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Message is a diverse, supportive community of English-speaking parents living in and around Paris and Île-de-France Supporting English-Speaking Families in France Discover our story Message is a diverse, supportive community of English-speaking families living in and around Paris with one key goal: to help each other feel at home. We come from more than 60 countries and speak over 20 other languages. We support each other, have fun, make friends and we get together for different events for all ages. ABOUT US WHAT WE OFFER BECOME A MEMBER CONTACT US Events, Classes & Get-togethers UPCOMING PUBLIC EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Message Bring and Buy-CALL FOR VENDORS Sat 28 Mar 17 Rue de l'Avre +11 more BUY TICKETS Bring and Buy 2026 Sat 28 Mar 17 Rue de l'Avre +14 more RSVP MONTHLY MEMBERS ONLY EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Monthly Book Club Get Together 30 Mar 2026 DETAILS Bumps2Babies Paris East coffee meet-up Get Together 12 Mar 2026 DETAILS Mums Breakfast/Brunch Get Together 14 Mar 2026 DETAILS Explore All Members Only Events MORE UPCOMING EVENTS: Multiple Dates Coffee Meet-up - 15eme Fri 13 Mar More info MORE California Adventure Workshop Sun 15 Mar More info MORE Master Your Time, Master Your Business Tue 17 Mar More info MORE You're invited to pause and rest Wed 18 Mar More info MORE Load More Ready to dive in? Become A Member Stay in the know - Subscribe to Our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE Thanks for subscribing! Friends of Message Show some Message love with a donation DONATE

Message Offical Documents: The Constitution, Policies, Forum Guidelines MESSAGE DOCUMENTS (Policies, Guidelines and other Official Stuff) Welcome! If you’ve come here, you’re probably looking for some important Message documents. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, let us know at techsupport@messageparis.org Member Survey 2026 Results Message Constitution Est: 2002 Message Mother Support Group (the "Association") An association in conformity with the Law of July 1, 1901 and the Decree of August 16, 1901 Advertising Policy Message's advertising policy to help Message members wishing to advertise or promote a business, product, service or event or do a collaboration with Message. Meeting Code Message appreciates our hosts who welcome new friends into their homes. We depend on their generosity and ask you to appreciate their hospitality and respect their homes.

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“Everything is different now. I don’t do any of the things I used to do that made me me .” A new dad recently shared this with me in a therapy session. It’s a common experience, feeling like your whole identity has changed when you become a parent. The word ‘identity’ encompasses your interests, beliefs, experiences, and personal characteristics, and your overall sense of who you are. All these things can feel like they are in flux with the arrival of a new baby. It can be destabilising as you adjust to your new roles, routine, appearance and family dynamics. How parenthood reshapes identity can look different from person to person. For some new parents who previously identified as being organised, tidy, and in control, the chaos and messiness of a new baby can make their lives feel unfamiliar. Others may struggle with the planning and routine that a baby demands if they once saw themselves as more ‘go with the flow.’ The stage of life at which you become a parent can also influence this experience. One mother I worked with described how the adjustment felt harder for her because she had become a parent later in life. She felt she had already formed a strong identity as an adult without children, since many of her friends had started their families a decade earlier. No matter who you are, or how you saw yourself before becoming a parent, babies demand a huge amount of your time and energy. That time can no longer be spent on the activities that once gave you a sense of identity. Hobbies, sports, going out with friends - all these things tend to get pushed down the list of priorities. Most notably, this applies to work. Most parents take time off when they have a child, and for many, work and career are key parts of who they are. For those who see themselves as competent and capable in their jobs, it can be especially hard to step away from that role while taking on something completely new and unfamiliar. The learning curve is steep for new parents, and if you’ve built a strong sense of identity around being good at what you do, it can feel overwhelming to suddenly question if you’re getting it right (whatever that means). Another big part of how we see ourselves comes from how we look. Changes in physical appearance can be challenging for new mothers, especially if you’ve always identified with looking or feeling a certain way. For those who’ve struggled with body image in the past, this can be an especially difficult adjustment. On top of that, Message Paris  parents may face the added challenge of navigating all this in a new culture. Parenting in France may feel different from the culture you grew up in, which can make your experience of parenthood feel unfamiliar in ways you didn’t expect. Perhaps at the heart of this identity shift is the question: what kind of parent will I be?   