Le Rochambeau - avril 2025

Bonjour chers membres et amis

April 2025 is here, and spring has sprung! We’re thrilled to share that we’ve been busy working to bring you an exciting lineup of activities to enjoy over the coming months.

Over the winter season, we have been teaching French to a large number of students through a variety of engaging online and in-person classes.  A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all of our dedicated teachers and enthusiastic students for helping to make the Alliance Française of Richmond’s language program a success.

Here’s what we have planned for the coming months:

We are currently in the registration process for our French summer camp for children. We have two weeks planned this year and we welcome you to consider enrolling your child or grand-child in this fun and informative session. We have had wonderful reviews from our previous two summer camps, and this year we have expanded the camp to a second session. You can find more details here.

Secondly, we have an in-person discussion planned with the authors’ of Assassination in Vichy. Gayle K. Brunelle and Annette Finley-Croswhite have written a gripping historical account that delves into the murder of Marx Dormoy, a prominent French Socialist politician, during the Nazi occupation of France. Dormoy, known for his courageous opposition to fascism and his relentless pursuit of the right-wing terrorist group "Cagoule," became a target of revenge. On July 26, 1941, a powerful bomb planted in his hotel room ended his life, sparking a politically charged investigation that exposed the dark underbelly of the Vichy regime. This meticulously researched book not only unravels the mystery behind Dormoy's assassination but also paints a vivid portrait of a divided France grappling with political polarization, wartime choices, and the struggle to define its identity in the aftermath of World War II. It’s a compelling tale of courage, betrayal, and the enduring impact of history. Annette will be joining us here in Richmond at the Richmond Public Library and her co-author Gayle will be joining via video-conference from France. This event will occur at the Richmond West End Public Library and you can register for the event here.

On Tuesday April 2nd, the Federation of Alliances Françaises and reporter Elaine Sciolio will present Adventures in the Louvre, which offers an intimate and captivating exploration of the world's most famous museum. As a former New York Times Paris bureau chief, Sciolino takes usß on a journey through the Louvre's galleries, basements, rooftops, and gardens. She introduces her favorite artworks—both iconic and overlooked—and shares stories of the curators, artisans, and other individuals who bring the museum to life. Blending investigative journalism, travelogue, history, and memoir, the book reveals the secrets of this grand Parisian monument and celebrates its timeless allure. You can register for the event here.

On April 9th we will join author Roger Mummert and his exploration of "Paris Goods" which delves into the evolution of luxury retailing in Paris, tracing its roots from medieval markets to the grand department stores of the 19th century. The industrial revolution, rising bourgeois wealth, and advancements in transportation transformed shopping into a theatrical and social experience. Iconic stores like Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette emerged as palaces of commerce, blending innovation in merchandising with Parisian elegance. This narrative celebrates Paris as a global symbol of style, quality, and luxury, showcasing its enduring influence on fashion and retail. You can register for the event here.

On April 12th, please join the Alliance Française of Richmond for a delightful morning filled with French flair, fine food, and fantastic company! From 11 AM to 1 PM, members and friends will gather at the charming T-Caf Salon to indulge in a special French brunch that promises to transport your taste buds straight to Paris. But that's not all—the highlight of the event will be a live crêpe cooking demonstration, where you'll discover the art of crafting these delicate and delectable treats. Whether you're a Francophile, a foodie, or simply looking for a unique experience, this event is sure to be a treat for all the senses. Don’t miss this opportunity to savor the essence of France, right here in Richmond!  Bon appétit, and we look forward to seeing you there! Please register here for the event, prior to April 8th.

In May, the Alliance Française of Richmond has the distinct pleasure of being hosted once again by our former President, Demas Boudreaux, for a charming evening aperitif. This exclusive event will take place on Saturday, May 10th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, and promises to be an experience steeped in history. This evening of conversation, refreshments, and a touch of French tradition will undoubtedly be a highlight of the spring season. For more information and to register, click here. We look forward to seeing you there!

And finally, we would like to share an upcoming musical event performed by our member and friend Eliot Norman. Eliot and Friends will be presenting Rachmaninoff with Love, a special Alliance Française of Richmond event on May 3rd at 2pm. You can register for the event, and find more information, by emailing Eliot at eliotnorman1948@gmail.com and at this Event link.

That’s all for now. You can find all the details on our Events page on our website. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events.

À la prochaine !

Brian S. Burns

President – Alliance Française Richmond

p.s....If you're looking for a fun French word puzzle for the family, try this!