théâtre de boulevard, François Ozon nous propose une comédie grinçante, un sulfureux huis clos au cours duquel les manœuvres les plus basses sont déballées par une famille aux abois. Il offre à ses huit actrices un intermède musical leur permettant de chanter un solo. La mise en scène joue sur le mensonge et les faux semblants. Hommage de François Ozon aux actrices et singulièrement à Danielle Darrieux.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: A graduate of Sciences Po Paris and ESCP Business School with a master's in political philosophy, Pascale Borenstein co-founded the first professional training course for screenwriters, the Conservatoire Européen d'Ecriture Audiovisuelle (CEEA), which she subsequently directed. From 2004 to 2017, she was Director of International Relations and Continuing Education at France's national film school, La Fémis, where she collaborated with the film departments at NYU, Columbia University, and Calarts. Pascale is the co-author of "Histoire de films français" published by Bordas and a lecturer at l'ICART (École du Management Culturel & Marché de l'Art).

PN061 Guided Tour of L'Espace Entre Nous - an exhibition devoted to a single collection: The Wilson Centre for Photography (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

One of the best ways to learn photography is to visit exhibitions and photo shops. We will visit a contemporary photography exhibition in this great space for photography and analyze the work of the artists and the meaning of their work.

We will meet at Le Bal gallery at 2pm - nearest metro: Place de Clichy (L2 and L13). After the exhibition we will have a feedback session at a nearby a café.

About the exhibition:

To mark the bicentenary of the birth of photography, LE BAL is presenting, for the first time, an exhibition devoted to a single collection: that of Michael and Jane Wilson / The Wilson Centre for Photography. Through this rare ensemble of 120 prints, the exhibition explores the sometimes elusive, sometimes luminous, always shifting relationship between the one who photographs and the one who is photographed.

From fleeting encounters to carefully staged collaborations, from images caught in the moment to collaboratively constructed scenes, the exhibition examines the relationship that comes into being, at the moment the photograph is made, between the photographer and their subject. What does the image reveal about the respective positions of these two bodies? About their complicity, their face-to-face encounter, the silent pact sealed by the gaze of one upon the appearance of the other?

The exhibition brings together iconic works and lesser-known images, from the 1920s to the present day, in a sensitive journey shaped by visual echoes, affinities and unexpected correspondences between images.

Students can expect:

A guided tour of the exhibition
An analysis of the artists' work and how they use the photography medium.
A friendly feedback session after the exhibition

Course requirements:

Suitable for all photography lovers!

Cancellation with refund is available until Sunday 1 November.

Pricing

Museum ticket price (€10) is not included in the course price. We will purchase tickets tickets on the day.

For insurance purposes, all attendees must be WICE members. We include a three-month WICE membership with the price for the general public.

About the instructor:

Juan Manuel Abellán is a professional fine art photographer and photography tutor based in Paris since 2007. He graduated in Advertising and Visual Arts and holds a Master in Art, philosophy and aesthetics, specialized in Photography and Contemporary Art. He has worked with the agency Magnum Photo and exhibited his work in several exhibitions, including at the Centre Georges Pompidou. Passionate about photography, Juan Manuel works as a freelance photographer with a specialization in portrait, reportage and fine art photography. He is also an experimented leader of photography adventure tours around the world.

www.juanmanuelabellan.com

Photo credit: John Gutmann, Haussement d’épaules, 1935
© Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Board of Regents, Courtesy Wilson Centre for Photography

BS113 Friday In-person French-English Conversation Group (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

There is no need to register, just show up and look for the WICE tables upstairs.

Le Nelsons, 16 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Metro lines 1/4/7/11/14, RER A, B, D, and buses 74, 85

Participation is free with WICE membership.

BS042 Friday Online French-English Conversation Group (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

SN071 Morning Coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt (07 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Join fellow WICE members for morning coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt.

Open to all WICE members, but registration is required. This is a public restaurant, and anyone can go, but WICE reserves a block of seats together, and if you don't register you may not be able to sit with us.

Registration opens on Sunday, 18 October.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

Le Sarah Bernhardt is located at 2 Place du Châtelet. It can be reached by metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 (Châtelet, Secteur Seine, Sortie 17), and buses 38, 67, 69, and 72.

VU071 Talk: This is your brain on Paris. (07 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 09:15:00 GMT

Do you feel different in Paris? Have you ever wondered why? In this talk, John Eigenauer will describe the many ways in which Paris affects our brains in surprising and beautiful ways.

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (09 Nov 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

LN091 The New Yorker: Short Stories (09 Nov 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

WICE’s “New Yorker Short Story Group” is for anyone interested in reading short stories and novellas written by some of today’s very best emerging and established authors. Each monthly discussion will focus on 2 stories recently published in the New Yorker. Selections will be announced at the beginning of the month of the next scheduled meeting.

Stories for Monday, 9 November will be announced on or about 1 November.

Registration opens on Tuesday, 13 October.

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (09 Nov 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

GN101 Drawing Club (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

What to bring: Small sketchbook such as A5, or loose paper; drawing tools such as pencils, pens, or markers.

Registration is open.

SN101 Morning Coffee at Brasserie Le Bullier (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Join fellow WICE members for coffee on Tuesday mornings. And, if the weather permits, perhaps a walk through the Luxembourg Gardens afterwards.

Members meet at Brasserie le Bullier, named after the famous ball located opposite the "Port Royal" station, to which the whole of Paris once flocked.

Offering a beautiful interior and exterior space, where everyone's privacy is preserved, Le Bullier gives each guest the feeling of the warmth of a Parisian salon and the decor of the Brasseries of yesteryear.

WICE member Brise Rickey hosts the Tuesday morning coffees twice a month. It's a great opportunity to hang out with fellow WICE members, make new friends, and enjoy those special experiences unique to Paris.

It is expected that everyone will order a beverage or food item appropriate for sitting around a café in the morning (and pay for it on the way out).

Open to all WICE members, but registration is required. This is a public restaurant but WICE reserves 12 seats together, and if you don't register you will not be able to sit with the WICE group.

Registration opens on Wednesday, 28 October.

Brasserie le Bullier is located at 22 Av. de l'Observatoire, 75014. It can be reached by RER B (Port Royal), metro lines 4 and 6 (Raspail), and buses 38, 82, 91.

LN101 The Karla Trilogy: the World of John Le Carré (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Book 3. Smiley's People

In this age of new technologies and old treaties being revised, it's interesting to read and review John Le Carré's vision of the world (The Soviet Union vs the West and China was still dormant). So many of the terms we use today come from his own private lexicon. We all know what a Mole is! Join us for a read or a re-read and a look at the world today as he predicted it back then.

And if we get a chance, we will read his son’s, Nick Harkaway's, book Karla's Choice, the prequel to Tinker, Tailor.

Over the course of four monthly meetings, we’ll examine clever plots, surprising twists, and the social worlds that shaped these beloved stories. Whether you’re new to classic detective fiction or already a fan, this group offers a warm and lively space to enjoy and discuss these timeless whodunits.

Two spaces are reserved for new WICE members. If no new WICE members have registered by five days before the group meets, those two spaces will become available to the general WICE membership.

Registration opens on Wednesday, 13 October.

BS081 Tuesday In-Person French/English Conversation Group (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris. Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and buses #42, #70, #88.

Participation is free with WICE membership.

WS292 Bringing Stories to Life: The craft of scene (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

For all levels - Memoir, Novel, Short Story

DESCRIPTION

Scene is where stories come alive on the page. It’s where readers feel, understand, and step inside a story’s world. It’s also where the demands of a writer’s craft are greatest: strong scenes hold both action rendered in sensory, dramatic detail and the interior voice that shapes how readers experience the story.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Character & Setting Craft:

Ground story in vivid, purposeful locations;

Create characters with clear motivation and authentic behavior

Develop compelling dialogue that reveals character

Pacing & Structure:

Build tension through countervailing forces
Drive momentum with action and conflict
Practice page-turning pacing techniques

Voice & Subtext:

Weave in distinctive narrative voice and interiority
Add depth through subtext and implication
Balance showing and telling for maximum impact

HOW CLASSES WILL WORK

Each writer is workshopped at least twice over the term; submissions up to 1,500 words per turn, which allows for detailed feedback. Sessions include:

Study of effective published scenes

Analysis exercises mapping scene and expository techniques

Supportive read-alouds of new work

Collaborative workshopping of three participants' pieces

Q&A on scene craft and technique

COURSE OUTCOME

By the workshop's end, you'll have developed a compelling narrative scene and gained the confidence to craft stories that invite readers in and hold their attention.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Find out more about her at beckyellis.net.

