Associations & Clubs
ACFAA
ACFAA’s aim is the promotion of cultural life and well-being in the communities of Eymet and surrounding communes. Its objective is the development of activities that build community rapport. The Association offers a wide range of activities in the fields of culture (art, atelier, craft, photography, gardening, history, music, dance etc) and wellness, as well as language classes and events for members within the local community. Membership is open to everyone.
Amicale Culturelle Européenne
The association was formed in Basse-Normandie in 1996 under. Its aim is to promote friendship amongst British residents in Normandy and to facilitate their introduction and communication with French and other European nationals living in the area.
To this end, ACE organises monthly events; these include visits to museums, one or several days’ leisure excursions, country walks, trips to other places of interest, talks or conferences on various matters of interest, and regular luncheons.
President - Marc Levy
27 place des Fuchsias, 14880 Colleville Montgomery
06 81 10 97 64
marc.levy305@orange.fr
Vice-President - Tom Hegarty
La Noblerie, 50560 Blainville-sur-Mer
02 33 07 17 00
hegarty.thomas@orange.fr
A.A.G.P. Anglo-American Group of Provence
The AAGP is a non-profit social organisation, created over 50 years ago, run by volunteers, offering opportunities to find friendship, support and information relevant to life in France. We organise a year-round programme of activities for all ages and interests which are published in a monthly newsletter. Our aims are to welcome English-speaking newcomers to their new life in Provence, to share activities, make new friends and promote friendship within our French community.
For further information, please visit www.aagp-provence.com
Anglophone Association of Coutances
Formed in 1993, we are an association of English speaking people enjoying Normandy, who aim to help each other in our integration into the French way of life and form links with the local French community.
We organise events, walks, visits to places of interest and local enterprises and conversation groups, all of which enable us to learn more about our local countryside and communities. We frequently enjoy seasonal celebrations and the food of Normandy.
President: John Jenkins
02 33 17 81 46
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
With over 700,000 students, ABRSM is the world’s leading provider of music examinations and assessments.
At centres in France and also online from the comfort of your own home, practical graded examinations are available for all instruments (including voice), at all levels, from novice to confirmed, with no age limit. Exams are open to all. Online theory exams are held from grades 1 to 5 and written exams for Grades 6-8.
Syllabi, fees lists, entry forms and more information available from:
Steven Calvert
British School of Paris
38 quai de l’Ecluse, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine
01 34 80 45 94
06 15 65 36 73
abrsmrep@sfr.fr
www.abrsm.org
Association Culturelle Franco-Britannique du Comtat Venaissin
The association was founded in 1985 by a small group of English people who met regularly in Carpentras to practice their French. Monthly outings were soon added to the weekly conversation meetings and we now offer a variety of activities and outings, announced in the monthly newsletter and on the website.
One of our most important roles is to help anglophones integrate into the area. We also offer our members assistance when facing administrative or legal issues.
President: Marie-Jacqueline Ballagh franco.britsven@gmail.com
Association France - Grande-Bretagne
The Association, founded in 1916 while the Franco-British Society was being founded in London, aims to foster and develop Franco-British co-operation.
The AFGB network includes some 20 local associations, which organise talks and debates, visits and theme trips, social activities and, in general, aim to spread and promote British cultural and intellectual life, whilst helping British expats to integrate in France.
President: Patrick Hénault 06 84 64 20 37
Contact: Gérard Hocmard OBE 06 84 74 92 36 gh.afgb@orange.fr
Website: afgb.fr
Association France – Grande-Bretagne – Lyon & Rhône
The Lyon & Rhône branch of the Association France - Grande-Bretagne aims to promote Franco-British relations through cultural activities, including a monthly luncheon, talks by visiting speakers, a book circle, an English Scrabble group, a poetry reading group, cinema outings to see films in English, conversation groups and a group which organises social events and outings. A monthly newsletter sent to members contains details of our programme, which can also be found on our website.
President: Michael G Smith
mikesmithzumsee@gmail.com
www.fgb-lyon.org
Association Franco-Ecossaise
The AFE was born in 1896 a few months after its sister, the Franco-Scottish Society,was founded in Edinburgh. Its aims are to promote good relations between Scotland and France by the exchange of goodwill visits, by making Scotland better known in France through regular lectures and meetings in the old Scots College in Paris and by encouraging research on Scotland in French universities.
