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 THROUGH THE ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE
Available during the school term:
These conversation groups are offered to our members at three different levels and 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 our office.
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: Alliance students in 100 and lower 200 series or members currently acquiring the CECR A1 level are invited to participate in sessions led by the Alliance Volunteer, Betsy Schmitz, retired French teacher each Tuesday at 5:15pm. Register here. On Zoom.
- Conversation Group for Intermediate French Speakers: students in upper A2 level and and B1 series or members currently acquiring the CECR A2 to B1 levels are invited to join sessions led by the Alliance Volunteer Sophie Braccini each Tuesday 1pm. Register here. On Zoom.
- Conversation Group for Advanced French Speakers: French speakers at the CECR B2 to C1 levels are invited to participate in literary discussions led by Alliance volunteer, Jim Brown, on Mondays 5:15pm. Register here. On Zoom.
Available year round:
Weekly Apéro-Conversation Group: free weekly conversation group on Zoom, run by board members and other volunteers, is available for drop-in conversation on Wednesday nights at 5pm. This group welcomes speakers at high-intermediate, advanced, and native levels. Register here for this group and receive reminders.
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.)
Other Groups
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, 4:00-5:30 p.m. 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 at a venue announced in advance. Contact Alliance member Cindy Crawford for more information.
SOUTHWEST PORTLAND
- Samedi au Village: French Quarter – Multnomah Village, 3425 SW Multnomah Boulevard, Portland, OR 97219. Meets on Saturdays, 5:00-6:00 p.m. Contact Ed Birnbaum 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.
VANCOUVER, WA
The Alliance group in Vancouver: Sheryl Meservey has retired from leadership of the group. Interested Vancouverites who could take on the leadership role, please contact info@afportland.org.
Other:
The Cercle francais now meets regularly