Alliance Francaise de San Diego

Fantastic experience: I had such a wonderful experience taking a makeup class at Alliance Française San Diego. Even though I’m not fluent in French, everyone was incredibly welcoming and made a real effort to include me. They took the time to translate key parts of the lesson so I could fully participate, which I really appreciated. The environment felt warm, supportive, and engaging, and I never once felt out of place. It made learning both fun and approachable. I’m really grateful for the experience and would highly recommend Alliance Française to anyone interested in learning French, no matter their level.

Fantastic experience: Me and my partner love Alliance Française San Diego, especially their French Film Club. They show amazing French movies, and the whole experience feels thoughtful and welcoming. The snacks are always delicious, and everyone is very friendly. What I appreciate most is how affordable everything is, while still offering such a high-quality cultural experience. They’ve also been incredibly patient with my French and are always ready to help me improve, which makes it a very supportive community. On top of that, they curate great art exhibitions, so there’s always something interesting and inspiring happening. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy French culture, practice the language, and feel encouraged along the way.

Fantastic experience: The Alliance Francaise de San Diego are very friendly and inviting. The team here welcomes everyone and has fun ways to introduce one to the French culture through different types of in person activities. I personally really enjoy the film screening events, that brings together the art of cinema, language and enjoyable conversations.

Fantastic experience: I had the pleasure of collaborating with the Alliance Française of San Diego on the project "Sport Friendly: the Field of Diversity". Together, we created an international collaborative exhibition, working as a team to photograph an inclusive sports team in San Diego, made possible thanks to the Alliance Française’s commitment and the work of a local photographer. These images then became part of an exhibition shown in 37 cities around the world. This collaboration was truly enriching. The Alliance Française of San Diego clearly goes far beyond being just a place to learn French—it stands for strong values and is deeply connected to today’s realities. I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with their team again.

Fantastic experience: I attended the French book club for the 1st time. The discussion was very interesting, the people attending were very welcoming, the person leading it was very knowledgeable. I will definitely attend more book club events at the Alliance Française in San Diego.

Fantastic experience: I took private lessons at the Alliance Francaise San Diego and was very happy with the teacher. Their office is conveniently located for me and it's nice to be able to get back to French since I had not practiced since high school. I was preparing for a trip and wanted to be able to get by so we focused on that specific goal. I still have a lot to learn and will probably join a group class now that I feel more confident. It's also nice that they offer events, even if I am not always in town. Merci !

Fantastic experience: Alliance francaise gives fun ways to learn French for adults. My teacher has been warm and kind, and classmates have made the classes very enjoyable. Everyone participates.

Fantastic experience: A fantastic place to experience all things francophone. From classes at all levels to the French film festival, it’s fantastic. Even if you don’t speak French, there’s lots to do - French films (with English subtitles) to cooking classes - over 100 events per year! Everyone is friendly and the teachers are “formidable”!

Fantastic experience: I enjoy the French clases I get at the Alliance Francaise. It is Easy to register the classes

Fantastic experience: Amazing my daughter attended their winter camp. She loved it. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: I was among twenty authors invited to the inaugural French Literature and Arts Festival (Oct. 2–4, 2025), organized by Alliance Française San Diego. It was a vibrant celebration of Francophone literature, film, and the arts, with theater, film, and piano performances that embodied French refinement and a true love of culture. At UC San Diego, a French poetry contest gave students the chance to shine and learn about scholarships to study in France. The final day, hosted at the elegant Athenaeum in La Jolla, was by far the most enjoyable. The audience was warm, engaged, and genuinely interested in quality literature. I had the chance to share my films Defenders of Life and Greatland with attendees who didn’t speak French, and to join a panel on book adaptation. The day concluded with an exceptional piano concert, A French Emotional Journey, performed by virtuoso Aleck Karis. The FLAF was also a great networking opportunity with writers and creatives from France, the U.S., Belgium, and Canada, alongside partners such as Villa Albertine, the Athenaeum, and Gallimard. The organization was impeccable. Julie Ripoll and Laurence de Valmy of Alliance Française San Diego were welcoming, efficient, and made this first edition a huge success. A sophisticated, memorable event—I hope it becomes a tradition.

