More than 500 French and Irish people packed into the reception rooms of the newly renovated Irish Embassy here last night for an early St Patrick's Day celebration.
"St Patrick's is not the moment for long speeches," Ambassador Anne Anderson told guests. "Drink the Guinness. Enjoy the music."
Minister of State for Justice,Health and Education Brian Lenihan attended. Earlier, he hosted a presentation of Irish seafood on a barge in the Seine and promoted tourism to Ireland at a French trade fair.
Speaking in French, English and Irish, Mr Lenihan said Ireland was looking forward to "invading" France for the Rugby World Cup in September.
"We were kind enough to let you win in Croke Park," he told the French. "In September in the Stade de France, we won't be so kind."
Mr Lenihan drew a parallel between French and Irish election campaigns and expressed hope that a powersharing government would be established in the North by March 26th. He announced the creation yesterday of a website for Irish people in France at www.thegreenroom.fr
Declan Tassy is the chairman of the website, which will be launched on April 19th. "We want to bring Irish people in France together," he explained. "The idea is to start something and build."
The 20-40 age group targeted by the website was strongly represented at the reception.
"We'd like the young French people returning from Ireland to join in creating a sort of network," Ms Anderson said. "They'll be able to spread knowledge about Ireland."