BS012 Tuesday Online French-English Conversation Group (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

Black Expatriate Writers/artist in Paris (11 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

During the early to middle part of the twentieth century, many African American artists left the United States for France, and specifically Paris. They arrived, in many ways, as refugees and exiles, escaping the racial violence in the United States. Some came with rose-colored glasses, seeing France's motto of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité as a welcome sign, and in fact, they did experience—some, certainly more than in the US—liberty, equality, and fraternity. Artists such as Josephine Baker experienced this, and in fact, she became, in 2021, the first Black woman and first American-born individual to be enshrined in the Panthéon. However, many, such as William Gardner Smith and James Baldwin, also saw the inequalities in France, notably the disparate treatment they received as "civilized" African Americans in relation to the mistreatment of individuals from France's colonies such as Algeria and Senegal.

This book club, which will take place over three meetings this fall, will explore the ways that the writers mentioned above experienced France and what they learned from their experiences in Paris and beyond. The book club will consist of short walking tours, a brief introduction by Matthew Teutsch for each text, and discussion at places to be determined. We will read the following, in this order.

William Gardner Smith The Stone Face (September 15—2 pm in front of Les Editeurs)

James Baldwin No Name in the Street (October 15—3 pm Top floor in Les Editeurs)

Josephine Baker Fearless and Free: A Memoir (November 11—2 pm; location to be determined)

Book 3: Fearless and Free — Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker’s Fearless and Free presents the celebrated performer and activist in her own words, drawing on conversations conducted over many years with the French journalist Marcel Sauvage. Baker recounts her rise from poverty in Missouri to international fame in 1920s Paris, where her performances made her one of the most recognizable figures of her generation. The memoir also traces her work for the French Resistance, her military honors, and her later involvement in the American civil rights movement, offering a vivid portrait of a life shaped by performance, celebrity, political commitment, and a determination to challenge racial barriers.

Registration will open the day after the previous meeting.

WO211 Chapter One (11 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

An in-person workshop to get you writing!

“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” -E. L. Doctorow

Description

Everyone has a story to tell. This class is perfect for beginners who aren’t sure where to start as well as for intermediate writers who are looking for feedback and inspiration. In this in-person workshop, we’ll examine elements such as tone, character, dialogue, description, and point of view.

Each is an important building block that helps create a story. We will explore fiction and nonfiction excerpts to study how authors have created the unique tones for their stories and characters, then try our hand at finding the pitch perfect tone for our own work.

Short exercises will focus on honing powers of observation and precise language. In a warm, supportive atmosphere, participants have the opportunity to share the stories they have written and to receive feedback. Optional homework assignments are given each week. You will leave the class with the tools you need to continue writing your stories.

Instructor

Originally from Montana, Janet Skeslien Charles came to France to teach for a year, and has now been here for two decades. She's the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library, Moonlight in Odessa, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade, and The Parisian Chapter.

Her essays and short fiction have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Sydney Morning Herald, and Montana Noir. Her work has been translated into 40 languages. She has taught creative writing in the U.S., France, Switzerland, and Ukraine. She looks forward to sharing her passion for writing with members of WICE.

Connect with her at JSkeslienCharles.com.

BS161 French Guided Discussion (11 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Course Description

About the Instructors

Brice Dardel and Brigitte Le Quéré, both native French speakers with extensive experience leading discussions, alternate weekly sessions.

BS171 Les Femmes Impressionnistes (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

There will be no class on October 22 or 29 during the French school vacation.

Il n'y aura pas de cours les 22 et 29 octobre, en raison des vacances scolaires.

About the instructor

GN121 Mindfulness Meditation (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Can you imagine a life where your mind is a source of peace and strength, where calmness flows through you like a gentle river even amidst daily challenges? What if you had the power to observe your thoughts without judgement, steady your emotions, and tap into a deeper well of wisdom within yourself? What if you could have moments of freedom between the triggering events of your life and your responses to them, moments of choice?

The pressure of daily life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and trapped, with no space for movement or reflection. Meditation offers us a more spacious life, an opportunity to descend to a more profound and rich experience of our lives and our relationships with ourselves, others and the world we inhabit. In terms of daily life and routine activities, regular practice can help the body regulate itself more effectively. It can help with getting a more relaxed and sound sleep or decreasing the severity and/or frequency of migraine headaches. It’s a pathtoward mental clarity, emotional resilience, and enriched creativity.

WICE members can join us for a biweekly hour of meditation practices. One variety is Vipassana, a mindfulness practice focusing on direct nonjudgmental observation of body and mind in order to cultivate greater awareness and ease. Others include heart practices such as generation of lovingkindness, compassion and equanimity. These practices are available as non-sectarian techniques, open to anyone seeking to understand their mind and body.

We’ll meet for about an hour on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. We’ll start with a few minutes of self-introduction, then some guided meditation, followed by a period of silence, then finishing with some final minutes of conversational reflection. Whatever level you are, beginner to advanced, you are welcome! Hosted by Lori Zeller and Cheryl Purvis, who have been meditating on and off for a total of over 70 years between the two of us, all the while taking classes, joining groups and going to retreats.

SN121 WICE Men's Lunch (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

WICE men . . . join us for a pay-for-your-own men's lunch!

This is nothing mysterious, it's just a chance for guys to hang out with other guys for a few hours and discover common interests and such over good food and beverages.

We meet at Au Trappiste, a Parisian brasserie located in Châtelet that offers 120 bottled beers and 20 draught beers, and specializes in mussels and chips and sauerkraut. A different pastry every day and Flemish carbonade to try!

Registration opens on Friday, 9 October.

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

FN121 Walk: The American Revolution in Paris - Walk 2 of 3 (Thursday) (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Join WICE in a fascinating tour de force of the places in Paris that are intimately associated with the American Revolution.

The second walk, which will last about three hours, starts at the Palais du Luxembourg, which was a prison during the French Revolution and was where American Patriot Thomas Paine was held.

From there we stroll to John Paul Jones’s residence on rue de Tournon. We’ll drop by 10, rue de L’Odeon to see the plaque noting where Thomas Paine lived 1797 till his return to the U.S. in 1802.

Next, Café Procope, which was patronized by Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Voltaire, etc. We’ll walk along Quai des Grands Augustins, following in the steps of Thomas Jefferson where he bought many books, which were eventually used to establish the U.S.Library of Congress.

Next, Hotel des Monnaies, quai de Conti, the Royal Mint, which was a brand new building when Franklin and Jefferson were in Paris (it was completed in 1777). Jefferson was interested in the production of coins for the new American government, so was a frequent visitor here.

We’ll finish at Hotel d’York, rue Jacob, where the Treaty of Paris was signed, giving independence to the American colonies.

At the end of the walk we can settle into a local café and discuss what we saw.

Note: Participants will gather at 13:30 just inside the gate to Jardin du Luxembourg labeled Porte l’Odeon, to the LEFT of the Palais du Luxembourg on rue du Vaugirard. The gate is across rue du Vaugirard from the Odeon Theater. The organizer, Mary Jo Padgett, will have on a scarf. Participants will gather inside the garden gate, and then walk to sites in the Odeon area, along Quai des Grands Augustins, and finish on rue Jacob. We expect the walk to take about three hours, so please be prepared with comfortable walking shoes, water, umbrella, the usual things you need in Paris.

About the Series

This is a fundraising activity for WICE, and the series is open to all interested persons. The cost is €25 apiece for individual walks.

About the Organizer

Mary Jo Padgett is a journalist, teacher, former elected official, public relations consultant, and independent historian, with a special interest in the French connection to the American Revolution.

BS172 English Guided Discussion (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Course Description

The class will not meet on 22 and 29 October (vacances scolaires).

Note: A Zoom link will be provided the day before the
course begins. Be sure to check your email for it.

Contact languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

Facilitators

The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.

GS101 Needlework at Valerie's (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Any and all WICE needle workers are welcome to attend. Bring your project, and if you're so inclined, something to nosh on (by no means necessary).

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

WS171 Intensive Fiction-Writing Workshop (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Advanced Intensive Fiction Workshop

Description

In a supportive, generous, intellectually curious, and motivating atmosphere, we’ll dive into stories aiming to understand how they work, and what they’re trying to achieve.

Instructor

BS181 French 4.1 (Adv. Intermediate DELF B1+/B2-->C1) (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Participating in professional or academic meetings
Presenting and justifying a project or idea
Managing misunderstandings and clarifying meaning
Writing formal emails or structured texts
Debating cultural or social issues with well-supported arguments.

This course will not meet October 30, the second week of vacances scolaires,

Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

GN131 Yoga for Well-Being (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Following class, members are encouraged to meet upstairs in the cafe for coffee, tea, cake, or other delicious creations made by the team at the Apycem cafe, to which the studio belongs.

Cancellations may be made more than 3 days before the first session. Please notify wice@wice-paris.org to cancel so that someone on the waitlist may attend in your place.

A word about Ola:

What matters most to me is the person in front of me, their needs, story, and intention. I enjoy accompanying people in their self-discovery and witnessing their growth through yoga.

