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Recipe : Far Breton
The word "far" comes from the Breton word "farz forn" which means "far au four" and from the Latin word "épeautre" which means "spelt" which is a cereal-based preparation. As you can see, the recipe of the day is of Breton origin, is mainly made of wheat flour and is baked in the oven!
Night of Ideas : Where are we going ?
As France takes over the presidency of the European Union in a context of geopolitical upheaval, the Night of Ideas proposes to bring together artists, philosophers, writers and thinkers from all over the world to propose a glimpse of an answer to the question of the time: Where are we going ?
La Gastronomie Française sur Culturethèque
If you would like to explore french recipes, culinary magazines and videos offering up a veritable feast of options, then look no further than the AFSF Culturethèque e-library which serves up excellent resources to expand your knowledge of all things gastronomic.
Recipe : Pork and citronella omelette
Let's go for a recipe inspired by a country shared between Asian and French gastronomy: the pork and lemon grass omelette from Laos!
Laos, the Land of a million elephants
Head to Southeast Asia to discover Laos, a country shared between the French and Buddhist culture!
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World Music day : a French-American friendship story
A review of the French and American origins of an international festival!
Recipe : Provencal Turkey
Head to the land of sunshine: Provence! This small region in the south of France is THE destination for Mediterranean-style aperitifs!
A few olives, a glass of rosé, and let's go for the menu's day : turkey à la provençale!
Recipe : the Berawecka
This week we make you try a speciality called Berawecka, a small bread made of dried fruits and tasted with Brandy!
Thomas Sankara, the Che Guevara of Burkina Faso
On October 15, 1987, Thomas Sankara, an icon of the struggle against colonial imperialism, was assassinated in a coup d'état organized by his own comrades in arms.A brief look at the life of Thomas Sankara, father of the struggle against colonial imperialism.
Recipe : Banforas
Let's go to Burkina Faso for a gourmet recipe halfway between the doughnut and the cookie! Discover the Banforas, the little sugar and pineapple sweets!
Reading Selections to Improve your French on Culturethèque
Reading is an excellent and stress-free method of improving your French. Your AFSF Culturethèque e-library helps you select the best titles for your reading level with the APPRENDRE LE FRANÇAIS EN LISANT section curated by level for readers of all ages and interests
Recipe : The Parisian Financier
Discover this week a classic French pastry: the Financier! Head to Paris to taste this sweet treat!
World Health Day in France: from patient to citizen-user
Every year, on April 7, hundreds of organizations celebrate World Health Day throughout the world with the aim of better informing public opinion about the political and economic mechanisms surrounding public health. This approach is the result of a long term work, especially in France, where the issue of health has emerged during the political and economic history of the country. We tell you everything in this article!
Les Élections Présidentielles 2022 en Culturethèque
Every 5 years, French voters go to the polls to elect their next president. This Sunday, April 10th will be the first round of the 2022 election with the second round run-off of top candidates on April 24th . Your Culturethèque e-library can keep you current on all of the latest news as the election unfolds.
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Recipe : Malagasy gambas flamed with rum
If rum is part of the most popular preparations of Madagascar, the alcoholic beverage is as much an aperitif as an essential seasoning of the Malagasy cuisine! Discover the recipe of the gambas with rum arranged with orange, lemon and cinnamon!
8 customs and traditions only Malagasy people can understand
You probably know the movie Madagascar, but do you really know the island it is based on? Have you heard of the Vodiontry, or the Famadihana? Head to the Indian Ocean, we tell you all about Malagasy customs and traditions!
Homework samples from conversation classes (B1-B2)
Find out what an intermediate (B1) and advanced (B2) conversation class at the AFSF is like!
French woman portrait: Marguerite Yourcenar, or the entry of poetry in the French Academy
Marguerite Yourcenar, born as Marguerite Cleenwerk de Crayencour, is the very first woman to have entered, not without difficulty, the French Academy. Learn more about this talented and yet unknown poetess!
Recipe: Apple, endive and walnut salad
Spring is finally here, and with it comes fresh fruits and vegetables! Discover a light and tasty recipe typically French: the endive, apple and walnut salad!
Francophony according to our students
The Francophonie refers to men and women who share a common language: French. We estimate over 300 million French speakers across five continents. March 21st is the day of the Francophonie, and AFSF students are honoring this day with their own presentations.
