ALLIANCE Française, Manchester's official centre for French language and culture, is putting on a series of events that show the city in a distinctly Gallic light.
Between 27 April and 2 May, you can learn about the precursor of modern tennis, Jeu de Paume, at the Manchester Tennis and Racquet Club, take a guided tour of the Town Hall in French, and learn the art of French cooking at 63 Degrees.
At 63 Degrees, chef Eric Moreau will show you how to cook Tartare de saumon a l'avocat et espuma au citron vert, and Cylindre de volaille farcie et risotto de patte aux carottes. (Translations given below.) Book in advance for this – it's a one-off and places are limited. Scroll down for full details and booking information.
Manchester: The French Way
Saturday 27 April
Real Tennis?... Réelement?
at the Manchester Tennis and Racquet Club
Tickets: £12
Are you bored with Wimbledon and Roland-Garros? Discover real tennis in a grade II Victorian building built in 1880 and home to the Manchester Tennis and Racquet Club ever since.
You will learn about the precursor of modern tennis, 'jeu de paume', and see it being played. It's also a chance to discover a fascinating Manchester building and taste some delicacies offered by the Club.
4pm to 6pm, Saturday 27 April, 33 Blackfriars Road, M3 7AQ.
Booking and information: event@afmanchester.org or 0161 236 7117.
Sunday 28 April
The Town Hall à la française
French-speaking tour of the Town Hall
Tickets: £6
Kate Dibble will take you on a tour in French of one of Manchester's most famous buildings, the Town Hall. You'll have the opportunity to admire the Gothic architecture and numerous paintings, statues and murals, and learn about the political intrigues surrounding this place of power.
Kate Dibble is the manager of the Manchester Tours and Guides Services. She has been a Blue Badge tour guide in Manchester and the North West for 25 years and is fluent in French.
2pm to 3.30pm, Sunday 28 April, Manchester Town Hall.
Booking and information: event@afmanchester.org or 0161 236 7117.
Thursday 2 May
Come Cuisiner With Me
Cooking Workshop at 63 Degrees Restaurant
Tickets: £30
Learn how to cook like a French chef, with a French chef. Eric Moreau will teach you how to cook a two-course meal that you can taste afterwards in the restaurant. 63 Degrees has been awarded Diner's Choice 2012 from toptable and offers delicious French food made from locally-sourced produce.
A la carte:
Tartare de saumon à l'avocat et espuma de citron vert
(Salmon and avocado tartare with lime espuma)
Cylindre de volaille farcie et risotto de pâtes aux carottes
(Stuffed poultry and pasta risotto with carrots)
This is a one-off cooking workshop with very limited places available. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
10am to 12.30pm, Thursday 2 May, 20 Church Street, M4 1PN.
Booking and information: event@afmanchester.org or 0161 236 7117.
