As the time draws near for our Assemblée Générale, it is certainly fair to say that the ‘French’ will be invading Southwest Florida. The good news is that most of them will be affiliated with the network of Alliances Françaises across the United States, arriving the third week in October.

So what indeed may be drawing them to our wonderful location on the Gulf of Mexico? Can it be the best shells on the beaches? Learning to say “ah.lee.ga.tawr” with that charming French accent that decries the true personality of that great green beast? Playing golf on the best courses in town?
You have entered “Paradise”.

But wait, I believe you have been lured to our Assemblée not by that certain “je ne sais quoi”, but by the opportunity to dialog with representatives from many chapters; to greet our Honorable Ambassador of France, M. Pierre Vimont; to attend workshops that will enable you to enhance your chapter offerings; and to sign up for outstanding programs that are part of the ‘Saison Culturelle’.

I know that President Sarkozy’s first 18 months in office will be a source of great discussion. Be sure to hear the Roundtable participants speak of this daring leader’s imprimatur for the future of France as well as his accomplishments and challenges.

Having trouble keeping “les enfants terribles” en ligne? Pascal Saura will straighten that right out with his program of Alliance Enfance. Please make time to meet with Thierry Lagnau, our Delegue General, and Isabelle Gruet who will be presenting the cultural offerings.

We are honored, also, to welcome our Consul Général of France in Miami, M. Philippe Vinogradoff, who keeps us straight here in Southwest Florida, a formidable task! Please be sure to introduce yourselves to him.

We look forward to saying, “Bienvenue”!