Programme 2023 - 2024

20 septembre 2023 online

Soirée d’accueil

It’s la rentrée and time to catch up with members near and far with our online launch of the new season.  After announcing details of talks and other events we open the mics for an hour of member chat in À vous la parole !  Tell us about your experience of France and things French since we last met.  Thinking of joining? Ask us about the Cercle. 



18 octobre 2023 Ramada Hotel, 20 Talbot Street, Belfast

Assemblée générale followed by music choices

A face-to-face meet up where after the short, formal business of the evening there will be opportunities for catch-ups and chat.  We aim to punctuate our réunion with readings, faits divers and musical favourites suggested by members.



15 novembre 2023 online

Ciné-cercle

Philip McGRORY

We will check out www.tv5mondeplus.com and select three short films from its archive.  We’ll let you know what films have been chosen and you'll have several days to watch before we meet online to discuss.  We would also like to hear your suggestions of French films and programmes that you have enjoyed and think other members would like.



13 décembre 2023 online

Kiki of Montparnasse

Chris TRACEY

We go to the first half of the 20th century to examine the colourful life of Kiki de Montparnasse, born Alice Ernestine Prin.  Liberated and flamboyant she became the muse of the avant garde generation and an artist in her own right.  In this talk which contains some adult themes we’ll meet writers and artists.  Many have been captivated by her story and we hope you will be too.



10 janvier 2024 in person / venue to be announced

Fête des Rois and Bal musette

Music and dance bal musette style with the return of our celebration of the fête des rois.  And it wouldn’t be the same if there wasn’t also a slice of the galette des rois, plenty of music, dance and a golden paper crown or two.



21 janvier 2024 online

Les Nuits de la Lecture célèbrent : Le corps

Allison NEILL-RABAUX, Hélène GUILLET et Brigitte GOURLEY

Jeux, lectures et échanges sur la langue française et la littérature francophone, pour tous les amoureux de la langue française.  Et notre thème ? Le corps.

All levels welcome!



7 février 2024 in person / venue to be announced

De Gaulle and Algeria

Sam THOMPSON

We are pleased to welcome Sam to our talks programme and to this in person event.  Sam will address us on aspects of his current university research project.  Although a specialist himself, Sam’s talk will be aimed at those of us with a more general historical interest.



8 mars 2024 online

Madame de Pompadour

Allison NEILL-RABAUX

Last year Allison’s fascinating talk to mark International Women's Day was widely appreciated and we welcome her back to reveal the story and influence of Madame de Pompadour, patronne of the arts.  We feel sure that you’ll not want to miss it.



10 avril 2024 online

Cercle de Lecture :

La petite fille de Monsieur Linh par Philippe CLAUDEL

Brigitte GOURLEY

Join us for a discussion of this short, imaginative novella in the aftermath of war from which M Linh escapes with his grand daughter.  The book is available in both French and English.  Please come along and discuss.



23 avril 2024 in person @UUAcademy Restaurant, Belfast.

Dîner Annuel

Last year’s French dinner in the new location of the Academy Restaurant was a memorable occasion.  Since then the restaurant has undergone a refit to enhance the dining experience.  So once again, we’ll be working closely with staff and students to present a French dining experience we feel sure you will really want to attend.



Mai 2024 in person / Saturday date and venue to be revealed

Promenade en blanc

In keeping with the en blanc custom of secret locations, we will reveal the venue a short while beforehand.  Last year our secret location was a walk in Antrim Castle Gardens where we learned about some of its French connections.  This time we'll be a little closer to Belfast.  Will you join us? Remember to wear something white.