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Upcoming Events
Remembering D-Day: Operation Double Cross
Thursday 6th June 11:30-12:30 EST
On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, delve into the captivating world of wartime espionage and deception as we explore the intriguing Double Cross System, a covert operation that played a pivotal role in the Allied victory during World War II. In this exclusive online talk, walking tour author Stewart Ross reveals the fascinating details of how a network of double agents managed to throw the Nazis off the scent of the Allied invasion force, playing a crucial role in the successful landings at Normandy. Join us as we honour the stories of these remarkable individuals who risked everything to turn the tide of the war.
The Gardens of Versailles, A Timeless Wonder
Thursday 1st August 11:00-12:00 EST
Join us for an exclusive online exploration of the magnificent, centuries-old gardens of the Palace of Versailles, led by renowned garden expert Amy Kupec-Larue. With over 30 years of experience living, working, and guiding tours throughout France, Amy will take you on a captivating journey through these iconic grounds, which were first established in the 1630s and have bewitched visitors ever since. It was during the reign of Louis XIV, that the gardens truly blossomed into the grand, sprawling masterpiece we know today, under the helm of landscape architect André Le Nôtre. Amy’s deep knowledge and passion for French gardens will bring these stunning grounds to life, revealing their rich history, innovative design, and horticultural wonders.
About your hosts
Sylvia Edwards Davis
Sophie Gardner-Roberts
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The France Today Masterclass
Welcome to our exclusive masterclass—an invitation to immerse yourself in explorations that delve into the depths of French culture, arts, and history. Embrace this exceptional occasion to interact with a distinguished specialist who possesses a comprehensive understanding of the subject. A carefully crafted, 2-hour virtual presentation will include a brief intermission of 10 minutes and two question-and-answer sessions, giving you the opportunity to submit your queries directly. To enhance your experience, attendees will receive supplementary reference materials, as well as an opportunity to pre-submit a question to the speaker.
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Past Masterclasses
Napoleon: A Political Animal
Thursday, March 7th 12:00 – 14:00 (EST)
Join Professor Rafe Blaufarb in a captivating online masterclass, “Napoleon: A Political Animal,” delving into the complex persona of Napoleon Bonaparte. This two-hour event offers a fascinating journey into the heart and mind of one of history’s most influential figures. In the first part of the masterclass, Professor Blaufarb provides a comprehensive overview of Napoleon’s early years and rise to prominence, offering insights into the forces that would shape the course of his political journey, and mold the political animal he would become. The second part of the masterclass focuses on a pivotal period in Napoleon’s reign—the short-lived era of peace (1802-1804) and the incredible range of lasting accomplishments he achieved during this brief period, to lay the groundwork for fundamental French institutions and civil reforms.
In Search of Marcel Proust: The Life and Work of a Literary Legend
Thursday, October 19th 12:00 – 14:00 (EST)
Join us for a two-hour masterclass on Marcel Proust, one of the greatest literary voices of the twentieth century, guided by Professor William Carter, author of the definitive biography Marcel Proust: A Life. In the first hour, we will explore Proust’s life and times, examining his character, development as an artist, and his passionate attachment to his mother, his deep love for the scenes of his youth, his flirtation with Parisian high society, his complicated sexual desires, and his irrevocable commitment to literary truth. In the second part, we will drill down on his masterpiece, In Search of Lost Time, exploring its themes, characters, and structure.
Reign of Terror: The French Revolution in 1792–1794
Thursday, September 21st 12:30 – 14:30 (EST)
Join us for a fascinating two-hour journey into the depths of the Reign of Terror, the most dramatic and violent episode in the French Revolution. Your guide will be Professor Colin Jones, a specialist in the French Revolution and author of a recently-published study of the overthrow of Robespierre and the end of the Terror. This event will take us beyond the ubiquitous images of the Revolutionary Tribunal and the guillotine to analyse the causes, the character and the consequences of the Terror.
Victor Hugo: Man, Myth and Legacy Masterclass
Thursday, June 1st 12:30 – 14:30 (EST)
Our first masterclass was a fascinating two-hour journey into the life, myth, and legacy of Victor Hugo, one of the most celebrated figures in French literature. In this webinar, Professor Bradley Stephens, a specialist in French literature and author of the biography Victor Hugo, Critical Lives, guided us through Hugo’s life, his importance, and how he has been commemorated. We debunked some of the clichés surrounding this iconic figure to gain a deeper understanding of his work. We explored the renovation of Notre Dame de Paris and the tension between creative freedom and respect for heritage.