Activities in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the Surrounding Area

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2 Activities in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the Surrounding Area Tiffany Snel-Wark Sarah Houiller Kary Spanghero Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

3 Want to be part of life in France?

4 Markets Nearly every village and town has a market with fresh produce Some markets also sell clothes and other non-food articles Most markets open early and finish around 1.00pm

5 Markets St-Germain-en-Laye Tuesday, Friday and Sunday Poissy Tuesday, Friday and Sunday Fourqueux Tuesday and Saturday Maisons Laffitte Wednesday and Saturday Le Vésinet Tuesday and Saturday

6 Brocantes, Vide-Greniers, Foires Most towns and villages have these at least once a year: - an ideal way to discover a town or village, find a bargain or some original item

7 Brocantes, Vide-Greniers, Foires For dates of local brocantes, check out: - your local magazine/newspaper - your own town or village website Foire Nationale à la Brocante et aux Jambons (Antiques and Ham fair), Ile des Impressionnistes, Chatou: - September and March - famous for its antiques and food - lasts about 10 days

8 Associations, Clubs, Classes Associations - an important part of French life Provide 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 Maison des Associations, Centre de Culture

9 Local magazines, Websites, Newspapers A great source of information for local events

10 Events to look out for during the year

11 September La Rentrée! Journées du Patrimoine (National Heritage Weekend): - opportunity to visit many buildings and monuments, normally closed to the public - street entertainment in St-Germain

12 September Forums des Associations L Estival: - St Germain s own music festival

13 September Vendange (grape harvest) of St-Germain & Le Pecq s own vineyard: - meet on Terrasse of Château de St-Germain Foires aux vins (wine fairs): - in many local supermarkets

14 October/every month 1 st Sunday of the month: many museums and monuments free! - some free all year round on 1 st Sunday of month - others free during the winter months only eg, Louvre - October to March

15 October Nuit Blanche (Sleepless night): 1st weekend in October, Saturday 7pm to Sunday 7am - see various museums, exhibitions and other original art forms at an unusual time

16 November Fête de la Toussaint (All Saints Day): 1 st November - half term holiday - chrysanthemums on sale Beaujolais Nouveau (new Beaujolais): 3 rd Thursday in November - wine merchants & supermarkets sell the new season s Beaujolais on this date

17 December Téléthon: - a national campaign to collect money for medical research and help those with muscular dystrophy - most towns and villages have sponsored events or sales Marchés de Noël (Christmas markets)

18 January Fête des Rois: - Galettes on sale throughout January - person who finds lucky charm gets to be king or queen for the day Les Soldes (winter sales): - start on the same day throughout France

19 February Le Chandeleur (Pancake Day): 2 nd February The skiing season is in full swing!

20 March Foire Nationale à la Brocante et aux Jambons (Antiques and Ham fair) Ile des Impressionnistes, Chatou (twice a year : Sept & March)

21 April 1 st April: Poisson d avril (April Fool s Day!) Pâques (Easter): Children are told that the bells return from Rome on Easter Sunday and drop chocolate eggs in their gardens!

22 May Marché Européen (European Market): - Market Square, St Germain - stalls representing European countries - food, drink, art and crafts - international music & entertainment

23 May Fête des Voisins (Neighbours Day): - everyone is encouraged to meet their neighbours for a drink or a meal

24 May Nuit des Musées (Night of the museums): - visit many museums and historic buildings late into the night - often free

25 June Fête de la Musique: - music on all street corners throughout France Fête du Cinéma: - throughout France, last week in June - ticket prices reduced

26 July Fête Nationale: 14 th July - military parade along the Champs Elysées - fireworks and dancing (bal) on 13 th or 14 th July in most towns and villages Les Soldes (summer sales)

27 July Fête des Loges: - gigantic fun-fair in the forest of St-Germain - lasts over 7 weeks: from beginning of July until 3 rd week of August - little train links RER to the fun-fair

28 August Apart from La Fête des Loges in St-Germain, virtually everything grinds to a halt - quite a shock for almost everyone!

29 Want to learn French?

30 GRETA programme: - information from Lycée International LA CLEF: - a local organisation for culture and education - see Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye: - French conversation in small groups - see

31 Want to do things not typically French?

32 Scottish dancing in Fourqueux: - no need to wear a kilt! - beginners welcome - for all nationalities

33 English speaking Lions Club: - Lions Club International is the largest service club in the world - both men & women are welcome - all meetings are held in English - If you feel that life has been kinder to you than many others, maybe this is your chance to make a difference -

34 The International Players: - English speaking theatre group with members of all ages and a variety of talents: acting singing designing and building sets making costumes - based in Le Pecq and St-Germain - see

35 Bowling centre in Orgeval on the N13 Cricket club in Thoiry: - welcomes cricketers, supporters and social members of all ages - see Wildlife Park also in Thoiry: - see

36 Want to meet people?

37 Want to meet people? Two organisations specialise in welcoming and integrating newcomers: 1. Accueil des Villes Françaises (AVF) - national network - local branches in most towns - for both men and women - French speaking

38 Want to meet people? 2. Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye - a more international association - for foreign women arriving in France and French women returning from abroad - approx 550 members of 50 different nationalities - in both French and native languages - all activities run by volunteer members

39 Our key groups and activities: - 11 language groups, including an Anglophone group - International Coffees with a theme - in French - specific group for new members - French conversation - Mother and Toddler group

40 Some examples of our activities: - book clubs - cookery - painting - golf - walking - painting on eggs - Mah Jong

41 More examples of our activities: - discovering Chinese culture - gardening group - bridge (in French) - learning ancient languages - Latin & Greek - finding out about European History - Bodyflex - photography

42 Outings to: - shows - plays - concerts - restaurants - cinema

43 Cultural visits: - historic walks - Versailles - Musée d Orsay - exhibitions

44 Any questions? Come and talk to us: Tiffany, Sarah & Kary or visit our website:

45 Information & sign-up for new members Friday 18 th September am noon MAS - Maison des Associations 3 rue de la République, St-Germain-en-Laye