french organizations

Alliance Francaise de Seattle. This is a worldwide organization dedicated to promoting French language and culture. The Alliance Francaise offers classes as well as social and educational activities.

French-American Chamber of Commerce Pacific Northwest. The FACC Pacific Northwest has 2 main missions, to romote the French-American business community in the region and to support French and American companies with their trade needs.

Mercer Island-Thonon les Bains Sister City Association. The Mercer Island Sister City Association fosters a strong people-to-people relationship between Mercer Islanders and the citizens of Thonon les Bains (TOH-non-lay-BAN), France on the south shore of Lake Geneva.

Seattle Francophone Info. Here is a web site which lists events in the Seattle French community, has lots of links, and provides online discussion groups.

Seattle-Nantes Sister City Association is composed of individuals and organizations interested in promoting close ties between the people of Seattle and Nantes, France. Its goals are to advance educational, cultural, and commercial relations between Seattle and Nantes, and to inform and educate the public about our sister city. To further these goals, the association established Seattle-Nantes Dollars for Scholars to encourage young people to study French language and culture and build a desire to visit or study in Nantes.

Canoe Island French Camp is a magical place for children 9 - 16 and families in Washington's beautiful San Juan Islands. Combine lessons in French language and culture with the fun of summer camp. For more information, go to www.canoeisland.org.

Conversation Groups

The French Connection meets informally at 4 pm on the first and third Sundays of each month at Uptown Expresso at 4th and Wall St. (2504 4th Avenue) in Belltown. All levels of French proficiency are welcome. Phone (206) 441-1084 for information. This group also maintains a web group for discussions and notices. To get more information or to join the mailing list go to Seattle French.

Exchange Francaise conversation group meets on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 10:00 pm at the Continental Restaurant, 4549 University Way NE, Seattle. For information email Exchange Francaise.

French Conversations take place from 5:30 to 7:00 every Tuesday at Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park Towne Centre, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park.

French conversation at various times and locations on Mercer Island sponsored by the Mercer Island- Thonon les Bains Sister City Association. For more information on these and other activities call 206 232-0701 or email Jane Meyer.

French evening at the Phinney Market 7-9 pm each Wednesday. Wine, cheese, pâté and French conversation. Food cost is normaly $6-10. Questions? Call Tanya 206 313-0696

Deuxieme Dimanche-- Seattle-Nantes Sister City Association's informal get-together at 9:30 am on the second Sunday of each month. Boulangerie Nantaise, 2507 4th Avenue between Vine and Wall. Call 206 789-1904 for information. Conversation in English and French.

books about travel in france

Here are some books to get you in a traveling mood.

Lonely Planet France

Rick Steves' France 2008

Michelin Red Guide France 2008: Hotels and Restaurants

Frommer's France 2008

Karen Brown's France: Exceptional Places to Stay and Itineraries

Fodor's France 2008

The Rough Guide to France 10 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

France - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!)

When in France, Do as the French Do