More information: https://practicewithola.com/about

BS182 French 5.1 (Advanced DELF C1-->C2) (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Focus of the Conversation Training:

Persuading, negotiating, and convincing with credible arguments
Defending a viewpoint under pressure
Handling complex, fast-paced discussions
Subtly adjusting tone, register, and rhetorical strategy depending on audience

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

BO163 American Film Classics (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Discover and discuss masterpieces of American cinema in this class for intermediate and advanced English speakers. You’ll watch a film at home on streaming, or borrow the DVD from your local library, before a lively and engaging discussion in class. You’ll be assigned one scene to watch at least three times! Every month you’ll view a film from an influential director so you’ll come to know the stylistic hallmarks of favorite genres and filmmakers.

If you love the movies, this course is an enjoyable way to increase vocabulary, get comfortable with idiomatic expressions, improve your conversational skills, and deepen your understanding of American culture and cinema.

During the Fall 2026 trimester we'll be discussing three independent American films from the 21st century (or close enough):

1. Fargo, 1996, written and directed by the Coen brothers, starring Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, and Steve Buscemi. A black comedy crime drama that features inky dark humor; stark, snowy winter; and a pregnant police chief who embodies Minnesota nice.

"McDormand's uproariously sly-spry performance connects with Roger Deakins' bleakly beautiful photography to create one of the Coens' most consistently successful outings..." -- Mike Clark, USA Today

2. Carol, 2016, directed by Todd Haynes, starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, and Kyle Chandler. In 1950s New York, Therese, a young department store employee, meets Carol who is seductively older, glamorous, and unhappily married. Complications ensue.

"A serious melodrama about the geometry of desire, a dreamy example of heightened reality that fully engages emotions despite the exact calculations with which it's been made... Carol's lush but controlled visual look is completely intoxicating." -- Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

3. Certain Women, 2016, written and directed by Kelly Reichardt, starring Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, Michelle Williams, and Lily Gladstone. An anthology of intertwined short stories featuring three different women whose lives are marked by isolation and loneliness.

Guy Lodge of Variety called Reichardt "the quietest of great American filmmakers." In The Guardian, Nigel M. Smith gave the film 4 out of 5 stars and praised Reichardt as "a master at slow-burning, melanchonic dramas."

About the instructor:

Ellen Feldman grew up in Philadelphia and currently lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She holds a Ph.D. in cinema studies from New York University and has taught film studies at the State University of New York, Geneseo campus, and Brooklyn College.

LN131 The Long View: To Be Determined (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

"The Long View: Our Human Odyssey" is a nonfiction book group that will consider books that are oriented towards helping us understand what we—as humans—are, how we arrived here in evolutionary terms (physical, cultural, etc.), and our place in the world.

To date we have read and discussed:

"A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived: The Stories in Our Genes,"" by Adam Rutherford.
Salt: A World History" — Mark Kurlansky
"Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" — Yuval Noah Harari

Some of the other titles we are considering for future sessions are:

"Guns, Germs, and Steel" — Jared Diamond
"The Dawn of Everything" — David Graeber and David Wengrow
"The Righteous Mind" — Jonathan Haidt
"Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human" — Richard Wrangham

Because these books tend to be longer than the books that are read and discussed in our monthly fiction book groups, we meet approximately every 8 - 10 weeks.

BS113 Friday In-person French-English Conversation Group (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

There is no need to register, just show up and look for the WICE tables upstairs.

Le Nelsons, 16 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Metro lines 1/4/7/11/14, RER A, B, D, and buses 74, 85

Participation is free with WICE membership.

FN101 Talk: The American Revolution in Paris - Talk 2 of 4 (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join WICE in a fascinating tour de force of the places in Paris that are intimately associated with the American Revolution.

About the Series

This is a fundraising activity for WICE, and the series is open to all interested persons. The cost is €25 apiece for individual talks.

About the Organizer

Mary Jo Padgett is a journalist, teacher, former elected official, public relations consultant, and independent historian, with a special interest in the French connection to the American Revolution.

BS042 Friday Online French-English Conversation Group (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

SN141 Morning Coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Join fellow WICE members for morning coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt.

Registration opens on Sunday, 25 October.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

Le Sarah Bernhardt is located at 2 Place du Châtelet. It can be reached by metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 (Châtelet, Secteur Seine, Sortie 17), and buses 38, 67, 69, and 72.

VN141 Gothic Studies: Flirtations with Classicism (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Registration opens 11 October.

Gothic architecture was born just outside of Paris in the 12th century and sparked a rapid and widespread revolution in art and architecture across France and Europe. Through structural innovations and masterful artistry in stone, glass, and paint, this new style made tangible a mystical philosophy of divine light as a bridge between heaven and the earthly realm. Paris, with its rich layers of history, contains traces of each phase of the Gothic style as it evolved from its Romanesque roots through to the Renaissance. Over the course of four sessions, these walks aim to reveal those layers by visiting eight churches in roughly chronological order, each church offering a window into the ways in which Gothic architects, artisans, and patrons experimented with light, structure, and technique to create a reflection of heaven in their medieval world.

Beginning at the architectural treasure box which is Saint-Etienne-du-Mont behind the Pantheon, we’ll use this tour to study late Gothic creations and the ways in which Renaissance ideas from Italy start to make their way into ecclesiastical French architecture. Heading downhill from there and across the river, we’ll enter the elegant late Gothic church of Saint Gervais and study its influence on later Classical church architecture.

Matt Potts is a licensed architect in the US, where he practiced for 10 years after studying architecture in New York and Rome. He has lived in France since 2022 where he founded his own interior architecture firm. Matt is passionate about France’s rich built heritage - whether renovating a 16th-century manor house in the Burgundian countryside for his family, designing thoughtful renovations for his clients’ historic properties across France, or studying great works of Gothic architecture. He splits his time between Paris and Burgundy, enjoying the best of city and country life in France with his wife and their two sons (one human, one canine).

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (16 Nov 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (16 Nov 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

PN021 Creative Photography: Finding the Essence (16 Nov 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This virtual course will be held over three sessions giving you time to practise and hone your skills.

Session I: Monday 2 November

Session II: Monday 16 November

Session III: Monday 30 November

The price for all three sessions, held on Zoom will be included in the initial fee.

You will be automatically registered for all three sessions when you register for the first one.

The Zoom link will be sent in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails.

Refund for cancellation is available until 28 October.

Requirements:

For photography and art lovers of all levels.
Suitable both iPhones and cameras.

Students can expect to:

Become familiar with photography best practices
Learn techniques for focusing on the essence of a subject and for approaching each composition with minimalism in mind
Participate in a friendly critique session of their work

About the Instructor

https://meredithmullins.artspan.com

Photo Credits: Meredith Mullins

SN161 Pub Quiz! (16 Nov 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 18:40:00 GMT

In the grand tradition of pub quizzes across the anglophone world, join a team of fellow WICE members for a bilingual evening of trivial merriment. On a bi-monthly basis, WICE has reserved space with Paris Quiz Mistress to participate in a quiz night that consists of four rounds of trivia in English and French on a wide variety of topics, movies and TV, pop culture, geography, fashion, and anything strange and peculiar that comes through the mind of the Quiz Mistress Host.

This is not a WICE-exclusive event. We have reserved spaces for two teams of 5 (the maximum number of participants per team). There are prizes to win for the top teams and the best team name. A WICE volunteer will be at each event to help you identify our group.Please note that the quiz location changes depending on the night of the week, so please pay attention when registering to make sure you are going to the correct pub.

This event is free for members, but registration and the purchase of food or a beverage is required.

Registration opens on Tuesday, 20 October.

SN172 Morning Coffee at Les Editeurs (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Registration opens on Wednesday, 4 November.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café (and pay for it before leaving).

Les Editeurs is located at 4 Carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006. It can be reached by metro lines 4 and 10 (Odéon), and busses 58, 87, and 89.

GN171 Drawing Club (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

What to bring: Small sketchbook such as A5, or loose paper; drawing tools such as pencils, pens, or markers.

Registration is open.

BS081 Tuesday In-Person French/English Conversation Group (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris. Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and buses #42, #70, #88.

Participation is free with WICE membership.

FN171 Talk: The American Revolution in Paris - Talk 3 of 4 (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join WICE in a fascinating tour de force of the places in Paris that are intimately associated with the American Revolution.

About the Series

This is a fundraising activity for WICE, and the series is open to all interested persons. The cost is €25 apiece for individual talks.

About the Organizer

Mary Jo Padgett is a journalist, teacher, former elected official, public relations consultant, and independent historian, with a special interest in the French connection to the American Revolution.

