If you live in the Bouches du Rhône region and are wondering how to explain to your American kids that they might not be able to Trick or Treat this year, it’s time to join the Anglo-American Group of Provence (AAGP).

Whether you are looking to share your cultural traditions, make friends or simply tap into a great networking system, this lively and diverse, non-profit organization of English-speakers is invaluable to its growing membership.

Founded in 1971, AAGP promotes integration with the French community, while providing its members with assistance, information and support. A group email list connects members across Provence and their 32-page monthly newsletter is full of information about local activities, cultural traditions, places to visit, and members’ suggestions. Most importantly, AAGP offers its members opportunities to find friends and preserve their own culture even while they are discovering a new one. “The holiday celebrations are our most popular events. Cultural traditions remain important,” said AAGP’s president, Peter Brown, a software engineer who worked in California’s Silicon Valley during the bust of 2002. Caroline Thorpe, who organizes many children’s events, agrees. “We take old traditions and adapt. We had a pinata for Halloween last year (a Mexican tradition where children break a big model containing goodies). Everyone still went home with a big bag of candy.”

Mr. Brown and his wife Nanette had wanted to live in southern France for a long time. The climate is similar to that of central California and Alexandra, their daughter, attended a French American school so she was familiar with the language and educational system. “It seemed like a good time and opportunity to move” said Mr. Brown. “We’re a family of Francophiles, big fans of the language, culture, and wine.” his sister has a home in the Languedoc.

Now 700-strong and scattered throughout the region, AAGP members have formed specialist clubs that range from motorcycling to philosophy, from bridge and patchwork to golf and yoga. Being in Provence, there are many events revolving around food, and there are two popular wine clubs.

About a sixth of the membership is allowed to be made up of people who are not native English-speakers, and these are mostly French - of course - and Dutch. French locals and other non-members often join the group’s coffee mornings at the Café Croquemitoufle and can use the AAGP’s library. Most of AAGP’s members are bi-lingual and well integrated into the community.