Ciné Club: Manon of the Spring

Join us for a special screening of Manon of the Spring, the acclaimed second chapter of Claude Berri's adaptation of Marcel Pagnol's celebrated novel. Called a "high-water mark of the French cinema" by The Wall Street Journal, the film is a powerful tale of love, betrayal, revenge, and redemption set amid the breathtaking landscapes of Provence. Ten years after the tragic events of Jean de Florette, Manon, now a young shepherdess portrayed by Emmanuelle Béart in her breakthrough César Award-winning performance, uncovers the truth behind her father's death. Determined to seek justice, she sets in motion a chain of events that will forever transform the lives of an entire village. Following the screening, stay for a conversation about Marcel Pagnol's enduring legacy, Claude Berri's remarkable adaptation, and the film's lasting impact on French cinema. The discussion will be led by Barbara Bouquegneau, President and Executive Director of the French Library A trailer as well as information on Barbara Bouquegneau and Claude Berri  is available at the french library Website The evening will include a reception where guests can connect and share their thoughts over a glass of wine and complimentary pop-corn. Movie in French with English subtitles.

French Library / Alliance Française of Boston & Cambridge

Lafayette: A Reluctant Sailor

In celebration of the 400th anniversary of the French Navy and 250 years of Franco-American friendship, we are delighted to host a special conference with French historian Vincent Bouat-Ferlier on Lafayette’s unexpected maritime journey during the Age of Revolutions. Often remembered as a soldier and champion of liberty, Lafayette was also deeply shaped by the sea. His transatlantic crossings, notably aboard the frigate Hermione in 1780, were pivotal in securing French support for the American cause and reveal the essential role of naval power in the success of the Revolution. Through this perspective, Vincent Bouat-Ferlier offers a fresh reading of Lafayette’s trajectory, highlighting how maritime networks, strategy, and circulation between France and America were central to his actions. This conference situates Lafayette’s story within the broader history of the French Navy, founded in 1626 under Cardinal Richelieu, and celebrates four centuries of maritime power shaping global history from the Atlantic to beyond. The evening will conclude with a Q&amp;A session, followed by a reception.

Ciné Club Series: Hugo by Pascal Bonitzer

Join us for the opening of our Pascal Bonitzer Retrospective with the Boston premiere of Hugo (Victor comme tout le monde,) the acclaimed director's latest film, released in France this Spring. A moving and witty tribute to Victor Hugo that blends literature, family, and redemption, Victor comme tout le monde stars Fabrice Luchini as Robert Zucchini, a celebrated actor whose life revolves around performing the great writer's words. Offstage, however, he leads a solitary existence until the unexpected return of the daughter he never knew compels him to rethink love, fatherhood, and the place of literature in his own life. Written by the late filmmaker Sophie Fillières and brought to the screen by Pascal Bonitzer, the film is also a tender homage to Fillières' singular cinematic voice Following the screening, stay for a discussion led by Michelle S. Cheyne, Professor of French at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. A specialist in nineteenth-century French literature, theater, and poetry, Professor Cheyne will explore the film's dialogue with Victor Hugo, its reflection on artistic devotion and family, and the enduring place of Hugo's work in contemporary French culture. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZZWzYzsfME">Watch the trailer</a> The evening will include a reception where guests can connect and share their thoughts over a glass of wine and complimentary pop-corn. Movie in French with English subtitles. Praise for Victor comme tout le monde “Tender, eccentric, and utterly beautiful.” -Les Inrockuptibles “An unexpected and whimsical comedy, carried by the spirit of Victor Hugo.” -Radio Classique “A little gem.” -France Inter “A film of extraordinary delicacy, unlike anything else.” -Léa Salamé, France 2 “Pascal Bonitzer’s finest film, built on the exquisitely subtle screenplay of the late Sophie Fillières.” -Avoiràlire.com

French Culinary Atelier with Chef Cécile Penot Dietrich

This September, join us for a culinary journey to Brittany, one of France's most beloved gastronomic regions, renowned for its rugged coastline, exceptional seafood, and irresistible crêpes. In this hands-on workshop, Chef Cécile Penot Dietrich will guide you in preparing a traditional Breton menu featuring salmon rillettes served as an appetizer, followed by authentic Breton crêpes with homemade salted butter caramel, one of Brittany's most iconic desserts. Learn classic French techniques while discovering the flavors and traditions of this remarkable region. After the cooking session, we'll gather to enjoy our meal together over a glass of wine and lively conversation, in French. As we say in France: Santé! ***All workshops are conducted in French. Beginners are welcome***