Becoming a parent can spark memories of your own childhood and how you yourself were raised. Some parents feel determined to avoid the mistakes their own parents made, while others worry that they won’t live up to the example their parents set for them. Parenting today comes with new challenges, from social media pressures to the rise of AI, which can make it feel much more complicated than it was when we were children. Whether you’re striving to parent differently from your own upbringing or emulate the childhood you experienced, you’re faced with the difficult task of blending this new identity as a parent with the person you’ve always been. So what are some ways that you can navigate these changes to your identity and reconnect with your sense of self? Connect with your values.  It’s frustrating not to be able to do the things you used to enjoy. It can be helpful to explore why those things mattered to you in the first place. What core value did that activity connect to? Once you figure out what you gained from that activity, you can look for more manageable ways to meet that same need. Understanding your personal values can help you stay aligned with your sense of self, while remaining flexible in how you stay connected to it.  Practice self-compassion.  Our brains are evolutionarily wired to respond to threat. A crying baby, sleepless nights, or constant worrying if you are ‘doing it right’ can all trigger our bodies’ threat response system. Practicing self-compassion helps you to calm this internal threat system by shifting into a soothing, supportive mindset instead. Try noticing when you’re being hard on yourself and gently ask: what would I say to a friend in my position?  Offering yourself the same understanding that you would give someone you love can reduce stress and help you feel more grounded as you adjust to this new role. Give yourself opportunities to process these changes . While it may be difficult to find the time, reflective exercises like journalling can help you to process all the changes that you are navigating. This can lead to new insights that help you to make sense of what you’re going through and integrate the old and new parts of your identity. If you really can’t find the time, try recording a voice note of yourself and using this as an audio journal.  Recognise your existing strengths.  Whilst becoming a parent may be unlike anything you’ve done before, you will undoubtedly have a number of strengths and resources that will help you to take on this role. If you are struggling to connect with your new identity as a parent, ask yourself: when else in my life have I demonstrated the skills and qualities needed to be a parent?  You may think of times when you have been caring towards a friend, or reliable and organised at work, or times when you’ve had to get by on very little sleep. Yes, becoming a parent is a huge change, but it can also be helpful to view it as part of your larger life story.  Connect with other parents . Connecting with other parents is an important way to manage the isolation that many new parents feel. Sharing experiences helps you realise that the doubts, exhaustion, and mixed emotions that you may be having are completely normal. Whether it’s through a local playgroup, an online community, or organisations like Message Paris ,  being around others who understand can remind you that you’re not alone in what you’re going through.  Recently, some professionals have started using the word ‘matrescence’ to refer to the life stage in which a woman becomes a mother. This life stage is akin to adolescence - another time when your hormones, body, social roles, relationships, and expectations are all drastically shifting. As a society, we are much more aware of and sensitive to how challenging and transformative adolescence is as a life stage. There are countless films and books about the struggles and strife of being a teenager, but matrescence is much less talked about. It is important to understand the changes that take place in this life stage and how to navigate them so that new mothers (like adolescents) don’t feel as if there is something ‘wrong’ with them.  Dr Alice Zacharia is a Clinical Psychologist working in Paris. Dr. Zacharia and Message Paris are presenting an online discussion on this very topic February 11, 2026. For more information about her and her work, visit www.dralicezacharia.com .

