Bay Area Francophile List This Week!

May 3 & 4, 2006. KIRSTEN LOBE’S PARIS HANGOVER. A hilarious & glamorous novel in the Sex-in-the City style with sharp and funny observations about a thirty-something young female New Yorker's adventures being love-struck, lovelorn, bemused and seduced by life in today's Paris. After five years, the author knows Paris like the back of her favorite compact and shares sexy, witty and soulful insights with her readers. PARIS HANGOVER will leave you intoxicated and ready to take the next plane to take your own chances in the City of Light and Love. Wednesday May 3. 6:30PM-8:30 PM, Hotel Montgomery 211 South First Street San José, Complimentary appetizers, no-host bar, Tickets: $20 (advance purchase required). Thursday May 4 6PM-8 PM, Anne Fontaine Boutique, 118 Grant Ave at Maiden Lane, San Francisco. Champagne, hors d'oeuvres, a copy of PARIS HANGOVER and shopping night with 10% discount for PTEE guests and friends. Tickets: $35 (advance purchase required). Reservations: 415.388.4956 or terrance@paris-expat.com. Confirm via check: PTEE, 38 Miller Ave, PMB 213, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Seating is limited and these events will sell out quickly.

Through May 4, 2006. SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. Bertrand Delanoe, Mayor of Paris, will officiate with Gavin Newsom at the pre-gala reception for the opening of the festival. Strong French participation with 12 films from France and 12 in co-production. Films include:

Screenwriter JEAN-CLAUDE CARRIERE will receive the Kanbar Award for screenwriting at the Film Society Awards Night on Thursday, April 27. For more information call 415-551-5198. Tickets 925.866.9559 - http://www.sffs.org The Cultural Services of the Consulate General of France in San Francisco are major sponsors with TV5, the Alliance Française, and the French American Cultural Foundation. Includes a reception to honor JEAN-CLAUDE CARRIERE on April 27, Westin Saint Francis. $500 and up for reception.

May 4, 2006. ALEX PRUD’HOMME presents BON APPETIT: MY LIFE IN FRANCE (co-authored with JULIA CHILD) in Book Passage’s Cooks with Books series. Left Bank, 507 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur. 12:30m. $100/person; $160/couple. Tickets are purchased in advance at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 415.927.0960 or 800.999.7909 or http://www.bookpassage.com for details.

May 4, 2006. THE FRENCH EXCAVATIONS AT BAMIYAN, AFGHANISTAN by DR. TARZI, professor of archaeology and President of the APAA*, is the Director for the "French Survey and Excavation Missions at Bamiyan" since 2002, following the removal of the Taliban regime. Dr. Tarzi, a native of Afghanistan, came to France at age 20 to study with the legendary Prof. Schlumberger. Tarzi went back to Afghanistan and became the Director of Archaeology and Conservation of Historical Monuments, and undertook the restoration of the Bamiyan Buddha statues that were dynamited by the Talibans in 2001. Dr. Tarzi had through the pre-war years initiated efforts to find the mysterious 1000 feet long reclining Buddha statue at Bamiyan. Dr. Tarzi, undeniably the Bamiyan expert, will give you a history of the excavation campaigns illustrated by beautiful images of recent finds and lead you in on the search for the sleeping Buddha of Bamiyan. *Association for the Protection of Afghan Archaeology. 7pm. Alliance Française San Francisco 1345 Bush Street San Francisco. AFSF members $3 Others $6. RSVP 415.775.7755. In English.

May 4, 2005. CAFÉ PHILO OF THE ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE BERKELEY. 19h $5 L’humour. Réserver au 510.654.8372. afberkeley@sbcglobal.net for details.

May 4, 2006. UTE LEMPER, interpreter of Berlin cabaret songs and the FRENCH CHANSON. San Francisco Symphony. $15-$69. http://sfsymphony.org or 415.864.6000 for details. 8pm.

May 4 & 5, 2006. BEAU TRAVAIL (Claire Denis). This haunting tragedy transposes Herman Melville’s Billy Budd to a remote East African Foreign Legion outpost and retells it from the villain’s point of view. Brooding, craggy Sergeant Galoup relates his obsession with a pure-hearted recruit who attracts his attention, then his jealousy, and finally his murderous rage. Claire Denis distills this simple tale to the essence of a languorous tropical dream, in which the Legionnaires engage in hypnotically choreographed routines. (1999, 93 min., in French w/English subtitles). Thursday, May 4 at 7:00 in Stevenson 1002 and Friday, May 5 at 7:00 in Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall. Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. For more information, check the SFI website at http://www.sonoma.edu/sfi

May 4-6, 2006. FRENCH-CANADIAN CONDUCTOR BERNARD LABADIE conducts the SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY. All Mozart. 415.864.6000 or http://sfsymphony.org for details. $20-$107.

May 5, 2006. FRENCH CONVERSATION AT SASSAFRAS. Please join us Friday, April 7, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Dinner and beverages are available for purchase all evening. Each person is responsible for their own order. Sassafras is located at 1229 North Dutton Avenue, Santa Rosa (College Avenue heading west, right onto Dutton, left into large parking lot of Santa Rosa Business Park; http://www.sassafrasrestaurant.com .

May 5, 2006. JEAN-FRANÇOIS QUESTIN parle de LA PUBLICITE. Conférence en français. Alliance Française de Berkeley. 19h $8 membres, $10 autres réservez au 510.548.7481 ou email : afberkeley@sbcglobal.net

May 5, 2006. SAMUEL BECKETT CENTENARY CELEBRATION. Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., SF. 415.749.2228. Free.

May 5 & 6, 2006. VILLAGE IMPORTS – MADE IN FRANCE. Open Warehouse Event. 211 South Hill Drive, Brisbane, CA. 415.562.1120 or http://www.levillage.com for details. 2pm-6pm on Friday; 8:30am to 1:30pm on Saturday.

Through May 6, 2006. CLIMATE THEATER performs NO EXIT by JEAN-PAUL SARTRE. 285 Ninth St., SF. $10. http://www.myspace.com/noexit2006 for details.

May 6, 2006. CAFÉ MUSEE: LA SPLENDEUR DES DUCS DE BOURGOGNE. Burgundy was virtually an independent state for over a hundred years (1363-1482) during the 14th and the 15th centuries. During that era, its land extended from Bruges to Beaune, far beyond the modern French province. Indeed, it included much of what is now Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and northwestern France. Prosperous textile manufactures made this one one of the wealthiest realms of Europe, envied by other countries for its power and prestige. Rich Gothic architecture, exquisite craftsmanship and opulent artistic output reflected the munificence of the Court of Burgundy as well as its political, economic and cultural influence. Take a close look at tapestries, embroideries, illuminated manuscripts and funerary art. See the new style of painting launched by Flemish artists Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Dieric Bouts, and Rogier van der Weyden, all of whom contributed to the splendor of the House of Burgundy. Finally, see how the Burgundian heritage fell into the Habsburg hands after the Death of the beloved young duchess Mary. Visual Arts Bldg (V114), City College of SF, 50 Phelan Avenue. Contact: rmorel@ccsf.edu 9:30 am -12:30 pm).

May 6, 2006. LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE. Set in a French village, this ballet features much humor. Stapleton Ballet at Marin Center, Marin Showcase Theater, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 415.499.6800 or http://www.stapletonschool.org or http://marincenter.org for details. $13.50-$20.

May 6, 2006. KIRIKOU AND THE SORCERESS. A French feature-length animated film, will be shown at the Guild Theater, 2828 35th St., Sacramento. Children are admitted free. Festival passes are $15.00, individual tickets are $6.00. 2pm. Trailer: http://www.kirikou.net/synopsis.html. More information about the Sacramento Black Film Festival at : http://www.thesacramentoblackfilmfestival.com/

May 6 & 7, 2006. LA LEÇON DE IONESCO. Samedi 6 mai à 20 et dimanche 7 mai à 17h30 La leçon de Ionesco mise en scène par Clémence Pinaud avec Olivier Walty, Clémence Pinaud et Edward Pieczenik $8 membres, $10 autres réception suivra. Réservez au 510.548.7481 ou email : afberkeley@sbcglobal.net

Through May 7, 2006. NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL. With PRESERVATION HALL JAZ BAND, ALLEN TOUSSAINT, ANGELIQUE KIDJO, BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO and much more! http://www.nojazzfest.com or 800.488.5252 for details.

Through May 7, 2006. SYLVIA: A BALLET IN THREE ACTS. Critically acclaimed production by Mark Morris which premiered in 2004. “A mythological tale of love and adventure, this ballet in three acts features lavish scenery, exquisite costumes, and a magnificent score by LEO DELIBES.” http://www.sfballet.org or 415.865.2000

May 7, 2006. SFS CHAMBER MUSIC performs RAVEL's STRING QUARTET IN F MAJOR. SF Symphony, http://sfsymphony.org for details. 2pm.

May 7, 2006. VISITE DE JARDINS SUIVIE D’UN THE. Alliance Française de Berkeley. 14h. $20 membres $25 autres réserver au 510.849.2283 ou c.vanbrunt@comcast.net

May 7-28, 2006. LE DIABLE EN PARTAGE / THE DEVIL ON ALL SIDES. FoolsFURY and Alliance Française present The Devil on all sides, a play by FABRICE MELQUIOT. This is a haunting tragedy set during the war in the former Yugoslavia. The protagonist, a Christian, falls in love with and marries a Muslim. As the war breaks out, Melquiot shows us the pressures on their love, their families, and the crumbling world around them in a style that seamlessly blends expressionism, poetry, fantasy, and harsh, raw reality. THE DEVIL ON ALL SIDES makes compelling art of world-altering violence, and of fratricidal hatred of the war. "Most remarkable," say director Yalom, "Melquiot manages this without either bitterness or predictable finger pointing. The play is translated and directed by foolsFURY artistic director Ben Yalom. The play won great acclaim when it premiered in 2003, including two major awards from the National Dramatic Critics' Syndicate in France where it was named "Theatrical Discovery of the Year" and "Best French Language Play of the Year". The project received the prestigious Creative Work Fund in 2005. Location: TJT Traveling Jewish Theater , 470 Florida St, SF. http://www.foolsfury.org or call 1.866.GOT.FURY **MELQUIOT WILL ATTEND THE OPENING PERFORMANCE!

May 8, 2006. REMEMBERING JULIA CHILD WITH HER GRANDNEPHEW ALEX PRUD’HOMME. As her rich, happy life was drawing to a close Julia sat in the garden of her Southern California home and shared with grand-nephew Alex Prud'homme the stories that filled her LIFE IN FRANCE with Paul Child and informed the Mistress of the Art of French Cooking who demystified French cooking for all of us. 6PM-8PM. The Rex San Francisco. Complimentary appetizers, no-host bar. Tickets: $20 (advance purchase required). Reservations: 415-388-4956 or terrance@paris-expat.com Confirm via check: PTEE 38 Miller Ave PMB 213 Mill Valley, CA 94941.

