Making the most of Loire life

EuroMayenne was set up in 1991 and now has 350 members, about two-thirds of whom are English-speakers.

The group encourages co-operation between residents from different European countries, and receives backing from the Mayenne conseil général.

Our aim is help all European newcomers to Mayenne to settle here more easily. EuroMayenne provides meetings so that both the Mayennais and other European residents can benefit from cultural and social exchanges.

We provide affordable French courses for all levels, supported by frequent free conversation workshops.

We also arrange regular opportunities to meet both local people and those who have moved to the department.

There are clubs, trips to places of interest, as well as many other social activities.

The goal is to bring together people of all nationalities in Mayenne who wish to broaden their appreciation of language and culture.

EuroMayenne organises monthly teas in Mayenne and Craon so that present and future members of the association can meet and chat over a cup of tea or coffee.

The French lessons are held in Mayenne and in Gorron and are based on everyday conversation.

We also organise quiz evenings, bring-and-share buffets, coach trips to Paris, a music hall evening, plant swap, barbecues, picnics, walks, car boot sales, boules and Christmas carols to name a few. We also have clubs covering crafts, photos and walking.

Our biggest event is the salon artistique in Mayenne, held in October or November.

There are usually more than 80 British and French craftspeople displaying and selling their wares, attracting around 3,000 people through the doors.

Each year the fair is based on a theme with vendors and EuroMayenne volunteers dressing up and joining in the spirit of the event. Recent themes have included the Wild West, the circus and jazz.

No visit here would be complete without taking a break at our tea room and enjoying home-made cakes with a cup of tea or coffee.

One member says: “When we first arrived in Mayenne, we couldn’t speak much French and things seemed rather strange, but joining EuroMayenne helped us meet others in similar circumstances as well as lovely local people who made us feel welcome. That means such a lot when you’re in a foreign country.”

Another says: “We retired here some years ago and since joining Euromayenne, we have met lots of people from all walks of life.”

We have a website which will help you discover EuroMayenne, the activities currently available, people involved in the group and articles of interest.

See www.euromayenne.org or call Nicole Devel-Laigle on 06 73 71 96 52.