President - Thierry Rechniewski, Tel: 07 81 58 33 39 / 01 46 24 79 19
Treasurer - Julien Valée (French-speaking), Tel: 01 39 73 89 91
Information - George P Mutch, Tel: 01 48 28 38 69 / 07 86 05 43 51
Regional representation of the BCC in the Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes region
Bordeaux British Community
The Bordeaux British Community is an Aquitaine-based social association. We have a multi-national membership, the only requirement is a reasonable grasp of the English language.
Our association has on our books approximately 100 family memberships, and mostly live within an 80 km radius of Bordeaux. Normally we have around 3 events each month and issue a monthly newsletter. If you would like to learn more about us visit our website.
vicepresident@bordeauxbritish.com
British Association Cote d'Opale
BACO has a new president and a new team. The emphasis is on growing the number of our members and increasing the number and quality of events. As part of this we are embarking on a new partnership with the Château d'Hardelot "Centre Culturel de l'Entente Cordiale". We have parties, outings and soirées lined up. We inform and advise our members on post-Brexit issues. Our musical tradition continues, and our monthly English Book Club continues to explore an eclectic series of titles.
President: George Murray 06 08 04 31 34
British Association of Monaco
The BAM was established in 1935 and is one of the most active associations in the Principality.
We aim to provide a social focus for British citizens living in and around Monaco and to represent their views in the Principality. We organise monthly outings, talks, etc., and give aid to British citizens who may be in need, whether BAM members or not.
A monthly Newsletter provides members with articles and a diary of current events in Monaco.
Tel: +337 93 50 19 52
bam@monaco.mc
www.bam-monaco.org
British Conservatives in Paris
Our brief is to further the aims of the British Conservative Party and to provide a forum for Conservative Party supporters.
Our political and social events involving British politicians enable our members to debate political issues and meet visiting British and sometimes French parliamentarians. We represent members' views to the Party and we encourage qualified British subjects to register to vote in the UK, while campaigning vigorously for an extension of this limited right to vote.
Chairman - Jeremy Stubbs
137, rue du Général de Gaulle, 78740 Vaux-sur-Seine
06 38 53 11 66
www.conservatives-paris.org
British European Movement, France
The British European Movement, France, the French branch of the European Movement UK, is open to British citizens resident anywhere in France. Our aim is to protect their European Citizen’s Rights now that we have left the EU and to maintain the post-Brexit rights of EU citizens in the UK by supporting the aims and activities of the European Movement UK, lobbying British, French and European MPs and other relevant bodies.
Chairman: Geoffrey Ross bemf@fastmail.com 01 45 49 27 10
British Freemasons in France
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. Its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty, fairness and tolerance.
Every freemason makes his own journey of self-discovery, learning new skills, making lasting friendships, and above all having fun. Lodges offer all their members a place of harmony and tranquillity, an antidote to busy, modern life.
Details of English-speaking recognised and regular Lodges in France are available from :
The British Luncheon (1916)
Founded in 1916, the “Advisory Committee Lunch”, consisting of members of the Ambassador’s Advisory Committee on Exemptions from National Service, changed its name in 1935 to The British Luncheon (1916).
Membership, by election only, is currently limited to 100 plus 15 privileged members including Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service officers. Luncheons are held on the third Tuesday of every month at the Cercle de l'Union Interallié, with an annual Christmas luncheon, to which guests are invited.
Honorary Secretary - C M Wicker
British and Commonwealth Women’s Association
The BCWA was created in 1962, but has evolved over the years to accommodate changing times and more importantly, the changing attitudes of modern women. It offers a broad range of interests such as Mahjong , scrabble, yoga, book discussion groups, bridge, quizzes and monthly walks and visits, often to places not readily open to the public. The BCWA is a voluntary organisation; all events are organised by members.
President: Sally Malingri de Bagnolo bcwapresident@gmail.com
The Caledonian Society of France
Founded in 1922, the Caledonian Society of France centres its annual activities on St Andrew’s Night in late November/early December, and Burns’ Day, around 25 January, the poet’s birthday. The Society also organises quiz nights, film shows, whisky tastings, excursions and visits to places of cultural interest in and around Paris.