Fantastic experience: Our daughter has attended the French summer camp at the Alliance Française for the past two years. She loves the camp and always comes home talking about what she learned and how much fun she had. We highly recommend the camp and Ms. Lilli.

Fantastic experience: Our daughter attended the French summer camp at the Alliance Française and had a wonderful experience. She was primarily with Ms. Lilli, who went above and beyond in making her feel welcome and comfortable, even though our daughter did not speak much French. Each day, the campers made a different and interesting French food, which added a fun, hands-on element to learning. Beyond the language learning itself, our daughter came away with a greater appreciation and knowledge of French culture and food. We are very grateful for the care and dedication of Ms. Lilli and the entire Alliance Française team. We strongly recommend this camp to any family looking to introduce their child to the French language and culture in an engaging and supportive environment.

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff. My daughter loves their classes.

Fantastic experience: The best French language school in San Diego County. The staff creates a welcoming atmosphere where learning feels natural and enjoyable. As a native English speaker only, their patience and expertise make even challenging concepts (which are many!) accessible to me. Christelle deserves special recognition for her dedication to her students' success, going above and beyond as an educator always. I am so happy to have chosen Alliance Française to learn French. Merci!

Fantastic experience: Small classes, nice professors, and of course very helpful for learning! It also provides community events.

Fantastic experience: The San Diego Alliance Française is the perfect place to learn and practice French with dedicated staff. They offer all kind of activities for children and adults. Their book club "en français" is a must! Their monthly Sunday hikes are also one of my favorite way to meet francophones and enjoy San Diego outdoors.

Fantastic experience: The Alliance Française of San Diego is the go-to place for learning the French language and organizing Francophone cultural events. My 5-year-old daughter takes French classes every Tuesday evening with Mr. Olivier, and she is thrilled. The classes are small and highly personalized, the teachers are qualified and passionate, and the facilities in University City are welcoming. Many parents drop off their children for classes and stay on-site to work in a calm and pleasant environment. The teaching is rigorous and high-quality, even for the little ones. Membership with the Alliance provides access to a huge library of French books, a treasure trove of knowledge for all ages. A wonderful team! I highly recommend it.

Fantastic experience: Je vis à San Diego depuis 17ans et c'est seulement depuis la nouvelle team que j'ai rejoins l'alliance française. Cette super team si dynamique a su insuffler une nouvelle énergie fédératrice , d'ailleurs le succés de leurs évènements en est la preuve

Fantastic experience: My kids loved learning to cook while being introduced to French during the Ratatouille et Chocolat summer camp week. My younger kid enjoyed classes with Lili, and my teen enjoyed learning with Susanne - they are both fantastic teachers. They created a rich and engaging program that gave my kids a boost for learning more French and practicing their cooking skills at home. My teen made ratatouille at home following the recipe in the French language from the class - it came out absolutely delicious, and he was the proudest of it (just like his parents)! We are looking forward to more enriching experiences at the Alliance! Thank you, team, for the wonderful learning journey so far!

Fantastic experience: We love the Alliance Français, especially the childrens' cooking classes! Lili is fantastic and really motivates my (otherwise unmotivatable :) ) children to speak French! They always ask when their next class is!

Fantastic experience: My son very much enjoyed the summer camp provided by Alliance Francaise. He is new to the French language and they were very accommodating at meeting him at his level. It was exciting for us and rewarding for him to describe the new words he learned each day. The fun activities were a special bonus! We look forward to the next program with Alliance Francaise of San Diego.

Fantastic experience: From teaching French , to a complete immersion in the French culture (Movies, books, arts, cooking class ...) this is the must be place to reach for in San Diego county.

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love learning Frech at the Alliance Francaise de San Diego. In less than 1 year my French has improved significantly. My teachers are very supportive, and not only teach you the language but also the culture. I love Madame Elisabeth, and Madame Layla. Both are fantastic. I take private lessons with Madame Elisabeth, and she encourages me to explore the language, write, and get immerse in the French culture. I strongly suggest if you are on the fence of improving your French skills to enroll in the various courses at the Alliance..