5 things to know about Seychelles
Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands is THE paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean! Known for its beautiful white sand beaches, these islands are full of cultural and culinary secrets of the most amazing!
Recipe : Seychelles sweet potato cake
Head to Seychelles for a sweet and original specialty: the sweet potato cake! More commonly known as "Gâteau di patate", this light and fragrant sweetness is a treat for young and not so young!
Celebrate Historical French Feminists on Culturethèque
You can explore complete texts and more about the fascinating French feminists that shaped the history of women's rights in France and around the world on the AFSF Culturethèque e-library. Bonne lecture des feminists française!
March, Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month! On the occasion of the celebration of Women's Rights Day, here are 10 portraits of women who have marked French history in all fields: war, fashion, politics, writing, art, we tell you everything!
Recipe : Mini chocolate-hazelnut puffs
Mini chocolate-hazelnut puffs! Here is an idea for a gourmet snack very easy to prepare! There is plenty for everyone: with jam, with another filling, or even in a salty version with pesto or cheese!
AFSF students talk about 'la parité'
This session, all students from all courses at the AFSF were invited to work on a project, or 'devoirs' on the subject of equality between men and women, also called in French: "La parité homme - femme". Discover how different levels of French can express different ideas on the subject.
French Classics Challenge: Culturethèque e-library
How about challenging yourself by reading some of those French classics you have been meaning to tackle – but never quite found the time. Your AFSF Culturethèque e-library can help! Simply click on the "Learn French" tab on the Culturethèque home page to discover a trove of French classics adapted for readers of all levels
5 things to know about French Guiana
Welcome to French Guiana! France's largest department located in South America is home to as many culinary and cultural treasures! Here are 5 things to know about French Guiana!
Recipe : Guyanese chicken colombo with pineapple and grapes
An irresistible need to travel? No need for a plane ticket, the traditional dishes of Guyanese cuisine will take you on an excursion with Creole, Amerindian, Brushingue or even Chinese, Indian and Brazilian influences. We have found a sweet and sour recipe for you: chicken colombo with pineapple and grapes!
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Francophonie in the spotlight in San Francisco
The month of March is dedicated to the Francophonie! This year, the Alliance Française is offering you a custom program to celebrate French culture and language!
Edmond Rostand, the Cyrano of the Basque Country
"It's a rock! ... It's a cape! ... What am I saying? It's a pinnacle!" We all know this famous line from the play Cyrano de Bergerac, but have you heard of his author? We tell you all about Edmond Rostand, 19th century playwright and poet, and father of the famous Cyrano!
Homework samples from the B2 Advanced students!
Our B2 Advanced students have done their "devoirs" this session, and they have come up with multiple French expressions to use in your every day lingo, as well as some insightful reflections on today's world: Is it moving too fast? Is it too bad that in our current society, grandparents no longer live under the same family roof? 📚Find out what YOU could be working on if you were in Emmanuel's class on Saturday mornings!
Explore French Magazines and Newspapers on Culturethèque
Newspapers are often forgotten when it comes to learning a new language. Still, they are a great reading tool to develop your comprehension of the language. Magazines are also a great way to explore your many interests and enhance your French at the same You can explore many interesting french newspapers and magazines on our Culturethèque e-library.
Zouglou: from Ivorian folklore to politically committed variety
Zouglou is THE Ivorian music par excellence! This popular variety was born in the 80s, and today mixes Nouchi, French, and brings up to the present day some wild traditional rhythms. Although mainly Zouglou known for combining tradition and modernity, the history is very closely linked to that of Ivory Coast, we tell you everything in this post!
The secrets of Ivoirian gastronomy
What would Ivory Coast be without its gastronomy? From the meat of the bush to the most popular alcohols, we tell you everything about the flavors of the Ivory Coast!
Brittany, land of myths and traditions
If Brittany is mainly known for its huge beaches and its tasty crepes, it is also a unique French region for its own folklore and
traditions!
The story behind the Chandeleur
Do you know the history of Candlemas? Every year, February 2nd is the date when pancakes delight young and old gourmets. But do you know the history of Chandeleur? What is the origin of this day, and especially why do we eat French crepes ? We tell you everything!
Recipe : French Crepes
The French crepe is not only an emblematic culinary preparation from Brittany, it is also certainly one of the easiest French meals to prepare. Whether with brown sugar, chocolate, cheese or served with a salad, this fine milk-based preparation delights young and not-so-young all year round.