Anyone, whether Scots-born or not but with an interest in Scotland and its culture and traditions, may apply for membership.
www.caledonian-society-france.org
Cambridge Society of Paris
The Cambridge Society of Paris provides a Cambridge meeting point and representation of the University in Paris. Membership can be applied for on our website or by contacting us by email. Events include lectures, debates, Embassu Garden Party, dinners with eminent speakers, sporting and social events with a mix of in-person and virtual events. Current membership is 300. All alumni of Cambridge welcome to join and it is free if you are under 30!
President: Matthew Kay
Hon. Secretary: Jacques Li
Contact: admin@camsocparis.org
www.cambridgesocietyofparis.com
Charente Limousine Exchange
Founded in 2003, the CLE is a group of enthusiastic members who now reside or intend to reside in France. They form a valuable resource for the exchange of information, ideas and experiences. CLE organises many social activities. Regular trips exploring the region are very popular. Monthly lunches, quizzes and (usually) friendly boules games bring members together for some light-hearted fun and games. Forums on French tax and other relevant issues provide crucial membership support.
President: Dave Brown 05 49 87 05 85
Château de Thoiry Cricket Club
Founded in 1990, we originally played in the superb setting of the grounds of a 16th century château. Unfortunately, in 2020, the owners of the cricket pitch found a new use for the ground, which now features as part of Thoiry Zoo. The Club is currently nomadic, playing around 15 matches a season in the Ile de France area. We are an open, friendly association, playing good quality, competitive cricket, always keen to find new members.
Club Secretary: johnhardy25@aol.com
Twitter: Thoiry Cricket Club
Website: thoirycricketclub.fr
The Clan MacLeod Society of France
The French Clan MacLeod Society, founded in 1981, is to foster research into the role played by the MacLeods in France, where they have been present and active for over 500 years, to conserve and make available family records, to distribute the magazine issued by the worldwide ACMS with a French supplement, and to encourage social activities amongst members.
Membership is open to all, whether called MacLeod, descended from MacLeods, attached to the Clan or simply interested in joining.
President - Alain MacLeod
18 rue du Parc de Clagny, 78000 Versailles
01 78 52 72 68
Website - : https://clan-macleod.fr
Connect
Connect is based in the Dieppe area. The association’s aim is to promote all initiatives which will reinforce exchanges and friendship at an international level and in particular French-British relations. To this end, it organises events such as book exchanges, pub quizzes, theme meals at members’ houses or in restaurants, plant exchanges, computer literacy, outings etc.
President Anne Vandelannoote
06 46 40 42 12
jessannden@orange.fr
Connect76.com
Dear Conjunction Theatre Company
Dear Conjunction, an English and French language theatre company based in Paris, has produced well over 40 plays since its foundation in 1991. DC is still run by its founder members but works with many other professional actors and directors.
As well as productions, DC regularly gives play and poetry readings and is happy to perform at special event throughout the year. We are always eager to welcome new performers, administrators, supporters...
Les Clack
01 42 85 09 57 / 06 37 56 95 21
Trish Kessler
01 42 41 69 65 / 06 31 32 47 84
dearconjunction@wanadoo.fr
www.dearconjunction-paris-theatre.com
The Dordogne Ladies Club International
Formed in 1986 as a not-for-profit association for women living in and around the Dordogne, we are a vibrant and enthusiastic community of all ages and nationalities (with English as the common language). Our ethos is networking, cultural exchange, friendship, support, welfare and raising money for local charities. Current members from all over the world provide mutual support for new lives in France and get together for social gatherings throughout the year. Annual membership is 25 euros
President: Lin Green DLCIPresident@gmail.com
Website: dlci.club
The Dordogne Organisation of Gentlemen
Formed in 1987, DOG is an association of Anglophones of various nationalities in and around the Dordogne area. We meet at least once a month at a variety of excellent restaurants for lunch and convivial discourse. At each lunch a member normally gives a talk on a subject of his choice, or a quiz or similar is held. Three lunches a year are attended by wives and partners. Participation is by invitation from a member.
