Programs & Events 2008
Ambassador Stapleton Visits the Historic Cities of Orleans and Bourges
July 12-13, 2008
Always interested in visiting different French regions, Ambassador Stapleton went to the Loire Valley, Orleanais and Berry counties in central France. He first visited the Chenonceau castle's latest exhibit dedicated to French painter Olivier Debré. Chenonceau is known as the “Women’s Castle” thanks to Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici, Madame Dupain, and other women who stayed at the chateau. In Orleans, the Ambassador met with Mayor Serge Grouard who took him for a walking tour of the city's medieval quarters. At Orleans Cathedral, he met with a group of young American citizens learning French for the summer at the home of the Deputy Mayor for Cultural Affairs Mr. Eric Valette. In Bourges, the Deputy Mayor for Cultural Affairs Mr. Philippe Gitton and France Etats-Unis local delegate Mr. Alain Bonnichon guided the Ambassador on a historic tour of the city including the cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the medieval quarters.