Conversation Workshops – Previous Events
11/02/2026 – Lassay-les-Châteaux – A Lively and Thought-Provoking Session
This week’s meeting of the Lassay-les-Châteaux conversation group offered a wide-ranging and energetic discussion, highlighting both the intellectual depth and the friendly atmosphere of the group.
Before the break, participants read a short text on the United Kingdom’s current relationship with the United States and Europe. This led to a lively discussion on whether the UK today is closer to Washington or Brussels, and whether it can realistically act as a bridge between the two. We explored contrasting views on Brexit: has it weakened the UK’s influence on the international stage, limited its power, or instead given it greater freedom to act independently?
After the break, the focus shifted more specifically to the UK’s relationship with the European Union. Along the way, current geopolitical issues were explored, including how relations between the United States and Russia already influence — and may continue to influence — the evolving relationship between the UK and the EU.
In true conversation-group fashion, the discussion was not confined to formal politics. During the break, following the happy announcement of a first grandchild, the conversation naturally moved towards family topics such as siblings and kinship. Other passionate and unexpected themes emerged, including ‘bendy bananas’, the way repeated claims can turn into accepted ‘truths’, and references to films and television programmes such as The Apprentice and La Voisine Danoise, which helped illustrate wider points.
Participants also discussed the UK’s links with Commonwealth countries and compared trade levels with Europe, noting how these figures are portrayed differently in different countries. Defence and technology were another key strand of the conversation: reliance on US technology and expertise, the challenges of moving away from American systems due to ‘technology stacking’ (hardware, software, components), and the implications of agreements such as AUKUS — including its impact on France — were all explored. Danish aircraft were also mentioned in relation to defence cooperation.
The time passed quickly as participants worked their way through these complex topics, expanding their vocabulary and developing more nuanced language. Both French- and English-speaking participants had many opportunities to improve their pronunciation and to express increasingly precise ideas in a supportive environment.
We look forward to welcoming you!
