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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!
Projet Arts visuels
Voici des "portraits aveugles" pour lesquels les étudiants ont fait le portrait de leur binôme sans regarder leur feuille.
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.
Welcome to Cameroon, country of "Camfranglais" !
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"!
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
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!
Our students' work on: est-ce que la Bise est elle en péril?
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?
Culturethèque Holiday Classics: Literature, Music and More
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.
The celebration of Saint Nicholas in France and Europe
In some parts of France and Europe, Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th, with a parade and distribution of sweets to those who have been good. But where does this tradition come from, which has a foretaste of Christmas?
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
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
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!
Presentation of our students
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.
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.
Les Prix Littéraires 2021 en France
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.
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?
As I Want - Arab Film Festival
Discover the movie "We are from there" as part of the 25th Arab Film Festival.
We are from there - Arab Film Festival
Discover the movie "We are from there" as part of the 25th Arab Film Festival
Space Woman + The Roadblock
screening : From Beirut to Space: Lebanese Shorts
25th Arab Film Festival - November 2021
Their Algeria - Arab Film Festival
Discover the movie Their Algeria as part of the 25th Arab Film Festival.
Moss Agate + Mariam - Arab Film Festival
Discover the movie Moss Agate as part of the 25th Arab Film Festival.
25th Arab film Festival
#AFF2021! The Arab Film Festival is running from November 18-24th in the San Francisco Bay Area and online.
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!
Le Changement Climatique: World Leaders at COP26 in Glasgow
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"
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.
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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.
Pourquoi est-ce que j'apprends le Français
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!
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 : Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé !
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
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.
The Ocean Hackathon
Ocean Hackathon is a 48-hour challenge that aims to address the ocean’s greatest challenges by enhancing the value of marine and maritime data through innovation. San Francisco’s local edition will receive 8 challenges created by experts from NASA, Stanford, and Google X - to name a few. Between November 5 and 7, teams of 3 to 8 participants develop a prototype, build a business plan, refine their pitch and do their best to be chosen to represent their city during the Grand Finale in France!
10 must-do's in Monaco!
Tucked away on the French Riviera, the principality of Monaco is a city-state full of history and charm, where the Grimaldi family has
reigned for hundreds of years. So what should you discover in the principality? We offer you a roundup of 10 things you absolutely must do
if you visit Monaco!
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!
5 things to know about Monaco!
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!
French Tips: Learn while having fun with French films and games
Watching French movies and television series advances your language learning progress. And now your AFSF Culturetheque e-library offers you access to great new service using French film extracts and games to deepen your understanding and absorb what you have learned through film.
The history of the Eiffel Tower
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.