10th - 15th July 2019
Le French Festival is back in Jersey for its second edition!
From 10 to 15 July 2019 you'll be able to enjoy an extensive programme of French-themed events: concert, art performances, talks, wine tasting...
Le French Festival in Jersey is a collaboration between the Alliance Française de Jersey, the Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche and Government of Jersey and is overseen by the volunteer members of Le French Festival Committee.
Le French Booth
Le French Booth, a little pop-up stall in Charing Cross, is the heart of Le French Festival! Come and have a chat to learn more about le French Festival and the various links between Jersey and France!
CHARING CROSS
Daily
From 10.00am to 5.00pm
Norman Market
Enjoy the French atmosphere and the selection of typical French products!
Wednesday 10/07, from 12.00pm to 8:00pm - Weighbridge
Thursday 11/07, from 9.00am to 8:00pm - Weighbridge
Friday 12/07, from 9.00am to 8:00pm - Weighbridge
Saturday 13/07, 9.00am to 8:00pm - Broad Street (part of La Fête de St Helier)
Sunday 14/07, 9.00am to 8:00pm - Broad Street (part of La Fête de St Helier)
Guided Tour by Blue Badge Guides
10.30AM TO 12.00PM
Uncovering your French Connection
Your guide will be on hand to meet you at Liberation Square, Weighbridge, St Helier, for a gentle stroll into our charming town, to uncover and celebrate our French connection. The town tour takes you through the hidden byways of our delightful Victorian town. Discover the history of our fascinating harbours and find out how our Island, once a valuable part of the Duchy of Normandy, became aligned with the British Crown. Together we will uncover the secrets of Coin-es-Anes and Coin-es-Cochons, and find out exactly what “Rue Trousse Cotillon” really means. We will discover the fascinating histories of our heroes and heroines, from Philippe d’Auvergne, Prince of Bouillon, to celebrated French authors Maitre Wace and Victor Hugo; and we will reveal the hidden histories of our Place du Marché, and the Battle of Jersey, before wandering through the cobbled lane of our old French quarter. Jersey Uncovered look forward to welcoming you along for this Jersey adventure, with a flavour of France.
MEET AT LIBERATION SQUARE AT 10.15AM
Wednesday 10th July
From 10.30am to 12.00pm
Register online
Free
Tour in English
French Mix by DJ Stefunk
11.00am TO 4.00PM
Dj Stefunk (aka Stefan Rousseau) is originally from Avignon and started his Dj career there. He moved to Jersey in 2005 and has been a professional Dj since 2013.
For this special session, he will go back to his roots and play a 5h of French music. He will give his own version of his musical French culture. From the 1960's to today, from great classic songs to lesser known French 60's Pop by way of French Funk, Reggae, Soul and electro.
The idea is to give a subjective panorama of the grooviest side of the French musical productions, alternating between classics and obscure, avoiding the charts and concentrating on musical excellence and originality while still being accessible to all publics. We hope that you will join us to enjoy this unique and personal musical journey that is bound to make you move and appreciate more French music.
CHARING CROSS
Wednesday 10th July
From 11.00am to 4.00pm
Free
Jugglers / dance Performance by Cie Les Invendus
1.00PM TO 1.30PM
Guillaume Cachera and Nicolas Paumier have a passion for jugglery and trained as jugglers and equilibrists at the circus schools in Besançon and Bordeaux. From a friendship and a common passion, Cie Les Invendus was born in 2016 and has been touring all over France since. This performance is a taster of the opening night show you could experience at the Jersey Arts Centre. Through their choreography, discover the passion driving those two friends: juggling!
ROYAL SQUARE
Wednesday 10th July
From 1.00pm to 1.30pm
Register online
Free
Opening Night - Hang in there if you can
7.00PM TO 8.45PM
The official opening of Le French Festival in Jersey will be followed by a performance from Cie Les Invendus.