WS292 Bringing Stories to Life: The craft of scene (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

For all levels - Memoir, Novel, Short Story

DESCRIPTION

Scene is where stories come alive on the page. It’s where readers feel, understand, and step inside a story’s world. It’s also where the demands of a writer’s craft are greatest: strong scenes hold both action rendered in sensory, dramatic detail and the interior voice that shapes how readers experience the story.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Character & Setting Craft:

Ground story in vivid, purposeful locations;

Create characters with clear motivation and authentic behavior

Develop compelling dialogue that reveals character

Pacing & Structure:

Build tension through countervailing forces
Drive momentum with action and conflict
Practice page-turning pacing techniques

Voice & Subtext:

Weave in distinctive narrative voice and interiority
Add depth through subtext and implication
Balance showing and telling for maximum impact

HOW CLASSES WILL WORK

Each writer is workshopped at least twice over the term; submissions up to 1,500 words per turn, which allows for detailed feedback. Sessions include:

Study of effective published scenes

Analysis exercises mapping scene and expository techniques

Supportive read-alouds of new work

Collaborative workshopping of three participants' pieces

Q&A on scene craft and technique

COURSE OUTCOME

By the workshop's end, you'll have developed a compelling narrative scene and gained the confidence to craft stories that invite readers in and hold their attention.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Find out more about her at beckyellis.net.

BS012 Tuesday Online French-English Conversation Group (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

FN172 Cru Adventures: The Anti-Beaujolais Nouveau Experience (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Cru Adventures:
The Anti-Beaujolais Nouveau Experience

Pour, Sip, and Explore the True Depth of French Reds.

Forget the fruity, fleeting rush of Beaujolais Nouveau. Join us for an evening dedicated to "Cru Intentions," where we’ll journey beyond the hype to discover the serious, age-worthy reds of Beaujolais - alongside the prestigious wines of their esteemed neighbours in the Northern Rhône and Southern Burgundy.

The Deep Dive: Shattering the Nouveau Myth
We begin by deconstructing the Crus of Beaujolais. We'll explore the region's granite soils, the serious side of the Gamay grape, and the elegant balance of dark cherry, crushed violets, and earthy spice that defines a premium vintage.

The Discovery: Neighbouring Giants
Once we’ve tasted the hidden complexity of Beaujolais, we’ll cross regional borders to explore three dramatically different yet complementary styles of French red:

The Beaujolais Crus

The gold standard of Gamay - structured, elegant, and bursting with wild berries.

Northern Rhône

Bold and peppery, showcasing the savoury, dark-fruit power of pure Syrah.

Southern Burgundy

Bright and refined, highlighting the floral finesse and charm of approachable Pinot Noir.

What to Expect

A Curated Flight

Taste 6 hand-selected wines, ranging from celebrated Beaujolais Cru estates to artisanal masters in the Rhône and Burgundy.

Expert Guidance

Learn the secrets of terroir (why does granite vs. limestone matter?), how to pair these versatile reds with food, and how to spot a cellar-worthy bottle.

The Art of Selection

Master the ability to choose the perfect red for any occasion, from a cozy autumn evening to a formal dinner.

Whether you’re a red wine devotee or just looking to expand your palate, this event celebrates the sophisticated side of these iconic regions.

Tickets are limited—secure yours today and let’s raise a glass to the French Art de Vivre!

Further information: Due to the upfront costs of the event, Payment is required on booking to secure your spot.

Please note: refunds are available up to two weeks in advance of the event. After 3 November, refunds are still available but only if your spot can be replaced by someone on the waiting list.

About the Instructors:

A native of Bordeaux, Elisabeth Iriart started her career in the wine business for Bordeaux wine merchants, where she developed her knowledge and love of wine.

She earned her WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) diploma and started her own business in Paris in 2011. She leads tasting classes and training for WSET in wines (Levels 2 and 3), as well as in spirits (Levels 1 and 2). In 2012 she was certified as a Cognac Educator for the BNIC (National Office of Cognac), and in 2017 she was certified as a Bordeaux wine educator for the Bordeaux Wine School. She currently works all over France in the area of wine and spirit education.

Elisabeth will be supported by a new volunteer whilst Felicity awaits the arrival of her first baby!

SN181 Morning Coffee in the 9th at Le Grand Comptoir d'Anvers (18 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Registration opens on Thursday, 5 November.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

VN181 A Glimpse of the Great Names of Fashion: An Anecdotal Fashion Walk and Talk (18 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

The Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement is one of Paris's leading fashion streets. All the major fashion houses have shops along its length, from Dior and Balenciaga to Chanel, Givenchy and Dolce and Gabbana.

When we all meet at the Diana Flame, Anne Campbell-Crawford, the walk leader, will begin by discussing the 'flame' before crossing the road to start the 'Fashion Walk and Talk' in Avenue Montaigne. It will be an informal stroll and members can contribute as they walk. Anne always brings her book of quotes from the great designers, which starts the comments rolling.

Please note: Anne is not a fashion consultant and does not give fashion advice. Also, this is not a fashion tour, e.g., for choosing outfits or accessories.

Meeting point: The ‘Diana Flame’ next to the Pont de l’Alma.

Métro station Alma-Marceau Line 9, Pont de l’Alma exit.

RER C station Pont de l’Alma. Cross the river to the Right Bank.

Buses 42, 63, 72, 80, 92.

Cancellation with refund is available until Friday, 13 November.

About the Walk Leader

Anne Campbell-Crawford has been living in Paris for the last 16 years where she gives Pilates Classes daily, either privately in your own home, on ZOOM, or in a place specific in the 16th arrondissement. Anne worked in London as a fashion model whilst studying Classical Ballet and Modern Dance. She went on to perform, had her own school of dance, and eventually created the Irish National Youth Ballet Co., which was grant aided by the Arts Council of Ireland. Anne now lives permanently in Paris and in Maine et Loire with her husband.

WO211 Chapter One (18 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

An in-person workshop to get you writing!

“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” -E. L. Doctorow

Description

Everyone has a story to tell. This class is perfect for beginners who aren’t sure where to start as well as for intermediate writers who are looking for feedback and inspiration. In this in-person workshop, we’ll examine elements such as tone, character, dialogue, description, and point of view.

Each is an important building block that helps create a story. We will explore fiction and nonfiction excerpts to study how authors have created the unique tones for their stories and characters, then try our hand at finding the pitch perfect tone for our own work.

Short exercises will focus on honing powers of observation and precise language. In a warm, supportive atmosphere, participants have the opportunity to share the stories they have written and to receive feedback. Optional homework assignments are given each week. You will leave the class with the tools you need to continue writing your stories.

Instructor

Originally from Montana, Janet Skeslien Charles came to France to teach for a year, and has now been here for two decades. She's the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library, Moonlight in Odessa, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade, and The Parisian Chapter.

Her essays and short fiction have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Sydney Morning Herald, and Montana Noir. Her work has been translated into 40 languages. She has taught creative writing in the U.S., France, Switzerland, and Ukraine. She looks forward to sharing her passion for writing with members of WICE.

Connect with her at JSkeslienCharles.com.

BS161 French Guided Discussion (18 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Course Description

About the Instructors

Brice Dardel and Brigitte Le Quéré, both native French speakers with extensive experience leading discussions, alternate weekly sessions.

BS171 Les Femmes Impressionnistes (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

There will be no class on October 22 or 29 during the French school vacation.

Il n'y aura pas de cours les 22 et 29 octobre, en raison des vacances scolaires.

About the instructor

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

FN191 Walk: The American Revolution in Paris - Walk 3 of 3 (Thursday) (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

On the third walk, we celebrate ways France and the young American country continued a close relationship even after the end of the War of Independence.

We meet at the elephant statue at Musée d’Orsay plaza, where we'll talk about the Hotel de Salm, next door, and its importance to post-Revolutionary history in America. Thomas Jefferson watched it being built. We’ll pass by the statue of Thomas Jefferson across the street at Passerelle de Solferino and learn why it’s located there.

Crossing the passerelle, we’ll stand along the parapet across the river/road to see the angle that Jefferson enjoyed while watching construction of Hotel de Salm. A stroll through the Tuileries takes us to Place de la Concord and Hotel de Coislin, where the Treaties of Friendship, Commerce and Alliance were signed and the independence of the U.S.A. was recognized by France.

On rue de Rivoli we'll find a plaque on a column of the gate to the Tuileries, which describes that the legislative assemblies of the French Revolution met here in the Royal Manege. Around the corner on rue Saint-Honoré, we’ll see St. James and Albany Hotel, which was previously Hotel de Noailles, where Lafayette met with Marie Antoinette when he came home for a year during the American Revolution.

Eglise Saint-Roch is next, where the tomb of Amiral de Grasse is housed. King Louis XVI called on this great French admiral to help the Americans in 1781, so he sailed on the flagship “Ville de Paris,” with 120-guns, three decks, and with 28 ships in the fleet to help out at Yorktown.

