Alliance Française d'Orange County

✨ Bordeaux might be famous for its wine, but have you discovered its iconic cannelés?

Our teacher Justine, a proud Bordelaise and founder of the pastry brand Justine Craquelin , is bringing a taste of her hometown to our beloved Pastry Talks, back by popular demand! ☕🇫🇷

No plans for Saturday, June 20? Treat yourself to a French-style breakfast and join us for a delicious morning of French conversation and sweet discoveries.

This edition takes us to Bordeaux, featuring a blind tasting of traditional cannelés (plus a few surprise flavors 👀), coffee, and plenty of opportunities to practice your French in a relaxed setting.

🥐 All levels welcome
☕ French conversation & cultural discoveries
📍 Register via our website or the link in bio

Who knows? You may just find your new favorite French pastry. 🇫🇷✨

🌊 The summer season is nearly here, and so are your French plans...

Whether you're preparing for a trip to France, keeping your French fresh over the break, or getting ready for a strong rentrée in the fall, this summer is the perfect time to stay connected to the language.

🌴 Our Summer Session begins soon, featuring Review & Refresh classes, immersive experiences, conversation workshops, and goal-oriented programs designed to help you build confidence, reinforce your skills, and keep progressing — all in a relaxed summer atmosphere.

🌻 Summer Session II begins July 6, and we’re opening one Intensive New-Beginner Immersion class.

☀️ From your very first bonjour to confident conversation, join us at Alliance Française — the world’s largest and most historic network of French language and cultural centers, right here in Orange County.

🤫Psst: Register by June 29 to avoid a late fee.

📚 Review & Refresh classes for total beginner to advanced level with options to learn online or in person!

🗣 Conversion groups, workshops and social mixers will have you speaking French with confidence!

🍷 Experience French cultural events, film screenings, Sip ‘n Paint parties and more!

⚜Become a member and enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts with our partners. Connect with the larger French community in Orange County!

📸 : Menton
Register now via bio link.

Back by popular demand! ☕🥐

No plans for Saturday, June 20? Treat yourself to a French-style breakfast and join us for the return of a Pastry Talks favorite!

We’re heading to Bordeaux with a blind tasting of cannelés (plus a few secret flavors 👀), French conversation, coffee, and sweet discoveries.

All levels welcome!
Register via website or link in bio.

🥁 Mesdames et messieurs, this is it: our final Survival French Crash Course of the season happens tomorrow!

Planning a trip to France this summer? This 2-hour express workshop is designed to help you navigate real-life situations with confidence—without committing to a full language course.

✈️ Booking a trip
🗣️ Essential travel phrases
🏨 Hotels & transportation
💶 Asking about prices and availability
📅 Changing or canceling reservations
🇫🇷 French customs, tips, and cultural insights

Whether you’re a complete beginner or just need a refresher, you’ll leave with practical skills you can use right away.

📅 Saturday, June 6th
⏰ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Register on website or via link in bio.

📚Join our next French Book Club!

Love French literature? Join us for our upcoming online Book Club happening Wednesday, June 17 (6-7pm), and dive into La Promesse de l'aube by Romain Gary.

Together, we will:
✨ discuss one of the most famous novels of French literature
✨ practice speaking French in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, all from the comfort of your home
✨ share ideas and perspectives with fellow readers while sharpening your language skills and cultural insights.

Start reading now and come ready to share your thoughts! You can find the book on Culturethèque, which is completely free for members. Whether you’re discovering the book for the first time or revisiting this classic, everyone is welcome.

Plus… the event is also free for members, or $20 for non-members! So go grab your book, make yourself a cup of tea, and join the conversation via Zoom from wherever you are.

👉 Register on website (B1+ minimum)

The Paris Effect: Its Power to Inspire and Seduce
with Elaine Sciolino

What is it about Paris—and French culture—that so powerfully moves and inspires people around the world?

In this engaging talk, journalist and longtime Paris resident Elaine Sciolino explores the answer in one compelling word: seduction. She reflects on the emotional pull of France and invites us to consider how a simple street, the source of a river, or the hush of a museum can awaken curiosity, imagination, and connection. What makes Paris more than a destination? Why does French culture continue to captivate across generations and borders?

💻 Location: Online (a link will be sent upon registration)
📅 Date: Thur. May 21; 1PM - 2PM
👥 Level: All levels - In English
🙋 Register on website (free for members)

An event offered by the Fédération des Alliances Françaises - USA.

La French Cinémathèque is a celebration of Francophone cinema offering a curated selection of monthly films, sponsored by One Film One Federation in collaboration with Telescope Film.

For our upcoming session, we will be diving into the classic "Un homme et une femme" (A man and a woman) from 1966, directed by Claude Lelouch. We invite you to watch the film via streaming before joining Peter Debruge, Chief Film Critic of Variety, for an engaging hosted discussion on this masterpiece of the French New Wave era.

💻 Location: Online (Zoom link sent upon registration)
📅 Date: Mon. May 18; 4-5PM
👥 Level: All levels - In English
🙋 Register on website (free for members)

An event offered by the Fédération des Alliances Françaises - USA.

The Real Cost of Living in France — What It Actually Costs (And Why It May Surprise You) with Adrian Leeds.

Ever wondered what it truly costs to live the French dream? Real estate expert Adrian Leeds joins the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA to reveal the true finances of a life in France. Whether you are planning a permanent move or are simply curious about the lifestyle, Adrian will navigate the complexities of French expenses, from hidden costs to the budget-friendly perks that often catch newcomers by surprise.

💻 Location: Online
📅 Date: Sat. May 16; 11AM - 12PM
👥 Level: All levels - In English
🙋 Register on website (free for members)

An event offered by the Fédération des Alliances Françaises - USA.

Hommage à la Liberté! 🇫🇷

Today, May 8th, France observes La Fête de la Victoire (Victory Day), a powerful day of remembrance marking the end of World War II in Europe.

This is a day of deep national pride and reflection, as it commemorates the official surrender of the German forces in 1945 and the long-awaited liberation of France.

The heart of the celebration happens in Paris, where the President of the Republic leads a moving ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe. He lays a wreath of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor the courage of those who fought for the freedom the country enjoys today.

We love sharing these meaningful traditions with you—they are the heart and soul of the French language. Join us in celebrating a day of peace and resilience! 🕊️