On Friday the 2^nd of June, Alliance Française Pietermaritzburg, together with St Charles College, once again hosted the French Week Cocktail Evening in which we had the privilege of welcoming the newly appointed French Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Mr David Martinon, the Consul General of France in South Africa, Mr Etienne Chapon and the Counsellor for French Citizens Living Overseas, Mr Alexandre Barrière-Izard.

Before the evening officially began, our principal, Mr Allen van Blerk, took our guests on a tour of our beautiful campus which showcased our latest facilities. After which, Alliance Française Pietermaritzburg presented the Prince Imperial Route which is celebrated each year at the end of May. This is to commemorate Louis Napoléon’s journey from Pietermaritzburg to Dundee in northern KwaZulu-Natal in the late 1800s.  The evening was a great success and afforded the guests an opportunity to not only discuss the deep-rooted connection that our province has with France but also that which exists with the College. We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming HE Mr Martinon, Mr Chapon and Mr Barrière-Izard back to the College next year.

– Mrs Carrissa Ortmann