A walk to rue du Richelieu allows discussion of the four American presidents – John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams – who stayed at hotels along this street from time to time (1778-1815). Crossing through the garden of the Palais Royal, where many of the Revolution-era Americans hung out, we arrive at La Bourse de Commerce, built as the City’s Halle aux Blés in 1766. This building is closely related to the lives of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, and we will discuss why.

About the Series

This is a fundraising activity for WICE, and the series is open to all interested persons. The cost is €25 for individual walks.

About the Organizer

Mary Jo Padgett is a journalist, teacher, former elected official, public relations consultant, and independent historian, with a special interest in the French connection to the American Revolution.

LN191 Living Room Players: "The Skin of Our Teeth" by Thornton Wilder (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The Skin of Our Teeth — Thornton Wilder

Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning The Skin of Our Teeth is an unconventional three-part comedy-drama centered on the Antrobus family of Excelsior, New Jersey, who repeatedly struggle to survive disasters that threaten humanity itself. Moving freely across historical periods and deliberately breaking theatrical conventions, the play turns one seemingly ordinary American family into an allegory for the endurance of humankind. At once comic and philosophical, it explores catastrophe, resilience, family conflict, and humanity’s persistent capacity to begin again.

Please find here a text of the play: skin-of-our-teeth pdf.pdf

The readings take place at a member's apartment in the 15th. The address, door code, and phone number are sent in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails.

Two spaces are reserved for new WICE members. If no new WICE members have registered seven days before the event, those two spaces will become available to the general WICE membership.

Registration for the November reading opens on Friday, 16 October.

BS172 English Guided Discussion (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Course Description

The class will not meet on 22 and 29 October (vacances scolaires).

Note: A Zoom link will be provided the day before the
course begins. Be sure to check your email for it.

Contact languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

Facilitators

The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.

GS101 Needlework at Valerie's (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Any and all WICE needle workers are welcome to attend. Bring your project, and if you're so inclined, something to nosh on (by no means necessary).

BS173 French History Book Club (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Notre voyage à travers la France du XVIe siècle commence avec l’ouvrage de Simone Bertière, *Le Beau XVIe siècle*, où nous explorerons la vie, la personnalité et l’influence des reines au cœur de la monarchie française. Nous poursuivrons ensuite avec son deuxième volume, *Les Années sanglantes*, en suivant ces femmes remarquables à travers une époque de plus en plus tumultueuse, marquée par les conflits religieux, les intrigues politiques et les luttes dynastiques.

La lecture et les discussions se dérouleront en français, ce qui vous permettra de vous plonger dans le texte tout en pratiquant et en appréciant la conversation en français.

Préparez-vous à discuter les 25 premiers pages jusqu'a la fin de "metier de reine." Lors de cette première réunion, nous fixerons ensemble un objectif en nombre de pages pour les réunions suivantes.

Pour toute question, veuillez contacter Mary-Jo Reef: maryjo@wice-paris.org.

Our journey through sixteenth-century France begins with Simone Bertière's Le Beau XVIe siècle where we will explore the lives, personalities, and influence of the queens at the heart of the French monarchy. We will then continue with her second volume, Les Années sanglantes, as we follow these remarkable women through an increasingly turbulent era marked by religious conflict, political intrigue, and dynastic struggle.

Both the reading and discussion will be in French, creating an opportunity to engage with the text while practicing and enjoying conversation in French.

Come prepared to discuss the first 25 pages, up to the end of "metier de reine." During this first meeting, together we will set page goals for subsequent meetings.

Contact Mary-Jo Reef with any questions: maryjo@wice-paris.org

We'll meet in person at Le Nelson's Café, 16 rue Coquillière, 75001

Métro : Lignes 1/4/7/11/14
RER A/B/D Châtelet Les Halles
Bus : 74, 85 : Louvre – Etienne Marcel / Bourse du commerce

About the leader: Mary-Jo Reef is a retired professor of Sociology from a U.S. University. She has been an active WICE member for the past 16 years and has called Paris home for nearly 10 years, during which time she led the French-English conversation groups twice a week for five years. "My longstanding interest in French history continues to enrich my life in Paris and deepen my appreciation of French culture and society."

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

WS171 Intensive Fiction-Writing Workshop (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Advanced Intensive Fiction Workshop

Description

In a supportive, generous, intellectually curious, and motivating atmosphere, we’ll dive into stories aiming to understand how they work, and what they’re trying to achieve.

Instructor

SN191 Monthly Apéro (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Each month, we come together to celebrate the friendships and community that make WICE special. Join us for an evening of lively discussions with fellow members, where you can share ideas, reflections, and experiences. Our Board of Directors is eager to hear your insights and visions for the future of WICE. Enjoy a nice selection of beverages and snacks, perfect for sparking conversation and connection. And don’t miss the chance to win our special door prize!

Come and celebrate our community – we look forward to seeing you there!

Note: Registration required. Registration opens on Friday, 16 October.

The fees are as follows:

10€ for regular members
€5 for WICE volunteers

If you are having trouble registering, please contact wice@wice-paris.org.

BS181 French 4.1 (Adv. Intermediate DELF B1+/B2-->C1) (20 Nov 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Participating in professional or academic meetings
Presenting and justifying a project or idea
Managing misunderstandings and clarifying meaning
Writing formal emails or structured texts
Debating cultural or social issues with well-supported arguments.

This course will not meet October 30, the second week of vacances scolaires,

Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

GN201 Yoga for Well-Being (20 Nov 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Following class, members are encouraged to meet upstairs in the cafe for coffee, tea, cake, or other delicious creations made by the team at the Apycem cafe, to which the studio belongs.

Cancellations may be made more than 3 days before the first session. Please notify wice@wice-paris.org to cancel so that someone on the waitlist may attend in your place.

A word about Ola:

What matters most to me is the person in front of me, their needs, story, and intention. I enjoy accompanying people in their self-discovery and witnessing their growth through yoga.

More information: https://practicewithola.com/about

BS182 French 5.1 (Advanced DELF C1-->C2) (20 Nov 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Focus of the Conversation Training:

Persuading, negotiating, and convincing with credible arguments
Defending a viewpoint under pressure
Handling complex, fast-paced discussions
Subtly adjusting tone, register, and rhetorical strategy depending on audience

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

LN201 Café Littéraire: ""No Exit," by Jean-Paul Sartre (20 Nov 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit is a classic existentialist play in which three recently deceased strangers find themselves confined together in a room for eternity. There are no conventional instruments of torture; instead, their punishment consists of their relentless exposure to one another’s judgments, desires, and manipulations. The play gives us Sartre’s famous line, “Hell is other people,” dramatizing his philosophical concern with how the gaze of others can imprison us in identities we cannot fully control.

The book group meets at the organizer's apartment. The directions, door code, telephone number, etc., are sent in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails, following registration.

Two spaces are reserved for new WICE members. If no new WICE members have registered by five days prior to the meeting, those two spaces will become available to the general WICE membership.

Registration for the November meeting opens on Saturday, 17 October.

BS113 Friday In-person French-English Conversation Group (20 Nov 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

There is no need to register, just show up and look for the WICE tables upstairs.

Le Nelsons, 16 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Metro lines 1/4/7/11/14, RER A, B, D, and buses 74, 85

Participation is free with WICE membership.

BS042 Friday Online French-English Conversation Group (20 Nov 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

SN211 Morning Coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt (21 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Join fellow WICE members for morning coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt.

Registration opens on Sunday, 8 November.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

Le Sarah Bernhardt is located at 2 Place du Châtelet. It can be reached by metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 (Châtelet, Secteur Seine, Sortie 17), and buses 38, 67, 69, and 72.

SN212 WICE Women's Lunch (21 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Ladies of WICE . . . by popular demand, join us for a pay-for-your-own women's lunch!

This is a great opportunity for WICE women to meet each other and to hang out for a few hours to discover common interests and such over good food and beverages.

We meet upstairs at Le Nelson, a charming and warm Parisian restaurant located in Châtelet that has a very good relationship with WICE.

Registration opens on Sunday, 18 October.

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (23 Nov 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (23 Nov 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

GN241 Drawing Club (24 Nov 2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

What to bring: Small sketchbook such as A5, or loose paper; drawing tools such as pencils, pens, or markers.

Registration is open.

SN242 Morning Coffee at Brasserie Le Bullier (24 Nov 2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Join fellow WICE members for coffee on Tuesday mornings. And, if the weather permits, perhaps a walk through the Luxembourg Gardens afterwards.

Members meet at Brasserie le Bullier, named after the famous ball located opposite the "Port Royal" station, to which the whole of Paris once flocked.

It is expected that everyone will order a beverage or food item appropriate for sitting around a café in the morning (and pay for it on the way out).

Open to all WICE members, but registration is required. This is a public restaurant but WICE reserves 12 seats together, and if you don't register you will not be able to sit with the WICE group.

Registration opens on Wednesday, 11 November.

