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The Var International Aperitif Club (VIAC) was started more than twenty years ago by a group of friends who met for aperitifs and discussed their life in the Var. They felt their combined experiences could help newcomers to settle in and with that objective in mind they founded a non-profit making Association under French law. Since then VIAC has gone from strength to strength but always with the same aim - to put English speaking people of all nationalities together in a social setting.

 

VIAC’s main activity is a monthly meeting for lunch or an occasional dinner at restaurants in the Var. Committee members carefully research venues and often combine the meeting with a visit to a place of interest (guided tour of town, historic site, vineyard or olive mill). During the year different events are arranged such as a visit to the Citrus Festival in Menton, lunch at the famous Cagnes sur Mer racecourse or a museum visit.. Other Events are the traditional annual Christmas Dinner Dance, Annual Boules competition, a hard fought event followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant.

 

Under the VIAC umbrella there are and/or have been various special interest groups, lunchtime and evening Gourmet Groups, Gardening Group and a Walking Group. Members who wish to do so are encouraged to start a activity group according to their own particular interests.

 

New members, or those returning the Var after an absence, are enthusiastically welcomed. Membership currently costs €20 per person per annum (subscriptions run from 1st October to 30th September). Lunches generally cost 30€ to 40€ inclusive of aperitif and wine. Special events and gourmet group meals cost a little more.

 

The following extract from the President’s report to the AGM in November 2010 gives a flavour of our recent activities:-

 

As in the past, we have endeavoured to tie each event in with a luncheon during the year, whilst trying to provide for a variety of preferences.

 

The best attended event was the Xmas Dinner Dance, held as usual at the newly refurbished Hotel St Aygulf, and as always we enjoyed good service, good food and a Christmas atmosphere. We also had a good turn out for last November’s AGM- 39 members  attended, and as usual, and as expected today, there was a good meal to follow.

 

In March, Inez organised a tour of medieval Les Arcs, which was very well supported. She had problems with the restaurant at the very last minute, but it all ended happily when La Pinede were able to accommodate us.

 

Roger’s April event at Le Sacre Montmartre was entirely different, great fun, and well-attended- although we couldn’t make up the 40 required. There were members there whom I hadn’t seen for quite a while, and others who apologised for being away! Not only did we have a good show to ourselves, but also a good meal.

 

Jean’s tour of the Rayol-Canadel Gardens in September included another enjoyable meal, and there was a great atmosphere of camaraderie within our group. July’s event was a second visit to the Moroccan restaurant in Ste Maxime, where we enjoyed a traditional meal, while watching a talented young Belly Dancer.

 

Established favourite events, such as the Boules Match with AMIAC, and the Beach Party, attracted around 22 people each. The Boules event, held every May, enjoyed a day of warm sunshine this year, and Peter Finch chose a very good restaurant with a panoramic view and friendly staff. Anne’s Beach Party in June once again allowed us to have unlimited aperitifs, and also access to all sea and beach activities.

 

The January event took us to La Garde Freinet, with a regional exhibition at the Museum, and a ‘value for money’ lunch in the heart of the village. February’s trip to the Menton Lemon Festival was an evening excursion in cooperation with Riviera Tours. This was an exciting change from the usual. Peter F found a traditional restaurant along the sea-front for our VIAC members. October’s event was another medieval village tour, of Tourtour this time, well-organised again by Arvid. We hope that he will have another of “the most beautiful villages of France” in mind for this coming year!

 

In August we tried something new when Norman conducted his “hands on” with glass-cutting and decoration. The numbers were just right for everyone to have a go, and we all enjoyed a village meal afterwards.

 

The attendance at our monthly events has fallen this year, though our Club Membership has remained around 120 for the last two or three years. One advantage of small numbers is the friendly, intimate atmosphere, where we can get to know someone better- perhaps a new member or a prospective member. That is what VIAC is all about - a social Club and not a dining club.

VIAC Var International Aperitif Club

English speaking group running activities in the Var region of France

Special Interest Groups

 

If anyone has any particular leisure pastime which they would like to open up to other members by starting a group, please contact Isobel at secretary@viac.fr.

In the past we have had ski, gardening and  sightseeing groups.

We look forward to hearing your ideas.