Written by the Message Paris Volunteer Team Living in Paris as an expat means the holidays often involve a big trek home—whether by train or plane, those long travel days are made worthwhile by the treasures we bring back. These aren't your typical tourist souvenirs. These are the treats, finds, and uniquely Parisian gifts that our team actually buys for their own loved ones. Here's what we're packing in our suitcases this season. For the Food Lover: French Butter & Sel de Guérande Recommended by Meg, VP of Events For my relatives who love to cook, I always look forward to bringing back French butter and sel de Guérande (fleur de sel from the Brittany region). French butter is cultured and has a higher fat content than American butter, giving it that distinctive rich, tangy flavor that transforms everything from morning toast to holiday baking. You can find excellent butter at your local fromagerie, neighborhood grocery stores, or splurge at Le Grand Épicerie  at Bon Marché, who will vacuum seal your butter for free. Just make sure to keep it in the freezer before your trip so it stays cold during travel. Pair it with a small jar of sel de Guérande—those delicate salt crystals are a chef's secret weapon. Pro tip:  Bordier butter (the one with the wooden stamp) is the gold standard if you can find it! For Little Ones: French Children's Books Recommended by Amaris, VP of Information Technology For my various nieces and nephews who range from a few months old to 3 years old, I'm bringing back Ceci n'est pas un livre  (This is not a book) by French artist Jean Jullien. The English version is out of print, but the French version is still available at the famous children's bookstore Chantelivre  in the 6th arrondissement. I love this book because it encourages imagination—it's funny, full of possibilities, and celebrates play in the way only French children's books seem to do. Plus, it's by a celebrated French artist and unavailable in the States anymore, which makes it feel extra special. Even for non-French speakers, the visual storytelling is so strong that kids (and parents) will get it immediately. For Tea & Chocolate Lovers: A Classic French Pairing Recommended by Jun, Treasurer My go-to gift is always Mariage Frères tea  paired with dark chocolates from Patrick Roger  or Michel Cluizel . Mariage Frères has been blending tea in Paris since 1854, and their black tins with exotic blends like Marco Polo or Thé des Lords feel like little pieces of Parisian elegance. The tea salon experience in the Marais is iconic, but you can pick up tins at their boutiques throughout the city. Pair it with bean-to-bar chocolate from Patrick Roger (his sculptures are works of art) or Michel Cluizel's vintage chocolate bars for a sophisticated gift that any francophile will appreciate. It's always a treat—the kind of gift that turns an ordinary afternoon into something special. For the Art & Design Enthusiast: Watercolors & Parisian Decor Recommended by Amanda, VP of Membership For a unique and custom gift that captures the essence of Paris, I love Marin Montagut  in the Marais. This charming boutique features watercolor illustrations of Parisian scenes—think Jardin du Luxembourg, corner cafés, and iconic architecture—alongside curated home decor that feels both whimsical and sophisticated. Marin Montagut himself is an artist and interior designer, and his shop reflects his aesthetic: a celebration of Parisian beauty with a nostalgic twist. Everything is painted in his distinctive watercolor style, from prints and notebooks to decorative objects. During the holidays, they have a lovely selection of hand-painted ornaments that make perfect keepsakes. His work captures that ineffable Parisian charm—the kind you can't find anywhere else. The shop at 5 rue de Picardie feels like stepping into an artist's atelier, with every item telling a story about Paris past and present. For Stocking Stuffers: Mustard & Jam Recommended by Laura, Tech Lead I always make a pilgrimage to the Maille boutique  near Place de la Madeleine to pick up unique mustard gifts. Unlike the grocery store versions, the Maille shop offers exclusive flavors on tap—think black truffle, Chablis white wine, or cassis mustard—that you can't get anywhere else. They'll fill beautiful ceramic crocks or pump bottles for you, and the presentation alone makes it gift-worthy. Along with mustard, people always appreciate a Bonne Maman jam sampler set . You can find these at local grocery stores like Monoprix or Franprix, but the selection in France is far more extensive than what makes it to the States. Flavors like chestnut spread, fig jam, or wild blueberry feel indulgent and quintessentially French. More Paris Favorites Worth Exploring Chocolate, Bonbons & Sweet Treats La Mère de Famille  – Paris's oldest chocolatier (since 1761) offers gorgeous box sets filled with pralines, candied fruits, and traditional French confections. Adults and children alike will be enchanted. Jacques Genin  – For very indulgent caramels with unique flavors like salted