Picasso: The Revolutionary Artist

Join us for a special lecture with Professor Claude Cernuschi, a leading scholar of modern and contemporary art, as he explores the life, work, and enduring legacy of Pablo Picasso. Presented in conjunction with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston's major exhibition <a href="https://www.mfa.org/exhibition/picasso-miro-dali-unbound">Picasso, Miró, Dalí: Unbound</a>, this timely lecture will examine Picasso's groundbreaking artistic career and his pivotal role in shaping twentieth-century art. Drawing on his extensive teaching and research, Professor Cernuschi will offer fresh perspectives on Picasso's remarkable creativity, his artistic innovations, and the lasting impact of his work on generations of artists. Whether you are planning to visit the exhibition or simply wish to deepen your appreciation of one of the world's greatest artists, this lecture offers a unique opportunity to explore Picasso through the eyes of one of Boston's leading art historians. The evening will conclude with a wine reception and light bites. The event will be held in English.

William Tell: The Enduring Legacy of a Hero Myth

Before Boston Lyric Opera brings Rossini's epic masterpiece to the stage, discover the remarkable story behind one of history's most enduring heroes. Why did a medieval Swiss legend become one of Europe's most powerful symbols of freedom? How do hero myths continue to shape nations, cultures, and political ideals? Join Esther Nelson, former General and Artistic Director of Boston Lyric Opera, for an engaging exploration of William Tell, placing the legendary Swiss archer within the broader tradition of heroic legends that have inspired societies across centuries. From the medieval origins of the Tell legend to Friedrich Schiller's celebrated drama and Rossini's monumental opera, discover how each generation has reimagined Tell to reflect its own hopes, fears, and political aspirations. History and legend will then give way to music, with live performances by Boston Lyric Opera artists offering a special introduction to Rossini’s soaring score, just days before the company’s production opens in Boston. Morgan Beckford, Director of Community &amp; Learning at Boston Lyric Opera, will moderate the conversation with Esther and invite questions from the audience. The presentation will be followed by a Q&amp;A with the audience, and a reception with light refreshments. Continue the experience at the opera: Boston Lyric Opera presents William Tell at the Emerson Colonial Theatre, September 25–October 4, 2026. <a href="https://blo.org/tell/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Reserve your tickets for William Tell</a>

America at 250: A French Lens on Art at the MFA

As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, join us for an exclusive guided visit in French of the Museum of Fine Arts' newly reimagined Art of the Americas galleries with Isabelle Slotine, an MFA guide and former cultural journalist. Offering a distinctive French perspective, Isabelle will guide us through the MFA's exceptional collection of American art from the Age of Revolutions. Drawing connections between France and the emerging United States, she will explore how artists such as John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart captured the ideals, ambitions, and contradictions of a nation in the making. Along the way, we will consider how artists shape history as much as they record it, revealing the stories that have been celebrated, and how today's curators are reinterpreting them 250 years later. Following the tour, participants are warmly invited to continue the conversation over coffee at the museum café. Please be ready at the meeting point at 2:15 p.m. so the tour can begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. Meeting point: Inside the MFA, next to the Sharf Visitor Center desk.

Leïla Slimani: I’ll Take the Fire

Harvard Book Store and the French Library welcome Leïla Slimani, bestselling and Prix Goncourt-winning author of The Perfect Nanny, for a conversation celebrating her new novel, I’ll Take the Fire, named one of The New York Times’s “Novels Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026.” From one of the boldest and most captivating voices in world literature, I’ll Take the Fire is a sensual and provocative coming-of-age novel about a young Arab woman on a quest for sexual and political freedom. Mia Daoud yearns to be free. Growing up in socially conservative Morocco, her imagination fired by her banker father’s charisma and political idealism, her doctor mother’s feminist example and social conscience, and the boundless possibilities suggested by her favorite authors, she learns to go after what she wants, even if it means jumping through fire to get it. Determined to be true to her sexuality and to differentiate herself from her adoring younger sister, she sets out in search of her place in the world, from Casablanca to Paris to London, and against the backdrop of era-defining events like the fall of the Berlin Wall and 9/11, guided by a preternatural sense of justice and an unerring instinct for what makes her feel most alive. Combining vigorous poetry and unflinching bravery, Leila Slimani’s autobiographical novel is a rousing ode to living a life of purpose and consequence. Slimani will be joined in conversation by Mylène Priam, a scholar, writer, and longtime teacher of French and Francophone literature at Harvard University, whose work focuses on contemporary French, Caribbean, and Maghreb literature. The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&amp;A and book signing. Can't attend the event? You can still order your signed copy <a href="https://www.harvard.com/about/ordering-signed-event-books">here</a>

