Learn French in the CBD

Come July, two of Melbourne's -grand-dames' will unite to bring the spirit of France to the heart of the CBD.  For the first time, the Alliance Française de Melbourne will offer a range of daily French classes at the State Library of Victoria enabling city-workers and those who live north of the Yarra to learn the -language of love' without having to travel to St Kilda where the Alliance has long been based.

Aside from their desire to spread knowledge, these two gracious matriarchs have much in common.  Both the State Library and the Alliance operate from historic premises designed by revered 19th century architect, Joseph Reed, whose vision bequeathed Melbourne much of its stately charm. 

In 1856, Reed, under the auspices of his company Reed and Barnes, completed the State Library of Victoria, whilst in 1871, pastoralist John Lang Currie commissioned Reed to remodel his newly acquired mansion, St Kilda's Barham House, now known as Eildon, the Melbourne home of the Alliance Française.  So it's rather poetic that so many decades later, these two -sibling' architectural landmarks will share such a vibrant, cultural synergy.

Given the average Melburnian's love of all things French it's also no surprise to learn that the St Kilda-branch of the Alliance is the oldest in the country and one of the longest running in the world. The heart of Melbourne's French community, it belongs to an international network of 857 Alliances, which operate throughout 135 countries and currently welcomes more than 3,500 students annually, making it the largest French language school in Victoria.  It is also the only local school that is accredited to conduct all the diplomas issued by the French Ministry of Education.

Classes at the State Library of Victoria will take place daily from 10.30am to 6.00pm from Monday, 15 July and will cater to all age and proficiency levels, allowing participants to learn French at their own pace, aided by cutting-edge technology combined with multi-media integration.  Students will also enjoy the many aspects of French culture for which the Alliance is renowned, from the wildly popular Alliance Française French Film Festival to a myriad of exhibitions and events focusing on cuisine, art, literature and contemporary affairs.