Resources/Links: Consular, Trade, Travel and More
Consular, Trade & Professional Services
Claudine Fisher, Honorary Consul of France in Oregon; Department of Canadian Studies; Portland State University (141F Cramer Hall,1721 SW Broadway); Portland, Oregon 97207-0751; (503) 725-5298Jack Cowan, Honorary Consul of France in Washington
Executive Director of French American Chamber Commerce of the Pacific Northwest
2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 490; Seattle, WA 98121
Tel : (206) 443-4703 Fax : (206)448-4218; website: www.faccpnw.org
Email: consul@faccpnw.org (for Consular questions) or jack@faccpnw.org (for trade or FACC questions)
Le Petit Débrouillard à Portland: This is a French-language
guide to Portland for newcomers; prepared by the Alliance of Portland in cooperation with the Consulate of France in San Francisco.
Visit: the website.
French Trade Rep/Conseiller: Marc Michelle, Normandie Imports; (503) 358-0830; www.normandie-import.com
Docteur: Le docteur assermenté du consulat est: Dr. Geoffrey L. Tyson, Edmonds Pain Management, Stevens Health Center, 21701 76th Ave W, Suite 203, Edmonds, WA 98026 - 360-606-1701 or 425-640-6976. He spends half his time in Vancouver, WA.
Avocat/Lawyer: William P. Buck, at 503.241.8044, office@msmlegal.com, website www.msmlegal.com, is the official recommended/approved lawyer (l'avocat conseil), as per the French consulate.
Psychologue: Dominique Marguerite Ph.D., French-speaking licensed psychologist, is at 503-699-1664, website is www.dominiquemarguerite.net/practice.html.
Portland-based Translation Services
- Alliance staff is available for translation projects; pricing is $45/hour. Call our office at 503.223.8388.
- For English to French, contact www.l2translations.com -- member of the Northwest Translators and Interpreters Society.
- Virginia Anderson of Oregon Translation, LLC, at virginia@oregontranslation.com, phone: 503.914.1119. Member of the American Translators Association and Founder of the Associated Linguists of Oregon. This company is a Preferred Organization member of the Alliance, offering a 10% discount to fellow AF members.
- For non-certified French to English translation email Tammy Stotik at tammystotik@gmail.com, a local Portland contact.
Traveling in France? Tips and Tuyaux
The official travel and tourism website of the French Government Tourist Office is Maison de la France, a division of the French Embassy.
Lodging Tips & Recommendations from AF de Portland Members
Everyone asks for our recommendations, so here are some. Below are lodging options posted by good friends of the Alliance, many offering 10% discounts for Alliance members. Some additional recommendations: for a short-term rental experience of higher-end apartments in the heart of Paris, contact Philippe or Christophe at Guest Apartment Services. We've used them and recommend them for the quality of the properties, the awesome locations and the service. For longer-term rentals, they in turn recommend Paris Attitude. For short-term hotel stays in Paris, we sometimes lodge our groups at the Hôtel les Jardins du Luxembourg.
Chez Cécile - Chambre d'hôte - 77 rue de Vaugirard - 75006 - Paris: Friends of the Alliance, Olivier and Cécile Fainsilber, have a pair of adjoining studio apartments in Paris that they rent to visitors, and which are recommended by Alliance members. Near Montparnasse, just around the corner from the Alliance's Paris headquarters that are on Boulevard Raspail. Alliance de Portland members get 10% off the published pricing. As Cécile describes the apartments: Deux studios qui partagent une entrée privée et une terrasse sur jardin. Combinaison des studios idéale pour familles ou deux couples. Mezzanines basses de plafond, peu adaptées aux amateurs de grands espaces ou aux somnambules! Dans le quartier Saint-Germain des Près à Paris, proche des jardins du Luxembourg, du Bon Marché, et des restaurants de Montparnasse. Situation idéale au coeur de la Rive Gauche pour découvrir Paris. Guide d'accueil et brochures fournis. 5 lignes d'autobus et 2 stations de Métro à proximité. More info including pricing, maps and email: click Chez Cécile. (Apartment patio is pictured at left.)
Studio Apartment in Paris: Alliance member Chloe Simmons has a studio apartment in Paris and is pleased to offer it to fellow Alliance Française de Portland members, at the same preferential rate that is accorded to her airline-industry colleagues -- $125/night, 4-night minimum. Conveniently situated between the Eiffel Tower and Napoleon's Tomb, the studio is nestled in a quiet courtyard and is ideal for a romantic getaway for couples or an economical alternative for families of four. The main room has a queen-sized sofa bed, loft bed and floor futon. Amenities include a flat screen TV, free internet, a selection of movies and music, and a Desktop Concierge containing tips on local dining, daytime excursions as well as a variety of city and country maps. A separate eat-in kitchen, bathroom with washing machine (no dryer), and cozy outdoor terrace complete the quaint setting. Visit the apartment's website for more info. (The main room, with loft, is pictured at right.)
Alliance de Portland member Diana Shenk owns a luxury beachfront condo on the Côte d'Azur, in Antibes -- one of the most beautiful areas on the Riviera, and with easy access to Cannes and Nice. Located on the beach Plage Salis, the condo is a short 10-15 minute walk along the water to the center of town (pictured here), has two seaview balconies and a pool; sleeps up to 4 with one bedroom and sleeper/sofa. For Alliance members Diana offers 10% off the published pricing. For complete info click here; to reserve email Diana directly.
Alliance de Portland member Clara Steiner-Jay offers fellow members a 10% discount on bookings of her Languedoc home (pictured here at left) which is in a winegrowing village just a short drive from Mediterranean beaches and with many historic sites nearby. Call 503.628.2033 for info/booking; complete information online.
The Frémaux family vacation cottage (pictured here at right): La "petite maison d'Herbilly" "La petite maison d'Herbilly" is available for weekly rental. Ideally situated in a quiet village near the Loire River and close to the Châteaux country (Chambord is even accessible by bicycle!), this country cottage is a two-story stone house. Fully furnished and recently remodeled with all the modern comfort, private courtyard and fireplace, it is ideal for 4 adults or a family of up to 6. Bicycles available. Convenient train or road access from Paris (90 minutes).
Buying a Home in France/Other Relocation Services to France For everything you need to know about buying a home or an apartment in France, consult Seattle-based Laurence Raybois who has written a book, Chez Moi, The Foreigners Guide to Buying a Home in France and has a comprehensive website. Visit the website and contact Mme. Raybois directly for a free assessment of your personal situation.
French Elementary Immersion and International Middle Schools in Portland
The French American International School
French American School (PS through Grade 5) and Gilkey International Middle School; 8500 NW Johnson St, 503-292-7776; website
Portland French School
6318 SW Corbett Ave. -- children from PS to Middle School, Portland, OR 97239; 503-452-4160; website
La Crèche Nursery in SE Portland
A state-certified French American Family Child Care Home at Mt Tabor Park, for children 10 months and up. Call 503.234.0861 or contact Anna-Gaëlle for information on openings. website
Monsieur Moustache for Ages 3-5
An independent program for pre-schoolers where children (accompanied by their
caregiver) learn French through songs, games and make-believe. For further
information call 503.708.6629. website