Activities in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Surrounding Areas

Transcription

1 Activities in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Surrounding Areas Shelagh Richard and Sarah Houiller Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye en-laye Presentation prepared by Ann Williams, Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye en-laye 3 September,

2 Want to be Part of Life in France? 3 September,

3 Markets Nearly every village and town has a market with mouth-watering fresh produce in wonderful displays Some markets also sell clothes and other non-food articles Most markets open early and finish around 1.00pm 03/09/ Chatou Avenue Guy de Maupassant Thursdays and Sundays Fourqueux Place Victor Hugo Tuesdays and Saturdays /Continued

4 Markets (Continued) Maisons Laffitte Place du Marché Wednesdays and Saturdays Saint-Germain-en-Laye en-laye Place du Marché Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays Le Vésinet Place de l'eglise Tuesdays and Saturdays 03/09/2009 4

5 Brocantes (flea markets/car boot sales/garage sales) Most towns and villages have a brocante once a year an ideal way to discover a town or village and to meander through the stalls looking for a bargain or some original item 03/09/ /Continued

6 Brocantes (flea markets/car boot sales/garage sales) (Cont) Some examples of forthcoming brocantes in the region: Le Pecq: : Sunday, 13th September St Nom la Bretèche: : Sunday, 13th September Saint-Germain-en-Laye, en-laye, rue de Paris: Saturday, 19th September (Antiques Fair) Chambourcy: : Sunday, 20th September Le Vesinet: : Sunday 20th September and many more... For more details, check out: Brocantes dans les Yvelines on Google your local magazine/newspaper your own town or village website 03/09/2009 6

7 Associations, Clubs and Classes Associations are an important part of French life They provide an opportunity to enjoy a wide range of activities for both children and adults Most towns have an open day in September for all their associations, clubs and classes (Forum des Associations) Check out brochures edited by your local town or village (Maison des Associations or Centre de Culture) 03/09/2009 7

8 Local Magazines, Websites and Newspapers These are a mine of information for local events 03/09/2009 8

9 Events to Look out for During the Year 3 September,

10 September Forum des Associations 19 th and 20 th the Journées du Patrimoine (National Heritage Weekend) an opportunity to visit many buildings and monuments which are normally closed to the public l Estival Saint-Germain-en-Laye s en-laye own music festival end of September to mid October leaflets available 03/09/

11 October Nuit Blanche during the night of 3rd to 4th October (7pm to 7am) an opportunity to see various museums, exhibitions and other original art forms at an unusual time Monday, 19 th - visit to the Saint-Germain- en-laye Mairie (Town Hall) register with Check-in to France 03/09/

12 November Beaujolais Nouveau: 3rd Thursday in November wine merchants and supermarkets are allowed to sell the new season s s Beaujolais wine on this date Saturday, 21 st - a visit in English of Saint- Germain-en-Layeen-Laye register with Check-in to France or the Tourist Office in Saint-Germain-en-Laye en-laye 03/09/

13 December Telethon, 4 th and 5 th December a national campaign to collect funds to help medical research and those with muscular dystrophy most towns and villages have sponsored events or sales to help the cause Christmas Markets in many towns 03/09/

14 January Winter sales (les soldes) 03/09/

15 February The skiing season is in full swing! 03/09/ /7/2009

16 May European Day Saint-Germain-en-Laye en-laye in particular always marks the occasion stands from European countries international entertainment on the market square Get to know your Neighbours Day (la fêtef des voisins) everyone is encouraged to meet their neighbours for a drink, a meal it s s a chance to enhance relations between neighbours! 03/09/

17 June Fête de la Musique music on all street corners throughout France Fête du Cinéma for one ticket purchased at the normal rate, all others are reduced. Available throughout France 03/09/

18 July Fête Nationale - 14th July fireworks galore with free dancing (bal) either on the evening before or on the 14th July in most towns and villages Summer Sales (les soldes) 03/09/

19 August Virtually everything grinds to a halt - quite a shock to almost everyone! 03/09/

20 Want to Meet French People? 3 September,

21 Want to Meet French People? Try joining some of the associations near your home after all, a game of tennis is a game of tennis even if you don t t speak the language 03/09/ /Continued

22 Want to Meet French People? (Continued) Join the Accueil International de Saint- Germain-en-Layeen-Laye an association of some 500 members of 48 different nationalities with activities in both French and native languages an ideal way to become involved in an international community whilst doing something interesting... visits, talks, and interest groups in French and other languages see 03/09/ /Continued

23 Want to Meet French People? (Continued) Join the AVF network, a national association to welcome newcomers to their new area local branches in most towns French-speaking 03/09/

24 3 September, Want to Learn French?

25 Want to Learn French? see The Lycée International can provide you with information on the GRETA programme French lessons available in Saint-Germain- en-laye at LA CLE, a local organisation for culture and education The Accueil International de Saint-Germain- en-laye also offers French conversation in small groups see 03/09/

26 Want to do Things that are Not Typically French? 3 September,

27 Want to do Things that are Not Typically French? The International Players amateur dramatics in English see Scottish dancing in Fourqueux no need to wear a kilt! beginners welcome leaflets available 03/09/

28 Want to do Things that are Not Typically French? There is a bowling centre in Orgeval on the RN13 How about the cricket club in the nearby village of Thoiry? the club welcomes cricketers, supporters and social members of all ages see At Thoiry there is also a Wildlife Park see 03/09/

29 Want to Go Where the French Go? 3 September,

30 Want to Go Where the French Go? Try Parly 2 near Versailles for clothes and accessories also Habitat and garden centre The nearest IKEA shop is in Plaisir Try FLY (a similar shop) on the RN13 near Carrefour Furniture, electrical goods, DIY shops around the Art de Vivre retail centre in Orgeval 03/09/

31 3 September, Any Questions?