Bonjour! As you know, our mission at French Affaires is two-fold: to bring wonderful aspects of France to the U.S. and also to help Americans experience the best of France while traveling there. A propos, we’re putting on sort of a ‘France Fest’ this March in Texas. Below is a summary of the French events and classes going on…If you are thinking about traveling to France and could use some insider tips or just want a fun France moment without having to pack a suitcase, come and join us!
“French for Travelers” – March 19 to 21, 2018, at SMU in Dallas
If you’re headed to France for the first time or even if you’ve been before, our “French for Travelers” course will help ensure you have a marvelous time – and also help avoid any unwelcome surprises! Instructor Dr. Elizabeth New Seitz has been teaching this class at SMU for over 10 years and it’s always a sell-out. In this special mini-intensive lecture series, Dr. Seitz will discuss French and American habits and attitudes, introduce essential language for a variety of situations (including restaurants – how to order, what to order, what NOT to order), highlight French customs and vocabulary for a variety of contexts (table manners, shopping, hotels, museums, how to ask for gift wrapping!), teach indispensable pronunciation tips, and provide a great list of French travel essentials. Real life stories and anecdotes about travel in France and interacting with the French make this a lively and fun class. You will also walk away with specific tips and strategies about traveling like a pro in France (by train, Metro, air) as well as the confidence to really enjoy your time there. This course complements previous study of the language, though no prior knowledge of French is required. The class includes six hours of rich instruction plus comprehensive handouts so you will walk away with a great toolkit and guide to take on your next trip to France. Please note that the class is conducted primarily in English with LOTS of good practice in French. You can bring your France travel questions too! Advance registration is required through SMU’s Continuing Studies Program. (NB: This is the only time this course will be offered in 2018 – just in time for the spring, summer and fall travel season!)
“A Day at Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte” Special Event Featuring Owner Alexandre de Vogue Co-Hosted with The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture – Thursday, March 22, 2018, from 6 to 8pm in Dallas*
French Affaires is pleased to partner with The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture to co-host this insider’s tour of the magnificent privately-owned 17th century French castle and gardens that inspired the great chateaux of Europe, including the Palace of Versailles. Vaux-le-Vicomte’s rich history began in 1641 when France’s Finance Minister Nicolas Fouquet bought the estate and enlisted architect Louis le Vau, decorator Charles le Brun, and landscape designer Andre Le Notre to transform it into a perfect ensemble of artistic beauty and taste. King Louis XIV was so impressed that he took these designers and transformed the Chateau of Versailles into the dazzling palace it is today. Through the coordination of French Affaires Director Dr. Elizabeth New Seitz, Alexandre de Vogue, son of the owners of Vaux-le-Vicomte, will present a stunning virtual tour of “France’s best kept secret” and speak about A Day at Vaux-le-Vicomte, the beautiful volume co-authored by Alexandre and his brothers. Photo credit: Private Collection Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte
* This event is featured as part of the “French Cultures Festival” calendar for March 2018 sponsored by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in Houston.
“Paris Museum Tour: A Visual Guided Visit of the French Capital’s Best Art Venues” – Monday, March 26, 2018, from 7 to 9pm at SMU in Dallas*
Paris is the museum-lover’s paradise par excellence. With France expert Dr. Elizabeth New Seitz as your guide, take a visual tour of the most spectacular art institutions in the French capital. Explore the history, architectural features, and art collections of Paris’ most renowned museums including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin among others. Discover lesser-known venues and their artistic treasures, such as the Musée Jacquemart-André, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and many more. You’ll enjoy your “art evening in Paris” and also come away with insider knowledge and logistics tips to make the most of your next trip there. Advance registration required through SMU’s Continuing Studies Program.
* This event is featured as part of the “French Cultures Festival” calendar for March 2018 sponsored by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in Houston.
NB: For more information on the events and to register, please click on each event title. For questions, please email us at culture.france (at) frenchaffaires.com. Merci et à bientôt!