Worldwide Network
It all started with a simple idea : bringing people together through a common language (French) while celebrating different cultures (from France, French-speaking countries & territories, host-countries and anything in between).
Founded in 1883 by eminent people from all walks of live (diplomats, engineers, scientists, writers…) from Jules Vernes to Louis Pasteur, the AF network has now become the first cultural NGO in the world with over 850 centres (15 in India) in 132 countries with half a million students every year.
Headquartered in Paris, the Fondation Alliance Française oversees the operation of those centres with the financial support and in close collaboration with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Each individual Alliance française is however an autonomous association, closely connected to its local cultural, social and professional environment.