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In a former royal chateau in Villers-Cotterêts in the Aisne department, Picardy, a fascinating new cultural venue presents the history of the French language, Janine Marsh visits to find out more. “I like books about adventure, something with a twist in the plot” said a man out loud in a room full of strangers. And out of nowhere came a voice recommending books that the voice was sure the man would like. But this was no mystical oracle – it was the magic library at the International City of French Language in Villers-Cotterêts, a rather sleepy little town, not far from Paris. Now before you think I’ve lost the plot (sorry for the pun!), the magic library is the name of a computer programme that resides inside a cube containing thousands of books at the Cité internationale de la langue française, a unique venue in a former royal castle that’s dedicated to language – not just French but languages of the world. You may be wondering what exactly inspired such a place to be here. Well, it’s a tale of old and new. Magic library The International City of French LANGUAGE A man of his word “It’s not a museum” says Paul Rondin, Director of the venue “It’s a cultural space, an international city about French language, French culture and the evolution of languages around the world.” Which sounds like it might be rather dry – however, it’s anything but. The reason that the Cité is here, goes back hundreds of years. It’s all due to King Francois 1, who began building the castle in 1532 as it was close to the Forest of Retz, one of his favourite hunting grounds and then one of the biggest forests in France. And, it was here that the King signed an ordnance on August 25, 1539 which imposed the French language in official, administrative and legal acts such as birth, marriage and death certificates, replacing Latin. The ordnance is the oldest legislative text in force in France today. It was an act of centralisation of administrative power and strengthened the sovereignty and identity Chateau of Villers-Cotterêts of France, a common language to be used – and understood - by all the Kings people. Over time, the castle was handed down through the royal family. The fun-loving Phillippe d’Orleans, brother of Louis XIV was a one-time resident and it’s here that 90 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 91
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