This GIFT really keeps on giving: Christmas Fair in the Tarn
GIFT’s Christmas fair is bigger and better than ever, with a wide range of beautiful cards, calendars and gifts, and delicious homemade treats. Have fun and help raise funds for charity!
Events, Associations and Charities
Fun on Two Wheels in Occitanie: Raising Cancer Awareness in France
Cancer Support France is once again organising a cycle for Life across the beautiful countryside of the Occitanie region. The event will take place over four days from the 22nd to the 25th of June, covering 200km of the Canal…
Cycle for Life 2016 – Canal de Garonne Charity Bike Ride
From 11 – 16 September 2016 a 300km cycle ride alongside the Canal de Garonne has been organised to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Support France (CSF). Over a beautiful 300km of cycle ways that run alongside the Canal des…
A chat with Graham Weeks, founder of the F8 cycling sportive in the south of France
A cycling group of ‘rosbeefs’ in France organises a gruelling bike race in aid of World Bicycle Relief. See why Cyclist magazine calls the south of France Pyrénées a ‘magnet for cyclists’.
Canal du Midi bike ride was a memorable experience
Reports are coming in! The 2015 Canal du Midi Cycle Ride organised by Cancer Support France was such a smashing success that they are thinking of making it an annual event.
How to watch the Tour de France
Some 3.5 billion people will watch 18 teams of nine riders race 3,500km over three weeks during Le Tour de France, the world’s largest sporting event. Hannah Reynolds and John Walsh, the authors of France en Vélo, share their experiences. The Tour de France…
The 2018 Ryder Cup in France
As the euphoria of Europe’s 2014 Ryder Cup win fades and with Northern Irishman Darren Clarke having been named as the captain for the 2016 event at Hazeltine, Minnesota it’s a good time to remind all Francophile golf lovers that the…
IN PICTURES: Menton Lemon Festival 2015
Every year, the lovely seaside resort of Menton on the French Riviera goes citrus crazy as it celebrates the Fête du Citron. This year’s event, which had a Chinese theme, has just come to its extravagant conclusion – here are some highlights from the…
English speaking? Affected by cancer in France? CSF can help
When we pack up and set out for a new life in France, full of eager anticipation, none of us expects to become ill. The medical culture is different, the language barrier becomes even harder, friends and family are far away. CSF can help.
Show off your French garden for a good cause
Two years ago four British garden owners in the Creuse had an idea. What if they could develop an open garden scheme in France, like the ones in other countries?
Will twinning associations be a thing of the past?
Two Weymouth mayors have been recognised for services to twinning. But with busy lifestyles making volunteers harder to find, we look at what the future might hold.
SUMMER 2014: Le Voyage à Nantes
Each summer the city of Nantes invites artists and designers to participate in an urban art trail, Le Voyage à Nantes.
The Bereavement Support Network
A group of volunteers offer support to the bereaved or the terminally ill and their families…
Cancer Support in The Tarn
The Tarn now has its own cancer support group as part of CSF Sud de France, on hand to offer advice and support to anyone in the Anglophone community who is touched by cancer whether it is as a patient, friend, family or bereaved. All English speaking people are welcomed.
What’s on in Burgundy
Our pick of the best events this region has to offer, onion festivals (fête de l’oignon) and Christmas markets (Marché de Noel) included. Find out what’s on in Autun, Auxonne, Beaune, Bèze, Dijon, Nuits-Saints-Georges…
Events in Centre
From Amboise and Bourges to Tours and Vierzon, the Centre boasts a wide variety of music concerts, sporting events and festivals celebrating local heritage and gastronomy – something for everyone.
Charity Cottage in the Morvan
A holiday home from home with the added satisfaction of helping a worthwhile charity. Every penny goes to Combat Stress, which cares for UK veterans who have been traumatised by experiences during their service career.
Napoleon III Festival
Every year, Vichy dedicates a long weekend at the end of April to recreating the dress and dancing associated with Napoleon III, who transformed his favourite spa town by introducing more parks and a casino – amongst other things.
Events Listing for Alsace-Lorraine
Join the locals in celebrating the heritage of this region and its regional delicacies at events across Alsace and Lorraine. From January’s Fête de la Montagne to December’s Fête Saint Nicolas, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
What’s on in Corsica
Join the locals in celebrating regional delicacies at foodie fairs, supporting the athletes competing in the island’s sporting events and getting involved with its annual music and religious festivals.
What’s on in Picardy
Cities, towns and villages around the region are attracting visitors throughout the year thanks to their music festivals, flea markets, local fairs and festive offerings.
What’s on in the Midi-Pyrénées
There are all sorts of events being planned throughout the year in the Midi-Pyrénées region. Here’s our pick of the bunch, from springtime carnivals in Albi and Castres to local food festivals and major music concerts.
French Entrée visits Restos du Coeur
A very positive shortcut to integrating into life in France is to join an association. It provides an opportunity to meet people and practice the language.
What’s on in Brittany
Visit the region famous for its traditional dancing and the buttery goodness of its local cuisine and you’ll be spoiled for choice with foodie fairs and festivals keeping old customs alive.
The English Library in Corrèze
We have just opened a small English Library for all those who want to borrow and read books in English. We want to act as a meeting point, and not just for the English speaking community. We hope to start French and English classes and conversation groups. We want to be the base for clubs – we already have a Writers’ Club and Chess Club…………
Aude Grapevine (formerly Brits in Carcassonne)
Louise Elsom has been living in the Languedoc for four years and in January 2012 launched Brits in Carcassonne now called Aude Grapevine, hosting regular events in a bid to bring English speakers together to share advice and tips on living in France.
