Activities
Thinking of joining? If you’d like to attend a couple of activities to get a feel for the group before joining, feel free to contact us for more information.
Learn & Explore Ideas
Book Club
We meet at the Montpellier English Library for an informal chat about the monthly book. The discussion leader covers the author's background and then the group comments about the themes, characters, writing style, and the impact of the book.
Meets monthly, Monday afternoon
Cultural Tours
Our Cultural Tours offer members the chance to discover Montpellier and the surrounding area through expert-guided visits in English. Each tour highlights a different aspect of local history, architecture, or urban development — from medieval private mansions to contemporary landmarks.
These small-group experiences often reveal details and stories you’d never notice on your own, helping you see the city with new eyes.
Tours require registration and may have limited spaces.
Français Pour Tous
Français Pour Tous meet-ups are all about learning or practicing French in a fun way! This is the only BCA activity conducted primarily in French, and is a chance for all of you French speakers to come and help out those who are still learning to master the language. All levels of French speakers – from beginners to natives – are welcome to come and have a friendly and helpful chat.
Meets monthly, Saturday afternoon
Poetry Reading Group
Renowned African American poet Rita Dove once said "Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful". We couldn't agree more. The Poetry Reading group meets once a month in the MEL premises to share their favourite poems and to listen and explore poetry thanks to members' contributions.
Meets monthly, Tuesday afternoon
Travel Share
This activity is designed for members who enjoy traveling within France and beyond. The idea is to share personal travel stories (including photos) while also offering tips on trip planning, travel hacks, etc.
Meets monthly, Tuesday evenings
Movie Club
We are a group of people who enjoy watching films. Once a month, members get together to discuss, review and deconstruct a pre-selected film. We watch English language films independently and meet to discuss them as a group. Members of the group have input into the movie we choose.
See calendar for current selection.
Create Together
Photo Challenge
Each month, the Photo Escape Challenge explores a compositional theme — a visual idea that sharpens the eye and strengthens your photography. Members spend the month shooting around that theme, print their favorite images (even small 10×15 cm prints from FNAC are fine), and then meet in person to share, discuss, and exchange friendly, constructive criticism over a drink.
Meets monthly
Please RSVP — Count needed for reservation
Performance Group
The Performance Group brings together amateur actors for weekly sessions devoted to developing acting skills and preparing a staged performance in June. Rehearsals run alongside the school calendar, and steady attendance is essential. The work is conducted in English, so participants should be confident communicating in English.
Wednesday Evenings
Pre-registration required, currently full
Monologues
An Evening of Monologues
This 12-week performance process, designed for amateur actors, culminates in a live stage performance of original monologues drawn from each actor's own life experiences. This performance process is limited to 12 amateur actors. Advanced English skills required.
Wednesday Evenings, Jan - April, 2026
Registration Required for Planning
To express interest, please email: artmcdermott1223@gmail.com
Play Reading Group
Shakespeare to Shaffer, we meet to bring plays to life in a convivial atmosphere: No audience - no stress.
You’ll be sent the script and assigned a role - just bring your personality to the table.
Meets monthly, Thursday afternoons.
Sign-up required for each session to receive a part to read.
Singing Group
The Singing Group is a friendly, informal sing-along. We focus on familiar popular songs, mostly “oldies,” so everyone can jump in easily. This is not a performance-oriented group — the emphasis is on enjoying music together. We may share a song or lead a sing-along at BCA events, but participation in performances is always optional.
Meets Tuesday evenings
Stand Up Comedy
Learn how to find your unique voice while creating and delivering solo material with an improvisational approach. Students will strengthen their writing and workshop their own material, and develop a skit of 3-5 minutes.
Space for 12 participants
Meets Monday evenings
Performance on March 3. MEL, 23 Rue Lakanal–Beaux Arts
Pre-registration required
Move & Play
Game Day
A Saturday afternoon of friendly rivalry as members battle their way to become the champion of the various games on offer. Come join us for an afternoon of fun! Learn a new game, or play an old favorite in this open and airy space. Participants must pay 1.80 euro and buy a beverage; you may bring food in from the outside.
Meets monthly, Saturday afternoons
Group Walks
Why not take up this amazing opportunity to explore the areas around Montpellier with your fellow members? Once every few months, we take expeditions that last for up to 2 hours.
Our travels take us to parks, beaches, forests and beyond.
Interested in volunteering? Organizing a group walk is a great way to meet people and share your favorite areas of Montpellier.
Indian Dance Class
Dance under the trees and get fit through Indian Dance
Indian Dance is the only dance form with an alphabet of hand gestures – MUDRAS. One can express a poem, a song, or a story. Your fingers will become more flexible and more graceful.
Meets weekly, Tuesday mornings
Pre-registration required, currently full
Pétanque in the Park
Play France’s most iconic game in the shaded woodland of Parc Rimbaud. Even if you’ve never picked up a set of boules in your life, you’ll fit right in with this fun and welcoming group. If the weather permits, many of us stay afterward to enjoy a picnic lunch — feel free to bring your own and join in.
Weather cancellations are announced in the WhatsApp “BCA News” group, so be sure you’re enrolled there.
Meets weekly, Tuesday mornings
Qigong
Qigong is an ancient Chinese healing art which gently energizes the body, clears the mind, and nourishes the spirit. Nina C., a longtime teacher of Qigong, leads a weekly class for BCA members, taking into account their prior knowledge (if any) and mobility issues.
Meets weekly, Wednesday mornings
Pre-registration required
Quiz Night
Come and show off your savoir-faire and have fun, whilst being part of a team to answer questions on a variety of subjects. Teams are formed ‘on the spot’ and most questions have multiple choice answers - so there’s no need to feel intimidated. Learn and laugh together!
Note that food and drink are available for purchase.
Meets bi-monthly, Tuesday evenings
Connect & Converse
Cocktails and Conversation
Come chat with other BCA members while enjoying an interesting and delicious cocktail or mocktail creation!
Meets monthly, Friday evening
Please RSVP — Count needed for reservation at least two days in advance.
Lunch Together
A different restaurant will be chosen each month for members to dine together and enjoy Montpellier’s culinary offerings.
Meets monthly, third Thursday
Please RSVP
Pub Afternoon & Pub Night
This is a chance to have an informal chat (or two) and enjoy a drink (or two) at the same time.
BCA discount when you buy a pint!
Two activities monthly: Sunday afternoon and Thursday evening.
Coffee Chat
Come join us for a friendly and lively chat in English over a hot coffee or tea.
Three activities monthly: Monday and Friday morning, Saturday afternoon