BACO British Association
Côte d'Opale
Our Mission
Formed just after the Referendum in 2016 which led to the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union, BACO’s mission was and remains to inform and advise Britons living in the Côte d’Opale area of France and their French friends on the consequences of Brexit and how to survive in the new situation. We also hold events designed to socialise in an Anglo-French way, entertain each another and be entertained, and learn more about the region where we live. Our appeal is to anyone with a real interest in local and cross-channel life and culture.
BACO is registered in Calais as a socio-cultural association. At the request of our members we remain strictly non-political. Our membership is roughly 50:50 British-French, though friends from other European countries are welcome.
What we do
- Information and advice on cross-channel issues post-Brexit
- Regular newsletters and bulletins
- Concerts and other musical events
- Walks and guided tours of historical, cultural and other sites of interest
- Annual Aummer Barbecue or Picnic
- Monthly English Book Club in Calais
- Anglo-French Quizzes
British in France
BACO is a member of the British Community Committee (BCC)
(www.britishinfrance.com) which is the third leg of the tripod which forms the British presence in France along with the British Embassy and the Consular service. The BCC groups together about 120 leading clubs, associations, professional institutions, educational establishments and others with British interests in France. All member organisations are listed ini the annual Directory, which is available on-line. We are represented at the Quarterly meetings of the BCC and at the Annual General Meeting which usually takes place in April at the Ambassador’s Residence. This link gives BACO privileged access to information and developments affecting British citizens living in France as a whole.
Upcoming events
Our English Book Club meets at the Médiathèque Louis Aragon, 16 rue du Pont Lottin in Calais, usually on the last Saturday in each month, from 2 to 4 pm. Check updates on BACO’s Facebook page. All are welcome. No charge.
The book chosen for our November meeting on Saturday 26/11 is "The French Lieutenant's Woman" by John Fowles. See our Facebook page for more details.
Our concerence at the
Château d’Hardelot le 13 septembre 2025 à 14h30.
on modern re-imaginings of Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations"
was a great success, ably presented by Isabelle Roblin, BACO member and honorary professor of modern English literature at the Boulogne-sur-Mer campus of ULCO - Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale. The next conference, also on a literary theme of Angloe-French interest, will be announced shortly.
Some past events
Join Us
Membership information
Annual membership costs only 10 € (15€ for a couple or family) and runs from 1st September to 31st August. Just fill in the form opposite and email it back to us at assobaco@gmail.com and we'll get back to you.
Our partners