President: Harris Raphael harris@pioneerfrance.com
EU Britizens
EU Britizens is a group of experienced and dedicated professionals affected by Brexit aiming to help British Citizens’ legal cases going before the Court of Justice of the European Union in order to win back our European Citizenship rights to vote, live, work, study and retire in the European Union as well as keeping Freedom of Movement in the EU.
President: Alice Bouilliez
Email: esme_bouilliez@hotmail.com
Website: EU Britizens
The English Cathedral Choir of Paris
The Choir is conducted by counter-tenor and composer Christopher Wells, who was a cathedral chorister under the choir's patron Sir David Willcocks.
For more than twenty years the ECC has been promoting English cathedral music throughout France's churches and cathedrals, taking part in religious ceremonies, services, weddings, carols, etc., as well larger orchestral works, festivals, TV and radio broadcasts.
Members include former English cathedral choristers and university choral scholars, but good musicians of all nationalities are welcome.
Odile and Christopher Wells
01 42 72 73 76
pepysmusic@hotmail.com
www.ecc-paris.org
The English Speaking Families' Group, Lyon
ESFG Lyon provides a support network for native English-speaking families living in the Lyon area. We organize English-language playgroups for children of different ages at our hall in the 8eme district of Lyon, as well as a diary of social events for parents and families.
To find out more about joining our group, please visit our website at www.esfglyon.com
The English-Speaking Union France
The ESU, founded in 1918 in London, is an International Educational Charity whose aim is to promote understanding and friendship among people all over the world using English as a common language. ESU France has four branches, each one engaged in developing this aim differently.
ESU Paris: events,visits, lectures.
ESU Loire Valley: events and National Public Speaking Competition organisation, leading to participation in the International Public Speaking Competition.
ESU Bordeaux: regular meetings.
ESU Marseille: new in 2022.
Honorary President - Béatrix de Montgermont-Keil 01 46 51 55 24
Chairperson - Catherine Gaudin esufrance@esufrance.org 06 37 28 51 37
Paris President - Luce Loussouarn ljloussouarn@free.fr 01 45 67 92 41
www.esuparis.fr
Loire Valley President - Patricia Curd president@esu-loire-valley.org 02 41 59 56 90
www.esu-loire-valley.fr
Bordeaux President - François Belly esubordeaux@gmail.com 06 72 15 37 22
Marseille President - Nicholas Hill nick@real-land.com
ECREU
Expat Citizen Rights in EU (ECREU) is a voluntary group set up to ensure the rights of UK citizens living in the EU and EU citizens in the UK are foremost in the minds of those negotiating their future after Brexit.
We lobby MPs and negotiators in the UK and EU to put citizens' rights first and to ring fence rights regardless of the outcome of Brexit.
Membership is free via our web site – www.ecreu.com
Facebook - ExpatRights
The Franco-British Foundation de Sillery
Created by French and British trustees of the British Committee of the French Red Cross who had coordinated Britain’s effort to treat wounded French servicemen in British-run hospitals throughout France during WW1, the headquarters has been at the Château de Sillery since 1919.
350 qualified staff care for 850 adults from 14 nationalities in 11 training establishments and workshops in Essonne, Val de Marne and Brittany. FFBS aims to help these individuals manage their disabilities, acquire living and employment skills and, ultimately, to lead independent, working lives.
Fondation Franco-Britannique de Sillery
Château de Sillery, 91360 Epinay-sur-Orge
President - Colonel Geoffrey Cardozo CBE
Vice-President - Annette Gilles
contact@ffbs-sillery.com
www.ffbs-sillery.com
Franco-British International Business Association (FIBA), Lyon
What we offer is to be the principal contact and representative body for the Franco-British business community in the Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes Region of France.
As a member, you will have access to a network of services, which can help develop your Franco-British and international business activities through:
- a diverse network of members
- a members' website database
- regular seminars, meetings and events
- business information, promotion and training
- investment opportunities.
In addition we offer to put you in contact with persons outside the Association for help, advice or accompaniment.
President - Rachel Maury
Secretary - Nicolas Delorme nicolas.delorme@germainmaureau.com
info@fibalyon.org
www.fibalyon.org
French Debating Association
FDA debates are based on the rules and procedures of the House of Commons.
They involved two teams of students from top French grandes écoles and universities who argue a motion in English, alternating between "proposition" and "opposition" speaker who deliver feisty six-minute speeches.
