It’s a song that resembles us: the first exhibition of the Cité internationale de la langue française
International city of the French language
Until January 5, 2024
Would the French language no longer be the prerogative of Molière? What if, rather than writing, we started singing! The International City of the French Languagedecides to shake things up, propelling us into another history of French and France, which is being exported today... in song. From the sweetness of words of love to the force of cries of revolt, from the bohemian spirit of poets to the elegance of academicians, this exhibition propels us, in music, into the greatest titles in history, awakening our forgotten memories, mixing yesterday's hits with today's hits in a joyful score. Here Juliette Gréco's stage costumes provide a response to Aya Nakamura's gold and platinum records, Edith Piaf's "La Vie en Rose" echoes "Je t'aime moi non plus" by Serge Gainsbourg. We fall again under the irresistible charm of the words, the melodies and the voices that have always carried them. From the bridges of Paris to the streets of Montreal, from the beaches of Dakar to the cafes of Hanoi, French-language song resonates and inspires, conquering hearts across the world by sharing a universal message of humanity and dreams. Yes, it’s a song that resembles us.
Over nearly 400m², five unique atmospheres take us from the prestigious French cabaret to the freedom of the street, from the romantic music hall to the trendy club via the joy of dancing. We sail from melodies to melodies, happy that these treasures of creativity reach the whole world: after all, music is shared.
The route begins in the elegant and sophisticated world of cabarets, where you can admire the stage dresses of Juliette Gréco , provided by great couturiers like Balmain and Dior. These costumes, witnesses of a time when French song shone in clubs and theaters, remind us that the Music is also a visual art. Aya Nakamura, with her gold and platinum records on display, represents the continuation of this tradition of elegance and international success.
The room dedicated to the street explores a more militant aspect of French song. Here, songs of revolt and resistance find their place. From "La Marseillaise", revolutionary song par excellence, to "Le Déserteur" by Boris Vian{ 46}, each song tells a story of struggle and the quest for freedom. Joséphine Baker, artist and resistance fighter, is also honored for her passionate commitment, both on stage and in life.
The music hall is another fascinating facet of French song, with its big names and unforgettable moments. Céline Dion, with her album "D'eux", written by Jean-Jacques Goldman, is a shining example of the scope world of French song. The cast hands of Edith Piaf, exhibited in this room, symbolize both the personal tragedy and the universality of her art.
The club highlights avant-garde artists like Françoise Hardy, icon of "swinging London" of the 1960s, and the group of { 76}Négresses Vertes, pioneer of post-punk. These artists were able to embody a certain idea of French modernity, seducing audiences around the world with their daring styles and innovative sounds.
Finally, the dancing room celebrates the hedonism and joie de vivre that French song knows how to express so well. From zouk by Kassav' to "Je t'aime moi non plus" by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin, this section explores how French-speaking music makes the whole world dance. The famous guitar in the shape of the African continent of Jacob Desvarieux, one of the founders of Kassav', is one of the key objects in this section, symbolizing the global impact of music Creole.
Did you know? The Château de Villers-Cotterêts, a true jewel of the Renaissance built in 1532 by François Ier, is famous for { 110}the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts of 1539, which established French as the official language of administrative and legal acts in France.
A castle that was not always so wise... Legend has it that the King nicknamed it “My Pleasure” in echo of the wildest royal parties that he organized there.
INTERNATIONAL CITY OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE - CHÂTEAU DE VILLERS-COTTERÊTS
From June 19 to January 5, 2025
1 pl. Aristide Briand, 02600 Villers-Cotterêts