May 9 & 11, 2006. FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN: CONVERSATIONS ON CONTEMPORARY FRENCH CINEMA at Stanford University. LA FAUTE A VOLTAIRE (POETICAL REFUGEE) and L’ESQUIVE (GAMES OF LOVE AND CHANCE). Presented by the Division of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages at Stanford and TV5 Monde. With Actress Élodie Bouchez and Jean-Michel Frodon, Editor in Chief Cahiers du Cinema. 5-6 p.m., Interview with ELODIE BOUCHEZ and Jean-Michel Frodon by Cécile Alduy, Cubberley Auditorium. 6-9 p.m., Screening and discussion, Cubberley Auditorium, 485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford campus. Thursday, May 11: L'Esquive ( Games of Love and Chance). Screening and discussion with Cécile Alduy (French and Italian Department, Stanford). 6-9 p.m., Cubberley Auditorium, 485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford campus. For more information visit http://dlcl.stanford.edu/research/frenchfilm.html . Or contact : Cécile Alduy, Assistant Professor, French and Italian Department, alduy@stanford.edu , or Marie-Pierre Ulloa, mpulloa@stanford.edu .

May 10, 2006. DEJEUNER MENSUEL DE L'ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE SANTA ROSA. Food, conversation and fun. Fabulous meal includes soup, choice of three entrees, dessert and coffee or tea. $15/$20; SRJC Culinary Café, 458 B Street in the Brickyard Center. Space limited to 30 people only. Reserve by calling 707.829.7708.

May 10, 2006. AFRICAN METROPOLIS FILM SERIES. DÔLÉ by IMAUNGA IVANGA. (Gabon, 2001, 80 minutes). Presented by California Newsreel and the Museum of the African Diaspora. Although set in Libreville, Gabon, this film could as well take place in Oakland, New York, or Los Angeles. Four youth, deeply influenced by hip-hop culture and living on the margins of the global economy, become obsessed with winning the lottery. For them, a lottery, like a professional music or sports career, seems like the only path to financial success. The main character, Mougler, is a teenager of extraordinary promise, yet his hope is siphoned off by the weight of poverty and the illness of his mother. Lacking basic necessities yet desiring the opulence of a rap star, Mougler slips into a life of petty crime. When he and his friends decide to up their odds of winning the lottery, this gentle comedy turns tragic. 7:30 PM. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street at Third, San Francisco. (Two Blocks From the Montgomery Bart Station) 415.487.ARTS or http://www.ybca.org for details. $5-$7. 7:30pm.

May 10-13, 2006. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY performs DEBUSSY's DANSES SACREES ET PROFANES and BIZET's JEUX D'ENFANTS. http://sfsymphony.org or 415.864.6000 for details.

May 11, 2006. LIFE SCIENCE BREAKFAST The French-American Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco & Swissnex cordially invites you to join us for a: Life Science Breakfast - IP and biotech, is there a road map? 7:30am - 9:30am. At Swissnex, 730 Montgomery Street, San Francisco. Breakfast will be served Thanks to our sponsor: croissants courtesy of Brioche Bakery. Contact info@faccsf.com for details.

May 11, 2006. BELGIAN AUTHOR AMELIE NOTHOMB appears for the first time in San Francisco! Moderator : Laureline Amanieux( University of Paris X), author of Amélie Nothomb, l’éternelle affamée , a biography of the writer published by Albin Michel (2005) . Amélie Nothomb is a Belgian writer. She was born in Kobe, Japan, before living in China, New York, Bangladesh, Burma, and Laos. Her first novel, Hygiène de l'assassin was published in 1992. Since then, she has published approximately one novel per year among them: les Catilinaires (1995), Stupeur et tremblements (1999) le Robert des noms propres (2002), and Acide sulfurique (2005). Amelie Nothomb’s novels have been translated into more than 30 languages; the most famous, Fear and Trembling, has been made into a film. Her books are published in France by Albin Michel and in the US by St Martin's Press. 7pm. Alliance Française 1345 Bush Street San Francisco; AFSF members $8 Others $12. RSVP 415.775.7755. In French.

May 11, 2006. LEFT COAST CHAMBER ENSEMBLE performs two premieres in one night, including new work by PHILIPPE BODIN. 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley. 415.383.9600 or http://142throckmortontheatre.com for details.

May 11, 2006. INTELLECTUAL PROPERY : IS THERE A ROAD MAP? 7:30am-9:30am. Life Science Breakfast. Intellectual Property (IP) is essential to the success of any life biotech company and a primary concern to investors, just as technology, market and management. Organized by the French American Chamber of Commerce. For more information: http://www.faccsf.com or email: events@faccsf.com or phone: 415-442-4717

May 11, 2006. NEW AND OLD SOFTWARE BUSINESS MODELS. 6pm-9pm. High Tech Conference. Speakers include Philippe Courtot, Chairman and CEO, Qualys, and Bernard Pech, CTO of Salesforces.com. Organized by the French American Chamber of Commerce. For more information: http://www.faccsf.com or email: events@faccsf.com or phone: 415-442-4717

May 11, 12 & 14, 2006. UNDER THE SAND (François Ozon). "A fine new feature from the French director François Ozon: his quietest creation to date, but also his most provocative. Charlotte Rampling plays Marie, whose husband disappears from a beach; everyone but Marie believes him dead, and Ozon finds both method and madness in her noble refusal to meet the truth. What could have been glum or morbid is made almost thrilling by Ozon's ruthless cuts and punchy compositions, and Rampling sways back and forth between the litheness of youth and the fallen hopes of middle age."— Anthony Lane, The New Yorker (2000, 95 min., in French and English w/English subtitles). Thursday, May 11 at 7:00 in Stevenson 1002, Friday, May 12 at 7:00 and Sunday, May 14 at 4:00 in Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall. Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. For more information, check the SFI website at http://www.sonoma.edu/sfi

May 11 & 15, 2006. AN EVENING OF PREMIERES, including PHILIPPE BODIN’S QUINTET FOR STRINGS and more. Left Coast Chamber Ensemble. May 11 at the Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley; May 15 at The Green Room (upstairs from Herbst Theatre). 8pm. 415.642.8054 or http://www.ChamberMusicPartn.org for details.

May 12, 2006. MODIGLIANI: L'ANGE NOIR DE MONTPARNASSE. De Montmartre à Montparnasse, la vie brève mais tumultueuse d'Amédéo Modigliani (1884-1920) emblématise la bohême haute en couleur de l'avant-garde parisienne au début du XXe siècle. Né en Italie et formé à la tradition classique du dessin, Modigliani est d'abord attiré par l'expressionnisme, mais, une fois installé en France, emprunte le style elliptique de Toulouse-Lautrec et subit l'influence cubiste de Cézanne et de Picasso. Cependant - et contrairement à la plupart de ses contemporains - Modigliani continuera à produire des oeuvres figuratives, dessinant constamment, fièvreusement, toujours à la recherche de la nouveauté. Bien que considéré peintre avant tout, Modigliani se voyait sculpteur. Il profite des leçons de Constantin Brancusi et trouvera une source féconde d'inspiration dans les statuettes ou masques "primitifs" d'Afrique et d'Océanie. Venez admirer les portraits et nus mélancoliques, attachants ou audacieux de Modigliani. Examinez de plus près l'évolution de son style hautement personnel, alliant des effets de texture à des lignes fluides. Revivez la triste fin de l'Ange Noir de Montparnasse, prince alcoolique, beau et misérable, dont la légende a fait à jamais un "artiste maudit". Conférence en français présentée par Renée Morel et l’Alliance Française de San Francisco, et offerte par le San Francisco Bay Accueil. 10am-11:30am. $7. AF de SF, 1345 Bush St., SF. 415.775.7755 ou http://www.afsf.com for details. SVP, arrivez a l'heure! (Please allow ample time for parking.)

May 12, 2006. LE CERCLE FRANÇAIS DE PETALUMA se réunit chez Monique et Gilbert à partir de 19 H. Nous vous proposons de vous recevoir en faisant "Le Tour de France" par une "Ronde des Fromages" des provinces françaises. Pour ce faire que chacun apporte son fromage et son vin préféré. Nous nous chargeons des fromages de l'Ile de France, notre région d'origine, ainsi que des accompagnements : pains, salades, desserts, etc.... suivant l'inspiration du moment. Les musiciens peuvent apporter leurs instruments, un piano sera à leur disposition. Soiree sans enfants. Nous vous remercions de nous confirmer votre venue. 707.762.2479 ou g.dlugy@worldnet.att.net

May 12, 2006. LE CYGNE. Invitation to Lycee Francais La Perouse Scholarships Fundraiser. For more information: http://www.faccsf.com or email: events@faccsf.com or phone: 415-442-4717

May 12-June 25, 2006. THE MISER by MOLIERE. Greed is good ~ so thinks Harpagon, paranoid buffoon and incarnation of bourgeois greed who has beggared his family to safeguard his hefty stash of cash. But now his frustrated children have to outsmart the old man to get the money they need to marry the mates they want. Can Harpagon hold onto his hoard (and get himself a hot young bride in the bargain), or will his offspring loosen his stranglehold on the family fortune? This savagely funny comedy about a man and his money gets a dazzling new production at Berkeley Rep by Theatre de la Jeune Lune, winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Berkeley Repertory Theater, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. 510.647.2949 or 888.4BRTtix for details. http://www.berkeleyrep.com for details.

May 13, 2006. MILL VALLEY FRENCH TABLE. Champagne Café, next to the Sequoia Theater on Throckmorton Avenue. 10am-11am. E-mail Suzanne, suzanne.toczyski@sonoma.edu, for details.

May 13, 2006. SCREENING OF FEAR AND TREMBLING and Q & A WITH AMELIE NOTHOMB. Co-presented by the Alliance Française de San Francisco and the SF Film Society. Based on Amélie Nothomb's best-selling autobiographical novel, Fear and Trembling (Alain Corneau, 2003), the film stars Sylvie Testud, winner of a César award for Best Actress. Amélie, a dreamy young Belgian woman, arrives in Japan to work as a translator for the giant Yumimoto Corporation. For Amélie, who spent her childhood in Japan, this is a dream come true. It is her chance to become a ''real Japanese.'' Unfamiliar with the customs of the Japanese workplace, she commits a series of cultural missteps and is singled out as a deviant within the company hierarchy. 5pm. Delancey Street Theater 600 Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94107. AFSF/SFFS members $9 Others $12. RSVP 415.775.7755

May 13, 2006. LOUISIANA CRAWFISH BOIL. Presented by the Washington Square Bar & Grill. Crawfish, jambalaya, gumbo, and more. Featuring music by the ZYDECO FLAMES and others. 1707 Powell St. (at Union), SF. $40 admission; includes all food and music. 415.982.8123 for details/tickets.

