Featured Portland French Events
The Alliance Française holds cultural events throughout the year, large and small. They are mostly in English and are open to the public. Come join us!
Events Policy
The member discount is applicable for one ticket per member.
Guests must pay the non-member price. Please note that a reservation is only confirmed upon receiving payment.
If tickets are available, the Alliance can accept payment at the door by credit card, check, or cash.
Payment:
- Registration for Alliance Française events can be made in person at our office, over the phone, by mail, or through the web site.
- Please make all checks payable to: Alliance Française de Portland. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Cancellations & Refunds:
- Refunds will be automatically issued if the Alliance cancels an event.
- If you need to cancel your registration for an event, you must do so at least 24 hours prior to the start of the program, and you will be fully credited toward a future event.
- Refunds must be requested in writing no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled event and will incur a 4% credit card processing fee.
Click here for directions and parking information
Art Studio or Voyage Around the World - Who’s ready for fun?
After the online school day has ended and with few after-school programs available this winter, your child may want or need some additional French practice in subjects sure to spark their imagination and curiosity. The Alliance Française de Portland is excited to offer a brand new after-school immersion program for children ages 5 through 10. Whether your child is a true beginner or well on their way toward fluency, you will find a perfect fit to enhance and enrich their online school activities with French language practice and, more importantly, fun.
Introductory Immersion classes welcome beginning French students with some prior French experience. Continuing Immersion classes are designed for those already experienced in French language immersion. French for True Beginners is designed for those who are just starting to learn the language.
This spring, all classes are offered in two five-week modules. Spring 1 runs March 29 to May 1, Spring 2 runs May 3 to June 5.
INTRODUCTORY AND CONTINUING IMMERSION CLASSES
Here's what you can expect in Introductory and Continuing Immersion classes:
One hour of instruction in a small group setting with an instructor specializing in children's education. Activities that target various types of learning:...
This spring, choose from two five-week long modules, Spring 1: March 29- May 1, or Spring 2: May 3 - June 5. Sign up for both parts, or choose just one. All classes are taught on Zoom.
Specialty and cultural classes are perfect to work on comprehension and communication skills. A certain level of French is required for each class. Please read carefully the pre-requisites for the class that interests you. If you're not sure about your level, take the self-assessment here. For further evaluation, please schedule an assessment with one of our teachers.
Civilisation de la Francophonie
Curious about the rest of the francophone world? Take a break from core classes and put your French skills to work while improving your reading and communication. Through the text, Civilisation progressive de la francophonie, learn about the diversity and richness of societies outside of France; the culture and civilization, traditional dances, food, transportation and more.
This class is offered for B1/B2 level students. Prerequisites: Edito 206 or equivalent.
Fridays 10am-12pm
Literature Classes
Advanced level students may enjoy studying Jean-Paul Didierlaurent's, Le liseur du 6h27, and learn about this dynamic author. This class will be offered in two sections: for B1/B2 levels and...
Spring Term core classes are now open for registration. Choose from two five-week long modules, Spring 1: March 29 to May 1, or Spring 2: May 3 to June 5. Sign up for both parts in order to complete a level, or choose the first half and pick up the second part in the next term, if you like. All classes are taught on Zoom.
A core language curriculum is the fundamental key to learning success. Alliance Française offers Édito, Méthode de français as its cornerstone to mastering French. Whether a true beginner or advanced, there is an Édito class for every level of student.
Grammar is one of the most challenging skills to master in any language. Beginning winter 2021, Alliance will incorporate Grammaire progressive du français into the existing Édito series (true beginner through 105) to enrich the learning experience.
French on the Go, the 4 week drop-in workshop series, continues this spring with new offerings to liven up your French language skills. Each week explores a different topic or theme and are offered as drop-in workshops ($28) or the bundle of four ($105). The next series of workshops begin April 7, 2021.
French Pronunciation for Beginners
For Edito 103-106, A1 level
Saturdays 10:30am-12pm
Do you need help with French pronunciation or understanding spoken French? In this workshop, primarily in English, you will have an opportunity to understand in depth the most common challenges that face English speakers regarding French phonetics. Practice pronunciation as well as orthography (spelling) to better understand the relationship between the spoken and written word. Prior to the workshop, you will receive all necessary class materials. Print or download materials, in advance, to have available for each workshop. Technology for this class will be kept at a minimum to allow more time for practice and discussion. This class is open to students levels Edito 103-106.
