Jersey is turning très chic this week as Le French Festival returns for another year, celebrating the island’s close ties with Normandy and beyond. Expect cheese, saucisses, open-air opera, pétanque and powerful films – plus a special visit from a sommelier and a live DJ direct from France.
Here’s your full day-by-day guide to everything happening up to Bastille Day…
Daily
Norman Market (9-13 July, 9am to 7pm)
The visiting Norman traders are back in the Royal Square, where islanders can stock up on French favourites with stalls offering sausages, cheeses, cider, fruit and more.
Thursday 10 July
Tour des Ports de la Manche
Around 500 sailors take to the water in this iconic cross-Channel race. Head down to Albert Pier from 4pm to 7pm to cheer them on as they race between ports.
The Magic Flute
Mozart’s iconic opera will get a magical outdoor screening under the stars in the Royal Square from 9pm to 11.45pm.
Friday 11 July
Tour des Ports de la Manche
The second leg of the annual sailing race will be taking place between 9am and 10am at Albert Pier.
French Wine Tasting
Sommelier Noemie Favrat is coming to Jersey to introduce islanders to a selection of French wines at a special session at Love Wine’s Seaton Place premises between 6pm and 7pm. Booking is required.
The Three Musketeers Part 1: D’Artagnan
Airing in the Royal Square at 9pm, this riveting French film (with English subtitles) follows D’Artagnans adventure – from searching for his attackers to fighting in a war where the future of France is at stake. The show will be displayed with English subtitles. It carries a 15 certification.
Saturday 12 July
French Wine tasting
There’ll be another chance to sip and swirl with sommelier Noemie Favrat at Love Wine from 2pm to 3pm.
Tales from my old spell book
Starting at 2pm in the Royal Square, this event aimed at children aged three and above promises to be a magical hour of music and fairytales with endearing characters and magnificent settings.
“So far, so close…” by Theatre de la Lune Bleue
Shadow puppets and original songs with traditional Norman music will be used to explore the story of Victor Hugo and his exile in Jersey at this special theatrical performance at 3pm in the Royal Square.
Appelez-moi François
Pop music infused with inventive sounds and a distinctive blend of French lyrics with a touch of British flair will fill the Royal Square from 5pm.
DJ Stefunk
Dance to French and Francophone beats from 7pm until sunset in the Royal Square.
Sunday 13 July
Pétanque Competition
Organised by St Brelade’s Pétanque Group, this inter-parish challenge will be taking place at the Weighbridge from 9.30am until 2.30pm.
Consul’s Happy Hour and Fête Nationale celebration
Starting from noon, everyone is invited to the Royal Square to celebrate the French Fête Nationale, starting with a speech from the Honorary French Consul and a singing of La Marseilaise. Musical entertainment will be provided by DJ Stefunk and two bands, Houle ma Poule (12.45pm–1.45pm) and The Pentabones (3pm–4pm).
“So far, so close…” by theatre de la Lune Bleue
Another chance to see this family-friendly musical theatre show at 2pm in the Royal Square.
Tea and Pétanque
Islanders of all ages are invited to come and have some fun in this event taking place at Les Quennevais Sports Centre from 2pm. £7 entry includes two games and a hot drink with homemade cake – no booking needed.
Monday 14 July
Jahiner
Dance through town – from West’s Centre to Charing Cross – with the Musicians of the National Orchestra of the Independent Principality of Jahiner at 1pm and 3pm.
The Franco-British Relationship: spearhead of European Security
An evening of discussion relations between the UK and France in light of rapidly changing global order featuring two international experts, this event will be taking place in the Assembly Room of the St Helier Town Hall starting at 5.30pm.
Find the full programme for Le French Festival here.
Stephanie Hotton is on Trident Work Experience with All Island Media, parent company of Bailiwick Express and the Jersey Evening Post.