Our missions

A link between Normandy and the Channel Islands

Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche ensures the continuity of diplomatic relations between authorities both in the Channel Islands and in Normandy, the development of economic, cultural and touristic links, as well as missions in sport, education and environmental exchanges between Normandy and the Channel Islands by:

  • Establishing contacts between Normandy and the Channel Islands
  • Transmitting information about Normandy to locals and visitors of the Channel Islands
  • Making researches on a broad spectrum of subjects
  • Organising and coordinating projects
  • Guaranteeing the fluidity of exchanges

Thanks to the permanent presence of Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche in the Channel Islands, the office has been constituting in 20 years, a solid network of contacts and partners allowing us to deliver quick, concrete and detailed responses. Although based in Jersey, our officers are very much mobile and active throughout the Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark.

Missions

missions-en

Aims of Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche

  • A platform for economical exchanges
  • A place where cultural exchanges are essential
  • A facilitator for sports’ exchanges leading to a language interaction
  • A supporter of school exchanges and post A-level studies partnerships
  • A shop window for Normandy in the Channel Islands
  • A key stakeholder for institutionnal relations

 

A real platform for economical exchanges

Maison de Normandie has developed a real platform for economic exchanges between businesses from Normandy and the Channel Islands. We have

  • Assisted businesses with their market studies
  • Developed close relationships with around a dozen of economic partners throughout Normandy and the Channel Islands (economic or commerce department, Chambers of Commerce and various other committees)
  • Organised  business-to-business events
  • Helped fostering relations between marinas or harbours
  • Monitored and punctually assisted several economic projects of a significant impact (creation of freight link, under marine electric cable, cooperation around marine renewable energies)
  • Organised Norman markets in Jersey since 2005 generating over 30.000 visitors a year
  • Organised Norman markets in Guernsey since 2008 generating over 20.000 visitors a year
  • Facilitated the creation of air and maritime links
  • Involved in local economic life and events
  • Supported the development of economic partnerships (Agricultural Show in Paris, Marine Renewable Energies…)

A place where cultural exchanges are essential

Maison de Normandie is also a place where cultural exchanges are essential with the objective to develop and foster the use of the French language and traditions. The office has been directly or indirectly involved in the following:

  • Creation and monitoring of 11 twinning committees between Jersey and Normandy
  • Good participation in local cultural life :
    Vice-Chairman of the Alliance Française in Jersey
    Member of the Eisteddfod committee (French section)
  • Publication of LE ROCHER, French newspaper within Jersey Evening Post and Guernsey Press every trimester
  • Partnerships between museums and other cultural associations on a number of exhibitions and concerts
  • Artistic cooperation around several topics/subjects of common interest
  • Organiser of cultural events (bi-annual Le French Festival in Jersey, alongside the Alliance Française de Jersey and the Honorary French Consul in Jersey, concerts & festivities)

A facilitator for sports exchanges leading to a language interaction

Maison de Normandie is also a facilitator for sports exchanges leading to a language interaction. The office has been directly or indirectly involved in the following:

  • Over 500 youngsters from la Manche and Jersey involved in the annual Tournoi Multisports between 2012 & 2019 over 5 disciplines
  • Dozens of friendly games and training summer camps for football, tennis, rugby, table tennis, fencing, petanque and volley ball
  • Numerous sporting events : marathons, rallyes, Tour des Ports de la Manche yachting race

A supporter of school exchanges and post A-level studies partnerships

  • Established contacts between schools wishing to develop language skills
  • Assisted school exchanges mainly around videoconferencing and e-learning in 2007
  • Provided help to Norman schools organizing scholar trips to the Channel Islands
  • Facilitated the development of partnerships for post A-Level schools from Normandy mainly in the tourism industry
  • Promoting post A-Level studies in Normandy (Universities) giving the opportunity to Channel Islands students to study in Norman universities

A shop window for Normandy in the Channel Islands

  • Information Centre about Normandy located in the heart of St Helier welcoming over 800 visitors a year.
  • Opening of La Boutique, shop with Norman products
  • Raise the profile of Norman Heritage and know-how through the organization and displays in our shop windows
  • Participation in local fairs, shows through promotional stands and organization of several Norman products tastings over the years
  • Distribution of monthly newsletters, press packs and a series of other communication packs for the attention of local tour operators and travel agents
  • Promotion of the destination of Normandy as a whole and more particularly its two destination ports of Granville and Carteret through the TOWN CRIER articles for example
  • Information in the Channel Islands about large scale events or anniversaries in Normandy (D-Day Anniversaries and events, World Equestrian Games, Normandie Impressionniste Festival, Music Festivals, Mont Saint Michel and much more)
  • Cooperation around one-off tourism Norman initiatives (Cycle West, Boat Shows)
  • Exchange of expertise and know-how in specific tourism sectors (Remembrance Tourism, Green tourism, Regional Natural Parks)

A key stakeholder for institutional relations

  • Accompanied official delegations from Normandy in the Channel Islands
  • Assisted the implementation of cooperation agreements between one or various Normandy organizations and one or various Channel Islands organizations
  • Transmitted information of high importance to Norman authorities and kept them up to date about local news, projects and main policies of the Channel Islands
  • Developed a network of contacts based on respect and reliability
  • Facilitated and smoothed institutional exchanges through the excellent knowledge of both territories
  • Help the Honorary French Consulate in Jersey 

By the way, what’s on in Normandy?