Claire BARTHELEMY

August 30, 2024

Dear ClaireWhile September in North Carolina might still have us longing for cooler days, we're bringing a refreshing touch of French flair to help you beat the heat! Swap your sun hats for berets (figuratively speaking) and join us at the Alliance for our Open House & General Assembly on...

Claire BARTHELEMY

August 1, 2024

Dear Member,We hope you're having a blast in what can only be described as a monsoon-themed summer. The rain has been so relentless it feels like the weather forecast got stuck on "showers with a risk of more showers." On the bright side, the Olympics are now in full swing, with the opening...

Claire BARTHELEMY

July 1, 2024

Dear Members,July is the month of fireworks, with the 4th of July and Bastille Day both lighting up the sky with bursts of red, white, and blue. At the Alliance, we'll celebrate in style with a Dinner in White, or "Dîner en Blanc," at l'Ecole/French School of Raleigh on July 6. The Dinner in...

Catching a few cool days after the start of a North Carolina summer is truly magical. One glorious morning, you step outside and - surprise! - it's actually cool. Even mosquitoes seem to have taken a day off. Or half a day.Before delving into our June calendar, we want to extend a warm...

Claire BARTHELEMY

April 30, 2024

Let's kick off May in true Alliance style with our annual competition, and this year, it's all about the art of photography. With May's connection to the great outdoors, what better way to celebrate than by capturing its essence through the lens? Get ready to pair your best shots with the French...

Claire BARTHELEMY

March 30, 2024

Dear Member,Despite the invasion of the notorious yellow pollen that blankets every nook and cranny of our world these days, there's something magical about the way spring breathes new life into our beloved state. Sure, our cars look like they've been dipped in Dijon, yet this should not deter...

As temperatures slowly emerge from their winter slumber, buds cautiously unfurl, and March waltzes in like the life of the party. It paints a picture so cheery, even the grumpy groundhog might crack a smile.Get ready to toast International Women's Day in style on March 7, 5pm! We've got the...

Claire BARTHELEMY

February 2, 2024

Short but sweet, the month of February manages to juggle a wild mix of emotions, from sugary Valentine's Day to the ever-puzzling Groundhog Day, all while shining a spotlight on the significant Black History Month.For those with a French flair, this month is also the time to unleash your inner...

Claire BARTHELEMY

December 30, 2023

Wishing you a delightful and rejuvenating holiday season! May you take the opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy the company of your loved ones.Looking ahead to 2024, we're kicking off January with exciting events at the Alliance. Get ready for the legendary King Cake Challenge on January...

Claire BARTHELEMY

December 1, 2023

Dear members,We did it! Thanks to your generous donations and unwavering support, we have successfully reached our goal to raise $4,000 to furnish the kitchen. We're hoping to have the job completed by early January Your kindness has not only brought us closer to creating a functional space but...

As we navigate the fallen leaves like a poetic dance floor, November invites us to pirouette around the blessings and spill gratitude like confetti on the stage of life.While Thanksgiving may dominate the calendar this month, there is another holiday which our French community would like to...

Many thanks to all of you who came to the inauguration of the French Cultural Center last night - photos will be posted shortly. The celebration also marked the grand opening of our library, available to all AF members. The library will open every Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Come check out some...

Dear Members,As the sweltering summer heat gradually starts to loosen its grip, September emerges as a breath of fresh air, carrying the promise that relief is on the horizon. It is also a reminder that summer's wild escapades are over, and that it's time to trade in beach towels for a more...

Dear Members,A few days ago, the Foundation Alliance Française celebrated its 140th anniversary in Paris. 500 delegates from all over the world attended the event - a reminder that what started as a small seed sown in the rich soil of cultural exchange over a century ago has since grown into a...

July brings with it a sense of vibrant energy and boundless possibilities. Whether you are relishing in outdoor adventures, or seeking refuge in the frozen section of your local grocery store, July offers a plethora of opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Nature is at its peak, the air...

There's something oddly charming about these rainy days leading into June. The air feels fresh and invigorating, and the sound of raindrops tapping on windows is like a lullaby that soothes the soul.  No rush, the hot summer days will come soon enough.At the Alliance, we'll humbly beg the...

May is a time of celebration, with Mother's Day and Memorial Day bringing us closer to our loved ones and reminding us of the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf. It also brings the excitement of "May the Fourth be with you" and the absurdity of National Lumpy Rug Day.At the Alliance,...

April is a time of year where the flowers bloom, the birds chirp, and you have to keep a keen eye out for any suspicious looking rubber chickens or whoopee cushions. So if you're looking for a good laugh or a weather forecast that's about as accurate as a coin flip, April is the month for...

If you live in North Carolina and were hoping for an early spring this year, you are getting your wish. In opposition to what the groundhog predicted, trees are starting to bloom out of nowhere and the pointy noses of bulb sprouts are pushing up in full confidence of warm days ahead. We may...

Dear Members,February is a time of the year that some say would be best spent in the southern hemisphere. The (relative) excitement of early winter is long gone, yet spring is nowhere in sight. But there are benefits to cozying up to February. For a start, there is World Nutella Day and National...

Dear Members,As we dust off the Christmas lights and unearth the holiday recipes, the Alliance Team would like to take a moment to thank all of you who contributed to our Online Auction and Giving Tuesday appeal. Thanks to your generosity, we reached our goal and raised $4,600 in total! We would...

Here we are at the turn of the calendar. It is a time for fresh starts and new horizons, and possibly a glass or two of champagne.Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for participating in our programs these last twelve months. We look forward to many more opportunities to meet you in person...

Dear Members,November has a poetic soul: moist, moody, and draped in the mesmerinzing hues of fall. It is both a contemplative and busy month - being the kickstart of the holiday season, as well as the time to reflect on everything we are thankful for. Whether curled up by the crackling fire, or...

Dear Members,Happy October! It is officially autumn, which means cozy apparel, your favorite pumpkin spiced recipes, beautiful foliage and... the occasional hurricane. October is also packed with interesting celebrations - including Halloween, of course, for the fans of all things gloomy. There...