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

Transcription

1 Activities in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the Surrounding Area Sarah Houiller and Sue Evans Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye Presentation prepared by Ann Williams, Accueil International de Saint-Germain-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 fresh produce Some markets also sell clothes and other non-food articles Most markets open early and finish around 1.00pm /Continued

4 Markets (Continued) St-Germain-en-Laye, market square Tuesday, Friday and Sunday Poissy, market square Tuesday, Friday and Sunday Fourqueux Tuesday and Saturday Maisons Laffitte Wednesday and Saturday Le Vésinet Tuesday and Saturday

5 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 /Continued

6 Brocantes/Vide-Greniers/Foires (Continued) 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

7 Associations, Clubs and Classes Associations are an important part of French life They 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 or village (Maison des Associations, Centre de Culture)

8 Local Magazines, Websites and Newspapers A great source of information for local events

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

10 September La Rentrée! Forums des Associations Journées du Patrimoine (National Heritage Weekend): an opportunity to visit many buildings and monuments, normally closed to the public street entertainment in St-Germain /Continued

11 September (Continued) l Estival: St-Germain s own music festival Foire Nationale à la Brocante et aux Jambons (Antiques and Ham fair): Ile des Impressionnistes, Chatou /Continued

12 September (Continued) Vendange (Grape harvest), St-Germain and Le Pecq s own vineyard: meet on the Terrasse of the Château de St-Germain Foires aux Vins (Wine fairs): wine sales in many local supermarkets

13 October Nuit Blanche (Sleepless Night) Saturday, 7.00pm to Sunday, 7.00am: see various museums, exhibitions and other original art forms at an unusual time

14 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 and supermarkets are allowed to sell the new season s Beaujolais wine on this date

15 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)

16 January Fête des Rois: Galettes on sale throughout January the person who finds lucky charm gets to be king for the day Les Soldes (Winter Sales): start on the same day throughout France

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

18 March Foire Nationale à la Brocante et aux Jambons (Antiques and Ham fair), Ile des Impressionnistes, Chatou

19 May Journée Européenne (European Day): St-Germain always marks the occasion stalls from European countries international entertainment on the market square Fête des Voisins (Neighbours Day): everyone is encouraged to meet their neighbours for a drink or a meal /Continued

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

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

22 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) /Continued

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

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

25 3 September, Want to Learn French?

26 Want to Learn French? 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

27 Want to do Things Not Typically French? 3 September,

28 Want to do Things Not Typically French? Scottish dancing in Fourqueux: no need to wear a kilt! beginners welcome leaflets available /Continued

29 Want to do Things Not Typically French? 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 /Continued

30 Want to do Things Not Typically French? (Continued) The International Players: an 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 see /Continued

31 Want to do Things Not Typically French? (Continued) Bowling centre in Orgeval on the N13 Cricket club in Thoiry: the club welcomes cricketers, supporters and social members of all ages see Wildlife Park also in Thoiry: see

32 3 September, Want to Meet People?

33 Want to Meet People? Two organisations specialise in welcoming and integrating newcomers: Accueil des Villes Françaises (AVF) national network local branches in most towns for both men and women French speaking /Continued

34 Want to Meet People? (Continued) Two organisations specialise in welcoming and integrating newcomers (cont): Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en- Laye a more international association for foreign women arriving in France and French women returning from abroad approximately 600 members of 50 different nationalities interest groups, activities and visits, organised by members for members in both French and native languages /Continued

35 Want to Meet People? (Continued) Some examples of our activities: 11 language groups, including an Anglophone Group International Coffees (in French) with a theme Specific group for new members French conversation Mother and Toddler Group /Continued

36 Want to Meet People? (Continued) Some examples of our activities: Book clubs Cookery Painting Golf Walking Photography Painting on eggs Mah Jong /Continued

37 Want to Meet People? (Continued) Some examples of our activities: Discovering Chinese culture Gardening group Bridge (in French) Learning ancient languages Latin and Greek Finding out about European History Bodyflex Pilates /Continued

38 Want to Meet People? (Continued) Some examples of our activities: Going to: Shows Plays Concerts Restaurants Cinema /Continued

39 Want to Meet People? (Continued) Some examples of our activities: Cultural visits: Historic walks Versailles Musée d Orsay Exhibitions

40 Any Questions? Come and talk to us: Sarah, Sue or Manda Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye 3 September,

41 Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye Information forum and sign-up for new members Tuesday 17 th September MAS Maison des Associations 3 rue de la République St Germain-en-Laye 3 September,