French Conversation Groups
Conversation groups in Portland are available for varied levels of French. Conversation groups are a great way to strengthen existing
language skills and motivate continued learning, as well as meet others who share a passion for French.
Participation is free and pre-registration may be required. Check individual listings below for more details. Currently most groups meet online.
FEATURED CONVERSATION GROUPS AND BOOK CLUB THROUGH THE ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE
Available during the school term:
These conversation groups are offered to our members at three different levels, are led by our teachers and volunteers, and are overseen by our education team. They start the second week of each term and follow the term calendar, including the breaks in-between terms. For the school calendar, visit this page. For any questions, please contact Elene Zedginigdze.
Being a student at our Alliance is not required in order to participate in conversation groups; however, membership is required. Sign up here for membership.
- Conversation Group for Beginners: for Alliance students in 100 and lower 200 series or members currently acquiring the CECR A1 level.
- Conversation Group for Intermediate French Speakers: for students in upper A2 level and and B1 series or members currently acquiring the CECR A2 to B1 levels.
- Conversation Group for Advanced French Speakers: for French speakers at the CECR B2 to C1 levels.
Available year round:
National Weekly Apéro-Conversation Group: This is a free weekly conversation group on Zoom run by Linda Witt (former director of AF Portland and an Officier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques). This group is open to all Alliance Française members in the United States for drop-in conversation on Wednesday nights at 5-6pm (Pacific). The group, in coordination with the Fédération des Alliances Françaises USA, welcomes speakers at high-intermediate, advanced, and native levels. Register here for this group and receive reminders and the Zoom link.
The Alliance conversation groups are for Alliance members only: Sign up here for membership (just $36 provides membership benefits for a full year. Memberships are tax-deductible.)
Cercle Littéraire - Book Club
Le Cercle Littéraire, dirigé par Marie-Pierre Wolfe, se réunira tous les deuxièmes mercredis du mois de 13h à 15h, où les
participants partageront leurs idées, émotions et réflexions sur le livre choisi, qu'ils auront lu avant la réunion.
Pour rendre nos rencontres encore plus agréables, des rafraîchissements légers, y compris du café et du thé seront offerts. Les
étudiants sont invités à participer à un pot-luck en apportant des mets à partager, mais cela reste entièrement optionnel, avec du thé et du
café offerts.
Le Cercle Littéraire accueille aussi bien des locuteurs natifs que ceux qui apprennent le français à partir du niveau intermédiaire (B1).
L'inscription est obligatoire pour chaque session mensuelle, et il est nécessaire de remplir un formulaire distinct pour chaque
réunion en utilisant les liens ci-dessous. La
participation est gratuite pour les membres de l'Alliance Française, et tout le monde est le bienvenu !
Independent Groups
VANCOUVER, WA
We're pleased to announce that the Vancouver Conversation Group has reunited and kicked off their gatherings on January 14th.
Join this group every Sunday at 6pm at Tiger Garden, located at 302 8th West St., Vancouver, WA 98660. This group is open to French
speakers starting at the intermediate level, providing a friendly and supportive environment for language practice and cultural exchange.
For any inquiries or additional information, feel free to contact the host, Bruen Tucker. THIS
GROUP IS CURRENTLY ON BREAK.
NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL PORTLAND
- Groupe francophile: Meets Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Market of Choice, SE 10th and Belmont. The first Saturday of the month the group meets by Zoom and in person the remaining Saturdays of each month. Contact Jon Danzig for more information. All levels welcome.
SOUTHEAST PORTLAND
- Alliance group, les Copains du Dimanche: Meets every Sunday at 4:00 PM on the mezzanine of the Market of Choice, 1090 SE Belmont Street, Portland, OR 97214. Hosted by Alliance member Alan Grinnell. Contact Alan for more information. All levels welcome.
- French Book Club: A French language and literature group meets every other month to discuss a French-language book. Participants read the book in French and discuss it in French on Zoom. Contact Alliance member Cindy Crawford for more information.
SOUTHWEST PORTLAND
- Samedi au Village: Multnomah French Quarter – Meets on Saturdays, starting at 4:00 p.m. Contact Ed Birnbaum (971) 404-6742, for more information. All levels welcome.
CORVALLIS
The Corvallis group: Celebrated its 55th year in 2019, averages 25-30 people for its weekly meetings, Tuesday mornings from 10-12. For current status, contact Jody Altendorf. All levels welcome.
BEND
Deschutes French Connection: in Bend and its surroundings. This group typically gathers around 20 people for its weekly meetings, held on Mondays at 10:30 AM at Barnes and Noble and from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at MidTown Yacht Club. For more information, contact Julie Langou. Conversational French level recommended. You can follow then also on thei Facebook page.