Regional Consulates and APP's
CONSULATES AND AMERICAN PRESENCE POSTS IN FRANCE
http://france.usembassy.gov/consulara.html
Marseille - Consulate General
Principal Officer: Consul General Diane E. Kelly
Address: Place Varian Fry 13006 Marseille
Telephone/Fax Numbers: 04 91 54 92 00/04 91 55 09 47
Email: citizeninfomarseille@state.gov
Website: http://marseille.usconsulate.gov/
The Marseille Consular District includes three French regions (Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence-Alps-Côte d’Azur - “PACA” - and Corsica), which together make up 13 departments with a total population of more than 7 million people, some of 14% of France’s total population. Major cities are Marseille, Nice, Montpellier, Cannes, Aix-en-Provence, Toulon, Avignon, Perpignan, Ajaccio, Bastia and Monte Carlo. The territory covered by the consular district constitutes one of France’s most interesting areas and is often dubbed the “French sunbelt” because of its pleasant climate.
The south of France is of great interest to U.S. manufacturers and investors. As France's "sunbelt" it has already attracted a large concentration of U.S. firms in France, especially in high-tech fields. The U.S. Commercial Service and the Consul General constantly explore new opportunities for American firms and support the Mediterranean American Business Network, which promotes dialogue and networking amongst U.S. business in the region.
Economic activity is increasing annually as new companies, both French and foreign (including U.S. businesses) seek to locate in the region. Principal economic activities are agro-industry, information technology, bio-technology, aviation, alternate energy, maritime transportation, petrochemicals and tourism.
Strasbourg – Consulate General
Principal Officer: Consul General Evan Reade
Address: 15, Avenue d’Alsace, 67082 Strasbourg Cedex
Telephone/Fax Numbers: 03-88-35-31-04/0 3-88-20-46-95
Email: USAStrasbourg@state.gov
Website: http://strasbourg.usconsulate.gov/
The first U.S. Consulate in Strasbourg was opened in 1866, in the building at 4 Place Broglie, where the French national anthem, "the Marseillaise", was composed some 70 years earlier. When Germany incorporated Alsace after the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, the Consulate was relocated just across the Rhine in Kehl as German authorities decided not to allow consular representation in Alsace-Lorraine. After the restoration of Alsace to France at the end of World War I, the Consulate returned to Strasbourg in 1921, but was closed during World War II, reopening in 1946, shortly after the Allies liberated Strasbourg. The current Consulate building, at 15 Avenue d'Alsace, opened in 1950, was built by the U.S. government and houses all U.S. offices in Strasbourg.
Since the Second World War, Strasbourg has become a symbol of European unity. It is the home of the Council of Europe (COE); the European Court of Human Rights; the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE); the European Parliament; the European Science Foundation; the European Corps (a transnational military organization which brings together units from France, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and Spain; and the five-nation Central Rhine Commission (Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland).
Strasbourg and several cities which, under the provisions of a 1966 French law, have formed an "Urban Community." This Community groups 26 suburban municipalities with Strasbourg, totaling about 440,000 people for administration and socio-economic development purposes. Strasbourg is the largest city in the U.S. consular district of northeastern France. It is the cultural and commercial center of Alsace, with rich and varied historical traditions and monuments, including the single-spired Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the most beautiful in Europe. For 400 years, the Cathedral was Europe's tallest landmark. Well-endowed with cultural attractions, Strasbourg boasts the outstanding Opera du Rhin, a fine city orchestra, and the only National Theatre and National University Library outside Paris. The University of Strasbourg, with nearly, 50,000 students from around the world, is a recognized leader in the fields of law, economics, and medicine.
