As a lot of you will know, the town of St Galmier (15Km from St Etienne) in
France has started a Franco-Scottish Association (LAFESG - l'Association
Franco-Ecossaise de St Galmier). The Association seeks to promote
Franco-Scottish friendship and cultural exchange for all ages. It all
started around the time of the Tartan Army visit to St Etienne for the 1998
World Cup. Since then Tartan Army regulars have been going over there
several times a year and of course return visits by the French to Scotland
(e.g. 20 are coming to Glasgow in May).
After quite a number of more informal events, LAFESG was officially born a
little over 3 years ago (formed under the law of 1901). 2004 sees the 2nd
annual "Scottish Weekend in St Galmier" will take place over the weekend of
the 2nd to the 5th July 2004 (the main events being on the Saturday and
Sunday - 3rd to 4th). Quite a number of Scots are expecting to attend again
this year and this message gives the necessary information about it. For
more information, contact Scott Kelly or Didier Martinet - contact details
provided at the end of this message.
St Galmier
St Galmier is a small picturesque town located in the Loire / Rhone-Alpes
regions. Information about St Galmier (in French and in English) can be
found here on this link:
www.ot-stgalmier.fr/en/localisation/default_localisation.htm. It is
a town of about 5000 people, a country location about 15Kms outside St
Etienne. It is famous for its water - the widely used Badoit mineral water
comes from the local 'source' (spring) and is bottled there and exported
throughout the world. They also have a casino which is renowned in the
region. The town itself is one of the top 'ville fleurie' (city in bloom)
every year in France. In short, it is a lovely little town with a very
welcoming approach.
Programme and Activities - 2nd to 4th July
NB: The exact order and timing of the events is to be defined but will
include the following:
- Scottish Tourist Information Stall in the main square throughout the
weekend (with information provided by
www.visitscotland.com and the Scottish
Tourist Board) and other goodies.
- The Linlithgow Pipe Band will be in St Galmier throughout the weekend and
will be playing in the main square during the days as well as marching and
piping throughout the town over the weekend (they will also have a stall
with pipe music and other items available)
- Folk band playing traditional Scottish music in the St Galmier main square
during the main days of the event. We are trying to get the funding to have
Gaberlunzie come to play.
- Other local and Scottish musicians and artists
- Reception in the town hall (mairie) and speech by the mayor
- Reception in local casino.
- Scottish dancing (to be confirmed - including dancing lessons)
- Scottish bar in the main square of the town throughout the weekend
(serving a range of Scottish beers and of course Irn Bru)
- Scottish restaurant in the main square with various Scottish dishes
including 'haggis neeps and tatties' and 'cullen skink' (soup dish). All day
on Saturday and Sunday.
- Return leg of football match between WESTA (West of Scotland Tartan Army)
and St Galmier.
- Various minor events including Tug of War, Caber tossing, Franco-Scottish
quiz, kids drawing competition, etc.
- History or the Auld Alliance (TBC)
- Final of Euro 2004 on big screen (especially if France make it to the
final) - Sunday 4th.
Other planned 'special' events in St Galmier during this weekend include
(the town will be busy that weekend):
- Horse racing (Major race meeting at St Galmier racecourse, Sunday 4th
July, 14h00)
- Fetes des peintres (painters festival) which takes place also on Sunday
4th with artists from throughout the region with paintings and sculptures
for sale in all the small cobblestones streets and alleyways around the
centre of the town (all day)
Other Possible Activities
Activities include the following but please see the tourist office web-site
for fuller information:
- Attending Horse racing
- Visit to Casino (passport ID is required, over 18s only)
- Spa, therapies, relaxation and massage
- Boules and other French games
- Hot air ballooning
- Open Air Cinema
- Model Aircraft Display (at local aerodrome)
- Organised visits to local wineries
- etc.
Dress
Normal highland dress throughout the weekend if you have it - and don't
expire with the heat!
Transport
A number of options for transport to St Galmier are provided in a separate
text at the end of this message.
Accommodation
The majority of the accommodation for visiting Scots will be at la Rose des
Vents, the local centre for adolescents which will be closed for the summer
holidays during the period of the event. The place is very clean and quite
comfortable and the cost is low, less than 15 Euros per person per night.
The location is only 3 minutes walk from the towns main square and is set in
lovely well maintained grounds and gardens. We used it last year and it was
perfect.
The town also has a small hotel (Hotel Le Forez - http://www.leforez.fr) which will
provide singles for around 40 Euros and doubles for about 50 Euros,
including breakfast.
B&B is also possible. Some options are provided on the local tourist
information web-site. e.g. Le Plat
www.bnbchoices.com/france/rhone-alpes/chez-jacotte-et-elia.bnb.
Rental of a self-catering 'gites' may also be possible (maybe of interest
for families). There is also a local campsite. Please contact for more
information as required.
Participation
The weekend events are geared to have activities suitable for all ages,
including families. A number of families have already booked up. Depending
on the numbers and ages of children, activities will be organised to suit.
Please contact Scott Kelly or Didier Martinet to confirm your attendance at
the 2004 event so we can know approximate numbers expected at the events.
Summary
All of the LAFESG events so far provided fantastic enjoyment and this
organised events are becoming bigger and more popular every year with people
coming back time and time again. It is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy
both Scottish and French cultures and create friendships with the people of
the town and region.
We look forward to seeing you there!!!!
Seriously guys, it sounds as though you are all in for a great weekend. How cool if France were to trounce Engerlund in the final whilst you were there!! ;D