Culture & Cultural Relations
ACFAA - Association Culturelle Franco-Anglaise d’Aquitaine
ACFAA, which was formed in 1992, is a multi-cultural, non profit-making organisation bringing together around 800 British and French people, plus those from another 24 countries globally. The Association promotes wellness, culture, sport and fun through a wide range of regular activities and social events. Its French and English language classes are highly popular. Managed and run entirely by volunteers, membership is open to everyone.
American Library in Paris
The American Library in Paris, established in 1920, is the largest English-language lending library on the European continent. It offers over 100,000 books and hosts hundreds of cultural programmes annually, including author talks, workshops, and children's activities. The Library promotes cultural exchange and supports literacy through various initiatives, such as its annual book award, the young authors fiction festival, visiting fellowships, and much more. It serves 5,000 members from over 100 countries.
10, rue du Général Camou, 75007 Paris
Amicale Culturelle Européenne
Amicale Culturelle Europeenne is a bilingual association based in Normandy. Members are of various nationalities (French, British, Belgian, Swedish, American, Dutch, German) and widely spread over Manche & Calvados.
We organize events such as visits to exhibitions, monuments, places of interest, talks or lectures on various subjects, private showing of films and operas, 2/3 day leisure outings, regular luncheons and a yearly get together with CONNECT, a similar association located in Dieppe.
president@amicale-culturelle.eu
Anglophone Association of Coutances
Formed in 1993 we are an international association of English speaking people aiming 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, fee 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
Website
Association Culturelle Franco-Britannique du Comtat Venaissin
A small group of English people who met regularly in Carpentras to practice French founded the association in 1985. Monthly outings were soon added to weekly conversations, and we now offer a variety of activities and outings, announced in the monthly newsletter and on the website.
This year we are celebrating our fortieth anniversary with various special events.
Our key role is to help anglophones from countries all over the world integrate into the area.
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
Secretary General: André Dufétel andredufetel@gmail.com
Contact: Elisabeth de Roquemaurel ederoquemaurel@hotmail.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: Christine Olley
christine.olley@hotmail.fr
Website
Association Franco Anglaise
In 2005 a group of British and French residents from Royan started AFA to encourage interaction between the cultures. Over the years the association has grown and now we have a full diary of events year-round including arts and crafts, clubs for different interests, visits etc. To encourage integration of members and improve language skills, the committee has an equal number of British and French members. See more on our website.
Contact: associationfrancoanglaise@gmail.com
Association Lord Russell
LORD RUSSELLASSOCIATION was launched in 1983 in DINARD, France. Its main purpose is to promote friendship with English speaking countries and especially the United Kingdom. Our Association aims at keeping alive the long-lasting British spirit in Dinard by setting up English language courses, round-table discussions in English and by being official partners of the regular Dinard British & Irish Film Festival, and managing the yearly twinning between Dinard and Newquay, Cornwall.
Contact: ColetteLoas, President
19 rue Coppinger35800 Dinard
British Association Cote d'Opale
As well as expanding southwards in the Montreuil/Hesdin sector, BACO has reinforced its presence in Calais and the adjoining coastal area mainly by sharing events with the local Cafés Polyglotte (language forums). As well as social activities we continue to advise members on issues affecting them in a changing political climate on both sides of the channel. Our monthly English Book Club explores an eclectic series of authors and 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.
Mobile: +33 6 80 86 72 90
bam@monaco.mc
Website - X - Instagram - LinkedIn - Facebook
British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We build trust and connections through arts and culture, education, and English language. In France for over 80 years, we offer English language training for children, teens, and adults and certify English skills. We strengthen UK–France ties and contribute to growth and impact through arts and cultural activity, education programmes, research collaboration, promoting UK university study, and alumni engagement.
Country Director: Anne Duncan
9 rue de Constantine, 75007 Paris
01 49 55 73 00
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 activities such as weekly coffee mornings MahJong, Scrabble, book groups, beginners and intermediate bridge, quizzes, needlecraft, yoga, easy gym and monthly walks in Paris. There are clubroom lunches and outside lunches. The BCWA is a voluntary organisation; all events are organised by members.
President: Sally Malingri de Bagnolo bcwapresident@gmail.com
Collège Franco-Britannique
Located at the heart of the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, the Collège franco-britannique was created after World War I as a sign of friendship between France and Great Britain.
Today it welcomes approximately 250 students, researchers and artists of over 50 nationalities. Its mission is to develop cultural and scientific exchanges between the 2 countries. To this end, the CFB organises cultural and scientific events in French and English (cf. Citescope).
