3 September, 2009 1

Sarah Houiller and

Sue Evans Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Presentation prepared by Ann Williams, Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Activities in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

and the Surrounding Area

3 September, 2009 2

Want to be Part of Life in France?

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

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 Vsinet

Tuesday and Saturday

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

For dates of local brocantes, check out: your local magazine/newspaper

your own town or village website

Foire Nationale 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

Brocantes/Vide-Greniers/Foires (Continued)

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)

Associations, Clubs and Classes

Local Magazines, Websites and Newspapers

A great source of information for local events

http://www.saintgermainenlaye.fr/index.php?id=accueilhttp://www.saintgermainenlaye.fr/

3 September, 2009 9

Events to Look out for During the Year

September

La Rentre!

Forums des Associations

Journes du Patrimoine (National Heritage Weekend):

an opportunity to visit many buildings and monuments, normally closed to the public

street entertainment in St-Germain

/Continued

lEstival:

St-Germains own music festival

Foire Nationale la Brocante et aux Jambons (Antiques and Ham fair):

Ile des Impressionnistes, Chatou

September (Continued)

/Continued

Vendange (Grape harvest), St-Germain and Le Pecqs own vineyard:

meet on the Terrasse of the Chteau de St-Germain

Foires aux Vins (Wine fairs):

wine sales in many local supermarkets

September (Continued)

http://www.saintgermainenlaye.fr/javasc

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

November

Fte de la Toussaint (All Saints Day): 1st November

half term holiday

chrysanthemums on sale

Beaujolais Nouveau (New Beaujolais): 3rd Thursday in November

wine merchants and supermarkets are allowed to sell the new seasons Beaujolais wine on this date

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chrysanthemum_sp.jpg

Tlthon:

a national campaign to collect money for medical research and help those with muscular dystrophy

most towns and villages have sponsored events or sales

Marchs de Nol (Christmas Markets)

December

January

Fte 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

February

Chandeleur (Pancake Day): 2nd February

The skiing season is in full swing!

March

Foire Nationale la Brocante et aux Jambons (Antiques and Ham fair),

Ile des Impressionnistes, Chatou

May

Journe Europenne (European Day):

St-Germain always marks the occasion

stalls from European countries

international entertainment on the market square

Fte des Voisins (Neighbours Day):

everyone is encouraged to meet their neighbours for a drink or a meal

/Continued

May (Continued)

Nuit des Muses (Night of the Museums):

visit many museums and historic buildings late into the night

often free

June

Fte de la Musique:

music on all street corners throughout France

Fte du Cinma:

throughout France: last week in June

ticket prices reduced

July

Fte Nationale: 14th July

military parade along the Champs Elyses

fireworks and dancing (bal) on 13th or 14th July in most towns and villages

Les Soldes (Summer Sales)

/Continued

July (Continued)

Fte des Loges:

gigantic fun-fair in the forest of St-Germain

lasts over 7 weeks: beginning of July until 3rd week of August

little train links RER to the fun-fair

August

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

3 September, 2009 25

Want to Learn French?

Want to Learn French?

GRETA programme:

information from Lyce International

LA CLEF:

a local organisation for culture and education

see www.laclef.asso.fr

Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye:

French conversation in small groups see www.accueilinternational.org

3 September, 2009 27

Want to do Things Not Typically French?

Want to do Things Not Typically French?

Scottish dancing in Fourqueux:

no need to wear a kilt!

beginners welcome

leaflets available

/Continued

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

www.lionsheraldic78.eu

/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 www.internationalplayers.co.uk

/Continued

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 www.standac.com

Wildlife Park also in Thoiry:

see www.thoiry.net

Want to do Things Not Typically French? (Continued)

3 September, 2009 32

Want to Meet People?

Two organisations specialise in welcoming and integrating newcomers:

Accueil des Villes Franaises (AVF)

national network

local branches in most towns

for both men and women

French speaking

/Continued

Want to Meet People?

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

Want to Meet People? (Continued)

/Continued

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

Some examples of our activities:

Book clubs

Cookery

Painting

Golf

Walking

Photography

Painting on eggs

Mah Jong

Want to Meet People? (Continued)

/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

Want to Meet People? (Continued)

/Continued

Some examples of our activities:

Going to:

Shows

Plays

Concerts

Restaurants

Cinema

Want to Meet People? (Continued)

/Continued

Some examples of our activities:

Cultural visits:

Historic walks

Versailles

Muse dOrsay

Exhibitions

Want to Meet People? (Continued)

3 September, 2009 40

Any Questions?

Come and talk to us:

Sarah, Sue or Manda Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

3 September, 2009 41

Accueil International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Information fo