Glimpses of the Spirit of France: What makes Versailles French is its eminently aristocratic and rational tone, complemented by a touch of organicity and fantasy.
By Thomas Drake
On a beautiful February Saturday afternoon, a Ladies’ Talk & Tea took place at the Tradition, Family, Property-Louisiana Acadiana center in Lafayette. An illustrated talk on The Spirit of France with lively observations from several of the 28 participants, preceded the French-themed Social Tea.
The meeting was based on commentaries made by Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira describing the French Spirit as it is expressed in this noble country’s famous chateaus and gardens. It also discussed social customs and manners characteristic of France and rooted in its long Christian history as the first-born daughter of the Church.
The height of good taste in French art is to do something extremely well thought out with the naturalness of someone who is extremely intelligent. Because looking at Cheverny, you don’t get the idea that someone strained their brain to build it.
The three-tiered social tea stands with special treats were delightful to the eye and the palate. The ladies themselves provided the culinary delights that were received with great joy and cordiality. A favorite tea was the Marco Polo tea blended by the Mariage Freres company in Paris.
The next Ladies Talk & Tea program in April will likely continue with Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira’s commentaries on The Spirit of Venice. Those interested in receiving an invitation, please contact Mrs. Marie Sallinger at LouisianaTFP@gmail.com with your name, address, and phone number.
These Ladies Talks & Tea programs provide an occasion for a much needed Catholic cultural and intellectual development within today’s busy life.
City Side of Versailles, Chateau de Versailles, by Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70191270
Castle of Cheverny, Loir-et-Cher, France, by Manfred Heyde, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3190180