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La Vendée Globe 2024: L’Everest des Mers et un Engagement pour les Océans

La Vendée Globe est une course à la voile unique et spectaculaire: un tour du monde en solitaire, sans escale et sans assistance, qui se déroule tous les quatre ans.


Celebrating a Century of Culinary Excellence: The 100th Anniversary of L’Auberge Paul Bocuse

In 1924, the Bocuse family transformed a country inn near Lyon into what would become one of the most legendary gastronomic institutions: L’Auberge Paul Bocuse.


Kamel Daoud Wins the 2024 Goncourt Prize for Houris

French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud, has won the 2024 Prix Goncourt for his novel Houris.


Le 11 Novembre en France: Un Jour de Mémoire et d’Hommage

Ce jour commémoratif, devenu officiellement fête nationale en 1922, rappelle la signature de l’Armistice, mettant fin aux combats le 11 Novembre 1918.


Anne Philibert

A native of Lyon, France (the capital of gastronomy!), I am a sociologist and French teacher with a PhD in sociology. I bring a perspective to language teaching where I like to explore cultural dynamics. I take great pleasure in offering private classes, as they allow me to tailor each lesson to the individual needs, interests, and goals of my students. This personalized approach enables me to create a supportive environment where students feel confident, engaged, and empowered to reach their full potential in french. Outside of teaching, I love cooking, hiking, and sharing the richness of french culture with others.


The Restoration of Notre Dame de Paris: Revival after the 2019 Fire

It is said that Notre Dame’s reopening on December 8, 2024, will offer a renewed experience for worshippers and visitors. The dedication of the artisans and specialists involved in bringing this masterpiece back to life, reaffirms Notre Dame as a symbol of resilience and French heritage you definitely want to add to your Paris ‘Must See List’!


La Vente des Vins des Hospices de Beaune, un événement caritatif de renommée

La 164ème vente des vins des Hospices de Beaune se déroulera le Dimanche 17 Novembre 2024 prochain, sous les Halles de Beaune, en région de Bourgogne, entre les villes de Dijon et Chalon-sur-Saône. Cet événement emblématique allie tradition viticole et engagement caritatif, attirant chaque année les acquéreurs passionnés de vins du monde entier!


Myriam Martin


Breast Cancer Awareness Month: "Octobre rose"

From October 1st to 31st, it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, known as “Octobre Rose” in France. 


La Châtaigne: Le Trésor de L’Automne

La châtaigne est l’un des fruits emblématique de l’automne.  La connaissez- vous?


Une envie de séjour linguistique avec AFSF?

Montpellier, située dans le sud de la France, est une destination incontournable pour les voyages en groupe. Avec son ambiance méditerranéenne, son riche patrimoine culturel et ses nombreuses activités, la ville offre une expérience unique qui saura ravir tous les participants


Lucas Paupin

Hello everyone, my name is Lucas. I studied at Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris, where I earned my master's degree in French as a Foreign Language didactics. After writing a thesis on AI and education, I’m eager to introduce students to learning French through engaging, fun, and digital methods. Inclusivity and respect for everyone are my core values. I’m passionate about sharing the richness of French and Francophone culture with all !



For any inquiries related to exams, feel free to reach out to him at lucas.paupin@afsf.com


Are you familiar with the vocabulary of Halloween in French?

« Des bonbons ou un sort ! » : is the threat made by children dressed up on Halloween when they knock on neighborhood doors.


Marie-Pierre Burquier

I grew up in a small village in Haute-Savoie, France, and studied cinema in Lyon. I then moved to Paris to start a PhD in film, and started teaching English and Visual Studies at the Université Paris Cité. During my PhD, I spent a year teaching French to undergraduate students at UC Berkeley. I moved to San Francisco as soon as I got my PhD, in order to continue my curatorial activities and my teaching of French. Naturally, I love to invoke cinema and the arts in the classroom and to share my culture in this area, in connection with French and the Francophonie. I love to tailor my teaching to individual tastes and affinities, and make sure to create warm and safe learning environments.


Connaissez- vous le Club BD ADDA?

