ESFG Lyon is a volunteer-run, member-led association. We have a committee which oversees the organisation of the association. More information about the committee is available on the About page.

ESFG Lyon has two main objectives:

1. To provide a support network for native English-speaking families living in Lyon and the surrounding area.

2. To provide opportunities, such as playgroups and other activities, for the children of native English speakers to maintain and develop their English language skills.

Many of our members are first-time mums with young babies. Although the babies might be far from talking, new (and expectant) mothers often appreciate the company of other English-speakers at this time. ESFG Lyon provides support and opportunities to get out and socialise at our friendly and free events.

Yes, absolutely! We run many events at the weekends so working parents can come along.

ESFG Lyon is an entirely volunteer-run organisation, so if you have a little time to invest, we’d love you to volunteer, although it’s not mandatory.

You can help out in different ways: offer to organise an outing, a night out for parents, help coordinate a party, bring a cake to a playgroup, or even join the Committee.

All contributions of time and energy are appreciated. Without volunteers, ESFG Lyon would not exist.

ESFG Lyon is meant for families of native-English speakers. The vast majority of our member families include at least one native English-speaking parent.

We sometimes make exceptions for families without native-speaking families, provided the family speaks English at home.

More information on membership criteria and the process of applying for membership is available on our Request to Join page.

The ESFG Lyon does not provide English language lessons, and attending one or two events a month will not, on its own, teach a child to speak English.

The purpose of ESFG events is to reinforce the English language for children who already speak / read / write / to it at home, with their parent(s).

If your children’s caregivers are competent English-speakers and prepared to join in the activities at ESFG Lyon Playgroups, then they’re welcome to bring your children to events.

You are welcome to join before you arrive in Lyon. If you have not yet moved to Lyon and are looking for information, you can find lots of information online and in various expat groups. We probably won’t be able to supply you with all the contacts you need to complete your move, but you can start chatting with our members.

Not at all! ESFG Lyon organises a wide range of events for different ages of children, many of which are held at our Hall in the 8th district of Lyon.

We also organise family trips, parents’ events, and many other activities for members.

Members are encouraged to host smaller events at home or other child-friendly venues, such as parks or cafes. Find out more by clicking on the links above or using the Events tab.

Our members live in Lyon and beyond… sometimes quite far beyond! We generally leave it up to individual members to decide whether they are close enough to Lyon (where most of our events are held) to make membership work for them.

We currently plan most of our events at the weekend either at our Hall in the 8eme. We also organise outings and trips for families at the weekends: fruit-picking, picnics, visits to soft play / museums etc, and sports events.

ESFG Lyon welcomes English-speaking families of all sizes and shapes - including single parents, whether mums or dads.

Membership of ESFG Lyon extends to all family members, and either / both parents are welcome to take part in our activities.

Our only rule is that any parent accompanying children to our playgroups and other regular events needs to be able to speak English at a high level, so that they can join in and enjoy themselves.

Our membership criteria and application form are available on the Request to Join page.