With the start to the French Film Festival less than a day away, we want to make sure all of the Franco-Boulevardizens are ready. The first film, Marching Band, shows tomorrow (Thursday, March 25, 2010) night at 6:30pm.

In addition to the festival, the last running of the Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k will be Saturday morning. There will be numerous road closures that morning. Most notable closures for Festival goers are Monument Ave closed between Staples Mill Road to Lombardy Ave (Stuart Circle) and Boulevard closed at Monument Ave.

If you are have difficulty finding parking along Cary Street, be sure to check the two parking decks located at Crenshaw Ave and Colonial Ave. You may also want to try some of the side streets such as Ellwood Ave, Floyd Ave or Parkwood Ave for parking. Or walk if you live close enough - just watch out for a lost 10k-er.

Don’t forget that if you want to attend the Official Reception to have the chance to talk with other Francophiles and even the members of the French Delegation, you must purchase a Festival Pass and the $25 Reception ticket.

Amusez-vous pendant le festival!

This post is part of a series on the French Film Festival and French culture in Richmond

During the French Film Festival, Carytown is transformed into a taste of France. Waving in the fresh spring breeze, French flags welcome visitors. In between films, there is always something exciting to do in Carytown.

For those of you with a sweet tooth, you can grab a pain au chocolat at Jean Jacques Bakery, a refreshing ice cream cone from Bev’s Ice Cream, or a tasty Grand Marnier cupcake from Carytown Cupcakes.

If discussing the just watched film with a friend is more your cup of tea (or coffee), relax on Bin 22 by Betsy’s patio with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. Capital Coffee, a few shops down from the Byrd Theatre, serves fresh coffee, tea, pastries, and more.

Step into Can Can Brasserie for Carytown’s version of Parisian dining. On warm, sunny days the front windows are opened to let in the sounds of the street. Classic French dishes include Moules Frites, Croque Monsieur or Madame, Beef Bourguignon, and Roasted Duck.

New York Deli next to the Byrd Theatre is a great place to grab a drink while waiting for a friend before or after a movie. For $12, you can enjoy a bottle of either Laboure-Roi Chardonnay and Laboure-Roi Cabernet Sauvignon.

In addition to food and beverages, there are numerous shops to explore ranging from the whimsical toys at World of Mirth to the fashionable clothing at Eurotrash to the eclectic gifts at Mongrel.

Before leaving Carytown, be sure to stop by River City Cellars for a bottle of wine to continue the French experience at home.

This post is part of a series on the French Film Festival and French culture in Richmond.

The ever popular French Film Festival attracts people from all of the East Coast and beyond. If you are coming from out of town for the French Film Festival, you will need a nice place to prop up your feet and relax. Fortunately, you are in luck.

Richmond’s Museum District is home to several charming Bed & Breakfasts. Within walking distance of the Byrd Theatre and Carytown, these B&Bs offer Francophiles the perfect place to lay their heads down after a long day of watching French films.

Museum District Bed & Breakfast is on Grove Avenue near the intersection with Boulevard across the street from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

The Kensington Bed & Breakfast is located at the corner of Kensington Ave and Sheppard Ave.

Maury Place at Monument can be found where Franklin St, Monument Ave and Belmont Ave intersect across the street from the Maury Statue on Monument.

All three B&Bs offer luxuriously furnished suites, freshly prepared breakfasts and refreshments throughout the day.

Be sure to make your reservations early as suites at these popular B&Bs will go fast!

The post is part of a series on the French Film Festival and French culture in Richmond.

Watching a few French films before the Film Festival will help get you in a French frame of mind. We have developed the French Factor to help identify films that you will enjoy.

What is your French Factor?

• Beginner – Your extent of French exposure is French fries and French vanilla ice cream.
• Intermediate – You know un peu de français and enjoy une crêpe avec nutella as a sweet snack.
• Advanced – You enjoy kicking back with a glass of wine and chatting with friends en français at the local café
• Hardcore – Vous parlez français tout le temps and enjoy a good Croque Monseiur (or Croque Madame si vous voulez).

Recommended movies based on your Factor:

Beginner:

• Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain
• L’Auberge espagnol and the sequel Les poupées russes
• Trois Hommes et un couffin

Intermediate:

• Il y a longtemps que je t'aime
• De battre mon coeur s'est arrête
• Merci pour le chocolat

Advanced:

• La Vie en rose
• Entre les murs
• Ça commence aujourd’hui

Hardcore :

• Le dernier métro
• Jean de Florette and the sequel Manon des sources
• Cyrano de Bergerac

Amusez-vous!

The post is part of a series on the French Film Festival and French culture in Richmond.

The 18th Annual French Film Festival returns to the Byrd Theatre March 25-28, 2010 with films, events and a delegation of French directors and actors. As the largest French Film Festival in the United States, this weekend long event attracts Francophiles from across the eastern United States and as far away as Europe.

This year the festival features 12 feature length films and 12 short films. For many of the films, this is their world premier. Directors and actors will be available after the viewings to answer audience questions.

Additional events include master classes with the directors, an official reception, and a closing ceremony with the entire French delegation.

Tickets are $12 per film and can be purchased before the showing of each film. Passes and tickets to the reception are available for purchase on the French Film Festival website. Student discounted passes are available.

This is the first in a series on the French Film Festival and French culture in Richmond.