The Spirit of “Le Café de la Régence” is back
Founded by a small group of passionate politicians, journalists and business
men led by Olivier Dassault, who is also Deputy at the French Assemblée Nationale,
“La Régence” , an association devoted to promoting chess among VIPs, last week
organized its first meeting in the premises of L’Espace Paul Ricard, a contemporary
Art Gallery in the heart of Paris.
Chess activities in the Café de la Régence in the 19th Century
The main guest of the evening was Vladimir Kramnik, the Classical Chess World
Champion, who answered the questions of the members of “La Régence”. Kramnik’s
speech covered many topics, from his views on the future of chess in the world
to his training program for his match against Topalov. After the cocktail,
chess clocks were started and games were played until well into the night…
“La Régence” aims at gathering its members two or three times a year. Rendez
vous was taken next autumn for the next meeting of the new association.
The “La Régence” foundfounding with Kramik (left to right: Yves Marek,
Cultural counsel to the President of French Senate and General Secretary of
La Régence, Olivier Macard, Ernst & Young partner and Treasurer of La
Régence, Olivier Dassaul, President of the Association,Vladimir Kramnik, Marie-Laure
Germont, Journalist for Le Figaro. In the background, Patricia Empain)
Philippe Savinel, CEO of Ricard SA, with Olivier Dassault and Vladimir Kramnik
At “La Régence”, chess is not only for men…
Patricia Empain and Philippe Nicolas in a friendly game
Fréderic and Pascale Maire, Philippe Nicolas, Françoise and Gilbert
Akoka
French chess prodigy Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (right) playing blitz with
guests.
