Le Rochambeau – juillet 2026

Bonjour à toutes et à tous,

We have some exciting news to share on this first day of July.

First, we would like to announce that this spring that the Alliance Française of Richmond, chapter Rochambeu, was honored to be selected as a Community Partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Through this statewide initiative, VMFA offers complimentary lectures to its partners, enriching cultural engagement across Virginia.

We are delighted to announce that our inaugural program will take place on September 26th at 2 pm, featuring VMFA’s Trent Nichols and his talk, “The Lighter Side of Surrealism: Rousseau, Magritte, and Cornell.” You can find more details and register for the event at this link.

Conversation Française — July Gathering

This month’s conversation française will be hosted at the home of Scott Koehler on July 11 at 3:00 p.m. All are welcome whatever your French level is — it’s a relaxed, friendly way to practice your French and meet fellow members. You may register for the event here.

Bastille Day Celebration

Our Bastille Day Celebration is now full. If you are interested in attending, please send us an email, and we will put you on the wait-list.

Club de Lecture

Now is the time to start reading “Une soupe aux herbes sauvages” (A Life of Her Own), by Émilie Carles. Her bestselling autobiography has been widely translated and adapted into a TV film. On August 22nd at 2 pm, Françoise Mullen will lead the group in a discussion of the book in early fall. You can register at this link. The discussion will be in French.

The Federation of Alliances Françaises USA events in July:

The Federation of Alliances Françaises USA is offering three different discussions this month:

Liberty, Equality, Fashion : The Women Who Style the French Revolution with Anne Higonnet. More information and Registration can be found here.

Conte d’été (A Summer’s Tale - 1996) follows Gaspard, a shy young man spending his vacation in Brittany, as he drifts between three different women while trying—and failing—to decide what he truly wants. The film quietly observes how indecision, desire, and chance encounters shape a summer that is as emotionally uncertain as it is sunlit and carefree. You can register for the event here.

The Surprising Story Behind the Liberty Bell and the French Alps, with Anne Paccard (en français).  To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States—and the 230th anniversary of the Paccard Foundry—come and discover how this family-run business near Annecy, in the Haute-Savoie region, came to undertake the USA Liberty Bell project. You will also hear about several of their other installations across the United States that share a direct connection to the French Alps.  You can register here.

That’s all for now. We wish each of you a wonderful July filled with connection, community, and the shared Franco‑American traditions that make this month so special.

Warm regards,

The team at Alliance Française of Richmond - Chapitre Rochambeau