Spirited arguments and mutual rebuttals offer space for improvisation and rhetorical amusement to inspire an audience and, above all, convince the members of the jury.
President, Declan McCavana MBE
Dmccavana@aol.com
Friends of the Tower Theatre (Paris)
We are a group of English theatre lovers in Paris which supports the London based Tower Theatre Company in their visits to Paris. The next visit is hoped to be in 2024, and details will be announced on our website.
Friends (€25 p.a.) are entitled to free tickets to the play in Paris, and concessions for all Tower Theatre shows.
Information - Marcus Moore, Tel: 06 71 08 50 02, marcus.moore@mail.com
Grapevine Association, Aix-les-Bains
Grapevine Association is a group in Aix-les-Bains who meet once a month to promote the English language and British culture. Founded in 1992, activities include conversation evenings, illustrated talks and outings. Emphasis is on the spoken word and topics related to the British culture and traditions. A friendly group for anyone who would like to improve their English and become acquainted with the British way of life.
President: Joy Lorcery
04 79 54 70 66
htpps://grapevineweb.wordpress.com
The International Players
The International Players are a friendly group of over 70 members of all ages and nationalities with a variety of talents, from acting and singing to designing sets and costumes.
We put on English-language productions which cover a range of very different styles from musicals and pantomimes to serious plays and comedies.
The group rehearses and performs mainly in St-Germain-en-Laye and Le Pecq. New members are always welcome, even if in France for a short time.
President - Roger Surridge, Tel: 06 86 95 95 22
info@internationalplayers.org
International Singers, Lille Métropole
Formed in 2006, we are a high-quality group of singers based in Lille, Hauts-de-France. With a repertoire strong in the musical roots of the Anglophone world, we sing a mix of popular traditional 4-part music.
Now 40 strong, we sing at events in and around Lille, northern France and Belgium. Our concerts over the years have helped to raise several thousand euros for all kinds of local charitable projects.
President - Michael Lavin direction@international-singers.eu
Musical Director- Mary-Beth Brooks me.brooks@ejm.net
www.international-singers.eu
LibDems in France
We are the official home for Liberal Democrat members and supporters living in France, with links to the party’s organisation across the globe. We actively promote the interests and concerns of Britons living in France including their right to register for a vote for life under the new Elections Act and for effective representation through their own constituencies abroad. Join as a Member from £15 per annum or as a Registered Supporter free of charge.
Chair: Jenny Shorten chair@libdemsinfrance.org
Facebook - LibDems in France
Twitter @LibDemsinFrance
Website - LibDemsinFrance.org
The Oxford University Society in Paris
OUSP organises events for Oxford alumni, students and guests, ranging from breakfast and evening talks and dinners with distinguished speakers to convivial pub evenings, wine and cheese parties and a variety of other events.
Events with the Cambridge Society include a viewing of the Boat Race, monthly drinks, some sports matches and an annual theatre performance in the Shakespeare Garden. A Garden Party at the British Embassy and Carol Singing at the Travellers are annual highlights.
Our website provides membership information and details of events.
President: Charles Tatham
president@oxfordinparis.com
Hon. Secretary: Jurei Yada
secretary@oxfordinparis.com
www.oxfordinparis.com
Oxford University Alumni, South West France
Oxford University Alumni South West France welcomes all Oxford alumni living full or part time in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie and their families and guests. Visits to places of interest, often accompanied by a wine-tasting and always by lunch, are organized from April to November. We also circulate information received from members about activities in which they are involved, such as concerts, music festivals, and theatrical productions, as well as some BCC events.
Chairman: John Baylis john@ousswfrance.com
Secretary: Nigel Griffin nigel@ousswfrance.com
Treasurer: Andrew Edgar treasurer@ousswfrance.com
ousswfrance.com
PADFAS - The Arts Society - Paris
Affiliated to The Arts Society U.K., this Franco-British society offers a series of illustrated monthly lectures in English, by experts in their fields, on Thursday afternoons from October to May. Other activities include guided visits to museums and other places of interest; a book club; and an annual 3- or 4-day trip. New members are always welcome, as are guests, (free first lecture). For details of our programme and membership, please see our web site.
