Promoting French language and culture
The Chapitre de Grasse
The Chapitre de Grasse was founded in 1969 to connect people with others interested in the French language and francophone culture. The chapter serves members living in the Hampton Roads community, which includes the cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and surrounding areas.
The chapter was so named in honor of François-Joseph-Paul, marquis de Grasse-Tilly, comte de Grasse (1722-1788), a French admiral who commanded the French naval force that fought the British off Cape Henry and prevented them from entering the Chesapeake Bay during the American Revolutionary War. The British ships had sailed from New York to supply General Cornwallis, who was surrounded by Washington’s forces in Yorktown. This little-recognized action led to the inevitable surrender of Cornwallis.
For upcoming special and regular events, click here.
Special chapter events
- Bastille Day
- Yorktown Day
- Beaujolais Nouveau
- Fête de Noël
- Fête des Rois
- Mardi Gras
Regular chapter events
