An invitation to Le Pecq

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Created on Thursday, 02 May 2013 14:47

Whilst not on the scale of Barnes Fair, there is also an annual fair in Le Pecq, our linked town to the southwest of Paris. The Fête Ô Pecq takes place this year on Saturday 29th June and Les Amis de Barnes plan to take the opportunity to make that weekend into a celebration of the ten years of their association with Barnes.

Whilst things are still in the planning stage, Les Amis de Barnes will have a stall at the fair where they intend to sell traditional items such as tea, cakes and pastries, as well as typical English sweets which French children never see. There will be a quiz, which was very popular last year, and maybe the raffle of a signed David Beckham PSG strip!

The following day they plan a trip to Giverny to Monet’s house and garden, with lunch in a local restaurant.

They would be delighted to welcome visitors from Barnes and as usual are able to offer family accommodation. If you have not yet visited Le Pecq, or would like to renew old friendships, this weekend offers an excellent opportunity. Register your interest at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the BCA office, 8878 2359.

Mike Spillane

Noël à la française

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Created on Friday, 02 November 2012 12:34

There is the possibility of a trip to Le Pecq on the weekend of 1st-2nd December in order to take part in their Marché de Noël, sing carols and to learn about how the French go about celebrating Christmas – including cooking and sampling some of their Christmas specialities. If you would like to know more please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Rose House, 8878 2359.

French Flair at the Fair

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Created on Tuesday, 25 September 2012 03:08

This year at Barnes Fair, as well as their customary offerings of French wine accompanied by cheese or saucisson, several of the visitors from Le Pecq showcased their exceptional talent, encompassing sewing, crochet, decorated boxes and knitting plus some more unusual crafts. They would be interested in organising weekend workshops, in either Barnes or Le Pecq, to pass on some of their techniques to BCA members. If you might be interested in participating in such a venture please get in touch: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via Rose House, 8878 2359.
 
Mike Spillane

Le Pecq by bike

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Created on Tuesday, 08 May 2012 13:13

Ten years or more ago the idea was hatched of linking London to Paris with a green cycle track crossing the channel via the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry. This summer it should be possible, for the adventurous, to take a 520km green cycle route from Barnes to Le Pecq.

The journey on the English side of the Channel from Barnes to Newhaven follows the National Cycle network that has been established by SUSTRANS. Starting at the Red Lion, take National Route 4 as far as Greenwich, join the NR 21 to Polegate and thence to Newhaven on the NR2. On the French side of the Channel the route wends its way through Normandy partly along disused railway tracks and alongside canals reaching the outer-Paris region at Pontoise. Here the cycle track follows the path of the river Seine, passing through Le Pecq, on its way to its final destination in Paris.

You can trace the route on the English side at www.sustrans.org.uk and on the French side by clicking HERE.

On Saturday 2nd June, which is the Fête du Vélo in France, the section of the track that follows the right bank of the river in Le Pecq was inaugurated. It was decided, in our honour, that this track would be officially named ‘Barnes Way’ in a ceremony held on Saturday 9th June.

A small group from Barnes was delighted to attend the inauguration. The photos below give just a flavour of the weekend when we enjoyed the usual generous alpicois hospitality, including a visit to a local museum dedicated to Maurice Denis and the ‘Nabis’ artists, a boat trip on the Seine, an official dinner and last, but certainly not least, a ride on beautifully decorated bikes along the newly named track to a champagne reception.

Now that it is possible to travel between the two towns by bike we hope that some of you will give it a go – or at least do part of the route on two wheels. At least one person has already expressed interest in doing the trip – please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact the BCA, 8878 2359, if you might like to join him. A warm welcome and a glass of ‘bubbly’ in Le Pecq awaits!

Gary Smith, BCA Chairman, cutting the tape
surrounded by local dignitaries, notably the
Senator-Mayor Alain Gournac wearing his
mayoral tricolore sash

Cyclists ready to embark on the new leg of the
Paris-London cycle route