Through May 14, 2006. ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD de JACQUES OFFENBACH at the CINNABAR YOUNG REP. All is not well on Mount Olympus. The marriage of Orpheus and Eurydice is in dire straits and apathy and discontent reign among the gods. Ambrosia and nectar are bland and boring, and the only deity having any fun is Jupiter, philanderer extraordinaire and Master of Disguise. Abductions, infidelities, love and hilarity abound in this comic twist on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Delightfully crazed music theater, brought to life by Cinnabar Young Rep’s Music Theater Ensemble. $12 General Admission / $8 children 12 and under. Venue: Cinnabar Theater at 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, CA 94952. For Tickets: Contact Cinnabar Box Office three ways: phone: 707.763.8920; e-mail: info@cinnabartheater.org or web: http://www.cinnabartheater.org

May 16, 2006. EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ~ AUCTION at Bonham & Butterfields. Including work by JOSEPH CARNAUD (1821-1905) and more. 220 San Bruno Ave., SF. 415.861.7500 or 415.503.3263 or 800.223.2854 or Malcolm.walker@bonhams.com or http://www.bonhams.com/us for details. 1pm.

May 17, 2006. THE FRENCH CELLAR WINE APPRECIATION CLASS: DELUXE RED BORDEAUX. All classes will be held on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM for approximately 2 hours. Classes will be limited to only 16 participants. The cost of classes including wines for tasting, are $50 per person, except for the Deluxe and Champagne classes, which are $80 per person. A selection of French cheeses, pâté and fruit will be served buffet-style for your enjoyment. Reservations will be booked in advance with a credit card and cancellations must be made within 48 hours of each class for a refund. We look forward to you joining with us in sampling the great wine finds of France. À vôtre santé! 32 East Main Street Los Gatos. Tel 408.354.0993 or fax 408.354.2723 or http://www.thefrenchcellar.com or thefrenchcellar@worldnet.att.net

May 17, 2006. READINGS FROM FLOATING THROUGH FRANCE: LIFE BETWEEN THE LOCKS ON THE CANAL DU MIDI. Of the millions of travelers who visit France each year, relatively few venture along the Canal du Midi in Southern France. Completed in 1681, the canal that joined the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea -- and for that reason also known as the Canal des Deux Mers – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Floating through France: Life Between Locks on the Canal du Midi is a collection of essays by writers inspired by their experiences as they traversed the ancient locks and boated through the timeless countryside. Take a rich tour of the South of France with musings that are entertaining, educational, heartfelt, enlightening and bubbling with humor.Monticello Inn, SF. 5:30pm

May 18, 2006. BUYING PROPERTY IN FRANCE: REALIZING YOUR DREAMS AND AVOIDING PITFALLS. With Marie Galanti. Alliance Française de Santa Rosa. Only 20 seats available. Reserve by May 17. 613 Fourth St., Suite 200, Santa Rosa. $15 members, $20 non-members. 707.543.8151 for details.

May 18, 2006. ARAB FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW: SCREENING OF THE MOROCCAN-FRENCH FILM, LE GRAND VOYAGE by ISMAEL FERROUKHI. Co-presented by the Alliance Française.Réda (Nicolas Cazale), a young man who lives in the south of France, finds himself driving his father to Mecca. The wide cultural and generational gap between the two is worsened by their lack of communication. Réda finds it hard to accommodate his father, who demands respect for himself and his pilgrimage. From France, through Italy, Serbia, Turkey, Syria, Jordan to Saudi Arabia, the two embark on a road trip that will change their lives. 7pm. $6 ($3 AFSF members). In French with English Subtitiles. Auditorium de l’ Alliance, 1345 Bush Street San Francisco. 415.775.7755.

May 18 & 19, 2006. NOTRE MUSIQUE (Jean-Luc Godard). Jean-Luc Godard, ever ready to follow a noble example, has modelled the structure of his new film—part drama, part documentary, though not a drama-documentary—on Dante. The first section, entitled "Hell," is a mashing-together of violence, shuffling clips of actual war into snatches of war movies; one longs to know how, or whether, Godard distinguishes between them, given that so much of his youthful work paid homage to Hollywood genres. The second, purgatorial part is the meat of the movie, following Godard himself around a shrouded Sarajevo, where he lectures on subjects dear to him…and where a young Israeli woman (played by Sarah Adler) with a story to tell tracks down the French ambassador. Last and harshest is the advent of heaven—a kitschy but placid paradise beside a lake, guarded by an American marine."— Anthony Lane, The New Yorker (2004, 80 min., in French and Spanish w/English subtitles). Thursday, May 18 at 7:00 in Stevenson 1002 and Friday, May 19 at 7:00 in Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall. Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. For more information, check the SFI website at http://www.sonoma.edu/sfi

May 19, 2006. CONVERSATION A L’ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE BERKELEY. 18h30. Gratuit. Apportez à boire et à manger. Informations au 510 548 7481 ou email : afberkeley@sbcglobal.net

May 19-21, 2006. JAZZ/NOIR FILM FESTIVAL, with six great films in three days, including LOUIS MALLE’s L’ASCENSEUR A L’ECHAFAUD / ELEVATOR TO THE GALLOWS. Balboa Theater, SF. http://sfjazz.org for details.

May 20, 2006. BARBARA EUSER talks about FLOATING THROUGH FRANCE: LIFE BETWEEN THE LOCKS ON THE CANAL DU MIDI. Of the millions of travelers who visit France each year, relatively few venture along the Canal du Midi in Southern France. Completed in 1681, the canal that joined the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea -- and for that reason also known as the Canal des Deux Mers – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Floating through France: Life Between Locks on the Canal du Midi is a collection of essays by writers inspired by their experiences as they traversed the ancient locks and boated through the timeless countryside. Take a rich tour of the South of France with musings that are entertaining, educational, heartfelt, enlightening and bubbling with humor. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Dr., Corte Madera. 415.927.0960 or http://www.bookpassage.com for details. 4pm.

May 21, 2006. LA PLACE DU MARCHÉ. Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley's ninth annual "La Place du Marché" transforms the school into an authentic French marketplace. Come and browse a tempting variety of French-made and French-inspired products (jewelry, art, housewares, French books, cheeses, pâtés, fresh produce and much more). Have lunch at the Marché bistro, then sip a glass of wine and listen to live music while your children participate in the many games and activities. And be sure to buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a trip to Paris! For more information: http://www.eb.org or 510.549.3867; marche@eb.org. 11:00am to 4:00pm. 1009 Heinz Ave at Ninth in Berkeley (near San Pablo and Ashby).

May 21, 2006. VISITER LE STAND DE L’ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE BERKELEY. Venez nous rendre visite au stand de l’alliance de La Place du marché de l’école bilingue de Berkeley. 5105487481 ou email : afberkeley@sbcglobal.net

May 23, 2005. FLOATIING THROUGH FRANCE. REFLECTIONS ON THE CANAL DU MIDI, edited by Barbara Euser. Of the millions of travelers who visit France each year, relatively few venture along the Canal du Midi in Southern France. Completed in 1681, the canal that joined the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea -- and for that reason also known as the Canal des Deux Mers – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Floating through France: Life Between Locks on the Canal du Midi is a collection of essays by writers inspired by their experiences as they traversed the ancient locks and boated through the timeless countryside. Take a rich tour of the South of France with musings that are entertaining, educational, heartfelt, enlightening and bubbling with humor. Zebulon’s in Petaluma. 6:30pm.

Through May 24, 2006. A COURSE ON REGIONAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY IN FRANCE Taught by Jacqueline Lindenfeld, anthropologist, for the spring ssession of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Sonoma State Univeristy. Recent riots in France point to a need for re-assesing the country’s representation of itself as a homogenous and unitary nation – at a time when it also has to re-define its identity in the context of a supranational European Union. In a spirit of democratic uniformization which can be traced back to the 1789 Revolution, French authorities have tried for over two centuries to stamp out differences within the nation. But just as the centralization scheme never toally eliminated regional differences in the country, the French model for integrating immigrants has not succeeded in dealing with ethnic differences within its borders. The time has come to face the reality of the diversity of France. In this course we will examine it from various perspecties : history and geography, sociology and cultural anthropology, as well as ‘layman’ linguistics. We will explore (with occasional visual support) the existence in France of regional and immigrant languages and cultures. Lectures, followed by discussion. No knowledge of French necessary. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Sonoma State University, School of Extended Education, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 707.664.2691 or http://www.sonoma.edu/exed or barbara.brooks@sonoma.edu for details. Course will meet on Wednesdays 9:45-11:30 starting April 3.

May 24, 2006. DINNER WITH A FRENCH TWIST at Emile’s Creekside Bistro. Alliance Française de Santa Rosa, 7pm.

May 25, 2006. CERCLE LITTERAIRE DE L’ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SANTA ROSA. Texte: Frida Kahlo by RAUDA JAMIS. Avec Raymond Lemieux. Alliance Française, 613 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707.543.8151 or http://www.afsantarosa.org or info@afsantarosa.org for details. 7pm.

May 25-27, 2006. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY and KATIA AND MARIELLE LABEQUE perform POULENC's CONCERTO FOR TWO PIANOS and RAVEL's LA VALSE. http://sfsymphony.org or 415.864.6000 for details.

May 26, 2006. CINEMA: DELICATESSEN. Alliance Française de Berkeley. 19h. $5 donation pour dinner. Réserver au 5105487481 ou email : afberkeley@sbcglobal.net

May 27, 2006. DHYANIDHARMA MAS’ “AEM ANOSSET ET KEEVA. An inspiring, spiritual, and ecumenical Stabat mater. The piece, in Hebrew and Spanish has echoes of Ladino culture and flamenco music. A laureate of the Villa Medicis Hors les Murs, the Prix Sacem and the Grand Prix de la Ville de Nice, Dhyanidharma Mas has also received a research grant from the French Ministry of Culture and has worked in instrumental research at the IRCAM in Paris. Composer in residence with the San Francisco Sinfonietta Orchestra, he also teaches music at the French lycée la Pérouse. His available CDs are entitled "Guitar Concertos","Duende Latina" and " Just for you" Ariel Camperi is a 12-year old seventh grader at the Lycée français Lapérouse. He is a member of the San Francisco Boys Chorus Concert group and has been singing since he was 7. He has also sung at the San Francisco Opera in their productions of Puccini's “Tosca”, Tchaikovsky's “Queen of Spades”, and Mozart's “Magic Flute for Kids”. 5pm, Alliance Française de San Francisco 1345 Bush Street San Francisco 415.775.7755. AFSF members $10 Others $15. RSVP 415.775.7755.

