Découverte de la France

We have been members of AVF since we came to live in Lyon for a year in 2010.  (AVF or  Accueil des Villes Françaises is an organization that assists returning French and foreigners living in France become acclimated into current life in France.)  There are a number of activities, classes, and groups within AVF, and one we particularly enjoy is Découverte de la France.  Andrée-Anne, our fearless leader, created and conducts this class that is designed to help all us newbies learn about the geography, history, architecture, and culture of France.  (The class is entirely in French, by the way.) We have learned a great deal about France, met some delightful people and made new friends (including  Andrée-Anne) in the class.  So, although we are here for a short period of time, we made sure to fit in a class this trip.

And, last Tuesday we made our way over to AVF for the class.  Andrée-Anne’s current theme is “les grandes figures de l'histoire de France", and Asta, a classmate, was giving a presentation on Louis IX or Saint Louis.  It was great to reconnect with many of our AVF friends, and to enjoy Asta’s informative research and talk.  As always, we learned several new bits of information.  (For instance, did you know that after Louis died while on a crusade, his body was chopped up and preserved in a cask of wine so they could return his body to France?)  

As a surprise bonus, one of our classmates had brought a bottle of Champagne and some chocolates to class.  David was called upon to open the bottle and managed to do so without spilling a drop – you never know how much the bottle has been bounced around in transit.  So our class ended with toasts, bises, and good wishes all around.  How very civilized! 

Enjoying the Champagne with Andrée-Anne

 (sitting in the middle wearing the purple sweater)