France is set to open the ‘Cité Internationale de la Langue Française‘ (Museum of the French Language) at the Château de Villers-Cotterêts, symbolically significant as the place where French was established as the administrative language in 1539.

Originally planned for mid-October, the museum’s inauguration was delayed due to a tragedy. It will now open on November 1st after a €185 million renovation. The museum’s first exhibit, ‘L’aventure du français,’ explores the history, evolution, and cultural impact of the French language. The museum boasts 15 rooms, over 150 items, visual and sound exhibits, and a “lexical sky” in the courtyard.

Future exhibits will cover globally popular French-language songs. The Château has a rich history associated with French literature and culture. France’s government plans to host the Francophonie Summit at the site in 2024. The museum will offer self-guided tours with content in multiple languages and a free mobile app for translations. It will operate from Tuesday to Sunday, with ticket prices at €9 for adults, free entrance for EU citizens under 26, and discounts for others.

Accessible by car or train, the Château is a short walk from Villers-Cotterêts station, around 45 minutes by TER train from Paris Gare du Nord.