Learning about France via AVF

First a quick explanation for any new comers to our blog…AVF (Accueil des Villes Française) is a government-sponsored organization designed to help foreign newcomers to France and French returning to France after living elsewhere get integrated into life in their city.  We have enjoyed the classes, soirées, and outings available via AVF since our first stay in Lyon.

One of the classes we have particularly enjoyed is Découverte de la France (Discovering  France) which meets twice a month. La matrice, Andrée-Anne, often assigns topics for people in the class to research and present. 

Today, Jannie (from the Netherlands) talked to us about the string of chateaux (click here if you’d like more info on them) along the Loire River.  Most of them started out as fortifications and later evolved into more palatial edifices.  Jannie spent most of the time today introducing us to Château de Saumur.  Construction was begun in the 12^th century and completed in the 15^th century.  It was built under the auspices of Saint Louis and has served as the fortification and palace for the dukes of Anjou, a château for the kings of France, a prison, a munitions depot, and now houses a museum for the city of Saumur.

The château is quite impressive, and as you can see in this picture, was sited to have an unimpeded view of its surroundings and the river.

Definitely something we’ll put on our growing list of “things to see.”