  On October 26, 1776, exactly one month to the day after being named an agent of a diplomatic commission by the Continental Congress, Benjamin Franklin sets sail from Philadelphia for France, with which he was to negotiate and secure a formal alliance and treaty. Franklin arrived on December 4th in the Breton port of St Goustan, Auray. On arrival Franklin saw a group of peasants and approached them. They had long hair, black hats with wide brim, short jackets, bloomers, and tight gaiters. When speaking to them they did not understand his English or French (which was basic at the time). Franklin later said that he had recognized them as Bretons, older than the English. Franklin then travelled to Vannes only reaching Nantes on December 7th where he was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd. In France, the accomplished Franklin was feted throughout scientific and literary circles and he quickly became a fixture in high society. While his personal achievements were celebrated, Franklin's diplomatic success in France was slow in coming. Although it had been secretly aiding the Patriot cause since the outbreak of the American Revolution, France felt it could not openly declare a formal allegiance with the United States until they were assured of an American victory over the British. For the next year, Franklin made friends with influential officials throughout France, while continuing to push for a formal alliance. France continued to secretly support the Patriot cause with shipments of war supplies, but it was not until the American victory over the British at the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777 that France felt an American victory in the war was possible. A few short months after the Battle of Saratoga, representatives of the United States and France, including Benjamin Franklin, officially declared an alliance by signing the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance on February 6, 1778. The French aid that these agreements guaranteed was crucial to the eventual American victory over the British in the War for Independence. 
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 Le Trophée de la rivière d’Auray est une Fête maritime sur la rivière d’Auray organiser par l'association Mod Kozh le 17 et 18 août 2018. Avec pour thème: la venue de Benjamin Franklin à St Goustan en décembre 1776. Mais Il s’agit également de marquer le 240° anniversaire du premier salut au drapeau américain par un navire de guerre Français en baie de Quiberon en 1778. Cette salve en réponse à celle que lui a envoyée John Paul Jones, alors commandant du navire USS Ranger. Vendredi 17 août Régates traditionnelles en rivière d’Auray entre Le Bono, Larmor Baden, Port Navalo et Locmariaquer. Arrivée des bateaux à partir de 11H en rivière d’Auray et début des festivités. Réceptions officielles, animations musicales. Animations diverses sur les quais de Saint Goustan Démonstration des métiers anciens de la marine à voiles. Activités nautiques. Buvette et restauration (crêpes, hot-dogs) et, à partir de 19h, grande paëlla suivie d'un bal. Samedi 18 août Le 240ème anniversaire de la reconnaissance par la France des États unis d’Amérique. Arrivée d’un bâtiment à voiles dans le port de Saint Goustan avec à son bord Benjamin Franklin. Début des festivités et arrivée des premiers bateaux à partir de 11h00. Animations diverses sur les quais de Saint Goustan Démonstration des métiers anciens de la marine à voiles. Exposition des peintres officiels des marines française et américaine ainsi que d'artistes locaux. Réception de Benjamin Franklin vers 15h00. Reconstitution costumée fin XVIII. Réceptions officielles, animations musicales de 16h à minuit. Buvette et restauration (crêpes, hot-dogs) et, à partir de 19h, moules frites suivies d'un bal. Dimanche 19 Août, Fête de l’huître à Locmariaquer. |
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Breizh Amerikais an organization established to create, facilitate, promote, and sponsor wide-ranging innovative and collaborative cultural and economic projects that strengthen and foster relations and cooperation between the United States of America and the region of Brittany, France. 
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