Le Rochambeau - mars 2026

Bonjour tout le monde,

As the first buds of spring begin to appear, we are thrilled to share a month packed with cinema, novels, conversation, and new opportunities to dive into French culture!

Spring French Courses

Our full suite of French language courses is now open for registration. We are offering a wide variety of levels this coming semester with both online and in-person options to fit your schedule. You can find all the details and register here.

Fall French Immersion in Bordeaux

Registration for our Bordeaux Immersion Course opens on March 1. If you are looking to make a material improvement in your French this year, this is the perfect opportunity. The course is scheduled for October 2–10 at the Alliance Française de Bordeaux. You can find all the details here.

Club de Lecture: Rose Valland, l'espionne à l'œuvre

On March 7, join us for a discussion of Rose Valland, l'espionne à l'œuvre by Jennifer Lesieur. This book highlights the remarkable true story of a quiet French art historian who became a key figure in resisting Nazi art theft during World War II. Working secretly inside the Jeu de Paume museum, Valland documented thousands of stolen artworks and passed critical intelligence to the Resistance.

This discussion will be in-person and conducted in French. Register for the event here.

March Apéro

Our first apéro of the 2026 is scheduled for March 14 at 4:00 p.m. chez Alpen. Madame Alpen has graciously offered to host this gathering at her home. Please bring a dish to share; the Alliance will provide the drinks! Space is limited, so please register here.

French Film Discussion

The Federation of Alliances Françaises USA is hosting an online film discussion of the classic La Piscine on March 23 at 7:00 p.m. The session will be led by Variety’s chief film critic, Peter DeBruge. You can find more details and register at this link.

French Family Group

The French Family Group is meeting at Park 365 on March 21st to work on their yoga and French skills!  And, there may be some other activities for the children.  You can find out more and register here.

French and Italian Film Festival

Le festival du film français est de retour !  Alliance Française of Richmond is honored to assist the University of Richmond in the 2026 launch of the inaugural French and Italian Film Festival. The event will run from March 27–30 at the University of Richmond and the Byrd Theater. More information is available here.

Cinderalla' Story

Join Professor Maynard on March 29th for a fascinating look at the origins and evolution of one of the world’s most beloved fairytale heroines and cultural icons: Cinderella. From ancient folklore to modern interpretations, this presentation will explore how her story has enchanted generations. While the Greeks may have been the first to conjure up this story, and the Italians to bring it to mainland Europe, it was the French who brought the mystique and intrigue with the glass slipper and the fairy godmother!

Meet at Triple Crossing Brewery for this event You’ll find all the details and registration info at here.

Le Salon du dimanche

Inspired by the spirit of early modern French salons—where ideas and culture came together—we are launching our first Salon du dimanche on Sunday, April 12 at 3:00 p.m. at the Richmond Main Public Library. This is another of the ways we are offering opportunities for our members and friends to improve their French in a casual and informal setting. You can find out all the details here.

French Cinema: Comme un fils

On Saturday, April 11 at 2:00 p.m., our Cinéclub will meet at the Richmond West End Library to view Comme un fils (2023). The film follows a disillusioned teacher whose life gains renewed purpose after he crosses paths with a troubled teenager. Register here.

Children’s French Summer Camp

Our French Summer Camp for Children is back again this year. What a great way to have your children start the summer! In our third year of offering this program, it offers children a chance to be immersed in the language with both teachers and peers. You can find out more here.

Heartwood Grove School New Middle School Program

We are pleased to announce that Heartwood Grove School is introducing a new middle school program for the 2026–27 school year. This program is designed for students with little or no prior experience in French, Spanish, or German. More details are available here.

Bienvenue à notre nouveau membre du conseil d'aministration

And finally, it is with great pleasure that we announce that Scott Koehler has joined the Board of Directors of Alliance Française of Richmond. Scott has been hosting our monthly in-person Conversation Française for many years, and will now also be focusing on our growing membership. Please join us in welcoming him to the team!

That’s all for now. We wish you a wonderful and productive March!

Warm regards,

Alliance Française of Richmond