Brasserie le Bullier is located at 22 Av. de l'Observatoire, 75014. It can be reached by RER B (Port Royal), metro lines 4 and 6 (Raspail), and buses 38, 82, 91.

BS081 Tuesday In-Person French/English Conversation Group (24 Nov 2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris. Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and buses #42, #70, #88.

Participation is free with WICE membership.

FN241 Talk: The American Revolution in Paris - Talk 4 of 4 (24 Nov 2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join WICE in a fascinating tour de force of the places in Paris that are intimately associated with the American Revolution.

About the Series

This is a fundraising activity for WICE, and the series is open to all interested persons. The cost is €25 apiece for individual talks.

About the Organizer

Mary Jo Padgett is a journalist, teacher, former elected official, public relations consultant, and independent historian, with a special interest in the French connection to the American Revolution.

BS012 Tuesday Online French-English Conversation Group (24 Nov 2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

WO211 Chapter One (25 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

An in-person workshop to get you writing!

“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” -E. L. Doctorow

Description

Everyone has a story to tell. This class is perfect for beginners who aren’t sure where to start as well as for intermediate writers who are looking for feedback and inspiration. In this in-person workshop, we’ll examine elements such as tone, character, dialogue, description, and point of view.

Each is an important building block that helps create a story. We will explore fiction and nonfiction excerpts to study how authors have created the unique tones for their stories and characters, then try our hand at finding the pitch perfect tone for our own work.

Short exercises will focus on honing powers of observation and precise language. In a warm, supportive atmosphere, participants have the opportunity to share the stories they have written and to receive feedback. Optional homework assignments are given each week. You will leave the class with the tools you need to continue writing your stories.

Instructor

Originally from Montana, Janet Skeslien Charles came to France to teach for a year, and has now been here for two decades. She's the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library, Moonlight in Odessa, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade, and The Parisian Chapter.

Her essays and short fiction have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Sydney Morning Herald, and Montana Noir. Her work has been translated into 40 languages. She has taught creative writing in the U.S., France, Switzerland, and Ukraine. She looks forward to sharing her passion for writing with members of WICE.

Connect with her at JSkeslienCharles.com.

BS161 French Guided Discussion (25 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Course Description

About the Instructors

Brice Dardel and Brigitte Le Quéré, both native French speakers with extensive experience leading discussions, alternate weekly sessions.

BS171 Les Femmes Impressionnistes (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

There will be no class on October 22 or 29 during the French school vacation.

Il n'y aura pas de cours les 22 et 29 octobre, en raison des vacances scolaires.

About the instructor

SN261 New Member Lunch (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Welcome to WICE! Are you new to Paris, or just living your meilleure vie associative? WICE President Pamela Combastet would love to welcome you to the WICE family. Join her for a casual lunch and a free-flowing discussion regarding your ideas and aspirations for WICE, as well as getting to know our association a little bit better.

Please note: this lunch is organized by WICE, but you are responsible for paying for your own order.

Registration opens on Friday, 23 October.

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

BS172 English Guided Discussion (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Course Description

The class will not meet on 22 and 29 October (vacances scolaires).

Note: A Zoom link will be provided the day before the
course begins. Be sure to check your email for it.

Contact languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

Facilitators

The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.

GS101 Needlework at Valerie's (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Any and all WICE needle workers are welcome to attend. Bring your project, and if you're so inclined, something to nosh on (by no means necessary).

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

WS171 Intensive Fiction-Writing Workshop (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Advanced Intensive Fiction Workshop

Description

In a supportive, generous, intellectually curious, and motivating atmosphere, we’ll dive into stories aiming to understand how they work, and what they’re trying to achieve.

Instructor

BS181 French 4.1 (Adv. Intermediate DELF B1+/B2-->C1) (27 Nov 2026)

Fri, 27 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Participating in professional or academic meetings
Presenting and justifying a project or idea
Managing misunderstandings and clarifying meaning
Writing formal emails or structured texts
Debating cultural or social issues with well-supported arguments.

This course will not meet October 30, the second week of vacances scolaires,

Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

BS182 French 5.1 (Advanced DELF C1-->C2) (27 Nov 2026)

Fri, 27 Nov 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Focus of the Conversation Training:

Persuading, negotiating, and convincing with credible arguments
Defending a viewpoint under pressure
Handling complex, fast-paced discussions
Subtly adjusting tone, register, and rhetorical strategy depending on audience

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

LN271 Booker Books: The Things We Never Say, by Elizabeth Strout (27 Nov 2026)

Fri, 27 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Elizabeth Strout’s The Things We Never Say follows Artie Dam, a high-school history teacher whose outwardly stable life conceals a profound sense of estrangement from the people and world around him. When he discovers a long-hidden secret, the assumptions on which he has built his life begin to shift, forcing him to reconsider his marriage, his relationships, and his understanding of himself. With Strout’s characteristic attentiveness to ordinary lives, the novel explores loneliness, intimacy, secrecy, and the fragile bonds that connect us to one another. Ellen Bryson will be the guest leader for this discussion.

The Booker Book group reads and discusses—in English—books that have either received, or been on the short list for, the Booker Prize.

Two spaces are reserved for new WICE members. If no new WICE members have registered five days prior to the meeting, those two spaces will become available to the general WICE membership.

Registration for the November meeting opens on Saturday, 24 October.

BS113 Friday In-person French-English Conversation Group (27 Nov 2026)

Fri, 27 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

There is no need to register, just show up and look for the WICE tables upstairs.

Le Nelsons, 16 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Metro lines 1/4/7/11/14, RER A, B, D, and buses 74, 85

Participation is free with WICE membership.

BS042 Friday Online French-English Conversation Group (27 Nov 2026)

Fri, 27 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

SN281 Morning Coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt (28 Nov 2026)

Sat, 28 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Join fellow WICE members for morning coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt.

Registration opens on Sunday, 15 November.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

Le Sarah Bernhardt is located at 2 Place du Châtelet. It can be reached by metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 (Châtelet, Secteur Seine, Sortie 17), and buses 38, 67, 69, and 72.

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (30 Nov 2026)

Mon, 30 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (30 Nov 2026)

Mon, 30 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

PN021 Creative Photography: Finding the Essence (30 Nov 2026)

Mon, 30 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This virtual course will be held over three sessions giving you time to practise and hone your skills.

Session I: Monday 2 November

Session II: Monday 16 November

Session III: Monday 30 November

The price for all three sessions, held on Zoom will be included in the initial fee.

You will be automatically registered for all three sessions when you register for the first one.

The Zoom link will be sent in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails.

Refund for cancellation is available until 28 October.

Requirements:

For photography and art lovers of all levels.
Suitable both iPhones and cameras.

Students can expect to:

Become familiar with photography best practices
Learn techniques for focusing on the essence of a subject and for approaching each composition with minimalism in mind
Participate in a friendly critique session of their work

About the Instructor

https://meredithmullins.artspan.com

Photo Credits: Meredith Mullins

GD011 Drawing Club (01 Dec 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

What to bring: Small sketchbook such as A5, or loose paper; drawing tools such as pencils, pens, or markers.

Registration is open.

SD011 Morning Coffee at Les Editeurs (01 Dec 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Registration opens on Wednesday, 18 November.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café (and pay for it before leaving).

Les Editeurs is located at 4 Carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006. It can be reached by metro lines 4 and 10 (Odéon), and busses 58, 87, and 89.

BS081 Tuesday In-Person French/English Conversation Group (01 Dec 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris. Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and buses #42, #70, #88.

Participation is free with WICE membership.

BS012 Tuesday Online French-English Conversation Group (01 Dec 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

SD021 Morning Coffee in the 9th at Le Grand Comptoir d'Anvers (02 Dec 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Registration opens on Thursday, 19 November.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

VD021 Talk: A Revolution in Nuclear Energy - the What and Why (02 Dec 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 09:30:00 GMT

With fossil fuels disappearing from the energy landscape, wind and solar solutions are advancing by leaps and bounds. A physicist explains how recent innovations in fission and fusion technology are addressing many of the controversies surrounding nuclear energy, and positioning it to be another major player for the future.

NOTE: The photo is a model of the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) experimental stellarator built in Greifswald, Germany, at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP)

Registration opens 2 November.

Bruce Denby is a member of WICE and is Professor Emeritus of Physics at Sorbonne Université, Paris.

BS161 French Guided Discussion (02 Dec 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Course Description

About the Instructors

Brice Dardel and Brigitte Le Quéré, both native French speakers with extensive experience leading discussions, alternate weekly sessions.

BS171 Les Femmes Impressionnistes (03 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 09:30:00 GMT

There will be no class on October 22 or 29 during the French school vacation.

Il n'y aura pas de cours les 22 et 29 octobre, en raison des vacances scolaires.

About the instructor

SD031 WICE Lunch (03 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Come enjoy a lively lunch with fellow WICE members. Catch up with old friends and meet new ones over a fun and leisurely meal in a charming café in the Latin Quarter.