Emanating from a long collaboration based on friendship and a passion for juggling, Cie Les Invendus reflect on human relationships and how “the other” is an indispensable partner for self-realisation. ‘Hang in there if you can’ combines choreography and juggling to demonstrate feelings of loneliness, anger and kindness. With their use of a unique language, ‘juggled movement’, the company invite us to share moments of poetry and humour, bearers of sense and generators of emotions.
JERSEY ARTS CENTRE (Phillips Street)
Wednesday 10th July
from 7.00pm to 8.00pm: official opening
from 8.00pm to 8.45pm: Show ‘Hang in there if you can’ from Cie Les Invendus
£10 Buy tickets
Talk and reading "Small country"
12.00pm to 1.00pm
Candice Grandener provides an introduction to the Franco-Rwandan novelist Gael Faye, author of the best-selling Small Country, published in 2016 and already translated into 36 languages. Candice, one of the tutors at the Alliance Française, guides you through Faye’s touching, semi-autobiographical novel, illustrating her talk with readings and video. Bring your own copy if you have one – to have read the book is an advantage but not a requirement!
Bring your copy of the book if you have one. Petit Pays can be purchased at the Alliance Française: £9
Talk by Candice Grandener
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE (5 Library Place, St Helier)
Thursday 11th July
From 12.00pm to 1.00pm
Register online
Free
Talk in French
Sailing race - Tour des Ports de la Manche
FROM 5.00PM
The Tour des Ports de la Manche is a regatta organised every July, zigzagging across the treacherous tidal waters between the Channel Islands and the French mainland. It is an exceptional race and is one of the biggest nautical events of the summer. It is a really challenging event and a fabulous journey involving at least 100 yachts.
It is the biggest yacht race in Normandy and one of the biggest races in France. 700 crewmen and women will be dropping anchor in Jersey.
For many years, the Jersey leg of the Tour des Ports de la Manche has been generously sponsored by Jersey Electricity. In 2019, in addition to their support for the race, they are also kindly sponsoring the French Festival itself.
ALBERT PIER
Thursday 11th July
Competitors arrival from 5:00pm
Free
More info: http://tourdesports50.fr/en/
Strand Hugg - Outdoor Concert
FROM 7.00PM
Festive Marine Folk & Sea Shanties
These Norman sailors-musicians (from Granville, Normandy) interpret with their original arrangements, a repertoire of traditional songs, personal creations and a few covers of contemporary songs. Strand Hugg, in old noroît, refers to the landing of Vikings; on stage, it's a musical wind stroke. With their warm voices along with their catchy and captivating melodies, Strand Hugg will take you on the shores of Normandy, and the seas of the world.
Lively music, joyful and friendly atmosphere, songs full of emotions and human stories await you with Strand Hugg, coming as a trio to Jersey.
WEIGHBRIDGE
Thursday 11th July
From 7.00pm to 8.30pm
Free
More info: http://www.strandhugg.fr/
Outdoor Film Screening: "Astérix & Obélix: God save Britannia"
9.00PM
Astérix and Obélix go to Britain to fight the Romans and prevent Caesar from entirely over-running the country.
Asterix and Obelix: God save Britannia is the fourth film adapation based on the cult French comic books by Gosciny & Uderzo. This family friendly comedy (2012) made by Laurent Tirard, stars among others, Gérard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve, Edouard Baer and Guillaume Gallienne
“Above all, it is the humour, the quality of the dialogues and a sort depth of the characters’ behaviour that make this film a real success” (Nouvel Obs)
You can bring you own chairs.
Certification: PG
In French with English subtitles
ROYAL SQUARE
Thursday 11th July
from 9.00pm to 11pm
Seat rental £5
Booking: events@afjersey.com or info@maisondenormandie.com
Sailing race - Tour des Ports de la Manche
9.00am
The Tour des Ports de la Manche is a regatta organised every July, zigzagging across the treacherous tidal waters between the Channel Islands and the French mainland. It is an exceptional race and is one of the biggest nautical events of the summer. It is a really challenging event and a fabulous journey involving at least 100 yachts.
