L'Union Française

L'Union Française, the oldest existing Franco-American nonprofit in Louisiana, supports and preserves the French language as well as French and Francophone cultures. L'Union Française gives grants to elementary school French programs and awards to high school students; offers French language and culture classes for adults; hosts community cultural events; and supports endeavors such as the New Orleans French Film Festival.

L'Union Française celebrated its 150th year in fall 2022. L'Union Française traces its founding to 1872, when a group of Frenchmen and French descendants founded the organization as a French philanthropic society in New Orleans. Initially the organization's goal was assistance to the needy, especially French-speaking immigrants arriving in New Orleans.

Today, L'Union Française offers affordable French language classes for adults at all levels, as well as special-interest classes in culinary skills, literature and cinema at the L'Union Française house, 4522 Pryantia St. in uptown New Orleans. L'Union Française also offers Vive la Francophonie cultural classes, Cajun music evenings, cultural events. Because of the inclusive environment we promote, we are raising money to make our building more accessible to people with physical disabilities.

The L'Union Française language program for adults seeks to make communication in French a natural, personalized, enjoyable and rewarding experience. The instruction is intimate and student-centered, while providing a balanced focus on comprehension, speaking, writing and reading. Experienced French teachers who are native speakers.

Testimonials

Great place to study French in the City of New Orleans. A wonderful experience. I have learned so much. And a great sense of community. And a terrific way to learn about French culture while in New Orleans.

As a French Major at Tulane (A & S, 1970) I began to look for a place to refresh my knowledge of the French Language. L'Union Francaise is the place. I have now studied with three teachers there, and attended classes in French Culture. My French has improved to the point of near fluency, and I converse regularly in French at francophone and francophile organizations throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Highly recommended, and good value.