Friday French Chat – Season 1: La Francophonie through Food

A warm thank you to everyone who joined us for our December edition of Friday French Chat – Season 1: La Francophonie through Food.

This month, Marie guided us through
“L’Alsace et ses traditions de Noël,”
an evening inspired by one of France’s most enchanting regions during the holiday season.

Together, we explored:

• L’histoire et les origines des traditions de Noël en Alsace
• Les personnages emblématiques tels que Saint Nicolas et le Père Fouettard
• La symbolique des personnages de la crèche de Noël
• La coiffe alsacienne et son importance culturelle
• Les douceurs traditionnelles alsaciennes de Noël
• Et un moment très spécial : une dégustation de délicieux Männele faits maison, préparés avec soin par Marie

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this warm and festive celebration of Alsatian culture, where traditions, stories, and flavors came together to light up the winter season.

We will take a short break in January, see you in February for our next Friday French Chat, filled with more culture, food, and conversation!

Upcoming DELF & DELF Junior Exam Sessions – March at AFGO

The Alliance Française of Greater Orlando is pleased to announce that our next DELF exam sessions — including both DELF Tout Public (for adults) and DELF Junior (for children and teens) — will take place this March at AFGO.

These official French-language diplomas, awarded by the French Ministry of Education, are internationally recognized certifications that validate your level of French proficiency. They are valuable for academic applications, school placement, personal achievement, and future professional opportunities.

What Is the DELF?

The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is composed of four independent levels, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):

• A1 – Beginner
• A2 – Elementary
• B1 – Intermediate
• B2 – Upper Intermediate

All DELF diplomas evaluate the four language skills — listening, reading, writing, and speaking — and are valid for life.

DELF Tout Public vs. DELF Junior

• DELF Tout Public is designed for adults and older learners who wish to certify their French for academic, professional, or personal purposes.
• DELF Junior follows the same structure but is adapted to school-aged candidates, with topics and tasks designed specifically for children and teens.

Why Take the DELF at AFGO?

• Official exam center
• Certified and experienced examiners
• Calm, supportive testing environment
• A great milestone for students, families, and lifelong learners

If you are interested in taking your DELF exam, please contact us! We can provide more details about upcoming exam dates and help you prepare to succeed. Take your DELF exam right here in Orlando at the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando,

For more information and registration, contact: schooldirector@aforlando.org or check the Alliance Française de Miami website for details.

WINTER SESSION

January 08 – New French Immersion Class for Children

We’re excited to announce a new French Immersion class for children, starting Thursday, January 8, 2026.

In this warm and nurturing environment, children are fully immersed in the French language through songs, stories, art, sensory play, and hands-on activities, making learning joyful, creative, and completely natural.

Class Details

• Days: Every Thursday
• Start Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Instructor: Mona
• Location: AFGO Office (In-Person)

Led by Mona, a highly trained and experienced early childhood educator, this program welcomes children of all levels—from complete beginners to those already exposed to French. Mona creates a space where every child feels seen, supported, and encouraged to thrive at their own pace.

To register or request more information, contact Delphine, our School Director: schooldirector@aforlando.org

January 14 – New Beginner French Class for Kids (Ages 9–11)

Kick off the new year with a fun and engaging French class for kids!

Class Details
Start Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Day: Every Wednesday
Instructor: Eliana
Location: AFGO Office (In-Person)

Through games, songs, stories, and interactive activities, students will explore the French language and culture in a playful and supportive environment.

To register or request more information, contact Delphine, our School Director: schooldirector@aforlando.org

January 15 – New Beginner French Class for Kids (8–10 Years Old)

Start the new year with a fun and rewarding challenge—learning a new language!

Class Details

• Start Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Days: Every Thursday
• Instructor: Kenza
• Location: AFGO Office (In-Person)

A motivating way to start the new year with a new language and a joyful learning experience!

To register or request more information, contact Delphine, our School Director: schooldirector@aforlando.org

January 27 – New Adult Beginner French Class This Winter!

The new year is the perfect time to start something exciting—why not learn French?

Join our Winter Session French Beginner Group Class starting Tuesday, January 27th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando.

• Format: Face-to-face at our school
• Schedule: Every Tuesday at the same time
• Class size: 4–7 students for the best learning environment
• Teacher: Mariela, experienced and passionate about teaching French

Tuition: $285 for 12 hours (6 weeks)
Registration fee: $45 one-time fee for new students

After the first 6 weeks, continue your class with the same teacher, same classmates, same schedule—many of our students keep learning year after year!

Start your Winter Session 2026 with curiosity, culture, and a new language. Don’t wait—your French adventure begins now!

Register Now

JANUARY 11 – Galette des Rois Contest Orlando 2026

Celebrate the start of the new year with one of France’s most cherished traditions!

We are thrilled to invite you to the 2026 Galette des Rois Contest on Sunday, January 11th, from 3 PM to 6 PM at the AFGO — a festive afternoon proudly organized together by the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando and French American Business Council of Orlando (FABCO).

Experience the beloved French tradition of the Galette des Rois while discovering delicious creations crafted by talented pastry chefs from across Florida. Taste a variety of galettes, celebrate this joyful custom with our community, vote for your favorite, and help crown Orlando’s 2026 Galette des Rois champion!

This event is the perfect way to start the year à la française — with tradition, flavor, and conviviality. Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, everyone is welcome to share in the fun.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, January 11th, 2026
• Time: 3 PM – 6 PM
• Location: Alliance Française of Greater Orlando

Pricing

One slice of galette tasting from each galette des rois and a glass of wine:
$15 for FABCO & AFGO Members
$20 for Non-Members
Please register fast before we sell out!