Harvard book store

The Frenchmen: French Theory from Paris to America

How did a group of abstruse French thinkers become intellectual stars in America and why do their ideas still matter today? When Emily Eakin arrived at Harvard in the late 1980s, she fell under the spell of French theory. Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, Louis Althusser, Gilles Deleuze, and Jacques Lacan had captivated American campuses with brilliant, often mystifying ideas. In her acclaimed new book, The Frenchmen: Or, My Life in Theory, Eakin, a leading critic and essayist,&nbsp;intertwines her own youthful fascination with theory with the remarkable story of its rise in American intellectual and cultural life. Blending memoir, biography, and intellectual history with wit and clarity, Eakin makes notoriously complex ideas accessible while revealing the fascinating and often scandalous lives, rivalries, friendships, and contradictions of the men behind them. The Frenchmen traces the improbable story of how French theory crossed the Atlantic, transformed American intellectual life, and became entangled in culture wars that continue today. Eakin will be joined in conversation by Bruno Perreau, Cynthia L. Reed Professor of French Studies at MIT and author of Queer Theory: The French Response. Perreau's own work explores the transatlantic circulation of ideas between France and the United States, including the ways French theory helped inspire American queer theory before returning to France transformed, and sometimes perceived as a foreign American influence. The author talk will be followed by an audience Q&amp;A. Guests are then invited to continue the conversation over a reception and book signing, with copies of The Frenchmen available for purchase onsite from <a href="https://www.harvard.com/">Harvard Book Store</a>. The evening will also mark the opening of a special exhibition in our gallery; When Ideas Took to the Streets, French Intellectuals, May ’68, and the Reinvention of Politics Guests are invited to explore the exhibition before and after the conversation.

Bridge: The Art of Strategy, Partnership, and Play

More than a card game, bridge is a wonderful way to exercise your mind, meet new people, and share the pleasure of learning together. Combining strategy, memory, logic, and teamwork, it is a game that can be enjoyed for a lifetime and welcomes players of all ages. Designed for complete beginners as well as those who learned years ago and would like to refresh their skills, this four-session course offers a friendly and supportive introduction. Through clear instruction and guided practice, you will quickly discover why bridge has captivated generations of players around the world. As each session builds on the previous one, participants are asked to commit to the full four-session series, even if they anticipate missing one class. Learning together as a group is part of the experience and will help everyone progress with confidence. Our goal is not only to teach bridge, but also to build a welcoming bridge community at the French Library. At the end of the course, participants will be invited to join our new French Library Bridge Club for regular games, continued learning, and new friendships. Workshop Schedule: Before the course begins, participants will receive a selection of short introductory videos to help them become familiar with the fundamentals. Introduction to Bridge: Building the Foundations 📅 Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 3:30–5:30 PM Bidding, Communication, and Partnership 📅 Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 3:30–5:30 PM Play of the Hand and Defensive Strategies 📅 Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 3:30–5:30 PM Putting It All Together: Guided Play 📅 Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 3:30–5:30 PM All sessions are conducted in English and combine concise instruction with guided practice and interactive play. No previous bridge experience is required, and returning players are also welcome. Kindly note; As space is limited and the workshop requires advance preparation, registrations are final.

Peau d’Âne by Jacques Demy

Join us for one of French cinema’s most beloved classics: Jacques Demy’s enchanting musical masterpiece Peau d’Âne (Donkey Skin, 1970). A dazzling blend of fairy-tale magic, whimsical humor, and vibrant color, the film is a crown jewel of French cinema. At the heart of the film is the score by Michel Legrand, whose melodies range from tender to playful and have become closely associated with the film’s enduring appeal. His music forms an integral part of the storytelling and emotional tone. After the screening, we are delighted to welcome special guest Michael Warnoffsky, professor at Berklee College of Music, whose expertise in film scoring will shed light on Michel Legrand’s contribution to the film. &nbsp; The conversation will be led by Barbara Bouquegneau, President and Executive Director of the French Library. The evening will include a reception where guests can connect and share their thoughts over a glass of wine. Movie in French with English subtitles.&nbsp;The Q&amp;A that will follow the screening will be in French and English.&nbsp;

