Alliance Française - learn, live and love the French language and culture


Welcome to Alliance Française Wellington, the official centre for French language and culture in Wellington CBD. Our aim is to develop the teaching and learning of French, on-site or from home, and encourage communication between Francophones, Francophiles and all New Zealanders.

Enrol Now Enrol Now   Re-Enrol Re-Enrol  

      Take a free placement test Take a free placement test



Group classes

Start or continue your French language journey with group classes for adults, teens and children.


Private classes

Prefer one-to-one session? Or maybe with a friend? Learn French with our private class packages, in person or online.


Test your level

Unsure of your level? Take the free level assessment to ensure that you join the right class for your level and your needs.

Google reviews ⭐

"The staff at Alliance Française are all really nice and welcoming and super helpful, the quality of the teachers are also really good, so if you're willing to learn French, this place will be awesome for you :)"
- AF Wellington student


"THE place to learn French in Wellington"
."
- AF Wellington student
"I've been going to classes at the Alliance Francaise on and off since 2006. It's great to be able to practice my French with native speakers and learn about French life and culture. They also have an excellent selection of books, magazines and DVDs to borrow, and host a wide variety of events (quizzes, talks, musical performances etc), often accompanied by delicious French food and wine!"
- AF Wellington student

Learn French in Wellington


What's on // Nouveautés

Film Screening - French Comedy "Asterix and Obelix, 	Mission Cleopatra"

Film Screening - French Comedy "Asterix and Obelix, Mission Cleopatra"

Join us for a special film screening of the beloved French comedy classic "Asterix and Obelix, Mission Cleopatra".

The synopsis 👉 "Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, believes she can build a temple in record time and makes a bet with Julius Caesar. Her architect, however, needs the help of Asterix and Obelix to fight Romans who try to stop the construction."

Get ready for a night filled with laughs, iconic characters, and a lively dose of French humour. Don’t miss it!

📅 Friday, 06 December - 6pm

📍 Alliance Française, 78 Victoria Street, Wellington

🎥 French VO with English Subtitles

🎟️ Free entry, koha donation

🍿 BYO


Read More Read More
PIAFS! - Collective Exhibition in Augmented Reality

PIAFS! - Collective Exhibition in Augmented Reality

Nov 16 - Nov 30
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Alliance Française Wellington



Découvrez Madagascar - Workshop & Tasting

Découvrez Madagascar - Workshop & Tasting

Land of vanilla, home to lemurs and iconic baobabs, with unique biodiversity and a rich cultural heritage - Madagascar is a country like no other!

Join us for a special French workshop to discover more about this extraordinary place through a presentation by our French teacher Judith, accompanied by a tasting of local specialties!

🗯️ French A2/B1 level required
🗓️ Saturday, 14 December, 11am-12.30pm
📍 Alliance Française Wellington (78 Victoria Street, Wellington)
🎟️ $30 for AF members & $35 for general admission


Read More Read More
Randell Cottage Annual Open Day

Randell Cottage Annual Open Day

Oct 27
1:00PM - 4:00PM
14 Saint Mary Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011



Read More Read More
Karlsruhe Concert Duo at Goethe-Institut

Karlsruhe Concert Duo at Goethe-Institut

Kick off November with a concert at our friends from Goethe-Institut New Zealand. You don't want to miss out - register now!



Join us for an unforgettable evening with the Karlsruhe Concert Duo, featuring cellist Reinhard Armleder and pianist Dagmar Hartmann. After captivating audiences in Brisbane and Suva, their next stop is Aotearoa New Zealand!

On November 1st, enjoy a stunning performance of works by Ludwig van Beethoven, César Franck, Maurice Ravel, and more.

 Friday 01 November, 5.30-7pm
Goethe-Institut, 150 Cuba Street, Wellington
 Please register for the free concert: https://www.goethe.de/ins/nz/en/ver.cfm?event_id=26105963



Read More Read More
Cinematic Arts Miramar - Talk with Shih-Yen Huang

Cinematic Arts Miramar - Talk with Shih-Yen Huang

Oct 30
6:00PM
Online event - Zoom link: vuw.zoom.us/j/93492587063



Café des Idées in Wellington - Nations of Water

Café des Idées in Wellington - Nations of Water

Nov 13
5:30PM - 7:30PM
Victoria University of Wellington, Pipitea Campus 33 Bunny Street Wellington, Wellington 6011



Read More Read More
Découvrez la Bretagne -  Regional Workshop & Tasting - 2nd Edition! 🤗

Découvrez la Bretagne - Regional Workshop & Tasting - 2nd Edition! 🤗

After the success of the first edition, we had no choice but to plan a second one!

Did you miss the previous workshop and want another chance to discover the beautiful region of Brittany? This is your opportunity to catch up and learn more about its unique culture and culinary traditions. Sign up now for our dedicated workshop!

This workshop includes a presentation by our French teacher Thibaut, a native of the region, accompanied by a tasting of local specialties!

🗯️ French A2/B1 level required
🗓️ Saturday, 10 August, 11am-12.30pm
📍 Alliance Française Wellington (78 Victoria Street, Wellington)
🎟️ $30 for AF members & $35 for general admission


Read More Read More
Beaujolais Nouveau - Dinner & Raffle at Le Bouillon Bel Air

Beaujolais Nouveau - Dinner & Raffle at Le Bouillon Bel Air

Nov 21
6:00PM - 8:00PM
Le Bouillon Bel Air, 88 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011



Read More Read More
Voix de Femmes - L'amitié

Voix de Femmes - L'amitié

They say that friendship is like a book: there are friends for a page only, others for a whole chapter... and the real ones who are with you all your life. We feel the same about our musical choices in this programme. There are songs that have been with us on the whole musical journey, others that we enjoy meeting from time to time and some we wish to get to know. We hope you will join us and meet up with some familiar friends, old and recent. We are privileged to be joined once again by our favourite soloist, Rebecca Steel on flute, accompanied by Heather Easting piano, and our special reader Madeleine Dean. 




