Learn French your way with a TakeLessons expert

By Nadia B. - New York City Language Teacher

Have a Francophile urge to satisfy? New York City is brimming with French activities, thanks to the large number of French speakers who inhabit the city. An avid French speaker and New York City resident of several years myself, the following places are my favorite spots to refine my French and enjoy myself at the same time. I frequented many of these places as I studied French at New York University, and I continued to explore French culture post-graduation.

So, if you're taking French lessons in New York City and want to participate in French culture in the city, keep reading to discover the best places to exercise your French language skills and enhance your cultural knowledge!

L'Afterworks is an elegant meetup that is the largest bi-weekly gathering of French speakers. The location changes with each gathering, but it's always a place that's trendy and fun. This is an exceptional opportunity to speak French with native speakers, and it is also great for networking. If you want to find an apartment to rent while taking a trip to Paris or a French-speaking nanny, the crowd of l'Afterworks will most likely be able to help. You can spontaneously show up (no guest list or entry charge), have a drink and chat the night away.

The Alliance Française is a premier New York institution for French culture. The center features weekly films in French, artwork, lectures and more, all suited for those fascinated with French culture and life. It's a friendly spot where you can meet French-Americans, native French speakers and Francophiles.

When you're taking French lessons in New York City, it's easy to become focused on the culture of France, but the reality of the Francophone world is that it's an expansive area that covers many different cultures. One great example of this in New York is the zone named Little Senegal (Le Petit Sénégal), located in Harlem. This area is inhabited by West African immigrants, many of whom are French speakers. You can explore the little shops and head to a West African restaurant for a unique sampling of Senegalese culture with its strong French influence.

Another country often forgotten when thinking of French culture is Belgium. Brasserie Magritte is an upscale restaurant in NYC with a wide selection of Belgian beers and delicious Belgian cuisine. For a more casual offering, you can visit BXL East, a festive Belgian restaurant and bar; the venue also frequently has live music, and you can catch bands like Chou Chou, a jovial French cabaret band with original and new compositions, led by a versatile singer-songwriter-instrumentalist, there.

Lastly, another way to expose yourself to French culture and speakers is to attend the events at La Maison Française at New York University and Columbia University. Both international houses offer a wide survey of literary and intellectual events geared toward those interested in French and Francophone culture, literature and art. You will undoubtedly also encounter many native French speakers, including graduate students in French as well as the general public.

Voilà, there you have it! Participating in French culture in New York City gives you an exciting smorgasbord of culture, food, art and language. You won't regret delving into the elegance and fun that is French life in New York, and your language skills will thank you, too!