Contact:
Address: 9B Boulevard Jourdan, 75014 Paris
Email: accueil.cfb@ciup.fr
Phone: 01 58 10 40 00
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), founded in 1917 by Sir Fabian Ware, commemorates Commonwealth forces who died in the World Wars. Caring for over 1.7 million graves across 150 countries, our mission is to ensure the fallen are remembered and the human cost of war is honored. In France, CWGC commemorates 575,000 Commonwealth soldiers, maintained in nearly 3,000 cemeteries with the support of 400 dedicated employees.
Email: contact.wea@cwgc.org
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, restaurants, outings, coffee mornings in French or in English, etc.
President Anne Vandelannoote
06 46 40 42 12
jessannden@orange.fr
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 events throughout the year. We are always eager to welcome new performers, administrators, supporters...
Les Clack - 06 37 56 95 21
Trish Kessler - 06 31 32 47 84
The Dordogne Ladies Club International
We are a not-for-profit association for women living in and around the Dordogne. We area vibrant community of all ages and nationalities (with English as the common language). Our ethos is networking, friendship, support, welfare and charity fundraising. We have four main hubs in Bergerac, Périgueux, Sainte Foy la Grande and Villeréal and we hold coffee clubs weekly and events, lunches and book clubs throughout the year.
President: Lin Green
The English Cathedral Choir of Paris
The Choir is conducted by Countertenor 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
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 and ESU Marseille: events and National Public Speaking Competition organisation, leading to participation in the International Public Speaking Competition.
ESU Bordeaux: regular meetings.
Chairperson - Catherine Gaudin esufrance@esufrance.org 06 37 28 51 37
Paris President - Luce Loussouarn ljloussouarn@free.fr 01 45 67 92 41
Website
Loire Valley President - Patricia Curd president@esu-loire-valley.org 02 41 59 56 90
Website
Bordeaux President - François Belly esubordeaux@gmail.com 06 72 15 37 22
Marseille President - Nicholas Hill nick@real-land.com
Friends of 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 2025, 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 in London.
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.
The International Players
The International Players are a friendly group of 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 - Amanda VanOsdol, Tel: 07 68 82 95 15
info@internationalplayers.org
PADFAS - The Arts Society - Paris
Affiliated to The Arts Society UK, this Franco-British society offers illustrated monthly lectures in English, by academics, researchers, museum curators and historians, on one Thursday afternoon a month from October to May in the Théâtre le Ranelagh (XVI Arr.). In addition we offer guided visits to museums and other places of interest in the Paris region and beyond. New members are always welcome, as are guests. For details, please see our website.
Chairman: Andrea Perugini andrea.perugini58@gmail.com
Hon. Secretary: Phil Dunbar paris@theartssociety.org
Paris Choral Society
Paris Choral Society is an association of about 90 international voices accompanied by professional soloists and orchestras.
It is unique in Paris in that its choristers speak French and English, and all ages and backgrounds are represented. Along with three annual programmes, the PCS is well known in Paris for Handel's Messiah sing-along, sung during the Advent period.
The PCS performs famous requiems and masses, modern compositions, well-known operatic arias and themed concerts.
The American Cathedral in Paris, 23 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris
President: Cliodhna Fullam
Interim Musical Director: Lewis Hammond
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: Kate Williams
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Lyon Branch
RSCDS Lyon Branch offers Scottish Dancing classes, a very active worldwide community. We are mainly involved in Scottish Country Dancing, with occasional Highland dancing classes. We have a weekly Friday night class, with two parts (all dancers including beginners; then intermediate and advanced); we also organise ceilidhs, day classes and weekend schools, with live musicians whenever possible. We accept beginners all year, so come and join us! "Fun, fitness and friendship" (the RSCDS’s motto) guaranteed.
Contact: Laure Gardelle, Tel: 06 56 79 66 38, lgardelle@yahoo.fr
Website
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 8pm to 10 pm and occasionally a ball on Saturday night. Everybody is warmly welcome.
Contact: Marcus Moore, Tel: 06 71 08 50 02
Society of the Wallace Fountains
The Society of the Wallace Fountains promotes, preserves and protects the historic Wallace Fountains of Paris, and recognises and encourages 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 presentations and guided tours to groups, as well as 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
Women's International Club
Le WIC (Women's International Club) de Paris welcomes women of over 40 different nationalities residing in and around Paris. We offer activities such as museum visits, coffee mornings, lunches, local walks, book groups, monthly meetings and more! We extend a warm invitation for you to join us at one of our events and meet us in person. Please contact us by email or fill out the website inquiry form. We look forward to meeting you!
Contact: