WHAT WE ARE … AND WHAT WE AREN’T

Whether you are new to this beautiful region of France or have lived here for a while, there are many reasons why you should consider joining the British Association of the Var. We have plenty to enrich your time over here, even if you are one of the many who divide their time between a residence secondaire and the UK. 

Before we go into the advantages of membership, we ought to dispel misunderstandings that have caused some people to reject the idea altogether. There are two important misunderstandings: that we are an inward-looking bunch of Little Englanders and that we are simply a posh nosh dining out club. In fact, neither accusation is true though it is easy to see how such misconceptions can arise.

To take the nationality issue first. Whilst we are dedicated to the support and welfare of British residents and visitors to the Var, our policy is to encourage members to integrate into the life of the places in which they live. We do not strive for an independent British community in the way that the Costa Brava is perceived but, on the contrary, endeavour to integrate within the community both regionally and locally. Such integration is absolutely necessary and the surest way to discover the secrets of the area. Nevertheless, the former UK residents have a common bond and common problems in understanding certain aspects of French life, whether this is the French taxation in its many guises, the health service or car registration. Seminars are arranged on taxation and insurance and many varied information sheets are available to members.

To that end, we encourage members to improve their mastery of the French language - easier for some than others - and work with the many local organisations and associations to promote cultural exchange.

As for the 'dining club' idea, our members are usually independently minded and do not wish to live side by side with each other in nationalistic ghettos. However, the BA does provide the opportunity for those who wish to get together to do so from time to time. This may be for a meal, an excursion, a picnic, or coffee morning. There are also informal gatherings of special interest groups for language classes, amateur dramatics, painting, boules etc.

So please, when you consider joining us, put aside any prejudiced views you may have heard and see us as we are. You will always be welcomed to one of our events where you can judge for yourself. Our purpose and our strength are summed up by our mission statement:

Putting People and Social Needs Together

What can the British Association of the Var do for me?

We can help you...

- and support you in settling into a different country 
Whether it is language difficulties, coping with legislation and bureaucracy or other problems, our experienced and knowledgeable members can help make your life easier.

– become part of an established group 
The British Association has been an active charitable and social organisation in Provence for more than half a century.

– meet and make new friends
Our programme of social activities has events to appeal to most interests. If your particular fancy isn’t already catered for, why not start something new and share your passion with others?

– become proactive yourself
with time you could develop your involvement within the British Association. You can help others to integrate and help the committee to carry out its ongoing social and welfare commitments in the Var.

The British Association in the Var

The British Association has had a presence in the Var since 1998 where membership has grown steadily and today is over 500 strong. This is, of course, partly due to the fact that so many fellow-Britons have discovered the Var in the meantime. However we like to think it also has something to do with the energy and imagination of a dedicated committee and an enthusiastic team of volunteers.

The association represents and promotes the interests of its members, their families and friends – in fact all British people residing in or visiting the Var. Over the years, we have built up an invaluable fund of knowledge and expertise in all matters concerning life in France: few problems encountered by newcomers are unfamiliar to us and help is always at hand. 

Although our charitable and welfare work is important, we do not believe that good works have to wear a glum face. Our calendar of fund-raising and other social events is extensive because it reflects what members enjoy doing. At other times you will find us in language groups, painting circles, dramatic performances and guided tours of interesting towns and villages. New ideas for activities and excursions crop up all the time. Whenever we get together you also will find our mobile bookstall of English titles at 1€ each and our exclusive range of member-designed greeting cards

In becoming a member, you will become part of one of the Var’s fastest growing social and charitable groups. We can make the business of settling in to a new environment easier for you, less stressful and much more fun – and, in time, you can help do the same for other people.


Membership benefits include:

A monthly newsletter advising of coming events, as well as reports on events that we have held and snippets of useful information. A website with a growing archive of our past newsletters available on the internet, plus photo gallery and up to date events calendar available for any website visitor to capture a true flavour of our activities. An annual address book listing all members who wish to be included. 

How do you join?

To become a member,  click on this  link   to download the membership application form.