France Forever Series
“We’ll always have Paris!” Humphrey Bogart famously said to Ingrid Bergman in *Casablanca*. As you will no doubt agree that France will be France Forever, our first series mixes history, romanticism and a splash of nostalgia—all of which have attracted Americans to France ever since Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson walked the streets of Paris and Versailles. Discuss and debate the intricacies of French books, show off your wit and humor, and interact with the francophones and Francophiles of DC in our genuine French salon.
See Upcoming EventsFrance Forward Series
What do the electronic cigarette, stents, and an electric helicopter have in common? They were all invented by the French! France may be France Forever but it is neither static nor fossilized. Whether in medicine, air and space, economics or philosophy, France leads the way — and this series shows you just how. Next time you take the train or bake a cake, ponder how the French invented the TGV and the silicone mold.
See Upcoming EventsFrancophonie Series
With the rise of Africa, French as a language is regaining its strategic competitive advantage and the Alliance Française is the vehicle for learning it. Each March, the whole world celebrates the Francophonie, and in partnership with many francophone embassies, the Alliance Française of Washington DC and the Smithsonian Associates co-produce the month-long DC Francophonie Festival—film screenings, poetry, culinary tastings, and more from across the francophone world.
See Upcoming EventsLanguage Without Borders
In the words of Ludwig Wittgenstein: “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” Language is not just communication; it is diplomacy and a driving force behind NGOs like Doctors, Photographers, and Reporters Without Borders. In this spirit, AFDC hosts pioneers who promote language as a tool for peace, dialogue, and global connection.
See Upcoming EventsDes Mots et des Hommes (Of Words and Men)
Guess what country has received the most Nobel Prizes in Literature? France, bien sûr! The language of Molière and Racine continues to inspire contemporary authors like Nathalie Azoulai, Olivier Bourdeaut, and Andreï Makine—now the youngest member of the Académie Française. AFDC will host such acclaimed French and francophone authors in this series.
See Upcoming EventsCiné-club Alliance Française / Cahiers du Cinéma
A genuine Ciné-Club experience “à la française” with a film introduction and a Q&A after the screening. These special screenings are made possible thanks to our partnership with *Cahiers du Cinéma*, the most famous French cinema review magazine, and their US correspondent Nicholas Elliott.
See Upcoming EventsAmericans in France
What is happening to you? Your heart flutters, you blush, you swoon—like Ernest Hemingway and Josephine Baker, you are in love with France. “Every man has two countries: his own and France.” Thomas Jefferson once said. Experience the charm and culture that have long attracted American Francophiles to call France their second home.
See Upcoming EventsA Taste of France
Vivid, intangible, persistent, and faithful—smells and flavors are the soul of France. Come share with us the *nourritures terrestres*: wines, breads, cheeses, pâtisserie, cuisine, and the “parfum parfait.” Discover why French culinary and cosmetic traditions remain unmatched.
See Upcoming EventsMusic
From Edith Piaf to Stromae, from Joe Dassin to Sidney Bechet, French music spans every genre. Explore timeless classics like Debussy’s *Clair de Lune*, discover modern stars like Jain or Mylène Farmer, and step into the musical soul of Montmartre with the soundtrack of *Amélie*.
See Upcoming EventsArts
“Art is not what you see but what you make others see” — Edgar Degas. AFDC invites you to experience the arts *sous toutes ses coutures* through readings, talks, screenings, museum tours, ballet, theatre, and visual arts. Discover how French artistic traditions continue to shape American culture today.
See Upcoming EventsChildren's Events
AFDC has many events specially designed for children of all language levels and backgrounds!
See Upcoming EventsLibrary
AFDC’s library hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including book sales and book signings.
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