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Emmanuel Macron is a great lover of Molière’s language. The resident of the presidential palace likes to surprise people with old-fashioned expressions such as ‘croquignolesque’, which means something like ridiculous or absurd. Or ‘gallimatias’ – coarse confused, confused babble. With the ‘Cité Internationale de la langue française’, Macron has now realized one of his major projects: the first museum for the French language in a royal castle. The inauguration is scheduled for Monday.

At 210 million euros, the international Cité of the French language is the most expensive project of his term to date – after the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. To this end, he had the castle of Villers-Cotterêts completely renovated, a former hunting lodge from the Renaissance of King Francis I, located about 70 kilometers northeast of Paris. The opening is scheduled for the general public on November 1.

A choice of location with a strong symbolic character. In 1539, Francis I signed the famous “Ordinance”, which made French instead of Latin the official language of the country for all administrative acts in the kingdom. The area around the city with approximately 10,000 inhabitants is also home to well-known writers such as Alexandre Dumas, Jean de La Fontaine and Jean Racine.

The castle has a turbulent history

The castle itself also has a turbulent history. It served as a military hospital, a begging depot and until 2014 as a retirement home. In 2018, Macron decided to revive the dilapidated building.

The castle is dedicated to the French language and French-speaking cultures in all their facets. Multimedia devices illustrate the history of words and pronunciation, interactive games test spelling and language levels. Part of the castle is dedicated to artist residencies, exhibitions and concerts.

Official language in 29 states

The Molière language is spoken in many former colonies, as the French call their native language after the world-famous French playwright of the same name. It is the official language in 29 countries and the working language of numerous international organizations.

In November 2024, the Francophonie Summit will take place at the castle of Villers-Cotterêts, bringing together heads of state and government from countries linked by the French language. The summit last took place in France 33 years ago. (sda/dpa)