Bordeaux - American Presence Post
Principal Officer: Consul Joel Maybury
Address: 89 Quai des Chartrons, 33300 Bordeaux
Telephone/Fax Numbers: 05-56-48-63-80 /05-56-51-61-97
Email: consulusbordeaux@state.gov
Website: http://bordeaux.usconsulate.gov
The American Presence Post in Bordeaux is the oldest U.S. Consulate post in the world, dating back to the late 18th century. The Consular District consists of three regions: Aquitaine, Poitou-Charente, and Limousin. Approximately 7,000-8,000 U.S. citizens reside in this district, and tens of thousands of American tourists come to the area annually, attracted by its wines and spirits, gastronomy, historical monuments, medieval towns, the Pyrenees mountain chain, forests and beaches, sporting events, and cultural festivals. There are more than 100 U.S.-owned companies in the region - one of the largest and oldest of these is a Ford Motor plant in the Bordeaux vicinity. Known for its agricultural products, such as foie gras and Limousin cattle, the region also boasts a considerable number of enterprises tied to the aerospace and aviation industry, such as Dassault, Turbomeca, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty. The forestry industry is receiving increased attention, which has been hit hard by burrowing insects and storms, particularly in the Landes area south of Bordeaux. Efforts to protect the industry are ongoing, and the potential for international cooperation on forest management is significant.
By 2016, the city of Bordeaux will be a mere two hours by high-speed rail from Paris due to major rail investment. Other major towns in the region will also benefit from this rail enhancement as well as new and improved freeways crossing the region, which will open markets and attract outside investors. The major towns are also served by airports, several of which offer international flights to and from European cities.
Many cities and towns have sister-city relationships with counterparts in the United States. These ties are a source of business, cultural and academic exchanges. Bordeaux, for example, has been paired with the City of Los Angeles since 1964. In addition, the region’s universities all have exchange studies with various American universities, including but not limited to the University of California and Middlebury College.
Lyon - American Presence Post
Principal Officer: Consul Mark Schapiro
Address: 1, Quai Jules Courmont, 69002 Lyon
Telephone/Fax Numbers: 04-78-38-36-88/04-72-41-71-81
Email: usalyon@state.gov
Website: http://lyon.usconsulate.gov; www.facebook.com/usdos.lyon
The U.S. Consulate in Lyon was the first American Presence Post (APP) created in the world, the brainchild of former U.S. Ambassador to France Felix Rohatyn. It opened in 1999 after a seven-year hiatus following the closing of the Lyon Consulate General in 1992, and covers the regions of Rhone-Alpes, Auvergne and Bourgogne. By population, the Lyon metropolitan area is France’s second largest with a population of over 1.6 million, and boasts a student population and an economic and cultural weight exceeded only by Paris. Lyon is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes Region, France’s number one industry and manufacturing region, making it ripe for U.S. export promotion. With 801 companies in the region, the U.S. is by far the largest foreign commercial presence in Rhône -Alpes. Rhône -Alpes is France’s largest energy producing region (20.6%), and accounts for over 10% of France’s GDP. Rhône -Alpes is also the only French region to have a partnership with a U.S. state, signing an MOU with Pennsylvania in 2006 and renewing the agreement in March 2012. Rhone-Alpes’ second city, Grenoble, has become an important center of U.S. engagement, as a world-class hub of scientific innovation, research and development in which the U.S. is the leading foreign partner.
Key industries include life sciences, biotech, nanotechnology, IT, optics, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy. In addition to providing consular services to the estimated 14,000 American citizens and families across its consular district, the U.S. Consulate in Lyon focuses heavily on innovation and new technology programs, student outreach, youth sports initiatives and U.S. market promotion, among other events. The Consulate has partnered with the City of Lyon to promote new technology vehicles, driving a Chevrolet Volt to promote the resurgent U.S. auto industry. In addition, the Consulate launched a Green Design Prize in 2011 with the Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Architecture in Lyon, as well as an Intel-style prize in 2012 for high school scientific research, creating a public-private partnership with Lyon and Grenoble. Through the Rhone-Alpes partnership with Pennsylvania, the Consulate also brought Little League baseball and softball to France, bringing accreditation to French teams across the country and ensuring equal access to sports opportunities for boys and girls.
