Cultural outing to Villers-Cotterêts: a day of cohesion for the French Young Friends network
On Saturday 3rd, February 2024, the Friends of the Musée de Cluny association met in Villers-Cotterêts for a cultural outing, under the impetus of the Young Friends, joined by the "Action Jeunes" group of the Fédération Française des Associations d'Amis de Musées. It was a memorable day, with nearly fifty participants, including around twenty Young Friends.
Organised by Alexis Bracquart, coordinator of the Young Friends of the Musée de Cluny, the day's programme was designed to offer an immersive and enriching experience, encouraging exchanges and encounters within the group.
The day began with an early-morning meeting at Paris Gare du Nord station, where the Friends met to catch the train to Villers Cotterêts. Once at their destination, an introduction to the town was given, followed by a free tour of the Cité de la Langue Française, which had just been inaugurated, allowing visitors to discover the cultural riches of this emblematic site.
At lunchtime, everyone had the choice between enjoying the local restaurants or opting for an open-air picnic. The lunchtime meal was an opportunity for the young people to have an enriching exchange with the Federation's "Action Jeunes" group, during which several projects were discussed. Discussions focused in particular on the year's theme "Identity and role of Young Friends" and on preparations for the Federation's annual congress. This exchange allowed the young people to share their ideas and perspectives, thus promoting cohesion within the group.
The afternoon was devoted to a guided tour of the Alexandre Dumas Museum. The young delegates had the opportunity to learn a little more about the history of this museum and the Dumas family, accompanied by an energetic and experienced guide.
Finally, the young people returned to Paris by train. For some privileged few, the day was extended with a preview of Olivier Py's "Molière imaginaire" at the Château de Villers-Cotterêts, followed by a quick dinner at La Tulipe restaurant, before catching the train home.
Alexis Bracquart, Young Friends of the Musée de Cluny coordinator, comments: "It was an exceptional day, with a rich and varied programme in a place that is right at the heart of current affairs, easily accessible and very affordable. The Cité de la Langue Française, which has just opened, is housed in a Renaissance-style château built in 1530. Despite a limited collection, the museography is highly interactive, with numerous games and screens, offering an immersive experience. As for the Alexandre Dumas museum, although modest in size, it proved to be very interesting, thanks in particular to our guide who was an expert on the subject. All in all, a memorable day out with the Friends and Young Friends, combining discovery, pleasure and cultural enrichment."
Eugénie de Froissard, in charge of Young Friends development at the Fédération Française des Amis de Musées (French Federation of Friends of Museums)