Fantastic experience: Les événements culturels et éducatifs organisés par l’Alliance Française sont toujours riches et passionnants. J’aime tout particulièrement les "Café Rencontre" qui se déroulent une fois par mois et permettent de passer un bon moment en compagnie de personnes passionnées par la culture française. Bravo à cette belle organisation!!!

Fantastic experience: The Alliance Francaise de San Diego is wonderful and really an amazing organization for anyone interested in learning French, discovering the French culture, its fine arts or for anyone just looking to mingle while learning French in a wide array of social , cultural and physical activities. Julie Ripoll and Laurence de Valmy are doing a terrific work to put up together every month cultural and social events. One of their major event on the rise even in the movie industry is the Annual French Film Festival to which some French celebrities participated in 2023. I also highly recommend to subscribe to their newsletter to not miss on any of their great events.

Fantastic experience: The AF San Diego is a great place to learn French and I love to attend their events to practice my French. the team is very professional and friendly. I recommend it.

Fantastic experience: We are delighted with the CNED service of the Alliance Française. The quality of the content of the French courses with a teacher accompanying us 5 hours a week. All the advantages of quality education with the support of a teacher who listens to the needs and difficulties of the child. The teacher is an attentive professional who listens and helps acquire essential and delicate notions for learning French. We are delighted to be able to offer our children this quality education in expatriation. Jennifer, parent of 2 students, Charlotte and Gabriel, in our CNED program

Fantastic experience: Great language school

Fantastic experience: We loved our Winter Camp with Senami & Lili. Absolutely amazing!! The Alliance Francaise put together a cute little French program for our 3 years old son who discovered nature with songs, activities & games in French! We are thankful to Senami & Lili for their time, creativity and expertise with children,

Fantastic experience: Mes filles ont participé au Winter Camp 2022 organisé par l'AF à Carlsbad, elles ont été ravies!

Fantastic experience: My daughter is French-American but living in a US environment makes it challenging for me to keep the French as strong as English. After a week of immersion she is stronger in French, made some friends and discovered so much more about nature. Everyday a different theme, everyday she came back home with something new ! Will most likely do it again and again…

Fantastic experience: My adult daughter and I took a cooking class "en français" with Chef Lili. It was so much fun. Lili spoke so clearly - it was easy to understand and she is delightful. Plus the Madeleines were delicious. I highly recommend taking a cooking class with Lili - you can practice your French, learn how to make a delicious recipe and have fun all at the same time.

Fantastic experience: La classe avec Lily était très agréable! Nous avons fait Les Madeleines. Lily sait beaucoup sur la cuisine française et elle c'est une professeure excellente!!

Fantastic experience: Chef Lili is a great teacher! Her recipes are easy to follow, she invites you to participate, the ingredients and kitchen utensils are always the best and you refresh or learn French on top of it all. She’s very professional but at the same time so much fun. The whole experience makes you feel good and you go home with your spirits lifted and the beautiful food you just prepared!

Fantastic experience: I truly enjoy Lili’s class. She is fun, efficient and really knows and enjoys cooking. I have been to three of her cooking classes and loved each one. Inge Morton

Fantastic experience: My granddaughter took Lily’s cooking class recently. They made madeleines! What a fun and fabulous way to learn/practice French! Chef Lili is so organized and the class flowed seamlessly! The kids had a blast and the cookies were délicieux Merci Chef Lili!

Fantastic experience: Super équipe dynamique et très professionnelle! Nombreux cours/projets plus intéressants les uns que les autres pour apprendre le français. Parking pratique juste devant les locaux qui sont très agréables.

Fantastic experience: Very good place to learn French. Many cultural events. Great staff!

Fantastic experience: Alliance Francaise is a good community! They’re clear and professional, and Elisabeth especially is doing a great job. She’s stepped up to the plate in the last few months. I’d highly reccomend trying out a few sessions, just to be immersed in the community. ❤️

Negative experience: Deserves less than 1 star. Do not waste your money here, the most unorganized, poorly structured school and on top of that very expensive. Customer service/satisfaction means nothing to this place. They just want your money. Very unprofessional staff.