Rennes - American Presence Post
Principal Officer: Consul Robert J. Tate
Address: 30, Quai Duguay-Trouin 35000 Rennes, France
Telephone/Fax Numbers: 02 23 44 09 60/02 99 35 00 62
Email: usarennes@state.gov
Website: http://rennes.usconsulate.gov; www.facebook.com/usdos.rennes
The American Presence Post (APP) in Rennes is dedicated to strengthening economic and cultural ties between western France and the United States. It also serves the 10,000 American citizens that live in the regions of Lower Normandy, Brittany and the Pays de la Loire. The consular district includes the regions of Brittany, Lower Normandy, and Pays de la Loire, and is home to 13% of the French population, with nearly 8 million inhabitants.
APP Rennes supports U.S.-based companies by counseling them on market opportunities, regulations and methods of doing business in western France. In addition to putting U.S. companies in contact with local French businesses and industry groups, APP Rennes identifies major projects on their behalf and provides support for their bids on projects. Additionally, every year, APP Rennes takes part in a number of trade shows in the U.S. and in France, with an industry portfolio focused on shipbuilding (civil and defense), agriculture, agribusiness, environment, the automotive industry, information technology and telecommunications. The Northwest is France’s largest agricultural and agribusiness production area.
Once an independent country, the region of Brittany is steeped in Celtic tradition. The region enjoys numerous ties with the United States, thanks largely to Breton immigration during the first half of the 20th century. Best known to most Americans as the site of the D-Day landings, Normandy also played a key role in world history when William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066. The Loire Region is famous for its medieval and Renaissance castles, as well as for its wines.
Once a predominantly agricultural region with some pockets of industry, northwestern France has followed the path of industrialization and urbanization. The three regions of Brittany, Lower Normandy, and Pays de la Loire account for roughly 11% of French GDP, with unemployment slightly below the national average (currently 9%), as well as 9% of French exports and 8.5% of imports.
Toulouse - American Presence Post
Principal Officer: Consul Rachel Schneller
Address: 25, allées Jean-Jaurès, 31000 Toulouse
Telephone/Fax Numbers: 05 34 41 36 50/05 34 41 16 19
Email: usatoulouse@state.gov
Website: http://toulouse.usconsulate.gov
The Midi-Pyrénées is the largest geographic region in France with a population of 2.5 million. Its capital, Toulouse, is the fourth largest city in France. The University of Toulouse, with 120,000 students, is the second largest university in France. An estimated 3000 American citizens reside in the Midi-Pyrenees, primarily in and around Toulouse. Toulouse is known as the “Ville Rose” for its typical pink-brick buildings, many of which have signature pastel blue shutters. The city was a historical center for Resistance activity during WWII. Rugby is a regional passion. Violets are the city flower. The region is known for its cuisine, specifically foie gras, cassoulet, and Roquefort cheese.
Key industries in the region include agriculture, aeronautics, medical research, pharmaceuticals, education. Airbus is located in Toulouse and employs 14,000 individuals. France’s NASA equivalent, CNES (Centre National des Etudes Spatiales), has a research center in Toulouse.
There is a strong presence of U.S. companies in Toulouse. The U.S is the second largest trading partner for the Midi-Pyrénées region (after Germany). Aviation accounts for over 90% of both imports and exports. Despite the importance of aeronautics to its economy, more people in this region are employed in the agricultural sector (100,000 employed in agriculture versus 60,000 in aeronautics). Over 100 U.S. companies are established in the region, notably in aviation and information technology, and are responsible for approximately 9,000 primarily high-skilled jobs. Goodrich (UTC Aerospace Systems), Rockwell Collins, Ratier Figeac (UTC Aerospace Systems), Honeywell, Pioneer, IBM, Coca-Cola and Pioneer all have a presence in the region.
Toulouse is one of the fastest growing cities in France, attracting an estimated 15,000 additional people per year seeking employment opportunities in Toulouse’s high-tech companies or to study in its universities. Toulouse’s pleasant climate, and its proximity to both the Blagnac International airport and popular outdoor sports activities in the Pyrénées mountains, also attract many tourists and retirees. Toulouse is centrally located in southern France, located 2-3 hours by train from both Bordeaux and Marseille, and about 3 hours from Barcelona in Spain.
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