Originally Posted by
Fornebufox
Meeting the French might have a tour you can take while you're there. I enjoyed the Gerard Mulot chocolate/pastry tour, but there are other events.
Second the suggestion to find your neighborhood cafe. You're staying in a less touristy neighborhood so the locals might be a bit friendlier to an outsider -- you'll certainly be more noticeable than in the center of town.
Meeting the French is a great program! I also did the Gerard Mulot tour and highly recommend it. The tour of a bakery near the opera was canceled, not because I was the only person signed up, but because he didn't speak English and I speak no French.
I rented a small apartment for 7 solo days in the 7th arrond. and had a great time. I also second the recommendations on finding a nearby cafe and using it regularly.