It is the biggest yacht race in Normandy and one of the biggest races in France. 700 crewmen and women will be dropping anchor in Jersey.
For many years, the Jersey leg of the Tour des Ports de la Manche has been generously sponsored by Jersey Electricity. In 2019, in addition to their support for the race, they are also kindly sponsoring the French Festival itself.
ALBERT PIER
Friday 12th July
See the fleet of competing yachts set sail at 9.00am
Free
More info: http://tourdesports50.fr/en/
Symposium "Wace and the Anglo-Norman language" (Le style de Wace)
9.00am to 12.30pm / 2.00pm to 17.30pm
SERAM (Society for Arthurian and Medieval Research Studies) lead by its President Michel Vital Le Bossé organize the second international symposium: “Wace and the Anglo-Norman language”.
Wace, born in Jersey in the 12th century, is undoubtedly the most eminent medieval poet of the island.
Sent to Caen (Normandy) at a very young age "Maistre Wace Clerc Lisant" was at the forefront of medieval literature, not only with its hagiography works (biography of a saint or an ecclesiastical leader), but especially in the romantic depiction of both the epic Norman conquest story and the Arthurian legend with the "Roman de Rou" and the "Roman de Brut ".
Discover the fascinating work and global impact of this incredible Jerseyman and National Treasure. Huit speakers from France, USA, Italie and Great-Britain will give 30 minutes long talk during the day.
ST HELIER TOWN HALL - ASSEMBLY ROOM (50 York Street)
Friday 12th July
From 9.00am to 12.30pm and 2.00pm to 5.30pm
Free
French Mix by DJ Stefunk
12.00pm to 2.00pm
Dj Stefunk (aka Stefan Rousseau) is originally from Avignon and started his Dj career there. He moved to Jersey in 2005 and has been a professional Dj since 2013.
For this special session, he will go back to his roots and play a 5h of French music. He will give his own version of his musical French culture. From the 1960's to today, from great classic songs to lesser known French 60's Pop by way of French Funk, Reggae, Soul and electro.
The idea is to give a subjective panorama of the grooviest side of the French musical productions, alternating between classics and obscure, avoiding the charts and concentrating on musical excellence and originality while still being accessible to all publics. We hope that you will join us to enjoy this unique and personal musical journey that is bound to make you move and appreciate more French music.
CHARING CROSS
Friday 12th July
From 12.00pm to 2.00pm
Free
Beatbox performance: Orfey
12.15pm to 12.45pm / 1.15pm to 1.45pm
Coming all the way from Angers, Orfey is a human beatboxer. This art form consists of a combination of vocalisations which simulate instruments and sound effects. If you have never seen Human beatbox before, this is your chance, so don't miss this amazing vocal percussion performance!
CHARING CROSS
Friday 12th July
From 12.15pm to 12.45pm and from 1.15pm to 1.45pm
Register online
Free
Medieval Songs Workshop
1.00pm TO 2.00PM
Presentation & workshop with Groupe Vocal Karitas
There will be an hour-long workshop in the Methodist Church tracing the history of medieval music, showing how it was written down and how this helps with interpreting it, with a focus on the 12th century, to accompany the concert closing the conference on Wace. There will be a chance to sing one or two pieces.
Karitas was formed in 2013, and chose its name from the first word of a piece by Hildegard of Bingen, abbess, philosopher and musician, who lived in Germany during the 12th century.
The group is made up of three singers, Evelyne Tiercelin, soprano, Jenifer Tranier, Mezzo and Pierre Tiercelin, tenor, and they are joined by Sylvie Heuzé, for percussion. Their ambition is to share their love of the vocal music of the medieval period,which is particularly rich and varied, and is rarely sung in Normandy. The members of the group have learned to read manuscripts, and to interpret this music through various courses, and through regular attendance at the Centre de Musique Médiévale de Paris.