May 31, 2006. THE FRENCH CELLAR WINE APPRECIATION CLASS: THE WINES OF BURGUNDY. All classes will be held on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM for approximately 2 hours. Classes will be limited to only 16 participants. The cost of classes including wines for tasting, are $50 per person, except for the Deluxe and Champagne classes, which are $80 per person. A selection of French cheeses, pâté and fruit will be served buffet-style for your enjoyment. Reservations will be booked in advance with a credit card and cancellations must be made within 48 hours of each class for a refund. We look forward to you joining with us in sampling the great wine finds of France. À vôtre santé! 32 East Main Street Los Gatos. Tel 408.354.0993 or fax 408.354.2723 or http://www.thefrenchcellar.com or thefrenchcellar@worldnet.att.net

SEEKING TEACHER FOR L’ECOLE NOTRE DAME IN SAN FRANCISCO. Je voudrais partager mon poste de prof de francais pour l'annee scolaire prochaine: donc on cherche un francais ou francaise, qui soit prof, avec de l'experience avec les enfants. Contactez: Corinne Brion, cobrion@hotmail.com

SEEKING FRENCH-SPEAKING MARKETING PROFESSIONAL. We have a wonderful new opportunity for a French speaking marketing professional with 3+ years of experience for a short-term engagement. Our client is managing a trade show to be held in France in September. They need a website designed and launched, as well as some collateral developed. A background working with large technology companies is a big plus. PLEASE NOTE: THE CONSULTANT MUST BE FLUENT IN FRENCH AND MUST BE ABLE TO DEVELOP A WEBSITE FROM SCRATCH. This opportunity is onsite, in San Francisco, for the next 4-6 weeks, beginning as soon as a consultant is identified, for 40-45 hours weekly, and is offered to the consultant at a flat rate of $8,000/month, to be paid on a W2 basis. If you are available and interested, please email to me the latest MS Word version of your resume which details your web and collateral development expertise, as well as a brief cover letter detailing your fluency in French. I will be back in touch with you if I see there is a match. Joel Bailey- Business Development Manager, M Squared Inc., 111 Sutter Street, Suite 850, San Francisco, CA 94104. ph 415.391.1038; fx 415.981.6731. jbailey@msquared.com or http://www.msquared.com

SEEKING FRENCH-SPEAKING CHILDCARE. Looking for dedicated, French speaking individual to take care of our little girl that will be born towards end of June 2006 in the McDonald neighborhood of Santa Rosa. The job is full-time in a beautifully French decorated house with formal garden, easy parents to work with, full use of gourmet kitchen and possibility of “logement” depending on the individual. Please contact Najine at 707-571-8461 or via email najine@itsyounutrition.com .

APPLE COMPUTER SEEKS FRENCH SPEAKERS. A new division of Apple Computer, Inc is creating the technologies of tomorrow (confidential of course!). It is lead by a French-speaking executive that would like to share with the InterFrench community 5 open positions for gifted and smart C developers with strong analytical and mathematical background. If you are striving in fast-paced and high-performance environment and you want to be part of a winning team that will affect the future of digital entertainment, do not wait one more second and send us your resume now! Positions open in Silicon Valley and optionally in Paris, France (positions in Paris require cryptology expertise). Jean-Pierre François, Members Coordinator, InterFrench, jpf@interfrench.org or Tel: 408.426.8263.

SEEKING FRENCH-SPEAKING CHILDCAREGIVER. My daughter is 6 months old and I need someone to play with her for me to get chores and errands done. The hours and days are flexible. Anywhere from 8 to 18 hours per week. I live in Northwest Berkeley near the No. Berkeley Bart and the 4th street shopping. Pay negotiable. If you are interested or you know someone who is, please let me know. Pear (510) 486-8214.

SEEKING FRENCH-SPEAKING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER SPECIALIZING IN MEDIA/PRESS RELATIONS. The firm of HUMBLOT-GRANT ALEXANDER is among big 15 recruitment consultants in France. For one of its clients, a top international pharmaceutical company in Lyon, Cabinet HUMBLOT-GRANT ALEXANDER is looking for a Communications Manager specializing in Media/Press Relations for a specific range of the company's products. The person should ideally be American or Canadian with business/management school or communications training, perfectly bilingual (French-English) and bi-cultural. Experience in media/press relations necessary. The person will handle crisis management and must be interested in science. Contact via e-mail and under ref SPFR2: Anne JANTET, HUMBLOT-GRANT ALEXANDER Executive Search, ajantet@humblot.com or call +011.33.4.72.07.47.60

THE BRANSON SCHOOL SEEKS PART-TIME FRENCH TEACHER, 2006-2007 SCHOOL YEAR. Located in Ross, California, The Branson School is an academically rigorous coeducational day school, serving 320 students grades 9-12. The Branson School is seeking a part-time French Teacher beginning September 2006. The ideal candidate will have a degree in French with teaching experience at the high school or university level. Advanced degree and expertise in literature and history of the French-speaking world outside of France preferred. Prior experience in independent schools is a plus. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume to: Margaret Cecchetti, Language Department Chair, The Branson School, P.O. Box 887, Ross, CA 94957 or Margaret_Cecchetti@branson.org. The Branson School is an equal opportunity employer.

FRENCH LANGUAGE TEACHERS NEEDED IN MONTEREY. Visit the website: http://www.dliflc.edu See Vacancy Announcement FPS-06-001, How to Apply section. 831.242.4403

CALIFORNIA LANGUAGE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION conducts its Placement Information Exchange as a service to members, to schools and school districts (elementary, middle school, high school, and community college) at no charge. The association's role is limited to providing information: to the teachers who are seeking positions, to the schools and school districts which post vacancies. Responsibility for taking further action rests with the recipients of the information. Go to:http://www.clta.net/jobs/index.html for details.

EDJOIN. The Education Job Opportunity Network is a portal to thousands of teaching and other education job openings throughout California. Go to: http://www.edjoin.org/ for information.

AFRICAN METROPOLIS FILM SERIES. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission, SF. 415.487.ARTS or http://www.ybca.org for details. $5-$7. 7:30pm. May 10, 2006.

ARAB FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW: SCREENING OF THE MOROCCAN-FRENCH FILM, LE GRAND VOYAGE by ISMAEL FERROUKHI. Co-presented by the Alliance Française.Réda (Nicolas Cazale), a young man who lives in the south of France, finds himself driving his father to Mecca. The wide cultural and generational gap between the two is worsened by their lack of communication. Réda finds it hard to accommodate his father, who demands respect for himself and his pilgrimage. From France, through Italy, Serbia, Turkey, Syria, Jordan to Saudi Arabia, the two embark on a road trip that will change their lives. 7pm. $6 ($3 AFSF members). In French with English Subtitiles. Auditorium de l’ Alliance, 1345 Bush Street San Francisco. 415.775.7755. May 18, 2006.

BEAU TRAVAIL (Claire Denis). See Special Events, May 4 & 5, above, for details.

DELICATESSEN. Alliance Française de Berkeley. 19h. $5 donation pour dinner. Réserver au 5105487481 ou email : afberkeley@sbcglobal.net. May 26, 2006.

DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID (Buñuel, 1964). Pacific Film Archive, 2575 Bancroft, Berkeley, 510.642.5249 or http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu for details.

THE DISCRETE CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE. (Buñuel, 1972). Pacific Film Archive, 2575 Bancroft, Berkeley, 510.642.5249 or http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu for details.

DÔLÉ by IMAUNGA IVANGA. (Gabon, 2001, 80 minutes). See Special Events, May 11, above, for details.

L’ENFANT /THE CHILD (Les frères Dardenne). CinéArts at Marin, Sausalito, 415.331.0255. In French with English subtitles.

FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN: CONVERSATIONS ON CONTEMPORARY FRENCH CINEMA at Stanford University. LA FAUTE A VOLTAIRE (POETICAL REFUGEE) and L’ESQUIVE (GAMES OF LOVE AND CHANCE). Presented by the Division of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages at Stanford and TV5 Monde. With Actress Élodie Bouchez and Jean-Michel Frodon, Editor in Chief Cahiers du Cinema. 5-6 p.m., Interview with ELODIE BOUCHEZ and Jean-Michel Frodon by Cécile Alduy, Cubberley Auditorium. 6-9 p.m., Screening and discussion, Cubberley Auditorium, 485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford campus. Thursday, May 11: L'Esquive ( Games of Love and Chance). Screening and discussion with Cécile Alduy (French and Italian Department, Stanford). 6-9 p.m., Cubberley Auditorium, 485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford campus. For more information visit http://dlcl.stanford.edu/research/frenchfilm.html . Or contact : Cécile Alduy, Assistant Professor, French and Italian Department, alduy@stanford.edu , or Marie-Pierre Ulloa, mpulloa@stanford.edu . May 9 & 11, 2006.

FEAR AND TREMBLING and Q & A WITH AMELIE NOTHOMB. Co-presented by the Alliance Française de San Francisco and the SF Film Society. Based on Amélie Nothomb's best-selling autobiographical novel, Fear and Trembling (Alain Corneau, 2003), the film stars Sylvie Testud, winner of a César award for Best Actress. Amélie, a dreamy young Belgian woman, arrives in Japan to work as a translator for the giant Yumimoto Corporation. For Amélie, who spent her childhood in Japan, this is a dream come true. It is her chance to become a ''real Japanese.'' Unfamiliar with the customs of the Japanese workplace, she commits a series of cultural missteps and is singled out as a deviant within the company hierarchy. 5pm. Delancey Street Theater 600 Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94107. AFSF/SFFS members $9 Others $12. RSVP 415.775.7755 May 13, 2006.

JAZZ/NOIR FILM FESTIVAL, with six great films in three days, including LOUIS MALLE’s L’ASCENSEUR A L’ECHAFAUD / ELEVATOR TO THE GALLOWS. Balboa Theater, SF. http://sfjazz.org for details. May 19-21, 2006.

THE MILKY WAY. (Buñuel, 1968). Pacific Film Archive, 2575 Bancroft, Berkeley, 510.642.5249 or http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu for details.

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. Bertrand Delanoe, Mayor of Paris, will officiate with Gavin Newsom at the pre-gala reception for the opening of the festival. Strong French participation with 12 films from France and 12 in co-production. Films include:

SOUS LE SABLE / UNDER THE SAND. See "Special Events," May 11-14, 2006, above, for details.

LA VIE EST UN LONG FLEUVE TRANQUILLE. Alliance Française de Berkeley April 28, 2006. In French with English subtitles.

May 4-June 17, 2006. JACQUES MAHÉ DE LA VILLEGLÉ ~ DECOLLAGES AND DRAWINGS. Modernism Gallery, 685 Market St., SF. 415.541.0461 or http://www.modernisminc.com for details.

May 4-June 23, 2006. INTERNATIONAL WATERS, including work by GUY DEBORD. Steven Wolf Fine Arts Galler, 49 Geary, Suite 411, SF. 415.263.3677.

Through May 5, 2006. IDENTIDADES NEGADAS, an exhibition about HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS in the Dominican Republic. Multicultural Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union Bldg., UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph, Berkeley. 510.642.3065 for details.

Through May 6, 2006. FRENCH-AMERICAN ARTIST GILLES COMBET exhibits new paintings at Newmark Gallery, 251 Post St., SF. 415.392.3692 or http://www.newmarkgallery.com for details.

May 6 & 7, 2006. ISABELLE PROUST ~ FRESCO FRAGMENTS. Studio 2315, building 101 at the San Francisco Open Studio. Hours and directions on http://www.SpringOpenStudio.com .

