What is the À Vous la Parole contest?

The À Vous la Parole (AVLP) French-speaking contest was founded in 1973 by Carleton College French professor Michel Monnot and his wife Janice. It was designed to highlight the French-speaking abilities of middle and secondary school students while also giving them the opportunity to visit a college or university campus.

Held annually each spring—except in 2020, 2021, and 2022—the contest attracts between 600 and 1,000 students to a local college or university. It is currently hosted by the University of Minnesota.

Open to all students of French in grades 7–12 across the state, the Minnesota AVLP contest allows participants to select appropriate texts with guidance from their teachers. Students compete only within their own level of French proficiency, not against those at different levels.

We look forward to seeing you there!