The Alliance Française de Philadelphie is part of a worldwide organization founded in July 1883 by a handful of prominent individuals in Paris to maintain and spread the influence of France by promoting the French language: such was the original mission assigned to the nonprofit association. The Alliance Française is now a cultural network of global scale and a teaching facility without equal. But it is also much more, as you realize when you talk to students and members. The 1,300 chapters are meeting places for people who, though they may be far from France, are sentimentally attached to France for one reason or another. Whatever their nationality, whatever their race or religion, they all find something in French culture that speaks to them, be it philosophical ideas, moral values or aesthetic sensibilities.
 Since its founding in 1903, the Philadelphia Chapter of the Alliance Française has encouraged the study of the French language and literature, promoted French culture and fostered friendly relations between France and the United States with a uniquely Philadelphia touch, style and tradition.
Members, students and friends begin the social year in the fall with La Soirée des Retrouvailles, celebrate winter at the Fête de Noël and the coming of spring at the Mardi Gras bal masqué, before greeting summer at our gala celebration of Bastille Day. The Alliance Française cultural calendar includes concerts, lectures and films with both local and international flair, as well as wine lectures, a French cabaret evening, monthly «French tables» at local restaurants, a book club and occasional ciné-club. |
