The Alliance Française network
The Alliance Française de Cardiff is part of a worldwide network of more than 800
establishments, with its headquarters based in Paris. The Alliance Française is present in over 130 countries, with 14 establishments across the UK. In 2015, this active worldwide network shared its passion for the French language with more than 500 000 learners and organised more than 22 000 cultural events around the world.
The Alliance Française in Cardiff
The Alliance Française de Cardiff is the only one in Wales. It is registered with the charity commission and is dedicated to offering French language tuition and to promoting French and Francophone cultures and intercultural exchanges. In Cardiff, learners have been following a range of courses-from beginners to advanced, general, business or group classes and 1-to-1. Flexibility is important to meet changing needs and reaching outside Cardiff through the provision of virtual tuition is becoming more and
more popular. The small class sizes and immersion in the language have been praised by learners. “Small groups meant you could be more involved and could gain more from each lesson. I loved the topics – very up to date, current and also different and varied to those studied in schools.” “The teacher is excellent and understands the needs of adult learners. More relaxed but purposeful sessions. I have been very impressed.”
Alliance and partnerships
The Alliance Française de Cardiff works closely with regional education consortia, schools and
teachers in Wales to encourage language learning and raise the profile of Modern Foreign Languages. The Head of Teaching Ariane Laumonier said: “Our team of qualified teachers are French native speakers and they are passionate about their subject. They are enthusiastic and committed to providing a high standard of tuition to all our learners in a professional and relaxed atmosphere.”
The Alliance Française de Cardiff is actively building partnerships with local institutions and commerce to collaborate on future events and promote a shared passion for all things French. The book club has been an early success where once a month, learners can share an enjoyment of French language books and speak French together – all in a convivial atmosphere. The Director of the Alliance Française in Cardiff, Anthony Thirion, said: “From French courses to cultural events, there is a lot to explore and it is a particularly exciting time for our team. We are very proud to be able to provide a great space to learn French and bring the sounds, flavours and culture of France to Wales.”
Next events
RBR 6 Nations 18th March (French people support our team in the old market tavern 20-21 Trinity Street, Cardiff CF10 1BH)
The French electoral system (Discussion and debate in partnership with Cardiff University, 15th March 4pm-5pm, MLANG 2.26) Special guest: Madame Brousseau-Navarro, Honorary Consul of France in Cardiff.
Our next “Club de lecture de l’Alliance française Cardiff” will take place on Monday 13st March and we will discuss Ritournelle de la faim (2008) by J.M.G. Le Clézio. On Monday 24th April, we will talk about “Un Balcon en forêt” (1958) by J.Gracq.
Ciné Club is opening in April. Are you a Francophile, interested in French culture or just like to watch films? The Alliance française de Cardiff presents le Cinéclub, an opportunity to come together and watch Francophone cinema in a relaxed atmosphere. Films will be shown every 2 months at the Alliance française de Cardiff 26-28 Churchill Way, first floor, Cardiff, CF10 10DY.
We will also meet for screenings of French films at our partner Chapter’s venue, which will be followed with a discussion. (In March/April “Elle” and “It is Only the End of the World / Talk before the films and discussion post-screening)
Cardiff Book Festival (stand and/or inviting a French author)