We normally stand, mingle, and chat for 30 - 45 minutes, and then sit down to eat at about 12:30 or 12:45. So please plan accordingly.

You pay for what you eat and drink, no extra fees, but registration is required.

Served by metro line 10 (Sorbonne-Cluny), metro line 4 (Saint Michel), and busses 21, 27, 38, 63, 86, 87, and 96.

Registration opens on Friday, 6 November.

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (03 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

BS172 English Guided Discussion (03 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Course Description

The class will not meet on 22 and 29 October (vacances scolaires).

Note: A Zoom link will be provided the day before the
course begins. Be sure to check your email for it.

Contact languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

Facilitators

The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.

GS101 Needlework at Valerie's (03 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Any and all WICE needle workers are welcome to attend. Bring your project, and if you're so inclined, something to nosh on (by no means necessary).

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (03 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

WS171 Intensive Fiction-Writing Workshop (03 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Advanced Intensive Fiction Workshop

Description

In a supportive, generous, intellectually curious, and motivating atmosphere, we’ll dive into stories aiming to understand how they work, and what they’re trying to achieve.

Instructor

BS181 French 4.1 (Adv. Intermediate DELF B1+/B2-->C1) (04 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Participating in professional or academic meetings
Presenting and justifying a project or idea
Managing misunderstandings and clarifying meaning
Writing formal emails or structured texts
Debating cultural or social issues with well-supported arguments.

This course will not meet October 30, the second week of vacances scolaires,

Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

BS182 French 5.1 (Advanced DELF C1-->C2) (04 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Focus of the Conversation Training:

Persuading, negotiating, and convincing with credible arguments
Defending a viewpoint under pressure
Handling complex, fast-paced discussions
Subtly adjusting tone, register, and rhetorical strategy depending on audience

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

LD041 Murder, They Read: Razorblade Tears (04 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Razorblade Tears -- SA Cosby, Southeastern USA. I found this title to be absorbing and a fast read. Set in the Southeastern USA. Made a number of recommended reading lists, including Barack Obama's summer reading list. From Kirkus Reviews: "Violence and love go hand in hand in this...lean, mean crime story about 2 bereaved fathers getting their hands bloody."

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/s-cosby/razorblade-tears/

Availability: American Library in Paris, Momox (physical), orderable from Shakespeare & Co, Smith&Son, amazon.com

Registration opens on Saturday, 07 November.

BO023 French Film Discussion (04 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Each discussion will focus on analyzing the film from different angles:

Creation; production; and reception, both critical and commercial
Screenplay, direction, and artistic collaborations such as script, cinematography, acting, and music
Specific features in the director's filmography and its place in the French cinema of his/her era.

Trimestre d'automne: Danielle Darrieux, une actrice dans un siècle

Madame de (1953) de Max Ophuls

Avec DD, Vittorio de Sica, Charles Boyer

La Vérité sur Bébé Donge (1952) de Henri Decoin

D’après Georges Simenon, avec DD, Jean Gabin

8 femmes (2002) de François Ozon

Avec DD, Catherine Deneuve, Fanny Ardant, Isabelle Huppert, Emmanuelle Béart, Virginie Ledoyen, Ludivine Sagnier

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: A graduate of Sciences Po Paris and ESCP Business School with a master's in political philosophy, Pascale Borenstein co-founded the first professional training course for screenwriters, the Conservatoire Européen d'Ecriture Audiovisuelle (CEEA), which she subsequently directed. From 2004 to 2017, she was Director of International Relations and Continuing Education at France's national film school, La Fémis, where she collaborated with the film departments at NYU, Columbia University, and Calarts. Pascale is the co-author of "Histoire de films français" published by Bordas and a lecturer at l'ICART (École du Management Culturel & Marché de l'Art).

BS113 Friday In-person French-English Conversation Group (04 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

There is no need to register, just show up and look for the WICE tables upstairs.

Le Nelsons, 16 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Metro lines 1/4/7/11/14, RER A, B, D, and buses 74, 85

Participation is free with WICE membership.

BS042 Friday Online French-English Conversation Group (04 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

SD051 Morning Coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt (05 Dec 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Join fellow WICE members for morning coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt.

Registration opens on Sunday, 22 November.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

Le Sarah Bernhardt is located at 2 Place du Châtelet. It can be reached by metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 (Châtelet, Secteur Seine, Sortie 17), and buses 38, 67, 69, and 72.

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (07 Dec 2026)

Mon, 07 Dec 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (07 Dec 2026)

Mon, 07 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

GD081 Drawing Club (08 Dec 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

What to bring: Small sketchbook such as A5, or loose paper; drawing tools such as pencils, pens, or markers.

Registration is open.

SD082 Morning Coffee at Brasserie Le Bullier (08 Dec 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Join fellow WICE members for coffee on Tuesday mornings. And, if the weather permits, perhaps a walk through the Luxembourg Gardens afterwards.

Members meet at Brasserie le Bullier, named after the famous ball located opposite the "Port Royal" station, to which the whole of Paris once flocked.

It is expected that everyone will order a beverage or food item appropriate for sitting around a café in the morning (and pay for it on the way out).

Open to all WICE members, but registration is required. This is a public restaurant but WICE reserves 12 seats together, and if you don't register you will not be able to sit with the WICE group.

Registration opens on Wednesday, 25 November.

Brasserie le Bullier is located at 22 Av. de l'Observatoire, 75014. It can be reached by RER B (Port Royal), metro lines 4 and 6 (Raspail), and buses 38, 82, 91.

LD081 The Karla Trilogy: the World of John Le Carré (08 Dec 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Book 4. TBD

And if we get a chance, we will read his son’s, Nick Harkaway's, book Karla's Choice, the prequel to Tinker, Tailor.

Two spaces are reserved for new WICE members. If no new WICE members have registered by five days before the group meets, those two spaces will become available to the general WICE membership.

Registration opens on Wednesday, 11 November.

BS081 Tuesday In-Person French/English Conversation Group (08 Dec 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris. Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and buses #42, #70, #88.

Participation is free with WICE membership.

BS012 Tuesday Online French-English Conversation Group (08 Dec 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

BS161 French Guided Discussion (09 Dec 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Course Description

About the Instructors

Brice Dardel and Brigitte Le Quéré, both native French speakers with extensive experience leading discussions, alternate weekly sessions.

BS171 Les Femmes Impressionnistes (10 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 09:30:00 GMT

There will be no class on October 22 or 29 during the French school vacation.

Il n'y aura pas de cours les 22 et 29 octobre, en raison des vacances scolaires.

About the instructor

GD101 Mindfulness Meditation (10 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 10:00:00 GMT

SD101 WICE Men's Lunch (10 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 11:00:00 GMT

WICE men . . . join us for a pay-for-your-own men's lunch!

This is nothing mysterious, it's just a chance for guys to hang out with other guys for a few hours and discover common interests and such over good food and beverages.

Registration opens on Friday, 13 November.

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (10 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

BS172 English Guided Discussion (10 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Course Description

The class will not meet on 22 and 29 October (vacances scolaires).

Note: A Zoom link will be provided the day before the
course begins. Be sure to check your email for it.

Contact languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

Facilitators

The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.

GS101 Needlework at Valerie's (10 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Any and all WICE needle workers are welcome to attend. Bring your project, and if you're so inclined, something to nosh on (by no means necessary).

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (10 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

BS181 French 4.1 (Adv. Intermediate DELF B1+/B2-->C1) (11 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Participating in professional or academic meetings
Presenting and justifying a project or idea
Managing misunderstandings and clarifying meaning
Writing formal emails or structured texts
Debating cultural or social issues with well-supported arguments.

This course will not meet October 30, the second week of vacances scolaires,

Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

BS182 French 5.1 (Advanced DELF C1-->C2) (11 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Focus of the Conversation Training:

Persuading, negotiating, and convincing with credible arguments
Defending a viewpoint under pressure
Handling complex, fast-paced discussions
Subtly adjusting tone, register, and rhetorical strategy depending on audience

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

BS113 Friday In-person French-English Conversation Group (11 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

There is no need to register, just show up and look for the WICE tables upstairs.

Le Nelsons, 16 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Metro lines 1/4/7/11/14, RER A, B, D, and buses 74, 85

Participation is free with WICE membership.

BS042 Friday Online French-English Conversation Group (11 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

SD121 Morning Coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt (12 Dec 2026)

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Join fellow WICE members for morning coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt.

Registration opens on Sunday, 22 November.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

Le Sarah Bernhardt is located at 2 Place du Châtelet. It can be reached by metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 (Châtelet, Secteur Seine, Sortie 17), and buses 38, 67, 69, and 72.

VD121 Gothic Studies: Legacy of Gothic Architecture (12 Dec 2026)

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Registration opens 15 November.

