If Loir-et-Cher was one of the forgotten cradles of Franco-American friendship? On May 30 and 31, the Royal Chateau de Blois will take on the appearance of an American capital. On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, the national congress of the France-United States association will be held there for two days of conferences, meetings, and historical memory. A symbolic event in a territory that claims an ancient connection to American history.
“For this America 250 year, we are extremely happy to host this national congress in Blois,” said Jérôme Danard, national president of the France-United States association and the Loir-et-Cher branch. Loir-et-Cher made a significant contribution during the American War of Independence.”
“Loir-et-Cher is 100% Franco-Americanâ€
Because behind the commemorations, the department intends to recall its role in the history of the United States. “Loir-et-Cher is 100% Franco-American,” insists Jérôme Danard. According to him, it’s difficult to talk about American independence without mentioning Marshal Rochambeau, commander of the French expeditionary force sent by Louis XVI to support the American insurgents, whose headquarters were in Thoré-la-Rochette.
Another key figure: Jacques-Donatien Leray de Chaumont, owner of the Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire and close to Benjamin Franklin. “Thanks to him, there was extremely significant support for Washington’s army,” recalls the association’s president.
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“A sincere and true friendship between our two countries”
“Franco-American friendship is not only about governments, which come and go. It is primarily about the people,” emphasizes Jérôme Danard. In a tense international context, with attacks from Donald Trump against Europe, tensions around NATO, and debates about European strategic autonomy, celebrating the United States could seem delicate.
But for Jérôme Danard, Franco-American relations go beyond political changes. “Like in any couple, there are sometimes tensions. But these are just passing moments,” he says. This friendship is not fragile because it is sincere and true between our two countries.”
Conferences, Comics, and Strolls
Labeled “Freedom 250” by the American embassy, the congress will be marked by several highlights. Auctioneer Philippe Rouillac will offer a conference entitled “From the banks of the Loire to the birth of the United States,” through rare books, historical objects, and some surprises from the 18th century. General Vincent de Kytspotter will then look back on “250 years of bilateral military relations between France and the United States.” Finally, US specialist and LCI editorialist Elizabeth Sheppard-Sellam will analyze “The beginning of the Trump era in American history.”
The congress will also host a book and comic book fair dedicated to Franco-American relations. Illustrators Etienne Le Roux and Loïc Chevallier, will present their trilogy “Liberty,” published by Delcourt.
On Sunday morning, congress participants will take a stroll around Blois under the theme of the Franco-American city, with a stop at the prefecture. “In the grand salon, there is a quite surprising painting…,” hints Jérôme Danard, without saying more.
Blois in an American atmosphere
Just days before the event, registrations continue to flow in. French, expatriate Americans, dual nationals, history enthusiasts, or American culture lovers are expected in Blois. “We will have a good representation of all the people who contribute, in one way or another, to the Franco-American relationship,” emphasizes Jérôme Danard.
He himself admits to living this history as “a passion” since adolescence. “I fell in love with American culture, but especially with Franco-American history,” he says. Two and a half centuries after the birth of the United States, Blois intends to remind that part of this history was also written on the banks of the Loire.