Spring 1: April 10 - May 1
Workshop 1 Workshop 2 Workshop 3 Workshop 4Spring 2: May 15 - June 5
Workshop 1 Workshop 2 Workshop 3 Workshop 4
This riveting, 2020 Cannes-selected #MeToo drama from debut filmmaker Charlène Favier follows the relationship between a teenage ski prodigy and her predatory instructor, played by frequent Dardenne Brothers collaborator Jérémie Renier. Watch the trailer here.
Noée Abita plays 15-year-old Lyz, a high school student in the French Alps who has been accepted to an elite ski club known for producing some of the country’s top professional athletes. Taking a chance on his new recruit, ex-champion turned coach Fred decides to mold Lyz into his shining star despite her lack of experience. Under his influence, she will have to endure more than the physical and emotional pressure of the training. Will Lyz’s determination help her escape Fred’s exploitative grip?
Please note that this is a film for adult audiences. It tells the story of how a young female skier's training is overshadowed by her abusive male coach. The film is a sobering portrayal of the abuse of power in the narrow setting of a highly competitive sport. As such, it has direct tie-ins with the #MeToo movement.
Stream this film from the Kino Marquee starting April 9 and running until May 15. In French with English subtitles. Running time 92...
The Alliance’s free weekly conversation group on Zoom, run by board members and other volunteers, is available for drop-in conversation on Wednesday nights at 5:15pm.
It attracts 20-30 registrants who converse in small groups (Breakout Rooms) of 4-5 people for 3-4 segments of 14 minutes. The groups get re-created/mixed so that everyone gets to chat with a new group.
Levels include lower-intermediate to advanced and native-level speakers. Most high-A2 to C1 students can feel comfortable in this mixed-level conversational setting. Not sure of your level? Check in with the AF Portland office for guidance.
Sign up to be added to the reminder emails for upcoming sessions (no need to sign up again if you’ve already signed up for an earlier session). These free groups are for Alliance members only. Sign up here for memberships. (Just $36 provides membership benefits for a full year and is tax-deductible. )
Register for Apéro-Conversation Reminder Emails
Experience Versailles and its gardens in the company of art historian Céline Glon.
Discover the rich and complex personality of Louis XIV that made him such a compelling figure in the 17th century. Learn about the elaborate court etiquette that was strictly observed at the time and governed all interactions in the palace.
The creation of Versailles moved the center of power in the Ancien Regime away from Paris and attracted a wide range of personalities to Louis' court. Take a walk into one of history's most exciting and controversial eras – one which will give you the urge to travel back in time!
Céline Glon is a certified tour guide, originally from Lyon, who currently divides her time between California and Paris. Celine’s lectures include fascinating details that bring historical figures to life. This presentation is in French and is suitable for students at the B1/B2 level.
Register for Louis XIV & Versailles
The popular Paris Métro theme returns to the national Alliance Française stage this spring, with a focus on the Métro’s influence on the arts – 100% in French.
From Zazie dans le Métro to Le Dernier Métro, from “Le Poinçonneur des Lilas” to “Y a d’la joie” and from the historic Guimard entrances to the brand new stations on the recently extended line 14, come discover fascinating art themes on the Paris Métro you may not have heard about.
Presentation will be in French and suitable for advanced French students and above.
Charles Coulon is a French native and dual French-American citizen who lived in Boulogne-Billancourt, in the Parisian suburbs, as a teenager. There he developed a strong interest in all things Paris transit related which he has shared with the AF USA network as well as in private Zoom events with the AF DuPage, Buffalo, Cincinnati and Omaha chapters. He has been in various leadership functions at the AF DuPage (Illinois) since 2007 and currently serves on the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA Board of Directors.
This event is free for Alliance Française of Portland members. Not a member? You can sign up on the registration...
Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel was perhaps the most influential fashion designer of the twentieth century. Her name alone evokes fashion, perfume, emancipation, and allure.
Born in the Loire Valley at Saumur, Chanel survived an impoverished childhood and rose to become the reigning queen of fashion, revolutionizing women’s style forever. We will follow the steps in the ascension of Coco Chanel, a woman of ambition and determination who ruled over the French fashion industry for six decades.
We’ll also take a look at what led her into an exile of 15 years before her triumphant return in 1954 to regain her position at the top of the fashion industry.
Join us for the second lecture in French by art historian Céline Glon on May 29 at 10am. The fee is $26.