Through May 12, 2006. MATERIAL WORLD ~ CCA ART EXHIBIT. Alliance Française and California College of the Arts present ” Material World”, a group exhibition of graduate students, alumni, and faculty curated by Charles Beronio with a screening curated by Virginia Kleker. The show addresses an array of concerns regarding the world we inhabit and issues of globalization, economy, commerce, consumerism, materialism, the immaterial, and the sublime. This exhibiton marks the first in an annual exchange between Alliance Française and the California College of the Arts. Alliance Française, 1345 Bush Street, San Francisco . Free. 415.775.7755.

Through May 13, 2006. THOMAS HIRSCHHORN ~ UTOPIA, UTOPIA = ONE WORLD, ONE WAR, ONE ARMY, ONE DRESS, presented by The CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts. Opening reception: Thursday, March 9, 7:30-9:00 PM. In the past decade, Thomas Hirschhorn has emerged as one of the most provocative and inventive figures in contemporary art. Utopia, Utopia = One World, One War, One Army, One Dress, his ambitious new exhibition project, examines the ubiquity of camouflage in contemporary society. Without advancing a specific political position, it asks us to consider anew what it means when a costume of war becomes a universal style - adopted not only by military and paramilitary groups around the globe, but also by fashion, consumer products and even children's toys. Spanning references from music videos and art history to war and haute couture, Utopia, Utopia invites us to freshly confront our experience of the world as it exists today. This exhibition was co produced by the CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston. For further information on the CCA Wattis Institute please visit http://www.wattis.org . CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts, Logan Galleries, 1111 Eighth Street, San Francisco, Tel: 415.551.9210, Gallery hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Sunday, Monday. Sponsored by: Consulate General of Switzerland, 456 Montgomery Street, Suite 1500, San Francisco, CA 94104, Tel: 415 788 2272 or Vertretung@sfr.rep.admin.ch for details.

May 19-June 30, 2006. SYLVIE SEREX-BONNET presents MEMOIRES OUBLIEES. Sylvie Serex-Bonnet is from Geneva, Switzerland and lives in the Bay Area. She has a Master Degree in Psychopedagogy from the University of Geneva with a specialization in Psychoanalysis for Children. For several years she has been involved professionally as well as personally in helping children in difficulty. She spent five years in the hospital for children in Geneva and was in charge of the psychological support of the children having cancer, leukemia and children abused and neglected. She started to do painting as a self-taught person and then, took some classes at the "Beaux Arts of Geneva". These past few years have awoken in her a need to share her paintings. Her aim is to set up an exhibition which would entirely profit a specific foundation working to help suffering children. Alliance Française, 1345 Bush Street, San Francisco . Free. 415.775.7755.

Through May 21, 2006. BEYOND REAL: SURREALIST PHOTOGRAPHY AND SCULPTURE FROM BAY AREA COLLECTIONS. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), 151 Third St., SF. http://www.sfmoma.org for details.

Through May 27, 2006. NEW ACQUISITIONS: FINE ORIGINAL PRINTS FROM THE 16TH CENTURY TO THE PRESENT. Work by TISSOT, RENOIR, TOULOUSE-LAUTREC and more. Pasquale Iannetti Gallery, 531 Sutter St., SF. 415.433.2771 or http://www.pasqualeart.com for details

Through June 4, 2006. JUDGING BY APPEARANCE. Master Drawings. From the collection of Joseph and Deborah Goldyne: For nearly four decades, Joseph and Deborah Goldyne have formed one of the largest and most diverse collections of master drawings in the United States. A special aspect of the collection is that Joseph Goldyne is a highly regarded artist, with this experience informing their choices. The drawings range from old masters by Guercino, Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Piranesi to 19th-century artists such as Turner, COROT, MILLET, PISSARRO and DEGAS. The 20th century features works by MATISSE, Morandi, Mondrian, Gorky and Ruscha. A number of the drawings in the exhibition have been generously given to our museum over the years. Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th & Clement, SF. 415.863.3330 or http://legionofhonor.org for details.

Through June 4, 2006. BEAUTY, PRESTIGE, AND POWER: TEXTILES AND COSTUME FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTIONS. More than 100 objects on view, including European couture, contemporary fiber art, textiles and costume from Africa and more. De Young Museum, 75 Tea Garden Dr., Golden Gate Park. 415.750.3600 or http://www.thinker.org for details.

June 17-September 17, 2006. MONET IN NORMANDY. Claude Monet spent much of his life in Normandy in northern France and his art reflects his special relationship with this countryside and its topographical features, with its towns and villages, and the seasonal rhythms of the region. Monet gained artistic inspiration from these subjects and returned to them throughout his career. Of particular interest is his interpretation of the sparkling, surging bodies of water found in Normandy, from the bustling commercial harbor at Le Havre, to scenery along the Seine, or beside quiet river banks, such as the Epte, to the crashing waves at Etretat. Manmade monuments, such as Rouen cathedral, also figure in Monet’s repertoire and will be represented in this selection of approximately 60 paintings. California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park (34th at Clement), SF. http://www.thinker.org/legion/index.asp or 1.866.912.6326.

Through June 18, 2006. INTERNATIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS exhibit. International perspective on the history of arts and crafts. De Young Museum. 415.863.3330 or http://thinker.org/deyoung for details.

June 29-October 9, 2006. CARRIE MAE WEEMS: THE LOUISIANA PROJECT takes a critical look at the legacy of Louisiana through its varied cultures, including Franco-Caribbean and African, that were thrown together in a new way. Museum of the African Diaspora, Mission Street, SF.

Through July 30, 2006. PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES: ASPECTS OF EUROPEAN PHOTOGRAPHY. Work by EDOUARD-DENIS BALDUS, EDGAR DEGAS and others. De Young Museum, 75 Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park, SF. 415.750.3600 or http://www.thinker.org for details.

On-going. MODERN EUROPEAN MASTERS, including MATISSE, PICASSO, CHAGALL and more. Meyerovich Gallery, 251 Post, SF. 415.421.7171 or http://meyerovich.com for details.

On-going. FOLK ART by French Canadian artists PATRICK AMIOT & BRIGITTE LAURENT. Outdoor exhibits on-going on Florence St. in Sebastopol. http://www.patrickamiot-brigittelaurent.com/ for details.

On-going. MATISSE AND BEYOND: THE PAINTING AND SCULPTURE COLLECTION. SF Museum of Modern Art. Magnificent works of painting and sculpture culled from SFMOMA's own collections provide a quick tour of modern art from Fauvism to Minimalism. Daily. Exhibition tells the story of modern and contemporary art including landmark works by MATISSE, BOURGEOIS and others. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third St., San Francisco. 415.357.4000 or www.sfmoma.org

On-going. BETWEEN ART AND LIFE: THE CONTEMPORARY PAINTING AND SCULPTURE COLLECTION, including works by LOUISE BOURGEOIS. SF Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third St. (at Mission), SF. 41.357.4000 or http://www.sfmoma.org for details.

FRENCHNETWORK.ORG. Des meubles ou une voiture à vendre avant de rentrer? Les prochains événements francophones à venir près de chez vous? Un portail où trouver rapidement un colocataire, un coiffeur, un traiteur ou un médecin francophone? Et si on pouvait centraliser les besoins de 3 millions d'expatriés français dans le monde sur une seule plateforme ... ? Ne rêvez plus. C'est chose faite avec FrenchNetwork.org, le premier portail de la communauté française avec une couverture mondiale. : Petites annonces, offres d'emplois et de stages, forum de discussions. Le tout TOTALEMENT GRATUIT ET INTERACTIF ! 1) Déposez votre profil dans « l'annuaire particulier» avec tous les mots clés qui vous caractérisent le mieux, pour des rencontres inattendues ou des prises de contact par des employeurs à l'étranger. http://www.frenchnetwork.org/home.php?page=inscription&etape=1 2) Déposez vos petites annonces concernant vos besoins de logement, ventes-achats de biens ou de services, de rencontres professionnelles ou personnelles. http://www.frenchnetwork.org/home.php?page=aj_annonce&etape=1 3) Consulter l'annuaire des entreprises françaises classées par localisation géographique http://www.frenchnetwork.org/home.php?page=annuaire_pro&etape=1 C'est que nous appelons le « Targeted Networking ». Visit us right now! <http://www.frenchnetwork.org> FrenchNetwork, 420 Lincoln Road, Miami, FL 33139.

MILLION DOLLAR DINNER TELEVISION SEASON TWO DEBUTS ON JANUARY 15TH and will include a variety of FRENCH RESTAURANTS. Happy New Year and Bon Appétit! Season 2 restaurants on Million Dollar Dinner Television include top spots like Absinthe, Jack Falstaff, Shanghai 1930, Citron, COPIA, Paragon, the Park Chalet, Jardiniere, and Farallon. Food, wine, chefs, recipes, Putumayo music and more, it's almost like you were there -- and since this is Million Dollar Dinner Television, maybe you were!!! TWO broadcasts a week, plus Video on Demand (VOD) on Comcast Cable. http://www.MillionDollarDinner.comfor more details.

BLOG POUR FRANCOPHILES, published by a French native living in San Francisco. Great daily reading material for novices and more! http://www.geneline.blogspot.com/

CITIZENVALLEY.ORG. CitizenValley repose sur le principe du journalisme citoyen où chaque internaute peut y participer en proposant un article (cela peut être son point de vue, une expérience, son resto favori...), des photos, des vidéos, en participant aux forums ou simplement en laissant un commentaire. On travaille déjà par exemple avec l'Alliance Française de Santa Clara, l'école ISTP et d'autres cercles francophones et volontaires,en reprenant leurs articles et en les encourageant à participer. Et on espère rapidement impliquer les étudiants et les professeurs de français de la baie à ce projet. Nous sommes par exemple à la recherche de personnes qui seraient motivées par animer une rubrique, un forum, une fonction(correction d'articles, promotion, graphisme...). Notre espoir est que CitizenValley devienne le portail de la communauté francophone et francophile de la Valley (et elle est nombreuse!)et soit le site de tout le monde, pour tout le monde. Animateurs: Hélène et Jean-Baptiste, 408-661-1452 or jbsu@citizenvalley.org or http://www.citizenvalley.org for details.

TELEGRAMME.NET. A free, non-commercial electronic newspaper dedicated to the French-speaking community in the United States, published by Philippe Crouzillacq, a full-time French journalist currently living in Paris (France ;-). Visit http://telegramme.net or e-mail overseas.telegram@gmail.com for more information

BAY AREA FRANCOPHONE PARENTS. Are you a Francophone or Francophile parent in the Bay Area? Then visit the Frenchparents.org web site. It's Bons Plans (Recommendations) forum is full of interesting local tips, and to really participate, subscribe to the biweekly online newsletter, where new memebers are introduced and announcements and want ads are posted. Hope to see you soon on http://www.frenchparents.net.

