Notre-Dame – After the Fire: The Redesign of the Surroundings of Notre-Dame de Paris with Bas Smets, Landscape Architect and Founder of Bureau Bas Smets (In English)
2025-12-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Notre-Dame – After the Fire: The Redesign of the Surroundings of Notre-Dame de Paris with Bas Smets, Landscape Architect and Founder of Bureau Bas Smets (In English)
In partnership with the Alliance Française Miami Metro, the Alliance Française de Chicago, and the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris
This event begins at 10am PT / 11am MT / 12pm CT / 1pm ET and will be IN ENGLISH.
In 2022, the City of Paris announced that the team led by Belgian landscape designer Bas Smets won the competition to reimagine the area surrounding Notre-Dame Cathedral. Bas Smets will describe how the team plans to redesign the square in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the underground parking spaces beneath it, the Jean XXIII square located behind the cathedral, the Seine riverbanks, and the adjacent streets, in order to create a microclimate to mitigate the effects of climate change. This extensive project is scheduled to begin in 2025 and end in 2030.
This event will be IN ENGLISH.

Speaker: Bas Smets received master’s degrees in Architecture and Civil Engineering from the University of Leuven and in Landscape from the University of Geneva. In 2007, he founded Bureau Bas Smets in Brussels, whose designs explore new ways to transform the city into an urban ecology, capable of producing cooling microclimates to counter climate change. In addition to his design work, Bas Smets has taught at various schools of architecture in Europe. In 2023, he was appointed Professor in Practice at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.
Moderator: Russell Kelley is Vice President of the Alliance Française Miami Metro and the author of The Making of Paris (Lyons Press, 2021) and Walking Through the Ages of Paris (Lyons Press, to be published in 2026).

Sur la route des régions françaises
2026-01-13 13:30 - 15:00
Voyage autour de la France en 8 régions by Julie STERN
In person class
level required Intermediate & up
Pack you bag to travel across eight of France’s most fascinating regions and discover how history, geography, tradition and tourism shape each one unique identity while enriching your vocabulary and strengthening your comprehension.
Each class will offer a new destination to explore and a deeper understanding of the local life with practical insights and concrete tips about what to see and to do there.
Activity meeting dates
January 13 to March 3 on Tuesdays from 1:30pm am to 3pm.

Crêpe Soirée: La Chandeleur Celebration with Suzette LA
2026-02-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Alliance Francaise de Los Angeles
Crêpe Soirée: La Chandeleur Celebration with Suzette LA

Join us for a delightful evening celebrating La Chandeleur, one of France’s most cherished culinary traditions, at our Crêpe Soirée with Suzette LA.

La Chandeleur, celebrated every year on February 2nd, is a traditional French holiday with both religious and cultural significance. Over time, it has become closely associated with crêpes and convivial gatherings. According to popular French superstition, flipping a crêpe while holding a coin is said to bring good luck and financial prosperity for the year.

The evening will begin with a short presentation exploring the history of crêpes in France, the origins of La Chandeleur, and the traditions surrounding this festive occasion. Following the presentation, guests will enjoy a tasting of freshly prepared crêpes, with wine and coffee served, for a warm and authentic French experience.

Whether you are a Francophile, a food lover, or simply looking for a charming cultural evening, this celebration of La Chandeleur promises to be both informative and delicious.

Online TCF B2 Preparation
2026-02-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Alliance Francaise de Los Angeles
Online TCF B2 Preparation

2 HOURS ONLINE WORKSHOP led by Violaine de Landes, TCF certified instructor

Get ready for the TCF B2 exam with this focused prep class! You will review everything covered on the exam—listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and writing! This is the perfect workshop for anyone planning to take the TCF soon.

