The Alliance Française de San Francisco's blog

Celebrating Belgian Francophone Authors

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!

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!

Recipe :   Liège Waffle

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!

French Christmas Markets Tradition

French Christmas Markets Tradition

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.

Cameroon: Africa in miniature

Cameroon: Africa in miniature

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. 

Recipe: Peanut and coconut milk chicken

Recipe: Peanut and coconut milk chicken

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!


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. 

Recipe: Mousse au chocolat

Recipe: Mousse au chocolat

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! 

5 funny expressions you’ll hear only in Quebec

5 funny expressions you’ll hear only in Quebec

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! 

Recipe: Quebec Maple Syrup Pie

Recipe: Quebec Maple Syrup Pie

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!

Recipe : Hachis parmentier

Recipe : Hachis parmentier

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.

All about French cheese!

All about French cheese!

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?

Recipe: The Congolese Fumbwa

Recipe: The Congolese Fumbwa

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.

Recipe : Les "Rochers Coco"

Recipe : Les "Rochers Coco"

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.

Get to know the Congo!

Get to know the Congo!

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. 

Edith Piaf: everything you need to know about this internationally successful French singer!

Edith Piaf: everything you need to know about this internationally successful French singer!

Both singer and songwriter, Edith Piaf is a monument of French song, responsible for many classics such as La vie en rose, Milord, La foule, or Non, je ne regrette rien.


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.

Recipe: Quiche Lorraine

Recipe: Quiche Lorraine

Looking for a good comforting dish? Discover the recipe for Quiche Lorraine, a delicious pie filled with a mixture of beaten eggs, fresh cream and bacon. Originally from the Lorraine region, it has become a classic of French cuisine.

Recipe: Monegasque Barbajuans

Recipe: Monegasque Barbajuans

Discover the recipe of the Barbajuans, small fritters stuffed with chard leaves that are often eaten during Monegasque aperitifs. You'll love them!


Synonymous with luxury and opulence, Monaco is known throughout the world for its casino, its 5* hotels and is a favorite playground for the rich and famous. Here are 5 facts to know about Monaco!


Wednesday, October 13th, the movie "Eiffel" with the actors Romain Duris and Emma Mackey was released in French theaters. For this occasion, we propose to let you discover the history of this emblematic monument, symbol of France since 1889.  

Recipe: Financiers

Recipe: Financiers

Alerts to all food lovers! Discover this recipe for financiers, delicious almond cakes from the Lorraine region in France. These little cakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and will delight young and old...

Recipe: Flan coco

Recipe: Flan coco

Discover today the recipe for Flan Coco, a recipe full of exoticism straight from the West Indies, and particularly famous in Guadeloupe. A creamy vanilla custard and a caramel upside down on top... this gourmet dessert will delight your taste buds for sure!  

Gastronomy of Guadeloupe Island

Gastronomy of Guadeloupe Island

Guadeloupe draws its culinary influences from France, India and Africa. The archipelago attracts a lot of attention from the foodie world for its unique blend of Creole delicacies, Caribbean touches and French classics. Whether you're visiting the island for a few days or an extended stay, here's what to eat in Guadeloupe, to explore its culinary art like a local.


With its white sandy beaches, volcanoes and protected parks, not to mention some of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, Guadeloupe is a true paradise on earth.

Recipe: La crème caramel renversée

Recipe: La crème caramel renversée

The crème caramel renversée, also called flan au caramel, has the particularity of presenting a layer of creamy caramel at the bottom of the pot. The less impatient can turn their cream over and see this caramel slowly running down the sides of the cream... You will be renversé (bowled over) how easy and fast this recipe is!

Recipe: Gratin Dauphinois

Recipe: Gratin Dauphinois

With the arrival of winter, there is nothing like a good gratin dauphinois to warm up and enjoy! Follow the recipe!

Recipe : Soupe au potiron

Recipe : Soupe au potiron

The fall has come, and our recipes come with it! Discover the recipe for the Soupe de Potiron, not to be confused with Pumpkin soup. Potiron is a smaller sweeter, and nuttier version of the pumpkin making for an even better soup!

Recipe: Salade Niçoise

Recipe: Salade Niçoise

French people love eating salads and you can easily find this delicious Salade Nicoise in a high end restaurant to ready-to-go deli section. Let’s find out and eat what makes this salad so healthy and delicious! 


American-born French performer Joséphine Baker will enter into Paris' Panthéon of national heroes, making her the first black woman to receive the honor. Her induction into the Panthéon recognizes her contribution to the performing arts and her courage in actively resisting Nazi Germany during the war.

Recipe: Kouign Amann

Recipe: Kouign Amann

We are sure you will love this pastry essentially made of butter, sugar, butter, dough, and of course, butter! Discover the recipe for the well-known Kouign-Amann of Bretagne, a flaky buttery caramelized sugar filled pastry!


Marseille is in the news this week. French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a multibillion-euro plan to turn Marseille into what he calls a world port city with programs to improve crime, schools and culture. Many of these same themes played out in the original NetFlix series called Marseille. See where reality meets fiction.

Recipe: Cannelés de Bordeaux

Recipe: Cannelés de Bordeaux

Discover the famous recipe of the cannelés of Bordeaux!


Early September marks a unique annual event in France – la rentrée. Summer holidays have come to an end, and it’s time for  work, school and normal life. There is new stock in the shops, new TV programmes, new book releases and cultural events all over the country.

Recipe: Riz au lait

Recipe: Riz au lait

Discover the rice pudding recipe!

Recipe: Crêpes

Recipe: Crêpes

Would you like a quick and easy recipe to enjoy with others? Discover the recipe for orange blossom crepes!

Recipe: Croque-Monsieur

Recipe: Croque-Monsieur

Discover this week's recipe for croque-monsieur, an easy-to-make dish with plenty of alternatives to suit everyone's tastes!

Recipe: Pain perdu (French Toast)

Recipe: Pain perdu (French Toast)

Looking for a quick and easy way to finish your leftovers? Check out “Pain perdu” (or French Toast)!

Recipe: Madeleines

Recipe: Madeleines

Discover the recipe for madeleines, delicious cakes to share for a snack!

Recipe: Charlotte au chocolat

Recipe: Charlotte au chocolat

Combining chocolate mousse and cookie, discover this dessert very appreciated by the French: the chocolate Charlotte!

Recipe: Flammekueche

Recipe: Flammekueche

Are you looking for a friendly dish to enjoy with friends as an appetizer or starter? Here is the Flammekueche.

Recipe: Crème Brûlée

Recipe: Crème Brûlée

Looking for an easy-to-cook, single-serve gourmet dessert? Try the Crème Brûlée recipe!


Bastille Day is a holiday celebrating the storming of the Bastille—a military fortress and prison—on July 14, 1789, in a violent uprising that helped usher in the French Revolution. You can discover many great novels set in this important historical period on your AFSF Culturethèque e-library.


As French and American Independence celebrations kick off in July, how better to honor our shared values of freedom, democracy and equality than with Lady Liberty herself. After gifting the original statue 135 years ago, France is sending a second, smaller Lady Liberty across the Atlantic just in time for July 4th.

Recipe: Macarons

Recipe: Macarons

You've seen Emily taste many Ladurée macarons in the series Emily in Paris and you too want to try this delicious pastry? Discover our recipe for homemade macaroons, without having to buy a ticket to eat them in the French capital!

Recipe: Profiteroles

Recipe: Profiteroles

 Want to impress your guests with a gourmet and timeless recipe? Find out how to make profiteroles!




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