FRANCE TODAY. France Today, the Journal of French Travel and Culture, takes you on a journey to France ten times per year with in-depth information on travel destinations all over France and practical travel tips to make your trip a care-free one. Subscribe now for only $32 - Bay Area Francophile List price (regular price $39). Click here for details: http://www.francetoday.com/subscribe_ft_bafl.php

JOURNAL FRANÇAIS. Journal Français is your Vital Link to France and the French Language, as well as your Best Resource for French Products and Services available in the U.S. Entirely in French. One year subscription, 12 issues shipped/one per month. Only $34 -Bay Area Francophile List (regular price $41). Click here for details: http://www.journalfrancais.com/subscribe_jf_bafl.php

WWW.PARIS-EXPAT.COM. Paris Through Expatriate Eyes. Enjoy a FREE monthly subscription to PARIS THROUGH EXPATRIATE EYES' monthly newsletter THE PARIS INSIDER. We've been expanding the content of the newsletter and developing new Paris programs for travelers. Visit www.paris-expat.com and enroll on the home page. Win free tickets to French movies... and more! Email Terrance at terrance@paris-expat.com or call 415.388.4956 for details.

FRANCETIME: The Online French Connection - Le Reseau francophone mondial. FranceTime is the place where Francophiles interact in English or French: French news, virtual/real Tours, Free classified, chat rooms, travel tips and advice and more. Don't miss our virtual our of Paris, "Paris en Images". We are looking for volunteer writers who want to share their knowledge of the French culture (i.e., travel tips, reports, journal, culture, etc.). If you want to submit material, go to http://www.francetime.com/submit.php. Visit us now at http://www.francetime.com. A tout de suite.

THE FRENCH CLASS NEWSLETTER. FRENCH NEWSLETTER: language and travel tips, list of activities in French such as wine tastings, free conversation groups, French parties, cooking classes, dinner, museums visits, workshops, etc. Only $30 per year for 6 issues. Call The French Class, 500 Sutter Street, Suite 310, SF (415.362.3666) for details.

TV5 NOW AVAILABLE ON CABLE! Watch the best in French programming on TV5, now available on Cable TV with Comcast in many cities in the San Francisco Bay Area. TV5 is only $10.99 a month in addition to your Comcast cable subscription. For complete details about service, prices and availability or to subscribe call toll free 1-888-824-8058.

MILLION DOLLAR DINNER TELEVISION SEASON TWO DEBUTS ON JANUARY 15TH and will include a variety of FRENCH RESTAURANTS. Happy New Year and Bon Appétit! Season 2 restaurants on Million Dollar Dinner Television include top spots like Absinthe, Jack Falstaff, Shanghai 1930, Citron, COPIA, Paragon, the Park Chalet, Jardiniere, and Farallon. Food, wine, chefs, recipes, Putumayo music and more, it's almost like you were there -- and since this is Million Dollar Dinner Television, maybe you were!!! TWO broadcasts a week, plus Video on Demand (VOD) on Comcast Cable. http://www.MillionDollarDinner.comfor more details.

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*ANNOUNCEMENTS*

VIVE LES VACANCES SUMMER CAMP. The Alliance Française de San Francisco and its team of dedicated teachers are offering eight weeks of discovery through various entertaining workshops to develop your children’s skills, broaden their horizons and make friends! Register for one week or more (June 6 to August 11) . 5 days a week 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 1 week : $170 (except for week 3, including July 4th : $140) Get 10 % off if child registers for 4 weeks (valid until may 15th 2006) The Alliance Française Summer Camp is a eight-week journey into Art, Song, Music, Games, and Cooking… for children ages from 5 and up, divided in small groups, for all levels of French (activities will be conducted mostly in French). Beginners are welcome! Call 415 775 77 55 for more information or registration

FRENCH REALTOR(r)/ Agent Immobilier for all your needs, buy, sale, investments. All your needs fullfilled with a smile! Nadège S. Leflemme Bankers Realty Direct: 510-303-6761 Office: 415-977-0690 Fax: 415-474-2440 E mail: nleflemme@bankersrealty.net Web: http://www.bankersrealty.net or http://www.homepages.com/nadegel

PRIVATE TENNIS LESSONS IN FRENCH. Junior & Adult, Beginner to Competitive Levels. Year Round. Membership not required. Call tennis director Laurent Lecellier, 707.544.2330 for details. Wikiup Tennis & Swim Club, 500 Wikiup Drive, Santa Rosa.

WIN A TRIP TO PARIS! Folies Fantastiques Prize Drawing (proceeds benefit the French American International School & International High School). Enter to win one of 3 fabulous prizes, including a trip for two with airfare to Paris or a B&B stay at the Ritz-Carlton! To find out more about this wonderful opportunity or to purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.frenchamericansf.org/ways_to_give/foliesfantastiques_2006.htm Please direct questions or comments to Sabra Stoner at sabras@frenchamericaninternational.org.

BOOK CLUB FRANCOPHONE À SAN FRANCISCO. Lectures en français; réunions tous les deux mois; rotation de “host place” et potluck possible. Discussion très ouverte, pas trop structuree, mais plutôt un échange d’opinions/d’idées sur le livre et sur le thème du livre. Choix de textes à décider ensemble. Contactez Bérénice Le Marchand, blemarch@sfsu.edu

NÉFETARI®! Néfetari® skin care products and services caters to each individual’s special needs. Its owner, Houria, has studied under world-renowned skin experts and dermatologists and brings over 15 years of knowledge to Néfetari’s clients. This experience and a unique attention to each client’s needs, allows Néfetari to guarantee results, even for the most troubled skin. Nefetari uses and recommends only the highest quality skin care and make-up products, by Sothys® Paris, made from all-natural ingredients. For more information, go to http://www.nefertari.com or call 650.324.0659

CANOE ISLAND FRENCH CAMP. Canoe Island French Camp is nestled in the center of the sunny San Juan Islands of Northwestern Washington. Campers from ages 9-16 live and explore their own 47-acre island while taking part in a unique mix of French language and culture and the outdoor and artistic activities of a classic Northwest summer camp. With only 40 participants each session, campers can customize their experience -- artistic and theatrical, adventuresome and athletic - or a mixture. Days are filled with new friends and exciting activities, all with a French flair. http://www.canoeisland.org/

CAPITAL RISQUE dans la Silicon Valley : rapport du service scientifique du Consulat General de France a San Francisco Le Capital Risque est une activité consistant à financer en capitaux propres des entreprises nouvellement créées et à fort potentiel de croissance. Cette activité semble désormais retrouver une certaine vigueur aux Etats-Unis et en particulier dans la région de San Francisco. Le consulter. 415.442.4717 OR http://www.faccsf.com for details.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS INITIATIVE. The Office for Science and Technology of the Embassy of France in the US, is organizing for the second time, the Young Entrepreneurs Initiative. This initiative provides young U.S.-based researchers and entrepreneurs the unique and exciting opportunity to pursue their project to create an innovative company in France especially in the fields of biotechnology, nanotechnology, materials and information technology. Entrepreneurs selected to participate in this program will receive financial assistance and suitable support from the Office for Science and Technology and its French partner institutions to ensure that their projects can be carried out. There are no restrictions on age or nationality. To apply or for further information, please visit our website at http://www.france-science.org/innovation/yei The deadline for applications is March 5th, 2006. Startup Booster Spring 2006 Targeting Life Science Entrepreneurs, this workshop series will take place in April and May 2006, more information to come. If interested, please contact Aurelie Vincent avincent@faccsf.com

FRENCH CONTRACTOR. Experienced French general contractor, Gerard Dahan, votre contractor français. Nous specialisons en cuisines et salles de bain. Nous avons de tres bonnes references. Gerard, from Paris has been working in the S.F. Bay Area for many years. His specialty is kitchen and bath remodeling. Please call Gerard at Norcal Construction, 510.471.9551.

EXPERIENCED FRENCH TEACHER FROM PARIS available for private tutoring in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland. Sorbonne educated; trilingual; 12 years teaching experience; 8 years working at one of the most acclaimed language schools in Paris; extensive experience tutoring students of all ages and needs at every level, from advanced University French to introductory French. My emphasis is on communication, and I use grammar as a tool, not an end in itself (except if that is what you need for an exam!). I am patient, gentle, and dedicated to teaching you French, in a way that will help you build your confidence. I like to consider myself as a coach, encouraging my students to improve through a very progressive and personalized approach. Call Sandrine at 415.513.8179. (Local and international references available)

BELLATERRA TRAVEL, LLC. BellaTerra Travel offers fully planned tours to some of the most beautiful destinations in Europe: Haute-Savoie and Provence. Explore the sights and sounds of these regions on this 11-day tour originating in Annecy and concluding in Avignon. This tour takes on the leisurely pace of Southern France while keeping an ambitious itinerary sure to offer you a variety of new and never-to-be-forgotten experiences. A lot of free time is included, allowing you to enjo the feel of each locale. Charminyg and historic accommodations that are typical of each region were carefully selected. You will only change hotels one time allowing you to have a place to call "home" and from which you will take day trips. Come with us and experience a real "French vacation"! Trip highlights include a gondola ride up the highest peak in Europe, shopping in ritzy Geneva, strolling through the medieval streets of Annecy and Avignon, wine tasting in world-renowned Châteauneuf-du Pape, and much more! BellaTerra Travel is based in San Francisco. Visit http://www.BellaTerraTravel.com or call 1-800-9-BELLA-TT.

COLORS OF PROVENCE, Fine Table Linens and Accessories. Bring a touch of Provencal sunshine and elegance to your home! Colors of Provence is an online boutique offering tablecloths, napkins, kitchen accessories, purses and bags imported from Provence. Please come see our selection of products at http://www.colorsofprovence.com. (Distributor is located in Menlo Park)

GÎTES FOR RENT IN THE DORDOGNE. Bay Area Family has 2 different houses set upon a hill in a hamlet of old stone houses dating from the 1700's. Beautiful stone 1 bedroom and 3 bedroom homes with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, separate WC, living room with big stone fireplace, TV, DVD player and CD player. All amenities are within walking distance down the country lane. The Perigord is famous for its food: black truffles, canard, pâté de foie gras, cèpes, and walnuts, with many good restaurants in the area; as well as the rich historic sites as many famous grottes (caves), Bastille towns, Castles, and old villages are less than 1-hour drive away (Lascaux is only 20 minutes). Visit our website: www.lesgitesfleuris.com for details.

FRENCH CONSUMERS ADORE AMERICAN PRODUCTS! I seek to associate with an individual or company wishing to develop a market for selling their product or service in France. Originally from Santa Rosa, CA, I now live in the south of France, GARD (30) (4+ yrs). Since you subscribe to this on-line Bay Area Francophile List, you certainly understand that French consumers (especially the young) adore American products and lifestyles. So, if you have a serious product to sell and desire to profit from this lucrative marketplace please write me, identifying your product or service for my consideration (jhillpresentsFR@aol.com or VillesVillagesFR@aol.com). If I feel we can establish a profitable alliance I will respond with my particulars within 3 days of receipt. Amicalement, John-North HILL, "John Hill Presents" Chusclan, France.

