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We are the Gulf South’s leading center for French language education and Francophone culture — a vibrant hub where language learning meets cultural exchange, celebrating Louisiana’s heritage while connecting our community to the wider French-speaking world. For decades, we have served New Orleans with high-quality French programs for all ages and dynamic cultural events that showcase the richness of both local traditions and international Francophone cultures.
Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with oversight from a volunteer board of directors, we are independent, community-driven. True to our name, “Alliance” means partnership — and we proudly collaborate with local businesses, cultural institutions, international organizations, and universities to expand our reach, enrich our programs, and strengthen the bonds between New Orleans and the Francophone world.
We are where language, culture, and community meet. We welcome everyone — from curious beginners to fluent speakers — with engaging programs for all ages and levels. Our classes go beyond grammar and vocabulary, creating a friendly space where learners connect, share ideas, and experience the joy of communicating in another language.
Our mission extends far beyond the classroom. We celebrate the richness of Francophone cultures from Louisiana and around the world, offering opportunities to share traditions, stories, art, and music. Rooted in Louisiana’s unique heritage, we are committed to preserving the French of our past while inspiring future generations to keep it alive and evolving. Through cultural events, partnerships, and respect for our history, we ensure French remains a vibrant part of Louisiana’s identity.
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Since 1984, the Alliance Française of New Orleans has been dedicated to sharing the French language and the richness of Francophone cultures with our local community and beyond. Through language classes, cultural programming, and educational outreach, we foster meaningful connections between people, generations, and traditions. Learning French with us means joining a living, evolving cultural story rooted in history and full of creativity.
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At the Alliance, we believe in the power of openness, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome all — native speakers, learners, and the simply curious — into a space where language and culture are shared without barriers. Our mission is to create a vibrant, respectful, and supportive environment where everyone can explore new perspectives and feel a true sense of belonging.
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As a cultural anchor in the most French city in the United States, the Alliance Française of New Orleans is deeply committed to preserving and promoting Louisiana’s French and Francophone heritage. We actively collaborate with schools, artists, institutions, and community leaders to ensure that the French language continues to thrive as a tool for education, expression, and cultural celebration — both locally and globally.
1883 : The Alliance Française was founded in Paris under Paul Cambon and Pierre Foncin, with help from a few notable figures including Jules Verne, Louis Pasteur, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Armand Colin, and Ernest Renan.
1888 : The Athénée Louisianais, (est. 1876) a francophone literary society founded in New Orleans, came into contact with the Alliance Française in Paris and later joined the Alliances Françaises network.
1936 : The Athénée Louisianais no longer published literary works and becomes an affiliated Alliance Française chapter that publishes its annual accounts.
1975 : Josette Brandt began efforts to convince the French General Consul to help her to recreate a chapter of Alliance Francaise, where she had worked in Lima, Peru. She convinced them to begin a Consular School in the rooms downstairs from the General Consulate on St. Charles Avenue.
1983 : Jean Charpentier arrived as Cultural Attaché. He immediately seized upon the idea of an Alliance Française in New Orleans. He convinced the General Consul M. Daniel de Monterville to try and find funds to begin the project from people in New Orleans who were interested in cultural affairs.
1984 : Creation of AFNO. M. Charpentier met with Mme Brandt and M de Monterville in the office of an attorney to sign the articles of incorporation. M. de Monterville was the first president of the board of directors for the new non-profit corporation and Mme Brandt was the treasurer.
1987 : L’Alliance Française was able to acquire a beautiful and historic Garden District building at its current location, 1519 Jackson Avenue.
2005 : Alliance Française of Lafayette is founded.
2024 : Alliance Française of New Orleans celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Cabildo
2025 : Today, Alliance Française of New Orleans has more than 650 members and over 600 students annually. It operates classes and events in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.