butter, passion fruit, or yuzu. His pâtes de fruits are also extraordinary. La Maison du Chocolat  – Elegant, refined chocolate perfect for gifting. Pierre Hermé  – The macaron master. His seasonal flavors and beautiful boxes are iconic. Books, Prints & Art Artazart  – A design bookstore and concept shop along Canal Saint-Martin with tons of prints by local artists and an amazing selection of books on art, design, and architecture. Museum shops  – The Musée d'Orsay, Musée Rodin, and Palais de Tokyo all have excellent selections of art books and unique gifts. Shakespeare and Company  – The legendary English-language bookshop is always worth a visit. Pick up a book stamped with their iconic logo for any book lover. Paris-Themed Gifts & Made in Europe Messy Nessy's Shop  – Located in the 2nd arrondissement, this vintage-inspired boutique is the brick-and-mortar extension of the cult favorite blog Messy Nessy Chic. Find quirky Paris-themed gifts, vintage finds, and carefully curated items that celebrate the hidden side of Paris. It's like shopping in a secret cabinet of curiosities. Merci  – This iconic concept store in the Marais is a must-visit for anyone seeking beautiful, thoughtfully sourced homewares and gifts. From French linens and ceramics to design books and vintage furniture, everything here is curated with impeccable taste. The café and flower shop make it a perfect afternoon stop. Landline  – A concept store dedicated to European-made goods, Landline is perfect for hosts, gardeners, and anyone who appreciates quality craftsmanship. Think elegant garden tools, hand-thrown pottery, artisanal soaps, and linens—all sourced from small European makers. It's the antithesis of mass production. Astier de Villatte  – For truly special ceramics and home fragrances, this Parisian institution handcrafts each piece in their Paris atelier. Their white pottery with its characteristic imperfect glaze and their unique candle scents (like Grand Chalet or Bois d'Orage) are unmistakably French. Empreintes  – This concept store in the Marais showcases the work of contemporary French and European designers and artists. From ceramic vases and jewelry to prints and textiles, everything is handmade by independent creators. It's the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts that support the local creative community. Monoprix Gourmet  – Don't overlook this French staple! The gourmet section of Monoprix offers beautifully packaged French pantry items at reasonable prices—think olive oils, tinned fish, biscuits, and chocolates that make excellent gifts without breaking the bank. Know someone navigating life in Paris? Gift them a Message Paris membership—access to a welcoming community of English-speaking families, events, resources, and the support that makes Paris feel like home. Visit HERE Final Thoughts The best Paris gifts aren't necessarily the most expensive or elaborate—they're the ones that capture a little piece of French life and bring it home. Whether it's butter that transforms your morning toast, a children's book that sparks imagination, or a tin of tea that makes an ordinary afternoon feel special, these are the gifts that remind us why we fell in love with Paris in the first place. What are your favorite gifts to bring back from Paris? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

What better way to close out the fall vacances than with costumes, candy, and a little autumn rain? On Saturday, November 2, nearly 300 children and their families joined us for our annual Halloween Trick-or-Treating event at our exciting new location near the Luxembourg Gardens. A New Chapter Begins This year marked a special milestone as we hosted the event at a new spot near the beloved Luxembourg Gardens. Our dedicated volunteers arrived bright and early at 9:30am to transform the space into a Halloween area, setting up trick-or-treating stations that opened right at 10am. Rain Can't Dampen Halloween Spirit Mother Nature had her own tricks up her sleeve, with on-and-off showers throughout the morning. But as anyone who's spent time with determined trick-or-treaters knows, a little rain is no match for the promise of bonbons! The children persevered beautifully, darting between stations with their treat bags, their costumes growing more colorful as the rain added a bit of drama. Two Hours of Halloween Magic From 10am to noon, the area buzzed with excitement. Princesses, superheroes, witches, and countless creative characters filled the playground, taking breaks from trick-or-treating to enjoy the playground and burn off some of that pre-candy energy. Thank You to Our Halloween Heroes A huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers who made this event possible. Your early arrival and enthusiasm—rain or shine—created magical memories for hundreds of families. As the children head back to school this week, we hope the memories of this lovely Halloween morning will carry them through. Here's to resilient trick-or-treaters, and the community that makes these moments special! See you next year!