FRENCH ESCAPADE. Don't be a tourist, be our guest. Discover France another way. Delight your senses and renew your romantic side in the exquisite South East of France with this fully escorted 9-day tour from the Alps to Provence in a group of 6 by French Escapade. Your personal bilingual tour guide and chauffeur will treat you to highlights of the local culture-from the majestic Alps to the eleventh-century forts and cathedrals, quaint French towns, lavender fields, outdoor markets and French cafes. Every night, you will revel in traditional 4-course gourmet meals, prepared just for you and relax by the fire in a charming restored 19th Century country estate with spectacular view on the Alps. Women-only tours available. Visit www.frenchescapade.com

PARIS THROUGH EXPATRIATE EYES. Enjoy a FREE monthly subscription to PARIS THROUGH EXPATRIATE EYES' monthly newsletter THE PARIS INSIDER. We've been expanding the content of the newsletter and developing new Paris programs for travelers. Visit www.paris-expat.com and enroll on the home page.

LA MAISON DES ARTISTES OF SAN FRANCISCO has been conceived to be an art center gathering together "young artists" with an international concept where pictorial art, music and dance are the symbolism of the Art in the general way. It is simply a warm meeting place where all individuals can get an artistic training from teachers with degrees in art and hence qualified. All classes will be full of wealth and life. For being alive means being open, which will allow for a richer learning experience. In addition, La Maison des Artistes will host quarterly art and music exhibitions by the students. This will facilitate the exchange of artistic flavors and communications among the" young artists" as well as provide an opportunity to present their work to the public. La Maison des Artistes was created in 1999 by Bernard-Emmanuel Beneito who is a former French teacher from Ministry of National Education Paris for 34 years and international post-expressionist artist, academical Knight from Greci Marino Order - Italy. Until now, La Maison des Artistes was strictly a painting school located in Palo Alto. With the desire to offer more styles of art to more people, Bernard-Emmanuel Beneito has expanded La Maison des Artistes to include sculpting-ceramic work as well as music classes. Opening September 2004 in the heart of San Francisco in plush Hayes Valley, La Maison des Artistes is open to all ages and all abilities and hopes to enrich the lives of all. Locations: 333 Hayes Street, Suite 106, San Francisco CA 94102. Email: stlbluesart@netzero.com; Ph/fax 415.621.4813. Note also: LA MAISON DES ARTISTES OF PALO ALTO, 926 Emerson street. 2nd floor Palo Alto CA 94301. Email : stlbluesart@netzero.com. Ph/fax 650.327.9893

FRENCH IMMERSION FAMILY HOME DAYCARE - Pre-school curriculum, ages 2-5 and after-school French Programs For Elementary School Kids (Beginning &endash; Fluent). Santa Rosa 707-539-6888 for information; Lic. 493004688.

POSTERS FRANCAIS. Pour les petits comme pour les grands, des posters pour chacun. Posters2France (a lire en francais : Posters de France), http://www.posters2france.com, propose des posters varies de la France de Robert Doisneau ou de Rene-Jacques aussi bien que celle de Yann Arthus-Bertrand et beaucoup d'autres. Vous y trouverez aussi Babar, le petit Prince, Tintin et les vieilles publicites francaises. 50% de reduction sur les prix web pour les ecoles et professeurs pour toute commande superieure a $100. (Distributor is a local San Franciscan.)

LA CAVE (formerly Curbside Bistro) is open for lunch. Located below the Alliance Française, 1345 Bush Street, San Francisco. 415.923.1375. La Cave serves excellent soupes, salades, and ensuite (afterward/dessert) with genuine French style. Here you can try French favorites such as coq au vin (chicken with wine), and faux filet sauce bordelaise (sirloin with Bordeaux sauce). For dessert, try le bouchon special maison (the house special), a hot luscious, dark chocolate cake with raspberries outside and liquid chocolate inside.

CAFÉ SOCIETY, 1000 MAIN STREET, NAPA, CA 94559. Café Society, an authentic French bistro and retail store by day and an intimate cabaret style nightclub by night, is a feast for the senses. The bi-monthly Cabaret Evenings at Café Society are extremely popular and fast becoming a favorite venue for top-notch performers. Audiences may enjoy authentic bistro food paired with French wines, Belgian Beers, Italian espresso, Parisian hot chocolate and a selection of specialty beverages while listening to stellar Bay Area performers. The Café Society store is constantly evolving with a rotation of fine European antiques, lighting, gifts and jewelry assembled from shopping trips to France and Italy by store proprietors, and award winning interior designers Joan and Steve Osburn. Café Society is located at 1000 Main Street in historic downtown Napa, directly next door to the Napa Valley Opera House. For more information on happenings at Café Society and ongoing events including poetry readings, French conversation, writer's café, poetry readings, Conversation Café, cabaret evenings, tastings, book signings and other lively presentations, visit www.cafesocietystore.com or call 415.487.2333 X118. A TASTE OF PARIS AT YOUR DESK...CAFE SOCIETY NOW DELIVERS! Call or Fax 11-2 Monday - Friday for delicious French Bistro Food including: Croque Monsieur w/Salad, Mocha Frappes, Prosciutto & Gruyere Baguette Sandwiches, Gourmet Soups like Roasted Tomato Garlic & Hearty Chicken Vegetable, Spinach Quiche w/Salad, Salade Nicoise. Tel: 707.256.3232 x203 Fax: 707.256.3237

LUNCH IN A BOX from LEFT BANK IN PLEASANT HILL. Left Bank, Pleasant Hill's popular French brasserie, has launched a new dining option targeted to local businesses and anyone who wants fresh, delicious meals with Left Bank flavor and style. WHAT: a variety of sandwiches, side salads and sweets, freshly made-to-order and boxed for easy pick up. Just think "Left Bank To Go." WHERE: Left Bank brasserie, 60 Crescent Drive on the Plaza in Pleasant Hill, conveniently located off the 680 freeway. WHEN: Available every day, from 10am-10am; Minimum 24 hour pre-order is appreciated. HOW TO ORDER: Call Left Bank at 925.288.1222 and ask for Caite Daniel or the Manager on duty. PRICE: $10.95 plus sales tax; $1.00 per bottle for bottled water or assorted soft drinks available upon request. All items may be prepared platter style. Delivery options available.

PARISIAN CAFÉ JAZZ IN PLEASANT HILL. Left Bank of Pleasant Hill features jazz on Friday evenings from 7pm to 11pm, including LAURENT FOURGO from Paris! 60 Crescent Drive, Pleasant Hill. 925.288.1222 or www.leftbank.com for more details.

RAQUEL BITTON. A formidable Bay Area musical presence, Raquel Bitton has sold out Carnegie Hall 3 times (3000-seat theater) and major symphony halls around the country. She is the star of the award winning film PIAF..Her Story, Her Songs, distributed by Lionsgate Films. She appeared at numerous prestigious film festivals internationally, promoting her award-winning film and was the recipient of a Special Jury Prize at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, among many other honors. The DVD of PIAF..Her story..Her songs will be released by Lionsgate films in early 2006 with an intense promotional campaign for RAQUEL BITTON, this coinciding with the February release of PARIS BLUES. Tour dates will be posted at: http://www.raquelbitton.com Internationally reviewed as the greatest interpreter of the music from the Edith Piaf repertoire, RAQUEL BITTON celebrates the extraordinary life of the legendary Edith Piaf through her songs. A 20-piece orchestra backs Bitton’s one-woman tribute to the “little sparrow.” Elegant orchestrations are arranged by long-time collaborator Bob Holloway. Bitton tells stories of Piaf’s life that mirror the timeless songs that catapulted Piaf from singing in the streets of Paris as a child to becoming the highest paid entertainer in the world at the time. Bitton’s unique, heartfelt renditions (sung in French) and her powerful delivery take her audience on an intensely moving and emotional journey. Singing in French and English, Raquel has developed a variety of additional elegant French-themed presentations including “Pops goes to Paris,” “Postcards from Paris,” “Chansons d’Amour,” and “In a Jazzy Mood.” Book RAQUEL BITTON for live performances at Performing Arts centers, Theaters, and Pops appearances. AGENT: Gerald Prolman, President, Sparrow Productions, E.mail:Sparrowprdct@aol.com

KING WAWA AND THE ONENESS KINGDOM BAND. The Oneness Kingdom Band is an original band skillfully flavored with a distinctive variety of music destined to transport the listener to a different world. With Haiti as your first destination- enjoy the ride as you are piloted onward for an uplifting and spirited musical journey through Latin America, Africa and Brazil. The sound is tropically unique with a magic pulsation agreeable to the heart and powered to make your dance! Everyone will love the Caribbean rhythms of King Wawa and The Oneness Kingdom Band! Contact 510.410.6963 or visit http://www.kingwawa.com or email wawa@kingwawa.com or onenesskingdom@msn.com

AN EVENING OF FRENCH CABARET. Join us and be transported to Paris for an evening of French cabaret. Edith Piaf, Mistenguette, Maurice Chevalier, Jacques Brel, Josephine Baker - let their words enchant you! Featuring Moana Diamond, Craig Jessup and Danny Slomoff along with Jerry Frohmader on piano, Dartanyan Brown on bass and Ron Sfarzo on accordion. One Thursday per month at142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley. 415.383.9600 or http://www.142ThrockmortonTheatre.com for details. 8pm.

HELENE ATTIA. Singer/guitarist Helene Attia performs a wide selection of music, including world jazz, pop, and Latin which she sings in French, English, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. She is available to perform as a soloist or with her band, for concerts, weddings, private parties, festivals, conventions and private events. For booking information please contact her at: (510) 508-3611 hsattia@yahoo.com , or visit her at www.heleneattia.com

XAVIER DE LA PRADE, ACCORDIONIST and specialist of French café music, can lead sing-a-longs with lyrics to over 50 French songs. M. de la Prade often plays for the Alliances of Marin and Santa Rosa along with the Lafayette Club of Marin County. Anyone needing a French accordionist should contact him directly at 415.662.2105.

HENRI-PIERRE KOUBAKA performs ancient and contemporary Mandingo Music from Senegal, Mali, Guinea and Kongo with vocals and acoustic guitar. When not performing solo Henri-Pierre Koubaka leads a band which often incorporates a variety of instruments such as balafon, violin , cello, bass . guitar . This large ensemble may also feature dancers while the unavoidable percussion section contributes secular and spiritual rhythms. 510.501.1900. kumpo@yahoo.com.

DIAMANO COURA WEST AFRICAN DANCE COMPANY. Founded in 1975 by dance scholars Zak Diouf and Naomi Washington, this Oakland company is known to raise the roof with its joyous drumming and dancing. Diamano Coura means ‘those who bring the message’ in Wolof and these powerhouse dancers in traditional dance do just that. 510.733.1077 or http://www.diamanocoura.org for details.

BERKELEY. Conversation Group has been meeting in Berkeley for the past 12 years. The teacher is a native speaker with a Master's degree in French literature and a teaching credential. The level is intermediate, advanced. We read and talk. Call Michele at 510.549.1675 or e-mail michouthorsen@aol.com for dates and times.

