Nice Travel Forum

Children summer activity program camp for locals in French
Posted: Sat January 3, 2009 06:30 PM UTC

Hello all. Was wondering if anyone knows of a camp or some summer activity program for children (my daughter is 5) in the Provence area. She is completely francophone and I would prefer to have her with French children in something local and not expensive. I know that the French very 'social' system proposes many such activities but I don't know how to find them as I am in NYC. Any suggestions, experience or advice is greatly appreciated!

manukian

8 replies

[Reply]

Re: Children summer activity program camp for locals in French
Posted: Sat January 3, 2009 06:37 PM UTC

Perhaps UCPA is the best known but I believe the minimum age is 6:

http://www.ucpa.com/

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Sarastro

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Re: Children summer activity program camp for locals in French
Posted: Sat January 3, 2009 07:05 PM UTC

Thank you, Sarasto. I just checked the site, it's full of activities but unfortunately just for 6 and up.

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manukian

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Re: Children summer activity program camp for locals in French
Posted: Sat January 3, 2009 07:11 PM UTC

It is not at all clear to me whether you are planning to be resident in France or planning to spend a summer holiday in France. Nor whether you are hoping to find a residential/all day/2 or 3 hours per day activity for your child.

My English niece married to a Frenchman and resident in France with their two children under 7 pays for any holiday activities they use even when they go to the beach. I remember being very impressed back in the late 60's with the supervised beach activities available for children aged 6+ at a very small charge. Sad to say it did not help my children to speak French any better!

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ranger49

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Re: Children summer activity program camp for locals in French
Posted: Sat January 3, 2009 07:27 PM UTC

Hello Ranger49,
Would like to spend the summer holiday in France and have full-day activity for my daughter so that she will be entertained, make friends and socialize in French. I will pay for anything quality that parents have good experience with.

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manukian

[Reply]

Re: Children summer activity program camp for locals in French
Posted: Sat January 3, 2009 08:08 PM UTC

Manukian, i have no experience since my boys are much older, but my expats community post this site full of info there info about creches, and events maybe it can help you
http://www.beyond.fr/index.html
you go to "villages" pick the town, and they will show all activities including for kids stuff AND it list all contact telephone for the different associations you can be in touch with directly.

Other than that, you can contact the mairie of the town you like and ask them directly for the information, they will provide asap. Good luck,you have the right idea ::)

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pedmar

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Re: Children summer activity program camp for locals in French
Posted: Sun January 4, 2009 02:25 AM UTC

Contact the "mairie" (city hall) of the town or village where you are staying. They will be able to help you find day camps or summer activities for your children. Even small villages in France have a mairie.
Bonne chance!
Jeannette

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Jeannette1

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Re: Children summer activity program camp for locals in French
Posted: Sun January 4, 2009 02:40 AM UTC

They are called "centre de loisirs" and you can send your children 1/2 day or a full day during the summer. The price is usually very reasonable since these are public schools. You probably will have to sign up the children ahead of time, to make sure there is space available.
Jeannette

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Jeannette1

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Re: Children summer activity program camp for locals in French
Posted: Thu January 15, 2009 10:59 PM UTC

Merci beaucoup, Jeannette!

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