Historically, a salon de conversation was a gathering of people of quality under the roof of an inspiring hostess or host, partly to amuse one another and partly to refine their taste and increase their knowledge through conversation and readings.

The word salon first appeared in France in 1664 from the Italian word salone, itself from sala, the large reception hall of Italian mansions. Before the end of the 17th century, these gatherings were frequently held in the bedroom of a lady, reclining on her bed, while her close friends sat on chairs or stools drawn around. Molière colorfully painted these women in one of his famous plays, Les Précieuses Ridicules.

The first renowned salon in France was the Hôtel de Rambouillet, in Paris, which its hostess, Roman-born Catherine de Vivonne, marquise de Rambouillet, ran from 1607 until her death in 1665. She established the rules of etiquette of the salon, which resembled the earlier codes of Italian chivalry. The salon evolved into a well-regulated practice that focused on and reflected enlightened public opinion by encouraging the exchange of news and ideas. By the mid-eighteenth century the salon had become an institution in French society and functioned as a major channel of communication among intellectuals.

The salons de conversation organized by the Alliance Française d’Austin have a more casual and friendly goal than these famous think tanks. Here, we focus on practicing French, meeting new friends, and sharing one’s experience and open-mind. Beside the original salons, our gatherings gained its warmth what they lost in intellectual soaring.