METHODIST CHURCH, HALKETT PLACE - ST HELIER
Friday 12th July
From 1.00pm to 2.00pm
Free
Booking required
Booking & info: info@maisondenormandie.com
Pétanque tournament
5.30PM
This fun tournament is an opportunity to discover this sport for those who do not know it, and to practice for the pétanque enthusiasts. Everybody is welcome as we will play in mixed ability teams. Bring your pétanque balls if you have some! The teams are made up of two or three people.
MILLENIUM PARK
Friday 12th July
From 5.30pm
£4: AF members | £6: non members.
Booking required: 875 655 or events@afjersey.com (limited number of tickets available)
Medieval songs concert by Groupe Karitas
6.00PM
This special day dedicated to the medieval poet Wace will end with a concert of medieval songs by Groupe Karitas.
ST HELIER TOWN HALL - ASSEMBLY ROOM (50 York Street)
Friday 12th July
From 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Free
WINE TASTING
6.00pm to 8.00pm
The evening will be hosted by Camille Nurit, the export manager for Advini wines, proudly supported by Victor Hugo wines.
Do you know your Chablis from your Chenin Blanc, your Bordeaux from your Beaujolais? Or do you already love French wines and want to hear an expert discuss the unique characteristics of various wines from across various regions of France? Then this evening is perfect for you.
Camille our French wine expert for the evening will present 5 wines from various regions across France, discussing the individual characteristics of each variety which will help you understand and appreciate each variety.
The wines presented during the evening will be available for purchase (by order) from Victor Hugo wines at a discounted price. Order forms will be available on the evening and the discount is only applicable to wines ordered during the event.
Over 18s only. https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/
LA SOCIETE JERSIAISE - MEMBERS ROOM (7 Pier Road)
Friday 12th July
From 6.00pm to 8.00pm
£5.00 per head, payable at the door
Booking compulsory: annettelove@ymail.com
Puppet & Clown show - There is no seed in chocolate
1PM TO 1.40PM
Cyrille is a puppeteer, who will be performing a show which is tender and poetic. However, there is a problem… Martine!
Martine is professional clown and occasional stage director, who has been designated to accompany Cyrille during this performance. There is a total disagreement between the two of them, and it becomes increasingly difficult for Cyrille to showcase the magic of his old-fashion strings puppets.
Infuriated, the puppeteer will have to try all kinds of shenanigans in order to get rid of this frustrating stage director. But in the end the audience realize, that a simple piece chocolate may be just the thing that will reconcile them ...
Come and enjoy this very sweet 40 minutes show!
CHARING CROSS
Saturday 13th July
From 1pm to 1.40pm
Free
For all family
Opening of La fête de St Helier
FROM 12.00PM
After an unforgettable performance at the last festival, Tchiki Fonk Funky Brass Band returns to perform during the opening of la Fête de St Helier with an acoustic funky musical stroll. Leaving from West Centre through Queens Street, King Street onto Broad street and ending in Parade garden.
Old school, soul and disco to celebrate the summertime. Don’t miss this groovy moment!
TOWN CENTRE - JOIN THE PARADE FROM WEST CENTRE (Bath Street)
Saturday 13th July
From 12.00pm to 1.00pm
Free
Jean Martell, the Jersey swift of cognac
Société Jersiaise
Emmanuel Araguas is a French Advocate and Solicitor but also a keen historian. He had access to the Martell archives and studied Jean Martell’s correspondence. He will give a talk about the importance of the links between the Channel Islands and Jean Martell in his early years (18th century). Talk followed by a cognac tasting.
Over 18s only. https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/
SOCIETE JERSIAISE (7 Pier Road)
Saturday 13th July
From 7pm to 8pm
Free
Concert Tchiki Fonk
8.30PM
After their lunchtime musical stroll, Tchiki Fonk is back for an evening gig in their full version. An incredible energy comes from the rhythms of this 6 piece band from Brittany. Don’t miss it!
