The Alliance Française de San Francisco's blog


The fascinating world of French wines is vast. The many wine names, regions, appellations, grape varieties, and so on might seem confusing indeed! Ever wondered what the terms terroir and appellation mean? Or what French wine to pair with your next meal? …


Les Fables de la Fontaine are considered a classic of French literature, and a cornerstone of common French culture. The year 2021 marks the 400th anniversary of the birth of Jean de La Fontaine and celebrations are being held throughout France to honor the famous French poet and fabulist. …


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


With the beginning of summer and the vacations coming, it's time to go back to the beach! But do you know the vocabulary of the beach in French? Between the beach clothes, nature, or the various activities, discover new words to perfect your knowledge of the French language. …


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. …


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! …


The French  international hit mystery television series LUPIN just released its much anticipated second season this month on Netflix to the delight of its viewers. Be sure to explore the entire inspirational novel series about Arsène Lupin written by Maurice Leblanc on your AFSF Culturethèque e-library.  …


Have you read Marcel Proust? Do you just pretend to have read him? Are you afraid to even crack open In Search of Lost Time? No need to panic. Barnard’s Caroline Weber, a Proust expert, introduces us to the man, his milieu, his era and his writing. …


Have you ever asked yourself how did the fête de la musique start?...Born in the early 1980s, the Fête de la Musique is now celebrated in nearly 120 countries. A popular festival that brings together a multitude of actors, actresses, spectators, between organized and improvised scenes, from amateur practices to concerts orchestrated by associations and institutions.
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Your AFSF Culturethèque e-library has joined in the annual Fête de la Musique celebration bringing music of the world directly to you. Listeners of all ages can explore music of different genres, artistes and countries. …


In this podcast we like to go off the beaten tracks. That's why we will talk with Laura Capazza Durand, the current president of the gallery Capazza. A special place in the lands of Sologne, into the woods, dedicated to contemporary art. …


Discover the renowned castles of the Loire. Did you know that the area immediately surrounding the Loire River is home to over 300 châteaux (castles)? …


The 7th annual Partir en Livre series of events takes place throughout France, from June 30 to July 25, 2021, around the theme “Mer et merveilles” (Sea and wonders). Conveniently timed with the completion of the school year, this annual celebration keeps reading top of mind as children head off on summer vacations with their families. …


Foreigners and French people are waiting so much for the borders to reopen this summer! Fortunately, the country has planned this reopening in several steps. …


Looking for a new gourmet way to cook your apples? Let us introduce you to Tarte Tatin! This dessert is originating from Centre-Val de Loire and was invented according to the legend by two sisters living in the region: Caroline and Stéphanie Tatin. This is how this cake took their name to be called tarte Tatin! 

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This festival is also known as the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival.  Their mission is to highlight LGBTQ+ cinema in the Bay Area and accross the world. For the Pride Month, AFSF presents you 2 movies promoted on Frameline... …


Have you considered what a group course can bring to you ?
Here is a sample of what students say about what they like in their (online) French group courses at the Alliance Française de San Francisco.
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Looking for a delicious dessert made with seasonal fruits? Let us introduce you to Clafoutis.  …


The year 2021 marks the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of Gustave Flaubert, one of France’s most famous and influential writers, and the leader of the literary realism movement. Discover many of Flaubert’s renowned books and publications on the Culturethèque e-library. …


On the occasion of San Francisco Documentary Festival, the AFSF co-presents Laura Lamanda's "Lost and Found in Paris"(2020)!

"It's a never-ending flow. All day long, people come to the reception desk at the Lost and Found Office. They want to retrieve their belongings, they're in a hurry. But..."


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The "poulet basquaise" is a culinary speciality originating from the traditional cuisine of the Basque country. It is recognized in particular thanks to the colours of the dish which are the same to the colours of the Basque flag (green, white and red). …


Paris, the French capital, is known worldwide as the capital of fashion. Why has this city become the capital of fashion and not another? …


Explore a host of titles with plots centered around Paris for readers of all ages available on the AFSF Culturethèque e-library. If you find yourself daydreaming about the City of Light, picking up a book set in Paris might be the best solution for your yearning.Bonne Lecture sur Paris ! …


En Vadrouille meets with the parisian fashion house Zyga: Stéfanie Rivière, model maker; Brigitte Galves, stylist, as well as Laura Pianko, communications director. A shock team that puts the spotlight on the fashion capital. …


Do you want to visit Paris but you can not travel at the moment due to Covid-19? We invite you to discover 3 famous Parisian monuments through virtual tours while waiting for the reopening of the borders! …


A French alternative to Mac & Cheese? L'aligot is a dish made of Tomme cheese and smashed potatoes. Take a look at this easy recipe from Auvergne. …


This region of the South of France attracts many people from all around the world and is full of traditions and customs. Toulouse, Montpellier, Carcassonne, Nîmes are some of the main cities you may have heard of.
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Do you know that people speak specific regional languages in several regions of France, also more commonly called “patois”? Although these regional languages are not considered official languages, they are taught in schools where the dialect is spoken. …


Occitania is the third most visited region in France! It has 8 UNESCO sites, including: Cirque de Gavarnie, les Cévennes, Gorges du Tarn, Albi, Canal du Midi, Pont du Gard...Do you know about them? …


To discover more about perfume, its making or significations, the AFSF receives Anastasia Sokolow, founder of French Perfume House, Sulékó.  …


The popular Paris Métro theme returns to the national Alliance Française stage this Spring, with a focus on the Métro’s influence on the arts. …

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