Hon. Secretary: Phil Dunbar paris@theartssociety.org
Visits Secretary: Ghislaine Elliott gamelliott@gmail.com
Informal lunch group hosted by Jonathan Cooper, an Individual Elected member of the BCC and Parnter in our advertiser Spectrum-IFA.
The Paris Welsh Society - Cymdeithas Cymry Paris
The Paris Welsh Society, founded in 1890, brings together Welsh people working, visiting or resident in the Paris area, to share their cultural heritage.
The Society`s annual programme of events includes the St David`s Day dinner and Owain Glyndwr dinner, and during spring and summer an annual walk and boules competition.
PWS welcomes everyone who is Welsh, or who is interested in Wales, to join us. Croeso i bawb sydd a diddordeb yng Nghymru.
President: Ceri Davies
Facebook - pariswelshsociety
Past and Present Rotarians Fellowship Club (Bergerac)
An English conversation luncheon club that meets every second Wednesday of each month, always at the Hotel Kyriad, Bergerac, at 12 for 12.30 pm for a three-course luncheon inclusive of wine and coffee @ 20€ pp (pay on the day). Dress casual smart as seasons dictate.
The club is open to both male and female members and also welcomes like-minded clubs i.e. Innerwheel, Probus, Round Table, Ladies’ Circle, 41 Club, Tangent Club.
President: Maurice Dennis pastandpresentrotarians@gmail.com
Phoenix Association
Phoenix is a non-profit organisation managed and run exclusively by volunteers, operating across the Dordogne and surrounding departments. The members are mainly British but also French, Dutch and some other nationalities.
We take in abused or abandoned animals for rehabilitation and re-homing. We act as intermediary between SPA shelters and people wishing to adopt from them. The Spring and Autumn Book Fairs are the stars of the yearly social events.
President Tiffany Stacpoole phoenix24presidente@gmail.com
phoenixasso.com
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Paris Branch
The Paris Branch of the Society was created in 1984 in order to promote Scottish Country Dancing and to offer the opportunity to learn and practise Scottish Country Dances in France. The Branch organises classes, half-day schools for beginners, intermediate or advanced dancers. There is a dance every Monday night from 8 to 10 pm, and occasionally a ball on Saturday night. Everybody is warmly welcome.
Contact: Marcus Moore, Tel: 06 71 08 50 02
secretary@rscdsparis.org
www.rscdsparis.fr
www.rscdsparis.fr/calendar
The Royal Society of Saint George
Founded in 1894, the Royal Society of Saint George, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen, brings together all those in France who share a passion for the English way of life. Regular events at prestigious venues in and around Paris include the President’s Cocktail Party, the St. George's Day Dinner, the AGM and Summer Party at the British Embassy, the Charles Spencer Bernard Longchamp Picnic, garden visits, wine tastings and the Christmas Party.
Proposer and seconder required.
President : Andrew M G Simpkin, Tel: 06 31 27 85 77, andrew.simpkin1@gmail.com
Website : www.theroyalsocietyofstgeorge.com
The Society of the Wallace Fountains
The Society of the Wallace Fountains is a non-profit organisation. Its mission is to promote, preserve and protect the historic Wallace Fountains of Paris, and to recognise and encourage philanthropy in the spirit of Sir Richard Wallace. It provides education and information about the historic, cultural and social significance of the fountains and their donor. The Society offers 21 self-guided walks to find all 108 Wallace Fountains scattered throughout Paris via its guidebook and website.
Secretary Gretel Furner, gfurner@wallacefountains.org
President Barbara Lambesis, blambesis@wallacefountains.org
The Monday Club
Originally founded in 1966, The Monday Club was created for people whose mother or adopted tongue was English to meet and enjoy shared activities. Now, based at Mains Ouvertes (127bis, rue Servient, Lyon 3) and equipped with an extensive lending library, members enjoy theme-enhanced meetings accompanied by tea and cakes on the 1st Monday of each month, holidays apart, and, mid-month, lunch at a Lyonnais restaurant. The Monday Club is non-profit making.
Maeve Marks, President. andrew.marks@wanadoo.fr 04.74.89.06.09
Pat Westwood, Treasurer marypatricia.westwood@gmail.com 04.74.90.06.68
Elizabeth Rollett, Secretary tonyrollett@msn.com 04 74 90 21 18