An incredible energy comes from the rhythms of this 6 piece band from Brittany. With amongst others a sousaphone, saxophone and ukulélé, be ready for an amazing energetic music performance that will make you dance !
BLUE NOTE BAR - 20 BROAD STREET
Saturday 13th July
8.30pm
Register online
Free
French Slam Poetry
12.00pm
Artists from the Joutes poétiques of Granville, Slam Festival, will be in Jersey to present some of their work.
Between singing and poetry, enjoy the flow and the words of the artists!
CHARING CROSS
Sunday 14th July
12.00pm
Free
2CV Parade
2.00PM TO 3.00PM
If you see a 2CV, (or une deudeuche as we say in French), say "bonjour" and wave at it!
ON THE AVENUE FROM ST HELIER TO ST AUBIN
Sunday 14th July
From 2.00pm to 3.00pm
Free
Festive afternoon full of frenchness for Bastille Day!
FROM 3.00PM
St. Brelade Twinning Association are pleased to invite Parishioners and Islanders to a small celebration on “Quatorze Juillet”. In the Parish Hall in St Aubin there will be a number of old fashioned “Norman Games”, Fresh French Crêpes, Tea and Coffee and cakes and an opportunity to try Petanque on the Bouledrome just across the road. M. Emmanuel Araguas will give a short talk about Martell Cognac – the Martell Family used to live in the Parish.
ST BRELADE PARISH HALL
Sunday 14th July
From 3.00pm
Free
Tchiki Fonk Concert
8.00PM
This is your last chance to celebrate the summertime with our favourite Funky Brass band! For the closing of the fête de St Helier, they will be performing on stage. Bring friends and family to enjoy this special music moment on a special Bastille day !
PARADE GARDENS
Sunday 14th July
8.00pm
Free
Uncovering your French Connection
10.30AM TO 12.00PM
A tour of historical St Helier with Jersey Uncovered Blue Badge Guides
Your guide will be on hand to meet you at Liberation Square, Weighbridge, St Helier, for a gentle stroll into our charming town, to uncover and celebrate our French connection. The town tour takes you through the hidden byways of our delightful Victorian town. Discover the history of our fascinating harbours and find out how our Island, once a valuable part of the Duchy of Normandy, became aligned with the British Crown. Together we will uncover the secrets of Coin-es-Anes and Coin-es-Cochons, and find out exactly what “Rue Trousse Cotillon” really means. We will discover the fascinating histories of our heroes and heroines, from Philippe d’Auvergne, Prince of Bouillon, to celebrated French authors Maitre Wace and Victor Hugo; and we will reveal the hidden histories of our Place du Marché, and the Battle of Jersey, before wandering through the cobbled lane of our old French quarter.
This entertaining tour will take approximately 90 minutes. Jersey Uncovered look forward to welcoming you along for this Jersey adventure, with a flavour of France.
MEET AT LIBERATION SQUARE AT 10.15am
Monday 15th July
From 10.30am to 12.00pm
Register now
Free
Tour in English
Official Bastille Day Celebrations
5.00pm
The Honorary Consul of France in Jersey invites the French nationals of the islands and their families and friends to celebrate la Fête Nationale!
ASSEMBLY ROOM - ST HELIER TOWN HALL (50 York Street)
Monday 15 July
From 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Free
Closing Night - Wagner's: The Flying Dutchman
8.00PM
Screening in German with French Subtitles of the Rennes Opera production broadcast throughout Brittany.
Wagner took his inspiration for this masterpiece from Heine’s novel, The Memoirs of Herr von Schnabelewopski. In this three-act romantic opera, he tells the story of a Dutch sea captain who becomes a roaming phantom looking for the girl who could save him from damnation. Directed by the Blankenship Sisters, water plays a unique part in this production while the characters are highly developed. Presented with thanks to Rennes Opera.
JERSEY ARTS CENTRE (Phillips Street)
Monday 15th July
8.00pm
Admission free but tickets required from the Arts Centre box office.