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History of the Maison Française
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At a meeting of the Board of Visitors held in Charlottesville on October 7, 1817, Thomas Jefferson wrote that he desired a French-speaking boarding facility at the University of Virginia "wherein it is proposed that the boarders shall be permitted to speak French only, with a view to their becoming familiarized to conversation in that language." In 1985, his desire came to fruition. The Maison Française, built in 1896 by Dr. Paul Barringer and located at 1404 Jefferson Park Avenue, is a prime example of the Queen Anne style of architecture. The mansion was renovated in 1984 and opened its doors to the first generation of French-speaking students in the Fall of 1985. It is both a residential house and a center for French cultural life at the University of Virginia. Students, faculty and members of the community all play an important role in fostering the unique cultural and educational atmosphere of the Maison Française.
The history of la Maison Française is also narrated by Addison Patrick in the following movie.
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AT THE MAISON
Time to talk! Join us for the Pause Café every Wednesday from 4-5 pm and Thursday from 4-5 pm for fun, informal conversations in French! All levels are welcome! Don't miss this opportunity to practice your conversational French! For more information, check us out on Instagram or email the French House activities coordinator, Guillaume Bisson (dju7qh@virginia.edu).
Movie Nights! Every Thursday at 7 pm, the French House hosts the Ciné Club, a screening and informal discussion of a selected film from the Francophone world! Discover exciting new films and revisit some of the classics. Weekly film selections are announced through our email listserv and on Instagram. To be added to the email listserv or to receive more information, please contact the French House activities coordinator, Guillaume Bisson (dju7qh@virginia.edu).
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
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Check us out on Instagram @lamaisonfrancaiseuva !
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For more information or other inquiries, please contact the French House director, Rachel Geer (rcg2s@virginia.edu)
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PART OF THE FRENCH HOUSE COMMUNITY?
Apply to live at the French House! The French House is open to all second, third, and fourth year students who are interested in becoming part of an academic living-learning community with a strong emphasis on French-language immersion.
Interested students may apply through the Housing and Residence Life website. Applications for the 2025-2026 year are due by October 27th at noon. Highly ranked candidates will be invited to attend a brief interview on Saturday, November 2nd.
For more information about applying to live at the French House, please contact French House Director, Professor Rachel Geer: rcg2s@virginia.edu
Want to learn more? Come get to know us and find out more about la vie en français à la Maison!! In the fall of 2024, we are hosting several events for students interested in applying (see below for a list of events). We look forward to meeting you soon!
Wednesday, October 16th, 4-5 pm: French House Tour & Information Session. Come meet Professor Geer during the Pause Café, ask questions about applying, and tour the inside of the French House!
Wednesday, October 23rd 6-7 pm: Open house and pizza party! Come join us for our festive open house party! From 6-7 pm, prospective students are invited to meet current French House residents, ask questions, eat pizza, and see a sampling of the unique and beautiful dorm rooms at the French House!
Friday, October 25th, 2:30-4 pm: Family weekend open house and cheese tasting! The French Department will host a special open house and cheese tasting for students studying French and their families. Come chat with professors and taste some classic French cheeses in the historic Barringer Mansion, home to la Maison Française!
Also on Friday, October 25th, 11:30-4 pm: come find our table at the On-grounds Housing Fair in Newcomb Hall and learn more about applying to live at the French House!