BROWN-BAG LUNCH WITH THE COMMONWEALTH CLUB One for intermediate speakers of French, and another for advanced. At its office downtown, 595 Market Street. The contact and meeting information is given below. Membership in the Commonwealth Club may be required: http://www.commonwealthclub.org/languages.html

Monthy dinner meetings. DINNER WITH THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL. You can write to these groups requesting to be placed on their distribution list. The dinners are held at different restaurants in San Francisco. http://www2.itsyourworld.org/yp/language_dinner_contact.php

BAY AREA FRENCH GROUP. Last November marked the 21st anniversary of the Bay Area French Group. Thanks to the interest and contagious enthusiasm of our members, our membership has grown from 4 to 40 people from Marin, San Francisco, the Peninsula, and the East and South Bay. As a member, you will receive a monthly notice with information about each "réunion," with French conversation and food, from our "sécretaire extraordinaire," Marian Hirsch. This notice, and your e-mail notice, if you provide us this address, includes the date (a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at 7 PM) and directions to the member's home. Please remember to bring some light food or drink so that our gracious host has fewer preparations. You are encouraged to invite other French-speaking people, since that is how our group grows! Our annual dues is $10.00, which covers: postage for mailing monthly meeting notices; monthly e-mail notices, if you provide an e-mail address; periodic membership list updates (by Marian); opportunity to attend monthly French Group gatherings; annual birthday celebration for the French Group. CONTACT: jandot5@mac.com

Monday evenings: FRENCH CONVERSATION with Anne Marie MacEligot.Every Friday 6pm-7pm. Interested in speaking French with others? All levels are welcome to this informal gathering. Cafe Society, 1000 Main Street, Napa. Call for additional information 707.256.3232 x206. Email sales@cafesocietystore.com or http://www.cafesocietystore.com.

Monday evenings: FRENCH CONVERSATION group. Every Monday 7:30 pm-9pm. Join "le petit groupe" in San Francisco. Call for additional information 415.269.7718 or cobrion@hotmail.comFirst Monday of the month: THE FRENCH CONNECTION OF THE SILICON VALLEY. 1st Monday of the month, 6:30pm to 9pm. Networking plus speaker plus buffet for more info, register at : http://www.dbf.net. 1001 Marshall St., Redwood City CA.

Second Monday of the month: MARIN INTERFRENCH. Meetings chez Michel à Greenbrae. zsolution4u@yahoo.com or http://www.interfrench.com or 415.925.1241 for details.Tuesday afternoons: FLUENT FRENCH SPEAKERS GROUP at the Belvedere-Tiburon Library, 1501 Tiburon Blvd., Tiburon, at noon. Contact Len Rogers, 415.435.2651 for details.

Tuesday afternoons: CAUSERIE a OAKMONT. 4-5pm. Berger Center, 6634 Oakmont Drive.

Every other Tuesday afternoon: CAFE PHILOSOPHIQUE. Organized by The French Class, 500 Sutter Street, Suite 310, SF, 415.362.3666. Every other Tuesday at5:30, free activity for the members of our French Club. Please call for information on how to become a member of our French Club.

Tuesday evenings. CAUSERIE A HEALDSBURG. 5:30 - 7:30 only. Call Sue Phillips 707.433.8074, Myrna Green 707.433.3677, or Audrey Darby 707.431.1619, for details.

Tuesday evenings: CAUSERIE A SEBASTOPOL. 6pm - 8pm. Copperfield's Annex, 176 Gravenstein Highway North. For information, call Madeleine(707.829.1297).

Tuesday evenings: FRENCH CONVERSATION IN MENLO PARK. All levels welcome! Place: CAFE BORRONE, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park CA 94025. Time: 6:30 p.m. (people come anytime between 6:30 and 10:00). LOOK FOR THE TABLE WITH THE FRENCH FLAG AND DICTIONARY!

Tuesday evenings: FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP meeting 7:30-8:30pm every Tuesday at Cafe Borrone (http://www.cafeborrone.com/) located at 1010 El Camino Real, in Menlo Park. All levels welcome. For more information, please email bay_frenchclub@yahoo.com

First, Third and Fifth Tuesdays: FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP. We meet at the Dana Street Roasting Company in Mountain View. The address of the cafe is 744 W. Dana Street. The cafe is about 100 yards south of Castro, just beside Alberto's dance hall. 7:30 - 10:00 pm. All levels welcome. From time to time, we organize other events such as picnics or parties on Saturdays or Sundays. For more information, e-mail Dave Bogdanoff at dbogdanoff@mail.arc.nasa.gov.

Wednesday mornings: PETANQUE A JUILLIARD PARK. 211 Santa Rosa Avenue Santa Rosa, 10am. Call Marty Montague at 707.584.0893 for information.Wednesday afternoons: CHEZ GLORIA CAMERON. 707.433.9490 for information.

Wednesday afternoons: JE TRICOTE, TU TRICOTES, NOUS TRICOTONS. Venez joindre Monique pour une après-midi sympa à tricoter ou à apprendre à tricoter. Tous les mercredis de 14h00 à 16h00, à partir du mercredi 4 janvier. Votre don pour l’école sera accepté avec plaisir. Téléphonez au 707.543.8151 à l’Alliance à l’avance pour réserver. Amenez seulement votre tricot. /Come and join Monique and enjoy (learning) knitting and speaking French at the same time in this relaxed atmosphere. She meets every Wednesday afternoon from 2 to 4 pm, starting January 4, 2006. Please call 707.543.8151 in advance to attend. Just bring your knitting and a donation for the school will be always welcomed.

Wednesday evenings: GROUPE DE RENCONTRE, Folsom Street, San Francisco, 19h à 21h. Pour des personnes qui veulent apprendre la langue française ou qui la parle plus ou moins bien et seraient intéressées à se retrouver régulièrement pour converser en français. Red Poppy Art House, 2698 Folsom (at 23rd), SF. 19h à 21h. Gratuit. Contactez: Achille, massoma7@yahoo.com

First Wednesday of the month. CONVERSATION AT ZAZIE. Dinner group meets at Zazie, 941 Cole, San Francisco, organized by the restaurant, every firstWednesday of the month. There is a French language dinner table. Call beforehand to reserve your spot: Zazie, 941 Cole, 564-5332 http://dinesite.com/info/rstrnt-307188/?&t=372424

Second Wednesday evening of each month: CONVERATION A VILLA MARIN. Marin, a San Rafael retirement residence, has a French table; if you are fairly fluent and would like to dine at the French table, call Raymonde Kaplan at 415.492.2567. Subtitled French film shown after dinner.Third Wednesday evening of each month: NETWORKING AT INTERFRENCH WORKSHOPS, Santa Clara. Please note that the InterFrench Workshops have moved. We will be meeting now every 3rd wednesday night at the beautiful Silicon Valley Bank facility at 5200 Patrick Henry Drive in Santa Clara. Please let your friends know as you are only among these special 10% of people that actually read their email! Do NOT enter through the main lobby and look at the map on our website as it may be difficult to find the first time: http://www.siliconfrench.com/events_directions_svbank.shtml

Thursday afternoons. CAUSERIES DU JEUDI. 1710 Mendocino Avenue Café. 4:30pm-6pm, with Marina Velichensky & Daphne Smith.

Second Thursday of the month: LES DYNAMIQUES. 18h30. El Torrito, 10330 North Wolfe Avenue, Cupertino (entre la 280 et Stevens Creek). Denis, 408.746.0123 or Marie-Helene, 408.379.7817.

Third Thursday of every month: NEW CAFE EVENT! Join Cafe Society for acelebration of the European cafe lifestyle with French wine & hors d'oeuvre, Belgian beer and more. Every Third Thursday 6-9PM. Napa Riverfront District. For additional information, please contact Susan Hewitt 415.487.2333 x118 shewitt@cafesocietystore.com.

First Friday of the month: SONOMA-PROVENCE FRENCH CHAT. Sassafras Wine Bar, 1229 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa.All levels of French are welcome Beginning at 6:15 p.m. We'll meet in the lounge area where you can order food and beverages. Sassafras is open until 9 and is located at 1229 North Dutton Avenue, Santa Rosa (College Avenue heading west, right onto Dutton, left into large parking lot of Santa Rosa Business Park. E-mail sonprov@sbcglobal.net for more information.

First Friday of the month: LE CERCLE DES AMIS FRANCOPHONES. Le Cercle des Amis Francophones is a social group and potluck for gay and lesbian francophones. We meet on the first Friday of every month at a private home in The San Francisco Bay Area. Call Ralph at (415) 861-3155 or Stefen at (510) 531-7836for info.

Friday mornings: PETANQUE A JUILLIARD PARK. 211 Santa Rosa Avenue in Santa Rosa. Call Marty Montague at 707.584.0893 for information. 10am.

Friday afternoons: FRENCH FOR FREE at The French Class, 500 Sutter Street, Suite 310, San Francisco. Everybody is welcome. 12:00 to 2:00pm.

Fridays afternoons: FRENCH PLAY GROUP IN SAN FRANCISCO. Contact: Sybille Schneider : Coordonnees: sybilleschneider@yahoo.com. Join us with youryoung ones in one of SF's parks or in a home for this French playgroup. We meet Fridays around 4pm.

Friday evenings: FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP in San Francisco. Venez pratiquer votre français avec nous ! Un groupe de conversation française (sfofrench) se rencontre chaque vendredi soir, de 19h à 22h00, à Cafe Segafredo (dans la salle du fond), 235 Powell Street, à San Francisco. Tous les niveaux de français sont bienvenus. Tout le monde est sympathique et l'atmosphère très détendue ! Nous organisons parfois d'autres activités (cinéma, restaurant, randonnée, etc.). Pour de plus amples renseignements, contactez : sfofrench@yahoogroups.

First & third Fridays of the month: SALON DE CONVERSATION FRANCAISE A GLEN ELLEN. French salons in Glen Ellen for advanced students, first and third Fridays of the month, 6 to 7:30pm. Small groups starting in February. For more information and to reserve, call 707.938.0321 or email Yannickponte@yahoo.com.

Third Friday of each month: CONVERSATION (Tous Niveaux) à l'Alliance Française de Berkeley, 2004 Woolsey (near Ashby BART station) à partir de 18h30. Beginners Welcome! Potluck style hosted by Madeleine and Xavier. Contact: afberkeley@sirius-mail.org or 510.548.7481.

Saturday mornings: LA GARDERIE PLAY GROUP AT THE ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SANTA ROSA. Have coffee downtown while your child learns French. Drop off your child (3-16) in room "Le Petit Prince" every Saturday from 12:30 pm to 1:30pm. S/he will be well taken care of by a French speaker. Plenty of books, tapes, movies. Cost, $5. 707.543.8151 for details.

Saturday mornings, every two weeks. LE SAC A HISTOIRES. La bibliothèque de l’Alliance Française de San Francisco propose un atelier lecture pour enfants. Le samedi matin tous les quinze jours, de 10h à 11h, Emmanuelle lira et racontera des histoires pour les enfants de langue française, francophones et francophiles, à partir de 5 ans. La lecture se fera en français pour faire découvrir des aventures et des contes de langue française. L'atelier aura lieu dans