What’s On in Paris
The programme of concerts and shows, sporting and cultural events on offer in Paris ensures visitors come back time and time again. From foodies to film buffs, everyone is catered for.
La Troupe d’Acteurs du Quercy
Since I last wrote a few words about my exploits with La Troupe d’Acteurs du Quercy things have moved on. Well, they do don’t they? The sands of time and all that. From a personal point of view I have really enjoyed the opportunity to murder a few people…
What’s on in and around Nice
Take your pick of cultural and sporting events held annually on the French Riviera. From Menton’s Lemon Festival in February to Saint-Paul’s Fête des Vendanges in October, there’s plenty to see and do all year round.
Christ Church Brittany
Christ Church Brittany began, as many good things do, in a very small way back in 1999, in Ploërmel. Since then, Christ Church has grown and now has three worship centres: the original one in Ploërmel, a second at Rostrenen in central Brittany and a third in Huelgoat in Finistère.
Chats Du Quercy
The purpose of Chats du Quercy is to find permanent, safe homes for homeless cats and kittens with responsible and caring owners. We aim to provide quality, short term housing in a safe, disease-free and stimulating environment…
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Dog Links
A new organization has been set up working across France to help rehome dogs, many of whom have had a terrible past, some of who are no longer able to live with their current owners through no fault of their own and some who face certain death within the over stretched SPA pounds.Please take a minute to read through the information from dog links, even if you are not in a position to offer a dog a permanent home there are still many things you can do to help.
Writing in Limousin
Limousin has long been a retreat for artists and writers, who are inspired by the peace, tranquillity and breathtaking landscapes which make up this wonderful region of France. Sue Crampton has recently moved to the Limousin and is keen to start a writing group with other like minded individuals.
Café Church in Bergerac
Café Church aims to be an up-to-date and fun expression of Christianity and to this end, there is something for everybody. Two monthly sessions are held in Bergerac.
Clubs & Associations for Expats in Grenoble
It is claimed that Grenoble has one of the biggest Anglophone communities of any French city. Coming to live in France doesn’t mean you should only spend time with French people. There is all manner of pan-European activity.
A Helping Hand In The Quercy
Image not found.Do you love the South of France?
Do you struggle a bit with the language and administration?
Need a helping hand to “sort things out”?
“Help in Quercy” are at your service.
Overcoming The Language Barrier
My decision to teach French happened by accident really. I had a call from a friend who had artisans on site and both sides were having trouble understanding what was required. I was happy to help but after I’d gone I was flattered to find the builder thought I was French. When my friend understood this, he said ‘Why don’t you teach it? It would really help me and I can think of several other people who would really value it too’.
And that’s how it all started…
Mother and Baby Groups
A list of mother and baby groups throughout France Accents Mothers & Toddlers group Accents has been running for 3 years and are based in Civray (86400). They welcome all carers and children up to school age. Visit www.accents-asso.fr Tel:…
Women’s Groups
A list of women’s groups throughout France British and Commonwealth Women’s Association Contact Shirley Milojevic Tel: 01 47 20 50 91 Email: bcwa.paris@wanadoo.fr Visit the website Stitch in Time Based in the most rural part of France the Limousin. Our…
Join a sports group near you
If you miss the opportunity to play cricket or are just looking to make some new friends, expats around the country have set up clubs to help make sure you are enjoying life in France.
Music and Dance Groups
A list of music and dance groups throughout France Association Azoukah Based in Ruffec. This local association organises oriental dancing classes (Ruffec, Sauze V etc), mostly in the evening. They also have a dance company who perform across the region…
Theatre Groups
A list of theatre groups throughout France Poitou Charentes: The Encore Theatre Founded in 2002, this lively and active association brings together people who have a keen interest in all aspects of theatre. Midi-Pyrénées: The Secret Panto Society Since 1984…
Support Groups
A list of support groups throughout France AIKB AIKB (Association Intégration Kreiz Breizh) is a non-profit making Association set-up (in accordance with French law) in 2003 with the aim of helping ‘newcomers’ to settle into their new life in Brittany.…
British Associations
AVF AVF is a national association (registered under the French law of 1901) with 350 local branches throughout France (local A.V.F) non confessional, non political, run by trained volunteers. Its purpose is to provide a service for those who move…
Dog Walking with Les Chiens de Figeac
I started volunteering at the Figeac dog refuge not long ago. I hesitated before getting in contact with them as I was worried about the old ‘tugging at the heart strings’ syndrome. With two dogs and two cats already, I know my limits but was afraid that I would end up bringing another young scamp home…
Fete de la Musique
In October 1981, Maurice Fleuret became Director of Music and Dance at the ministry of culture. Motivated by his lifelong love of music he was determined to bring more music …
Les Amis Des Chats
“Les amis des chats” has just celebrated its tenth anniversary. Since this cat welfare charity was founded in Roquecor, Tarn-et-Garonne in March 2000 it has helped over 5,000 cats, and plans to help even more in the years to come.
Learning English with Les Amis des Chats
The children of Touffailles primary school have really been enjoying their english lessons lately. Over the past four weeks they have been improving their English using ‘Anglais avec les chats’, a unique education programme initiated by the cat charity Les Amis Des Chats…
Musical Marmite in the Lot and Quercy
Anyone who’s spent a significant chunk of their lives in England and later moved abroad will, at some point, find themselves trying to explain Marmite to their new neighbours. Whether you wake up at 3 in the morning with an insatiable craving for a thick slice of hot buttered toast and Marmite or gag at the very thought…
Getting Together in Deux-Sevres
It’s not always easy making new friends when you move to a new area, or finding out where you can meet people with similar interests. You might need an English-speaking dentist or a good vet for your pet.