Activity meeting dates
Saturday February 7th from 9 am to 11am

Les Grands Magasins Parisiens
2026-03-03 11:00 - 12:30
Les Grands Magasins Parisiens – Workshop let by Veronique Courtois
Les Galeries Lafayette, La Samaritaine… Come and discover the history of the iconic Parisian “Grands Magasins” in these two entertaining trivia-filled workshops.
Tuesday March 3 & 10, 2026
Advanced level & above
$90.00 / $75.00 for members

Activity meeting dates
Tuesdays March 3 & 10, 2026, 11 am to 12:30 pm

Francophonie Celebration: Special Short Film Screening
2026-03-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Alliance Francaise de Los Angeles
The Alliance Française de Los Angeles is honored to show a special screening of the short film “L’enfant à la peau blanche” (The Boy with White Skin) in celebration of le mois de la Francophonie on Thursday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. This captivating, award-winning film is follows an Albino child, entrusted by his father to a group of gold-miners, who embodies all of their hopes. Join us for an exclusive film screening, featuring a special presentation by Mame Toucouleur MBaye, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Senegal, Los Angeles, followed by the film screening and Q&A. Guests will also be served wine alongside a curated selection of charcuterie, cheeses, and crackers. Written and directed by @simonpanay​Produced by @bandini_films and Astou Films Co-produced by @hkcorp and R-Lines Exclusive Short-Film Screening Thursday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m. Alliance Française de Los Angeles 10390 Santa Monica Blvd Suite #300 To register for this exclusive film screening, please visit adela.org.

Private visit at the Hammer Museum: Mario Avati Prints
2026-03-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, United States
Your guide, who holds a Master’s in printmaking, has reserved the Grunwald Center at the Hammer Museum for a private showing of Mario Avati prints. Avati was an extraordinary printmaker and his works are not often displayed. We will talk about his life, influences, technique and subject matters which include still lives and Paris.
You will be responsible for the parking fee remaining after validation. Let’s meet by the entrance by the parking side a little before 2 pm.
In French, for advanced levels.
Friday, March 20th, 2 – 3:30 pm

2026 Fundraising Dinner
2026-04-08 18:30 - 21:30 | Résidence de France
Dear Members and Friends of the Alliance Française de Los Angeles,
As the Alliance Française de Los Angeles shapes its next chapter, we invite you to stand among those who help ensure its future.
We are pleased to introduce our Board of Directors and warmly invite you to join us for a special Fundraising Dinner bringing together our community in support of the Alliance’s mission.
For generations, the Alliance has been a place where French language, culture, and community come together in Los Angeles.
This event will be an opportunity to connect, celebrate that shared spirit, and help sustain the programs and cultural experiences that keep our community thriving.
We would be honored by your presence: please visit the link below to purchase tickets.
With Gratitude,
The Board of Directors
Alliance Française de Los Angeles
Chair of the Board:
Cynthia Hajjar
Treasurer:
Steven Bushong
Secretary:
Helen Tartavull
Board Members:
Jacklin Ajemian
Martine Anderson
Leann Angelich
Valerie Daneshgar
Dr Laurence Denie Higney
Dr Eric Fugier
Veronique Maingard
Nicole Montgomery
Leonard Steiner

Crafting Culinary Excellence with a Le Cordon Bleu chef
2026-04-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Alliance Francaise de Los Angeles
TICKETS: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/alliancefrancaisela/activity/search/detail/9056?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true
Join us for Crafting Culinary Excellence: A Conversation with a Le Cordon Bleu Chef, an exclusive opportunity to gain insight into the artistry, discipline, and professional journey behind one of the world’s most respected culinary traditions.
Chef Sebastian Rast – Cuisine Instructor at Le Cordon Bleu London. A chef with extensive experience in fine dining kitchens, including Michelin star establishments.
Matthieu Longuère – Wine Development Manager at Le Cordon Bleu London. Named Best Sommelier in the UK in 2000, with experience across several top restaurants, including Michelin star venues.
Excite your taste buds with an assortment of charcuterie and wine as you learn about the art of food and wine pairings and the magic that happens when the two are combined.
Come for the conversation, stay for the flavors, and connect with fellow food lovers in an intimate setting.
An evening of insight, inspiration, and unforgettable tastes awaits.
Tickets at afdela.org

Pricing:

$40 for members
$45 for non-members

Activity meeting dates
Thursday April 23rd From 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
