IWC picnic

The International Women’s Club (IWC) of Clermont-Ferrand has been instrumental in helping me feel at home, introducing me to people and easing the transition into French life. Officially, the IWC “is an outreach group providing social interaction for English speaking women in the Auvergne region of France.” Lauris and I most often participate in the mom and babies club, but I’ve also blogged about the book club and hiking club, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Lauris and Roberts with the canards in Lac Aydat

Sunday the mom and babies club hosted the annual picnic at Lac Aydat. A 30 minute drive southwest of Clermont-Ferrand, the largest natural lake of the Auvergne has a swimming area, picnic areas, a campground, and rentals for water sports. It was at one of the picnic areas that everyone met up, and although the weather was chilly, the sun was shining and we had a wonderful time. We utilized the permanent grills on location, and while the sausages and shish kebabs cooked, we enjoyed the various dishes everyone brought to share, let the children run amuck in the three children’s playgrounds, and caught up with old friends while making new ones.

For anyone moving to the Clermont-Ferrand area, I recommend getting in touch with the IWC. There is a yahoo groups website as well as a facebook site where more information can be found, questions asked and people contacted.