Welcome to Yssingeaux: Where History Gets a Makeover!
Greetings, history buffs, casual observers, and those who wandered in because they mistook ‘Altistoria’ for a trendy new cocktail! Get ready to dive into a weekend of historical hilarity at the Altistoria conference happening on November 16-17. You know, the only time you can discuss ancient battles while dressed like a Gallic warrior without anyone raising an eyebrow! (Yes, there’s a dress code for the time travelers!)
But seriously, a weekend spent in Yssingeaux promises an eclectic program filled with serious discussions and, let’s face it, historical reenactments that may look like a scene out of a Monty Python sketch. Can’t wait to see the Romans try to explain their taxes while dodging Gallic projectiles – it’s like ‘The Office’ meets ‘Game of Thrones’!
Saturday, November 16: The Serious Stuff
Let’s kick it off with the first conference at 2 p.m., titled The Forest: Conflicts between Peasants and Foresters in the 19th Century. Speaker René Dupuy will enthrall us with tales of peasants battling over who gets to chop down which tree. If only the peasants had thought to form a ‘Peasants’ Union’ – that would’ve made for an excellent historical sitcom! But I digress…
- 3 p.m. – Time for a refreshing moment of exchange in the Dorcas room. Get your literary stands and drinks ready because you’ll need some fortification for… whatever comes next!
- 3:30 p.m. – The round table on Man’s relationship with volcanoes could become quite heated! With speakers André Plazanet, Frédéric Lavachery, and Jean-René Mestre, it’s bound to erupt into heated debate. (See what I did there?)
- 5 p.m. – Another riveting round table about Altiligarian refugees during the World Wars. I mean, I’ve always thought nothing bonds people quite like shared misery, right?
- 8 p.m. – Last but not least, Is historical evidence necessary to interpret history? with Martin de Framond. Spoiler alert: it probably is, but let’s wait for the dramatic reenactments before calling it!
Sunday, November 17: Legends and Libations
What’s better than a Sunday morning? An inaugural pot at 11:30 a.m., followed by another day packed with talks that are bound to make you the most interesting person at the dinner party. And let’s be honest, aren’t we all aiming to ace that one awkward conversation about the French Revolution?
- 2:30 p.m. – The books of grievances of the Altiligerians during the French Revolution. Because who doesn’t want to hear about long-forgotten complaints? Sometimes I feel like I could fill several volumes myself!
- 4 p.m. – The infamous Beast of Gévaudan. My money’s on it being a badger with an attitude problem. The speakers will find out soon enough!
- 5:30 p.m. – And if you thought we were done, think again! Prepare for a dive into Werewolves, White Ladies… A deep dive into local legends, which will probably involve a lot of folklore snobbery. Bring your silver bullets!
Final Thoughts
From the Gallic camp to Roman stands – that’s right! There will be a Gallic camp in the garden and a Roman stand that’s practically begging for a cheesy joke about when in Rome. Whether you’re a history aficionado or someone just looking for a good time, the Altistoria conference in Yssingeaux promises to be a mix of hilarity and intrigue. So don’t miss out, and remember: It’s free entry! What, are you going to let that slip away? Go on, make those historians proud!
On the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November, the charming town of Yssingeaux will host the highly anticipated Altistoria conference, an engaging event that delves into the rich history of Haute-Loire.
This year’s program promises an exciting blend of activities including informative conferences, thought-provoking round tables, the meticulous reconstruction of a Gallic and Roman camp, and a vibrant history book fair. Best of all, entrance to this enriching experience is free.
Program for Saturday November 16
2 p.m. – conference – The forest: conflicts between peasants and foresters in the 19th century. This insightful discussion will be led by the esteemed speaker René Dupuy, who is known for his expertise in rural history.
15 h 30 – Round table – The territory of Yssingelais juices: what is Man’s relationship with volcanoes? Esteemed speakers André Plazanet, Frédéric Lavachery, and Jean-René Mestre will explore the intricate connections between human civilization and volcanic landscapes.
5 p.m. – Round table – Altiligarian refugees: how did Haute-Loire become a welcoming land during the 2 World Wars? This compelling conversation features experts Marie-Martine Laulagnier de Barba and Florence Roche, who will share fascinating insights into the region’s history of hospitality during turbulent times.
8 p.m. – Conference – Is historical evidence necessary to interpret history? This thought-provoking session will be led by Martin de Framond, inviting attendees to contemplate the role of evidence in shaping historical narratives.
From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Attendees can also immerse themselves in the Gallic camp experience in the garden of Ebersberg, courtesy of the Vellavi Ialon association, alongside the Roman stand presented by the Legio XIX association, offering a captivating glimpse into ancient lives.
Program for Sunday November 17
14 h 30 – Conference – The books of grievances of the Altiligerians during the French Revolution. Renowned speaker Didier Bourdelin will shed light on the historical grievances that shaped local sentiment during this pivotal period.
4 p.m. – Round table – The Beast of Gévaudan: between myths and reality, who really was it? This intriguing discussion features expert speakers Bernard Soulier, Manoël Atman, and Patrice Rey, as they dissect the legends surrounding this infamous creature.
17 h 30 – Conference – Werewolves, white ladies… Focus on the beliefs and legends of our Altiligerian campaigns. Patrice Rey will guide attendees through the enchanting world of local folklore, exploring the compelling legends etched in the region’s cultural memory.
From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. – The Gallic camp will continue to offer its immersive experience alongside the Roman stand, allowing all visitors to step back in time and connect with history like never before.
**Interview with Jean-Pierre Lefevre, Organizer of the Altistoria Conference in Yssingeaux**
**Editor:** Welcome, Jean-Pierre! We’re excited to hear more about the upcoming Altistoria conference in Yssingeaux. It sounds like a fascinating event. Can you give us an overview of what attendees can expect this year?
**Jean-Pierre:** Absolutely! This year’s Altistoria conference, happening on November 16-17, promises a delightful mix of academic discussions, interactive round tables, and some light-hearted historical reenactments. We aim to engage history enthusiasts of all backgrounds—from serious scholars to those just looking for a good laugh while learning!
**Editor:** I love the idea of humor mixed with history! Could you highlight some of the more unusual sessions that attendees might not want to miss?
**Jean-Pierre:** Certainly! One standout is our round table titled “Man’s Relationship with Volcanoes,” scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. It’s bound to be both informative and entertaining, with our speakers likely to erupt into passionate discussions—pun intended! And for those intrigued by local folklore, our session on “Werewolves, White Ladies…” dives into regional legends, which we anticipate will be quite spirited!
**Editor:** That sounds fascinating! Now, let’s talk logistics. Is there a cost for attending, and do participants need to prepare in any special way for the event?
**Jean-Pierre:** Here’s the best part: entry is completely free! We encourage attendees to dress according to the theme—feel free to wear historical attire if you like! But casual attendees are just as welcome. Just bring your curiosity and maybe a notepad to jot down interesting insights!
**Editor:** Isn’t it great that the event can draw a diverse crowd? Lastly, do you have any personal highlights you’re most looking forward to during the conference?
**Jean-Pierre:** Oh, definitely! I’m particularly excited about René Dupuy’s session on 19th-century peasant conflicts. His storytelling always brings history to life. Plus, the Gallic camp in the garden will add a unique charm to the event. I can’t wait to see everyone participating—history is often best enjoyed together!
**Editor:** Thank you for the insights, Jean-Pierre! It sounds like attendees are in for a wonderfully engaging and enlightening weekend. We hope for great success at the Altistoria conference.
**Jean-Pierre:** Thank you! We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Yssingeaux!