Sa mission ? Promouvoir la langue et la culture françaises à travers un genre littéraire en pleine expansion : la bande dessinée.


Discovering Sainte-Chapelle: A Jewel of Parisian Gothic Architecture

Nestled on the Île de la Cité, just a stone's throw from Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle stands as one of the most remarkable examples of Gothic architecture in the world. Built in the 13th century for King Louis IX, this chapel is renowned for its magnificent stained glass windows and rich history, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Paris.


Le Château d’If : Un Voyage au Cœur de l’Histoire Marseillaise

Perché sur une île rocheuse à quelques kilomètres au large de Marseille, le Château d’If est l’un des monuments les plus emblématiques de la région. Construit au 16e siècle, ce site historique est non seulement une forteresse, mais aussi une prison célèbre qui a marqué l’histoire de la ville et de la France.


Simon Porte Jacquemus : Une Success Story à la Française

Vous avez certainement entendu parler de ce jeune créateur de mode... mais connaissez-vous les origines de son succès ? 


Discovering Corsica: The Jewel of the Mediterranean

Corsica, known as "L'île de Beauté", is a Mediterranean island that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. Located southeast of mainland France and west of Italy, Corsica is a perfect destination for a quick island trip in France.


Gordes : Un incontournable de la Provence

Laissez-vous charmer par le village de Gordes, dans le sud de la France !


How To Budget For A Trip

Setting a budget for your trip is deserving of its own section if not entire chapter. Don't you think?


Paul Cézanne : « Le père de l’art moderne »

Paul Cézanne est né le 19 janvier 1839 à Aix-en-Provence, une ville située dans le sud de la France. Il était l'un des plus grands peintres de son époque et a eu une grande influence sur l'art moderne. Ses tableaux sont encore, à ce jour, connus mondialement et sont exposés aux quatre coins du monde.


A tribute to Jackie Kennedy: the "Parlez-moi d’amour" exhibition in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

The town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, located in the South of France, is currently hosting an exhibition on one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Titled "Parlez-moi d’amour", this exhibition is an exploration of Jackie Kennedy’s life, her spirit, and her influence on fashion, culture, and the arts.


How to evaluate a safety of a country.

A great way to quickly ruin a trip is by choosing a place that you don’t feel safe in. Here are some advices!


Albi : Perle Médiévale du Sud-Ouest de la France


Nichée dans la région Occitanie, au cœur du département du Tarn, Albi est une ville au charme authentique qui allie histoire, culture et beauté architecturale. Ce joyau du sud-ouest de la France est surtout connu pour son riche patrimoine médiéval et sa remarquable cathédrale.


Découvrez une communauté francophone en Amérique du Nord

Visiter un endroit francophone sans quitter l’Amérique du Nord ? Je vous propose la Péninsule de Gaspé au Québec. 


Looking for English books set up in France?

Are you looking for a new summer read? Try one of these exciting English books set in France. From the idyllic lavender fields of Provence to the Michelin star restaurants in Lyon, you can discover different parts of French from the beach or your couch!


Voyager à Biarritz cet été?

Est-ce que vous voulez voyager en France cet été et explorer un nouvel endroit ?Je vous propose la ville de Biarritz sur la côte ouest, la destination parfaite pour les vacances d’été ! 


Serena Ingalls

Administrative
Assistant


An Introduction to the World of Breaking, the Newest Olympic Sport

Let's find out more about Breaking this week!


The French Drama Shows you Need to Stream Now!

Have you run out of French drama series to watch after finishing Dix pourcent and Lupin? Here is a list of French TV shows on a wide range of subjects from historical to detective dramas that will help strengthen your listening skills and vocabulary. There is truly something for everyone!


Rencontrez les Phryges, la mascotte officielle des Jeux Olympiques 2024 à Paris !

En regardant les Jeux Olympiques, il est sûr que vous avez vu des chapeaux rouges avec de grands sourires. Ce sont les mascottes officielles des Jeux Olympiques, les Phryges qui sont un symbole intégral de la liberté en France. 


Auteur de la semaine - Jakuta Alikavazovic

Are you interested in practicing your French this summer while on vacation? I recommend checking out one of Jakuta Alikavazovic’s captivating books that are easy to dive into while you’re waiting in the airport or relaxing on the beach. 


