The French Canon brought together 1,500 guests on Friday evening, October 2, marking the start of its three banquets planned for the weekend in Chemillé-en-Anjou, a small town in the Maine-et-Loire department, situated between the cities of Angers and Cholet. The event was held in a location that is somewhat removed from the ongoing discussions about the organization's ownership connections to Pierre-Édouard Stérin, a conservative billionaire. The French Canon is an organization known for hosting cultural and intellectual gatherings, often featuring discussions on literature, philosophy, and contemporary issues. These banquets are part of its annual tradition, drawing participants from various fields such as academia, the arts, and public life. The choice of Chemillé-en-Anjou as the venue this year appears to be a strategic move to distance the event from the controversies that have surrounded the organization in recent months. The event began with a formal dinner, followed by a series of speeches and discussions led by notable figures in French cultural and academic circles. The topics ranged from the state of French literature to the challenges faced by the media in the digital age. Attendees engaged in lively debates, reflecting the diverse perspectives represented at the gathering. Despite the controversies surrounding its ownership, the French Canon continues to be a significant platform for intellectual exchange in France. The weekend's events are expected to continue with similar themes, offering a space for reflection and dialogue among participants. The organization's ability to attract a large and varied audience underscores its enduring influence in French cultural life.