IT is traditionally regarded as the language of love.

With the capital Paris associated with romance, fine restaurants and champagne it’s little wonder that a group of Francophiles meet once a month in Winchester to discuss all things French.

And now the Cercle Francais de Winchester is looking for new members with a passion for French culture to join their monthly meetings at Peter Symonds College.

Phillip Waterton, club secretary, said: “We are a group of French speakers who get together once a month. We have a lecture or talk on a French topic, in French, by a French speaker or someone who is very good at French.

“We are always looking for new members but being able to speak the language is a necessity.”

The group was founded in 1941 and currently boasts around 80 members with between 40 and 60 people attending the monthly talks.

Phillip added: “We would really like to get new members and there is the possibility that people might meet new interesting friends.

“It’s open to people of all ages and at present the average age is around 50. It’s for people who enjoy listening to and speaking in French and wish to improve their knowledge of the French language.”

The next meeting is on May 27 at Peter Symonds College in the Science Lecture Theatre on the subject of the 1968 riots in France.

For more information on the group visit waterton.org.uk/cfw/ or phone 023 8026 9413 or email info@afwinchester.org.uk