 The conference was opened on 9 September in the refectory of the convent of Poissy, the French king (aged 11) himself being present.It broke up inconclusively a month later, on 9 October, by which point the divide between the doctrines appeared irreconcilable.The Calvinist faction in France was strong and vocal, under the guidance of several princes of the royal blood and members of the higher nobility.