Moving to Callac in April

[maggienetball]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum today.

My husband and I are moving to Callac (just outside) in April and wondered if you good people could give us some advice on a few matters of a social nature.

We're very excited about the move but also nervous and don't want to lose out socially or be lonely. We both speak some French and will definitely try to mix with the locals, but we would like to meet and hear from other expats in our area.

My husband loves football. Are there any expat football teams around and where is the nearest town to watch league footie?

I love netball. Can't really hope that there's any teams in Brittany but are there any ladies team sports around that expats play?

Are there any social groups in central Brittany that we could join?

[Bevdeforges]

Hi, and welcome to the forums!

OK, for your best shot at meeting an assortment of people (French and other expats), take a look at an association called AVF (Accueil des Villes Françaises): AVF -- Accueil

Under the heading "Annuaire" click on Bretagne, and then try and find the closest town listed. AVF is a welcome group for newcomers to a given area within France. They usually have various activities and it's a good chance to meet some of the natives here in France. Do take advantage of their "SNA" (service nouveaux arrivants) and send your local group a message from the website, asking for information about the area where you'll be moving.

When you get moved in, go to the local mairie (town hall) and ask about clubs and associations, especially those that do "sports" in the town. In our local AVF, the French members are amazed that us "furrners" don't turn to the mairie when we have questions or problems. At the least, the mairie should have a listing of the clubs (and sports teams) sponsored by the town, and usually they have a display rack of brochures from most of the social groups in the area, even if they aren't directly sponsored by the mairie. For expat groups, your best bet is to find your national consulate's website here in France. Most of the expat groups are in Paris, but there are a few out in "Province."

About the only group sports I've encountered for women here is "randonnée" (hiking). Many French are passionate hikers (10, 15 or up to 50 km hikes during the weekends!) and there are a surprising number of hiking groups. There are also a number of bike clubs - but these are mostly men, all decked out in their spandex bike clothes, blocking traffic on Sundays.

That should get you started. Keep us posted here on how your move is going.
Cheers,
Bev

[Anglobreton]

First of all, hope you settle in quickly in your new surroundings...

To answer your question about football, in terms of professional sides which your husband can watch...you will be closest to En Avant Guingamp who currently play in Ligue 2 (about 20-30 minutes). Further afield is Brest (Ligue 2), about 1hr20mins, Lorient (Ligue 1) 1hr45mins, and Rennes (Ligue 1) 2hrs15mins... all approximate timings...

Prices compare VERY favourably with those of the professional clubs in the UK (indeed, the cheapest season ticket at Rennes actually costs less than one for a Blue Square South/North (step 6)) I paid just 135 Euros (97 Pounds) for mine...

All the best for your forthcoming move.

John Gray