French Exchange May 2025
We were pleased to welcome 27 guests from Chartres at the beginning of May. The programme included a Civic Reception, Choral Evensong at the Cathedral, a visit to The D ...
Welcome! Bienvenue!
The cities of Chichester and Chartres have been twinned since 1959, and the Friends of Chartres is Chichester’s French Twinning Association. The partnership between the cities exists to foster understanding and friendship between the people of Chichester and Chartres, and to promote cultural, educational, sporting and economic links between the two cities.
The Friends of Chartres provide a lively programme of events for members, the highlight of which is an annual exchange visit with our partners in Chartres. Throughout the year there are French-themed talks, visits to places of interest, French films, shared meals and other social events. Whilst we actively encourage the learning and practice of the French language with monthly conversation circles at different levels, the ability to speak French is not essential. All that is needed to enjoy our many activities is enthusiasm for France and French culture.
In addition to the annual exchange, other groups in the city such as Rotary, Lions and sports clubs have formed links with and visit their counterparts in France.
New members are always welcome.
Find out more about us through our quarterly newsletter CITYLINK or send us a message or telephone 01243 527435.
Latest News
Exchange 2025: Mayor’s Reception
Chair of Friends of Chartres, Michael Bevis with Mayor, Sarah Quail, Jess Brown-Fuller, Member of Parliament for Chichester and Patrick Geroudet, Deputy Mayor of Chartres
French Conversation Circles 2025
Petit Cercle and Cercle Avancé conversation groups meet every month and new members are always very welcome 
Events
To see a list of all our future events, please click here
Four Cities Event – July 7 at 7.30pm
As part of the Chichester Festival, the city’s four twinning associations come together to (this year) host a talk by Dr John Mason of the Chichester Planetarium, “Europe Blasts off
July 7 @ 7:30 am - 9:30 pm
Cercle Avancé – Mon. July 14, 5.30pm at The Chichester Inn
To participate in the Cercle Avancé, you need to be reasonably fluent. Otherwise, try the Petit Cercle or just come and listen .
July 14 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm at The Chichester InnSummer Garden Party – July 20
You must be a member of Friends of Chartres to attend this annual event.
July 20 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