Victor Wembanyama, la vedette du basket français 

Notre vedette de la semaine! Le connaissez-vous déjà?


Benin - What You Need to Know

Did you know that French is the official language of Benin? Discover more about this coastal Western African country!


Athlète Français de la Semaine: Clarisse Agbegnenou

Have you heard about the amazing Clarisse Agbegnenou?


L’Héritage des Mères Lyonnaises

Est-ce que vous avez entendu parler des Mères Lyonnaises ? Ce sont des chefs célèbres qui ont établi Lyon comme destination culinaire. 


Speak More Casual French

Have you ever wanted to understand and speak more casual French? Here are a few examples of slang words that French people like to use.


Les Jeux Olympiques à Tahiti

Tahiti est célèbre dans le monde du surf pour la grande vague de Teahupo’o qui mesure environ deux à trois mètres de haut.


Grasse, the Perfume Capital of the World

Located in the hills of Provence to the North of Cannes is the French town of Grasse which is internationally renowned for its long history of perfume-making.


Vogue World in Paris

A few weeks ago on the evening of June 23rd, the Place Vendôme in Paris was taken over by Vogue magazine for a fashion extravaganza.


L'écrivain du mois : Anne Berest

Pour le mois de juillet, nous vous recommandons l’œuvre de l’auteure française Anne Berest.


Une Cérémonie d’Ouverture Historique

Préparez-vous pour les troisième Jeux Olympiques dans la capitale française !


French Playlist for Language Learners

Have you ever wanted to discover francophone music to help you on your French learning journey?


111e édition du Tour de France

Tenez-vous prêts ! La 111e édition du Tour de France débute ce samedi 29 juin ! 


Make Music Day Recap

Here is our last Friday Make Music Day recap!


Petit Pot : Une Success Story à la Française

L'histoire de Petit Pot remonte à 2013, lorsque Maxime Pouvreau, un pâtissier français inspiré, décida de répondre au manque de petits pots de crème au sein des rayons de supermarchés américains.


Discover Rue '66

Learn more about Rue '66, a modern day "yé yé" band from San Francisco, California.


L'écrivain du mois : Annie Ernaux

Est-ce que vous voulez lire un bouquin en français ? Ce mois-ci, on vous recommande l’auteur Annie Ernaux. 


The History of French Department Stores in SF

Did you know that there were French department stores in San Francisco? Here are three stories of French entrepreneurs who founded successful stores in the city. 


Cindy Beziat

Born and raised in France, Cindy comes from Roquecourbe, a nice small village close to Toulouse (south of France)



Excited to share her love for  Francophone cultures, she graduated with a Master’s degree in International Relations and culture and travelled to many different countries before coming to San Francisco (Spain, England, Africa, Ecuador and Mexico)

She is passionate about her job, and she is delighted to work with American culture here in California!



Foodie Focus on our Make Music Day partners

Discover our Make Music Day partners, who celebrate with us by offering an exceptional gastronomic experience, featuring exquisite culinary delights and wines.


From Sembène to Today: Tracing the Vibrant History of Cinema in Senegal

Find more about the history of cinema in Senegal


Exploration Artistique de Saint-Paul de Vence

Si vous vous intéressez à l'art contemporain, il faut visiter Saint-Paul-de-Vence, un petit village près de Nice où l'art se trouve partout.


Focus on Senegal

Discover more about this beautiful francophone country!


Recette en francais : Tomates farcies à la provençale

Découvrez notre nouvelle recette en français.


Top 4 French Series To Add To Your List

Ready to immerse yourself in the best of French TV? Dive into this top 4 French series you won't want to miss


Opening of our Francophone Community Museum in San Francisco

Discover our Museum of Francophone History in San Francisco, a place of conviviality, culture and sharing, inviting everyone to explore the treasures of our Francophone heritage.


Cannes Film Festival

Do you know the history of the Cannes Film Festival?


Cannes Film Festival's Cognates

Explore the surprising similarities between English and French that are related to the Cannes Film Festival.