The fourth and final part of this series on Gothic architecture in the parish churches of Paris will begin at Saint-Nicholas-des-Champs which provides an interesting insight into how Gothic sensibilities married Renaissance ideas about architecture. Concluding our series, we’ll walk towards Les Halles to the French Renaissance wonder that is Saint-Eustaches, a grand and highly enigmatic church whose proportions if found in any other city would surely be a cathedral.

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (14 Dec 2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

LD141 The New Yorker: Short Stories (14 Dec 2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Stories for Monday, 14 December will be announced on or about 1 December.

Registration opens on Tuesday, 10 November.

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (14 Dec 2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

SD152 Morning Coffee at Les Editeurs (15 Dec 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Registration opens on Wednesday, 2 December.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café (and pay for it before leaving).

Les Editeurs is located at 4 Carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006. It can be reached by metro lines 4 and 10 (Odéon), and busses 58, 87, and 89.

GD151 Drawing Club (15 Dec 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

What to bring: Small sketchbook such as A5, or loose paper; drawing tools such as pencils, pens, or markers.

Registration is open.

BS081 Tuesday In-Person French/English Conversation Group (15 Dec 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris. Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and buses #42, #70, #88.

Participation is free with WICE membership.

BS012 Tuesday Online French-English Conversation Group (15 Dec 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

SD161 Morning Coffee in the 9th at Le Grand Comptoir d'Anvers (16 Dec 2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Registration opens on Thursday, 3 December.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

BS161 French Guided Discussion (16 Dec 2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Course Description

About the Instructors

Brice Dardel and Brigitte Le Quéré, both native French speakers with extensive experience leading discussions, alternate weekly sessions.

BS171 Les Femmes Impressionnistes (17 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 09:30:00 GMT

There will be no class on October 22 or 29 during the French school vacation.

Il n'y aura pas de cours les 22 et 29 octobre, en raison des vacances scolaires.

About the instructor

BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2) (17 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Course Description

This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

About the instructor

LD171 Living Room Players: "The Odd Couple" by Neil Simon (17 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The Odd Couple — Neil Simon

Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple is a comedy about two recently separated men who become roommates despite being temperamentally incompatible. Felix Ungar is anxious, meticulous, and obsessively neat, while Oscar Madison is relaxed, untidy, and accustomed to living amid disorder. Their domestic clashes provide much of the play’s humor, but beneath the comedy is an affectionate exploration of friendship, loneliness, compromise, and the difficulty of learning to live with another person’s habits and vulnerabilities.

Please find here a text of the play: The Odd Couple.pdf

The readings take place at a member's apartment in the Marais. The address, door code, and phone number are sent in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails.

Two spaces are reserved for new WICE members. If no new WICE members have registered seven days before the event, those two spaces will become available to the general WICE membership.

Registration for the December reading opens on Friday, 16 November.

BS172 English Guided Discussion (17 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Course Description

The class will not meet on 22 and 29 October (vacances scolaires).

Note: A Zoom link will be provided the day before the
course begins. Be sure to check your email for it.

Contact languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

Facilitators

The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.

GS101 Needlework at Valerie's (17 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Any and all WICE needle workers are welcome to attend. Bring your project, and if you're so inclined, something to nosh on (by no means necessary).

BS173 French History Book Club (17 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

La lecture et les discussions se dérouleront en français, ce qui vous permettra de vous plonger dans le texte tout en pratiquant et en appréciant la conversation en français.

Pour toute question, veuillez contacter Mary-Jo Reef: maryjo@wice-paris.org.

Both the reading and discussion will be in French, creating an opportunity to engage with the text while practicing and enjoying conversation in French.

Come prepared to discuss the first 25 pages, up to the end of "metier de reine." During this first meeting, together we will set page goals for subsequent meetings.

Contact Mary-Jo Reef with any questions: maryjo@wice-paris.org

We'll meet in person at Le Nelson's Café, 16 rue Coquillière, 75001

Métro : Lignes 1/4/7/11/14
RER A/B/D Châtelet Les Halles
Bus : 74, 85 : Louvre – Etienne Marcel / Bourse du commerce

BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1) (17 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

SD171 Monthly Apéro (17 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Come and celebrate our community – we look forward to seeing you there!

Note: Registration required. Registration opens on Friday, 20 Novermber.

The fees are as follows:

10€ for regular members
€5 for WICE volunteers

If you are having trouble registering, please contact wice@wice-paris.org.

BS181 French 4.1 (Adv. Intermediate DELF B1+/B2-->C1) (18 Dec 2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Participating in professional or academic meetings
Presenting and justifying a project or idea
Managing misunderstandings and clarifying meaning
Writing formal emails or structured texts
Debating cultural or social issues with well-supported arguments.

This course will not meet October 30, the second week of vacances scolaires,

Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

BS182 French 5.1 (Advanced DELF C1-->C2) (18 Dec 2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Course Description

Focus of the Conversation Training:

Persuading, negotiating, and convincing with credible arguments
Defending a viewpoint under pressure
Handling complex, fast-paced discussions
Subtly adjusting tone, register, and rhetorical strategy depending on audience

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

BO163 American Film Classics (18 Dec 2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Course Description

During the Fall 2026 trimester we'll be discussing three independent American films from the 21st century (or close enough):

"McDormand's uproariously sly-spry performance connects with Roger Deakins' bleakly beautiful photography to create one of the Coens' most consistently successful outings..." -- Mike Clark, USA Today

About the instructor:

LD181 Café Littéraire: To be determined (18 Dec 2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Title to be determined.

The book group meets at the organizer's apartment. The directions, door code, telephone number, etc., are sent in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails, following registration.

Two spaces are reserved for new WICE members. If no new WICE members have registered by five days prior to the meeting, those two spaces will become available to the general WICE membership.

Registration for the November meeting opens on Saturday, 21 November.

BS113 Friday In-person French-English Conversation Group (18 Dec 2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

There is no need to register, just show up and look for the WICE tables upstairs.

Le Nelsons, 16 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Metro lines 1/4/7/11/14, RER A, B, D, and buses 74, 85

Participation is free with WICE membership.

BS042 Friday Online French-English Conversation Group (18 Dec 2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

SD191 Morning Coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt (19 Dec 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Join fellow WICE members for morning coffee at Le Sarah Bernhardt.

Registration opens on Sunday, 6 December.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

Le Sarah Bernhardt is located at 2 Place du Châtelet. It can be reached by metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 (Châtelet, Secteur Seine, Sortie 17), and buses 38, 67, 69, and 72.

SD192 WICE Women's Lunch (19 Dec 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Ladies of WICE . . . by popular demand, join us for a pay-for-your-own women's lunch!

This is a great opportunity for WICE women to meet each other and to hang out for a few hours to discover common interests and such over good food and beverages.

We meet upstairs at Le Nelson, a charming and warm Parisian restaurant located in Châtelet that has a very good relationship with WICE.

Registration opens on Sunday, 22 November.

SD211 Pub Quiz! (21 Dec 2026)

Mon, 21 Dec 2026 18:40:00 GMT

This event is free for members, but registration and the purchase of food or a beverage is required.

Registration opens on Tuesday, 17 November.

BS081 Tuesday In-Person French/English Conversation Group (22 Dec 2026)

Tue, 22 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris. Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and buses #42, #70, #88.

Participation is free with WICE membership.

BS012 Tuesday Online French-English Conversation Group (22 Dec 2026)

Tue, 22 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful.

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

SJ051 Morning Coffee at Les Editeurs (05 Jan 2027)

Tue, 05 Jan 2027 09:00:00 GMT

Registration opens on Wednesday, 16 December.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café (and pay for it before leaving).

Les Editeurs is located at 4 Carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006. It can be reached by metro lines 4 and 10 (Odéon), and busses 58, 87, and 89.

SJ141 WICE Men's Lunch (14 Jan 2027)

Thu, 14 Jan 2027 11:00:00 GMT

WICE men . . . join us for a pay-for-your-own men's lunch!

This is nothing mysterious, it's just a chance for guys to hang out with other guys for a few hours and discover common interests and such over good food and beverages.

Registration opens on Friday, 13 November.

SJ192 Morning Coffee at Les Editeurs (19 Jan 2027)

Tue, 19 Jan 2027 09:00:00 GMT

Registration opens on Wednesday, 06 January.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café (and pay for it before leaving).

Les Editeurs is located at 4 Carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006. It can be reached by metro lines 4 and 10 (Odéon), and busses 58, 87, and 89.

SF111 WICE Men's Lunch (11 Feb 2027)

Thu, 11 Feb 2027 11:00:00 GMT

WICE men . . . join us for a pay-for-your-own men's lunch!

This is nothing mysterious, it's just a chance for guys to hang out with other guys for a few hours and discover common interests and such over good food and beverages.

Registration opens on Friday, 13 November.