French Library

Marché de Noël – French Holiday Gift Market

A joyful day of shopping, tasting, and celebration for all ages; discover artisanal gifts from local vendors, enjoy hands-on crafts and story time for kids, and sample fine food, wine, and French spirits in a festive holiday atmosphere. Free for members and children under the age of 14 | $3 advance tickets until December 3 | $5 after December 3 ﻿TRADITIONAL ALSATIAN DECORATIONS WORKSHOP (10:30AM - 12 PM)&nbsp; Families can enjoy a hands-on craft atelier featuring holiday decorations inspired by Alsatian traditions. Special treats, music, and festive surprises will make the day memorable for all! L'HEURE DU CONTE WITH CHLOÉ ! (12:00 - 12:30 PM)&nbsp; From 12:00pm to 12:30pm, we invite parents and children (recommended age 3-6 years old) to gather in the children's room of our library for Benoit's story time in French! It will feature a selection of magical stories.&nbsp; FREE CROCHET WORKSHOP (2:00–3:00 PM) Join us for a cozy crochet session with the crochet team of the Brookline Teen Center! Recommended for ages 9 and up, learn the basics and craft a mini beret for your favorite plush buddy in perfect Parisian style.&nbsp; ENTER OUR RAFFLE! Remember to enter our FREE raffle for a chance to win a fabulous gift for you or your loved ones. ENJOY A FRENCH-THEMED MARKET! We'll have a line-up of fantastic vendors throughout the day:&nbsp;<a href="https://beautifulamoreskincare.com/">Beautiful Amore Skincare</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://theblackleaftea.com/">Black Leaf Tea &amp; Culture</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/by_bouquet_de_france/">Bouquet de France</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://cadeauboston.com/">Cadeau Boutique</a>&nbsp;,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.delscoffee.com/">Del’s Coffee Roasters</a>&nbsp;,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freshcutyarn.com/">Fresh Cut Yarn</a>, Gourmet Delights by Sonia,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.louissel.com/">Louis Sel</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nouvellemaison.com/">Nouvelle Maison</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marefleur.com/">Maré Fleur</a>,<a href="https://www.feliciepetitnivard.com/">Photographies by Félicie Petit Nivard</a>, Candles by Clémentine,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boutiquedesoie.com/">Boutique de Soie</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heavenlyspirits.com/">Heavenly Spirits</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.provencewineimports.com/">Provence Wine</a>&nbsp;and more!&nbsp;Don't miss out on this opportunity to shop for French treats, libations, and gifts!

***All the workshops are in French*** What could be more French and enjoyable than cooking with—or for—your loved ones? In this Atelier de Cuisine series, you'll learn to master the essentials of French cuisine: Gougères au Gruyère &amp; Profiteroles au Chocolat .  Celebrate this French classic by making it your own. In this hands-on cooking class, you'll learn to prepare Gruyère Cheese Puffs &amp; Chocolate Profiteroles—a delicious appetizer and dessert that are sure to impress at your next dinner gathering.  After the cooking part, it is the apéro time! You will eat what you made while enjoying a glass of wine and chatting with your fellow French food lovers. As we say in France: santé!

