The French institution where Marie-Louise and Paul learned irregular verbs – and fell in love
Just ask Marie-Louise and Paul Thornton-Smith, who first met in a French class in 1971 when they were 16. They are still together, and remain keen allies of 'the Alliance'.
At first, it was about l'amitié (friendship) and studying together, but slowly, they fell in love.
Their marriage in 1984 was followed by a 'tour of France' honeymoon, taking in Paris, Mont St-Michel, Provence and the Alps.
This year, Marie-Louise, a retired secondary school French teacher, will top up her fluency at Alliance Francaise with a C1 advanced conversation class, where students might discuss Victor Hugo's poems or French current affairs.
She and Paul also attend the Alliance's exhibitions, talks and film festivals.
'It's so lovely, isn't it?' says Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie, president of the Alliance Francaise de Melbourne board, of the Thornton-Smiths' romance.
'They're not the only ones. I've heard of other people who have met through the Alliance.'
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