Leila Hallajpour
Originally from Iran, I have spent my childhood in France /Paris. Once back in my home country, the love of France and French language has never left me. As a Francophone and Francophile, I have always stayed in touch with French communities and continued my studies in French literature. Right after graduation, I started working in French school and German school of Tehran which lasted for over 15 years. As a passionate and an energetic teacher, I always try to use interactive methods to make the class more interesting and challenging. Along with the love of teaching French, comes also my love for art and painting. As an experienced artist/painter who is professionally active and has participated in numerous exhibitions, I have also taught art in the French and German school of Tehran and have planned several art nights workshops. I have recently moved to the Bay area (09/21) and am so excited to be a part of Alliance française of San Francisco. So, let’s get started to learn this beautiful and classy French language together!
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Recipe : The Ivorian Fufu
Head to West Africa, to discover one of the emblematic dishes of the Ivory Coast : the Fufu !
Whether it is made of cassava, plantains, or potatoes, this tasty dish is a must-try with a light salad, a chicken soup or a sauce,
depending on your tastes.
Exploring Senegalese Literature, Music and Science
Did you know that this year’s Prix Goncourt went to a Senegalese novelist, making him the first writer from sub-Saharan Africa to be awarded France’s oldest and most prestigious literary prize? Would you be surprised to learn that Senegal is among the 11 African countries working on the Great Green Wall project to plant trees across the African continent, creating a natural barrier to hold back the Sahara Desert from climate change?
Recipe: Roasted Camembert cheese with honey
Camembert, one of the cheeses that symbolize the French heritage. With its fluffy rind and creamy, melting center that we sometimes just like to eat with a crusty baguette... Enjoy this comfort-food recipe, ultra-gourmet and so simple that it is impossible to miss!
Recipe : The Basque Cake
Discover the Basque cake, the culinary emblem of the Basque Country. This small golden and soft cake filled with pastry cream will delight
your taste buds on long spring Sundays!
Discover our students progress!
Find out what our Beginner 3 level students are capable of! Jason, Alyson, Roger, Maureen & Morai are describing what their everyday life is like from dusk to dawn.
Recipe : Senegalese Tuna Pastels
Head to Senegal with this delicious recipe for tuna pastels. Ideal for the aperitif, this recipe is easy to make and will surprise your guests! Serve them with a spicy sauce to follow the Senegalese tradition.
5 things to know about Senegal!
Located on the west coast of the African continent, Senegal is a country bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Renowned
for the hospitality of its people, Senegal is a crossroads of ethnicities and traditions, as well as a popular tourist destination!
Discover 5 things to know about Senegal!
Le petit prince
Get to know: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and the Little Prince, or one the most famous French stories to this day.
Catherine Deneuve: An icon of French cinema with an international reputation!
Born in 1943 in Paris, Catherine Deneuve is a French actress as well
as an occasional singer, model, and producer considered one of the greatest French actresses of her generation. In numerous movies such
as
"The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", "The
Young Girls of Rochefort", "Donkey Skin" or
"Belle de jour", she has marked generations of moviegoers...
Here is all you need to know about Catherine Deneuve!
Recipe: Potato Rösti
An express and simplistic dish that will delight young and old for sure! Discover the recipe for potato rösti, a recipe from Switzerland, ideal for this winter period.
Celebrating Belgian Francophone Authors
Did you know that the worlds two most translated French authors are Belgian? Francophone authors Hergé and Georges Simenon honor their Belgian heritage with their French-language literature translated around the world. But the list doesn’t stop there of celebrated Belgian authors who have made their mark on French literature.
5 things to know about Belgium!
Belgium is a country in Western Europe. It is bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and the North Sea. Belgium is a
developed country, with an advanced high-income economy. It also ranks as one of the safest or most peaceful countries in the world.
Discover here 5 things you probably don't know about Belgium!
New Year’s Eve in France: Six Traditions of La Saint-Sylvestre Day
Find out everything there is to know about New year's eve in France, also called "La saint Sylvestre"! 🎉
Recipe : Liège Waffle
The Liège waffle is a specialty of the city of Liège in Belgium, that is based on pearl sugar which caramelizes while cooking. Crisp outside and soft inside, these delicious waffles can easily be made at home with a few simple ingredients... Bon appétit!