A Christmas Carol

Whether you are one who celebrates in late December a Winter Festival, a Festival of Lights or a genuine Christmas you almost certainly -- as an expat in France -- have a nostalgia for English carolling. What better place to hear those ancient songs than at Saint George’s, just off the Arc de Triomphe on the corner of Avenue Iéna and Rue Auguste Vacquerie. Peter Hicks directs the choir there. A stirring, yet somewhat pensive sound. Not ten minutes walk from the Champs Elysées lies this welcome corner of England. Saint George’s carol service will be held next Sunday, 17 December, at 6.30 pm. Hot wine is served afterwards. I wouldn’t miss the event for anything in the world.

I often, in fact, attend Sunday service at Saint George’s to hear the sermons of the Revs. David Houghton and Bernard Sixtus; the singing of hymns which I learned in childhood; and those soaring harmonies of Peter’s choir. Lunch is usually served afterwards. Many a British author -- young and old -- has sat at that merry table. For more information tap into www.stgeorgesparis.com