The French Library

French Voices at the Boston Book Festival

Join us for a day of engaging conversations, thought-provoking ideas, and book signings with some of today’s most celebrated French authors and thinkers. This special event will feature three talks, inviting participants to explore contemporary literature, philosophy, and culture from multiple perspectives. From Marie NDiaye’s award-winning fiction to Bruno Perreau’s bold political thought and Miguel Bonnefoy’s powerful storytelling, the program highlights the diversity and vitality of contemporary French literature and ideas. Format: 50 min panel discussion with a moderator followed by a 10 min Q&amp;A with the public and a book signing. Language: English  This is a free event, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Featured Authors In conversation with Marie N’Diaye Marie N’Diaye is a celebrated French novelist, playwright, and screenwriter whose career spans nearly four decades, having first been published at 18. She received the Prix Goncourt in 2009 for Three Strong Women, and her plays are included in the repertoire of the Comédie-Française. Her most recent novel in English, Vengeance Is Mine (2023), was named a Best Book of the Year by The New Yorker, TIME and The Washington Post. In addition to her literary achievements, NDiaye co-wrote the screenplay for Claire Denis’s acclaimed film White Material (2009) and contributed to the award-winning Saint Omer (2022). She will be interviewed by Odile Cazenave, Professor of French in Romance Studies &amp; African Studies at Boston University. Talk: 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Book Signing: Following the talk How Minority Rights Shape Us All Bruno Perreau, with Théo Mantion How can the fight against discrimination serve everyone? In his latest book, ProfessorPerreau argues that minority issues concern us all and that solidarity, rather than competition, can revitalize our political and social life. In Spheres of Injustice: The Ethical Promise of Minority Presence, Perreau introduces the concept of intrasectionality, a new legal approach that shows how protections for one group can extend to others. Drawing on concrete cases, he demonstrates how minority experiences can foster responsibility, and lead to better environmental protection, and more democratic institutions. Bruno Perreau is the Cynthia L. Reed Professor of French Studies at MIT and a Faculty Affiliate at Harvard’s Center for European Studies. He has written widely on politics, culture, and social change in both France and the U.S. Bruno Perreau will discuss his work with Ph.D. candidate in French literature at Harvard University Théo Mantion. Talk: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Book Signing Following the talk In conversation with Miguel Bonnefoy Miguel Bonnefoy is a French and Venezuelan novelist, whose rich storytelling delves into a range of relevant themes from identity to family and collective memory. He was the recipient of the Prix de Jeune Écrivain in 2013. His acclaimed novel Heritage was short-listed for several prestigious literary honors, including the Grand Prix de l’Académie française, the Prix Femina, and the Prix Goncourt. His latest novel, The Dream of the Jaguar, will be released in the US in December 2025. The author will be interviewed by Benoit Landon, literary journalist and librarian at the French Library Talk : 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Book Signing: Following the talk

Adieu Monsieur Haffmann: Behind the Curtain

For all fans of theater and the French language, please join us at the French Library for an exclusive preview of&nbsp;Adieu Monsieur Haffmann, the award-winning play that captured four Molière Awards in 2018 Cast members&nbsp;Julie Cavanna&nbsp;(Moliere award for Best Female Revelation) and&nbsp;Benjamin Brenière&nbsp;will share their experiences creating and performing this powerful work in Paris and on tour, reflecting on how being part of a Molière-winning play has shaped their artistic journeys and careers The conversation will be moderated by&nbsp;David Miller, founder of Boston’s French Theater Project, who will guide an intimate exchange about the creative process and the realities of working in French theater today. This program at the French Library offers a unique opportunity to meet the actors ahead of the play’s Boston premiere. About the Show –&nbsp;Adieu Monsieur Haffmann&nbsp; Written and directed by Jean-Philippe Daguerre Set in Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942,&nbsp;Adieu Monsieur Haffmann&nbsp;tells the story of a French couple (played by Cavanna and Brenière) desperate for a child but unable to conceive. When their Jewish employer, Joseph Haffmann, asks them to hide him from the Nazis, the couple agrees—on one extraordinary condition. Performances:&nbsp;October 24–26, 2025&nbsp; Venue:&nbsp;Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St.&nbsp;Language: Performed in French with English captions 🏆 Winner of 4 Molière Awards 🎟&nbsp;<a href="http://bostontheatrescene.com/shows-and-events/adieu-monsieur-haffmann">Tickets from $25</a> 👉 French Library members receive 10% off with promo code&nbsp;AMHLIB10 More information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.frenchtheaterproject.com/haffmann">frenchtheaterproject.com/haffmann</a> The event will be in both French and English, and will be followed by a Q&amp;A session and a glass of wine.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

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S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

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S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

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S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

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S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

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S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

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S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

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S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

frenchlibraryboston

Experiences

Ciné Club: Manon of the Spring

Lafayette: A Reluctant Sailor

Ciné Club Series: Hugo by Pascal Bonitzer

French Culinary Atelier with Chef Cécile Penot Dietrich

Picasso: The Revolutionary Artist

William Tell: The Enduring Legacy of a Hero Myth

America at 250: A French Lens on Art at the MFA

Leïla Slimani: I’ll Take the Fire

The Frenchmen: French Theory from Paris to America

Bridge: The Art of Strategy, Partnership, and Play

Peau d’Âne by Jacques Demy

Marché de Noël – French Holiday Gift Market

French Culinary Atelier with Chef Cécile Penot Dietrich

French Voices at the Boston Book Festival

Adieu Monsieur Haffmann: Behind the Curtain