An evening with the Huguenots:
Huguenot is a name by which the French Protestants are often designated. Its etymology is uncertain. According to some the word is a popular corruption of the German Eidgenossen (conspirators, confederates), which was used at Geneva to designate the champions of liberty and of union with the Swiss Confederation, as distinguished from those who were in favour of submission to the Duke of Savoy. The close connection of the Protestants with Geneva, in the time of Calvin, might have caused this name to be given to them a little before the year 1550 under the form eigenots (or aignots), which became huguenots under the influence of Hugues, Bezanson Hugues being one of their chiefs.Others have maintained that the word was first used at Tours and was applied to the early Lutherans, because they were wont to assemble near the gate named after Hugon, a Count of Tours in ancient times, who had left a record of evil deeds and had become in popular fancy a sort of sinister and maleficent genius.
This name the people applied in hatred and derision to those who were elsewhere called Lutherans, and from Touraine it spread throughout France. This derivation would account for the form Hugonots, which is found in the correspondence of the Venetian ambassadors and in the documents of the Vatican archives, and for that of Huguenots, which eventually prevailed in the usage of Catholics, conveying a slight shade of contempt or hostility, which accounts for its complete exclusion from official documents of Church and State. Those to whom it was applied called themselves the Réformés (Reformed); the official documents from the end of the sixteenth century to the Revolution usually call them the prétendus réformés (pseudo-reformed). Since the eighteenth century they have been commonly designated "French Protestants", the title being suggested by their German co-religionists, or Calvinists, as being disciples of Calvin.
Whatever the name, these are the Protestant Reformed who left from the shores of the Aquitaine to go to a better life in South Africa, The Netherlands, Poland, England, America, Germany and Belgium. At least 250,000 Huguenots left France around the 1680's.
To hear more about them and their rich history and even richer heritage, come listen to Henri Lachèze at the Chateau Lalinde on Thursday 2 February 2006 at 18h30.
Booking is essential as space is limited. Click
Thursday, 16 March 2006
"Marqueyssac for ever", a talk by Stephanie Angleys at 18h30.
The Gardens of Marqueyssac, near Sarlat, are an architectural masterpiece. They are situated along a high ridge planted with approximately 150,000 box trees coaxed into fantastic topiary shapes, an art the French have mastered since the days of Louis XIV. In the middle of this verdant fantasy sits a 17th century manor. On evenings in July and August, all the paths and balustrades are lit with candles to provide a scene worthy of a royal wedding, but in march, the delightful and knowledgeable Stephanie Angleys will take you on an imaginary but vivid tour of the gardens and their fascinating history.An evening not to be missed.
Again, limited seats, so book your place early by clicking
TAGS: France Special Events
Chateau Lalinde Perigord Dordogne
Holidays in France