Organized by

Alliance Française of Greater Orlando & French American Business Council of Orlando (FABCO)

JANVIER 18 – Picnic

JANVIER 24 – Movie Night

JANVIER 30 – Cultural Talk

The Alliance Française of Greater Orlando is pleased to present the January edition of its Monthly Cultural Talks series, featuring inspiring voices from the Francophone world. This month, we welcome Michele Regala, who will share her remarkable journey in “A Life Shaped by the French Language: From Au Pair to PhD in Language Education.” Michele will discuss how the French language has influenced her academic path, her career, and her understanding of cultural exchange.

Join us on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando. The talk will be conducted in French, but participants are welcome to ask questions in English.

Admission is free for AFGO members and UCF students, and $5 for general admission.

Stay afterward for a friendly gathering to continue the conversation with Michele and connect with fellow Francophiles.

Pre-register now to reserve your seat!

Looking for more ways to connect with French culture beyond Orlando? Enjoy these free online events open to Alliance Française members nationwide.

Make Your Dream to Live in France Come True! Here’s How…

January 10, 2025
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (ET)
Online Event
Free for Alliance Française members | $10 for non-members

Learn how to make your dream to live in France come true!  

Take just one hour of your time to get the inside scoop from moving-to-France and property expert, Adrian Leeds, to learn how easy it can be to make your dream come true…and to find an apartment to rent or a home to buy anywhere in France your heart desires. She will walk you through the process of first getting a visa, to determining where in France you want to live, to finding the perfect home…and then open the forum to your questions. If you’ve had even a glimmer of an idea to enrich your life with a move to France, this is your opportunity to discover how. 

Adrian Leeds, founder of the Adrian Leeds Group, is a French property expert, consultant, and HGTV “House Hunters International” personality. Originally from New Orleans, she moved to Paris in 1994 and built a transatlantic career helping North Americans and other Anglophones buy, sell, rent, and invest in France. Through her Nouvellettres® and French Property Insider publications, she shares insights on French real estate and lifestyle. With decades of experience, she’s recognized for making the dream of living in France achievable—offering personalized guidance, cultural know-how, and a vibrant community through her Après-Midi events in Paris.   

http://www.adrianleeds.com

For AATF members: the AATF office will send certificates of attendance to members who request the certificate and provide a screenshot. Please email: staff@frenchteachers.org.

REGISTER HERE

French Cinémathèque: It was Just an Accident

January 12, 2026
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (ET)
Online Event
Free for Alliance Française members | $10 for non-members

Join the Alliance Française for a Special Virtual Evening with Jacques Pépin

January 22, 2026
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm (ET)
Online Event
Free for Alliance Française members | $10 for non-members

You are invited to join legendary chef, author, and artist Jacques Pépin for an intimate virtual conversation celebrating his remarkable career and his newest book, The Art of Jacques Pépin: Favorite Recipes and Paintings from My Life in the Kitchen (published by Harvest). He will be joined in conversation by James Beard Award-winning Chef Jean-Louis Gerin. 

This special event offers members of the Alliance Française community a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the world’s most beloved culinary figures. Having recently celebrated his 90^th birthday, Jacques Pépin continues to inspire with his artistry, generosity, and lifelong dedication to the pleasures of good food, creativity, and connection.

Come savor stories—and discover the beauty, flavor, and spirit that infuse every page of The Art of Jacques Pépin.

Visit bookshop.org to purchase The Art of Jacques Pépin: Favorite Recipes and Paintings from My Life in the Kitchen.

Photo credit: Tom Hopkins.

For AATF members: the AATF office will send certificates of attendance to members who request the certificate and provide a screenshot. Please email: staff@frenchteachers.org.

REGISTER HERE

AFGO at Lakeridge Lights – A Magical Drone Experience

AFGO attended Lakeridge Lights, the spectacular drone experience created by Dronisos – Drone Light Shows at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards.

It was an unforgettable evening — watching drones bring a story to life in the sky was nothing short of magical.

We were welcomed backstage by Laurent Perchais, CEO of Dronisos, who graciously shared his time, answered all our questions, and told us some fascinating stories — from his beginnings to the behind-the-scenes magic of the shows — all in French!

Getting to stand behind the scenes, watching the drones prepare to take off and seeing them actually take off, was truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Merci, Laurent, for this inspiring moment and for the spectacular experience!

Winter Holiday Picnic

Despite a rainy forecast, the weather held up beautifully and we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon together, even with a few games of pétanque!

We had a lovely turnout, and it was truly heartwarming to see everyone sharing food, smiles, and holiday cheer.

Thank you to all who joined us and made this picnic so special!

AFGO Attended Samar’s Christmas Opera Night – A Magical Evening

The Alliance Française of Greater Orlando had the pleasure of attending the enchanting Christmas Opera Night of our beloved partner, Soprano Samar Salame Hawat and it was an absolutely wonderful evening. Her stunning voice filled the theater with warmth, emotion, and the sounds of Christmas joy, creating an unforgettable musical experience. Accompanied beautifully on piano by Liana Gheorghita, Samar delivered a performance that moved and captivated the entire audience.

If you missed it this year, make sure to mark your calendars early next time!

Meet Our December New Members!

We are thrilled to welcome the newest members to the AFGO family! Your passion for French language and culture makes our community even more vibrant, and we are delighted to have you join us.

• Brian C. – Orlando, FL
• Kenneth B. – Bell, FL
• Christine S. – Orlando, FL

Thank you for joining us and bringing your energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando. We can’t wait to see you at our upcoming events, classes, and cultural activities, and to share many memorable French experiences together!

Become a Member Too !