Newport to Say Bonjour to French Frigate L'Hermoine in July

A faithful replica of L’Hermoine, the 212-foot vessel that brought Marquis de Lafayette to General George Washington during the American Revolution to pledge France’s support for the American cause, is coming to Newport.

L’Hermoine will dock at Fort Adams on July 8 and 9 and will be open for public tours.

The voyage is part of an epic journey to recreate Lafayette’s storied journey in the 18th century and “will celebrate the enduring relationship forged between the United States and France during our revolution,” organizers said.

It’s “Lafayette’s Hermoine Voyage 2015” and it’s in partnership with the Tall Ships Challenge Atlantic Coast 2015 Race Series, which “celebrates America’s rich maritime heritage and traditions and informs the general public about the transformative power of Adventure and Education Under Sail.”

Her first port of call will be in Yorktown, VA, and will then sail north towards New England, with stops in all the major cities including Annapolis, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Newport, Boston and ending in Castine, ME.

The Newport visit will include much fanfare and pomp, as well as a solemn wreath laying and dedication to the French Army and Navy at the Rochambeau statue in King Park to recognize both the role of the French in America’s independence as well as the deep French connections here in the City-by-the-Sea.

There will also be a dedication ceremony honoring Admiral de Ternay at Trinity Church, 18th century military drills and demonstrations and the arrival ceremony at 2 p.m. will feature the Navy Band, Color Guard, American and French dignitaries and more.

The Newport visit of L’Hermione was made possible with the support of the Newport Historical Society, Fort Adams Trust, W3R-RI, RI Masons, Providence’s Alliance Française, Newport’s Alliance Française, and Salve Regina University. More information about L’Hermione as well as a complete schedule of the events in Newport is available at www.hermione2015/voyage2015.com.

Follow L’Hermoine as she sails towards Virginia on Facebook HERE.