As with anything new, when we began to develop GSLRF we looked at ways to set us apart and create something unique on the Faire circuit. We noticed that more than 90% of Renaissance Faires are set in England. This alone inspired us to look for alternatives.

Living in the St. Louis metro area, with its foundations rooted in early French exploration, we thought this offered us some unique opportunities. Not only could we develop something different among Ren-Faires, but we could explore something of the heritage of our region.

In looking at France of the period, we realized just how little we knew. Everything we knew about the Renaissance had to do with England or Italy. Immediately we were drawn to the Three Musketeers (Louis XIII) and Man in the Iron Mask (Louis XIV). A fun, romantic period, and a possibility, but it is actually post-renaissance, The Age of Reason. Next our attention was drawn to Joan of Arc. Hmm.....Hundred Years War, Middle Ages. Possible, but we still wanted to find something in the actual Renaissance.

While much of the public is familiar, at least in passing with Henri VIII and Queen Elizabeth, the reigns of Francois I, Henri II and other French rulers of the 16th century offer material for historical re-enactment just as exciting and colorful as their neighbors across the channel.

Once our research turned up Francois I the choice seemed obvious. His reign parallels that of Henry VIII. It seems they had a great rivalry and respect for each other.

Francois is credited with bringing the Renaissance to France. He established the College of France, the Bibliotheque Nationale, encouraged translation and printing of books (most of the time). He was a great patron of the arts, bringing many works and artists from Italy. Among these was DaVinci who spent his last years living in France and is said to have died in Francois' arms.

Why Lyon?

Once France and King Francois were decided, we began to wonder where in France we should be. Should we create a fictional village or one steeped in history. Overwhelmingly, we felt the historical basis was important, but where? Paris? Possibly, but Francois was not terribly fond of Paris. Other possibilities included villages near some of his favorite chateaus; Blois (couldn't pronounce it), Fountainbleau (his favorite), and Chamboard, part of which was designed by Leonardo DaVinci.

Lyon kept turning up in our reading. On many of Francois' campaigns, it seemed that he would mass his troops at Lyon. It was also a frequent destination of his many "progresses" through the countryside. "Then he journeyed up the Rhone to Lyons which pleased him so much that he stayed there for three months..... the court was frequently at Lyons

Lyon was a cosmopolitan crossroad of Europe, it was a symbol of their good fortune. This city, on the road from France to Italy, was the main channel of Franco-Italian Trade. Through it flowed all the luxuries of the south. It was also an international money-market and it is a sister-city to St. Louis.

It seemed like destiny.