The Alliance Française de San Francisco's blog


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.   …


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! …


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! …


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! …


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! …


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.  …


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 …


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! …


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! …


"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! …


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!  …


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 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! …


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! …


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! …


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. …


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. …


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? …


 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!  …


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! 
…


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.  …


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. …


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! …


Get to know: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and the Little Prince, or one the most famous French stories to this day.  …


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!  …


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. …


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. …


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! …


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! …


Voici des "portraits aveugles" pour lesquels les étudiants ont fait le portrait de leur binôme sans regarder leur feuille.  …


French Christmas markets – or marchés de Noël – are a popular French Christmas tradition. Christmas markets take place in many cities throughout France, often starting the last weekend of November and running until the end of December. The festive stalls sell handmade gifts, food and mulled wine (vin chaud) for all to enjoy. …


Did you know that there are 309 different languages in Cameroon? And it is mainly because of its incredible linguistic and cultural diversity that Cameroon is today nicknamed "Africa in miniature »! Want to speak like a native? We suggest you discover some vocabulary from "Camfranglais"! …


Do you like a chill day on a beach or a hike in the mountains? Do you enjoy exploring the beauty of a green rainforest or a golden desert? If you answered yes to at least one of these, Cameroon is the right place for you to visit.  …


How about a culinary trip? Discover this recipe from Cameroon and very popular in the country! With its peanut and coconut milk sauce, this chicken will please everyone and make you travel from the first bite! …


Se faire la bise, un rituel très répandu en France qui panique souvent les Américains, habitués au bon gros "hug", et quelques gens du nord de l'Europe plus distants. Le nombre de bisous appuyés ou plus timides donnés sur la joue de la vague connaissance ou de l'ami proche que l'on rencontre varie énormément à travers le monde, et même d'un département à l'autre en France. La bise, en plus de son acte social visant à saluer ou à prendre congé de quelqu'un est certes une manifestation d'amitié, mais est aussi un signe fort d'appartenance locale. On avait l’habitude des tournées de bisous, même au bureau. Un rituel que l’épidémie  en plein regain a chamboulé. Définitivement?

La question qui a été posée en classe était de savoir si on pourrait vraiment se refaire la bise?
…


There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than reading some treasured Christmas titles, listening to music of the season or checking out the latest holiday menu and décor ideas. Your AFSF Culturethèque e-library is stocked for the season and ready to help you find everything you need.  …


Discover the recipe for chocolate mousse, a delicious French dessert that is quick and easy to make. Perfect to end the meal with a touch of sweetness to please both the kids, and the adults!  …


It is well known that many Quebecers use many funny expressions in their daily conversations. Indeed, Quebecois French is a dynamic language that offers a lot of unusual expressions, slang terms, and turns of phrase.
Discover here 5 funny Quebec expressions, their literal translations and their meanings!  …


In the mood for a little sweetness? Discover the recipe for maple syrup pie, a traditional Canadian pie from Quebec. It will delight young and old alike! …


Do you want to see what you can learn with the Alliance Francaise? Here is a production from our students, introducing us to a place.  …


Hachis Parmentier is a classic French recipe that is pure cold-weather comfort food. It's perhaps best described as the French version of Shepherd's Pie. It combines seasoned beef with a layer of potato puree and is topped with gruyere cheese. …


Each year in France, the authors of the best novels are awarded official literary prizes - including the prestigious Prix Goncourt, Prix Femina, Prix Renaudot, and more - with winners announced right before the holiday season. …


It is well known that France is the country of cheese! It is even a national pride. Since when have we eaten it? How do we differentiate them? How many of them are there? Why is cheese so loved by the French? …


Discover the recipe of Fumbwa, a lip-smacking, tasty dish from the Democratic Republic of Congo that is highly satisfying and nutritious! An ideal recipe for a nice culinary trip! …


Understanding climate change  and how we can all make a positive impact has become a global discussion.  The  COP26 climate summit brings world leaders together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. …


Les "Rochers Coco", are small, melt-in-the-mouth pastries deliciously flavored with shredded coconut. These gourmet bites can be prepared in just a few minutes and are perfect to accompany your tea or coffee break. …


The Democratic Republic of the Congo , or simply Congo, is a country in Central Africa. It is, by area, the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, and the second-largest in all of Africa (after Algeria). With a population of around 105 million, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the most populous officially Francophone country in the world.  …


Nancy, winner of the Interalliances challenge and student at the Alliance Française de SF since 2020, tells us why and how she's learning French with the Alliance Française de San Francisco!  …


Beaujolais Nouveau Day is marked in France on the third Thursday in November with fireworks, music and festivals. Under French law, the new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau is released to the world at 12:01 a.m., just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Parties are held throughout the country and further afield to celebrate the first wine of the season. …

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E-mail: afsf@afsf.com

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