L’AMITIÉ

📅 Sunday, November 17, 2.30pm
📍 St Teresa’s Church - 301 Karori Road, Karori
🎟️ Tickets: $20 from choir members - kerry.lloyd@gmail.com - Door sales


Read More Read More
Film Screening - French Comedy "Year of the Shark"

Film Screening - French Comedy "Year of the Shark"

Oct 25
6:00PM
Alliance Française Wellington



Read More Read More
New Caledonia Film Festival 2024 - Wellington (Light House Petone)

New Caledonia Film Festival 2024 - Wellington (Light House Petone)

Sep 25
6:00PM
Light House Cinema 52 Beach Street Lower Hutt, Wellington 5012 New Zealand



Read More Read More
New Caledonia Film Festival 2024 - Wellington (Light House Cuba)

New Caledonia Film Festival 2024 - Wellington (Light House Cuba)

Sep 20
6:00PM
Light House Cuba 29 Wigan Street, Wellington 6011 New Zealand



Read More Read More
October French Holiday Programme for children

October French Holiday Programme for children

During our Holiday Programme, children are immersed in the French language through cooking, arts and crafts activities designed to educate and entertain.


Read More Read More
Picture Me - European Illustrators Visit Aotearoa

Picture Me - European Illustrators Visit Aotearoa

Sep 12 - Sep 18
12:30PM - 6:00PM
Wellington



Read More Read More
Découvrez Le Sud-Ouest - French Workshop & Tasting

Découvrez Le Sud-Ouest - French Workshop & Tasting

"South by South-West!"

Join us for an exciting journey through the Southwest of France! Start with an introduction by our teacher Rita, native of the region, who will highlight the must-see places and hidden gems of this diverse region.

Then, dive into a lively presentation on Southwest French wines, by our partner Michael Hutton from eWine. This session will explore the region’s unique wine varieties, and what makes them stand out in the global wine scene. You'll learn about the history, terroir, and winemaking techniques that give these wines their distinct character.

Finally, indulge in a hands-on tasting experience, with local wines that capture the true essence of the region and some food to enjoy with it.

Whether you're a wine lover, foodie, or just curious, this workshop promises a flavourful and unforgettable evening!


🗓️Friday, 30th of August, from 6pm to 7.30pm
📍Alliance Française Wellington (78 Victoria Street, Wellington)
🎟️ $45 for members & $50 for general admission


This event is for attendees aged 18 and over only.


Read More Read More
Meet the artist - Julie Stephen Chheng

Meet the artist - Julie Stephen Chheng

Aug 16
6:00PM - 8:00PM
Alliance Française Wellington



Read More Read More
Découvrez la Bretagne - Regional Workshop & Tasting

Découvrez la Bretagne - Regional Workshop & Tasting

Do you know what Wellington and Brittany have in common? They are both known for their rapidly changing weather, where it can be very windy and rainy 

If you want to learn more about this beautiful region, its history, unique culture, and culinary traditions, sign up now for our dedicated workshop!

This workshop features a presentation by our French teacher Thibaut, a native of the region, accompanied by a sampling of local specialties!

🗯️ French A2/B1 level required
🗓️Saturday, 10 August, 11am-12.30pm
📍Alliance Française Wellington (78 Victoria Street, Wellington)
🎟️ $30 for AF members & $35 for general admission


Read More Read More
A Hero's Life - Ein Heldenleben

A Hero's Life - Ein Heldenleben

French superstars soprano Virginie Verrez and conductor Stéphane Denève join the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra next Thursday 25 July in Wellington in for a concert of French flair and German triumph.

A Hero’s Life features Marie-Juliette Olga "Lili" Boulanger’s D'un matin de printemps, Ravel’s Shéhérazade and R Strauss’ heroic Ein Heldenleben.

And exciting news: We have a special discount of 20% for AFW members and students! You simply need to select the ‘Symphony20’ price on Ticketmaster when purchasing tickets, and unlock the discount with the code NZSO20!

Get your tickets now!

🗓️ Thursday, 25 of July, 7.30pm
📍 Michael Fowler Centre



Read More Read More
Découvrez Bordeaux - French Workshop & Tasting

Découvrez Bordeaux - French Workshop & Tasting

Did you know that every second, 20 bottles of Bordeaux wine are sold around the world?

Sign up for the Bordeaux dedicated workshop to taste and discover the region, known for its delicious wines, its history and a rich culinary tradition.

This one-time event includes a presentation, by our partner Michael Hutton from eWine, on the region as well as a tasting of different local delicacies!

🗓️ Friday, 26 of July, from 6pm to 7.30pm
📍 Alliance Française Wellington (78 Victoria Street, Wellington)
🎟️ $30 for members & $35 for general admission





Read More Read More
Olympic Games Paris 2024 Opening ceremony

Olympic Games Paris 2024 Opening ceremony

Jul 27
9:00AM - 12:30PM
Alliance Française Wellington



Read More Read More
Voix de Femmes at Musical Punch Over Lunch

Voix de Femmes at Musical Punch Over Lunch

Voix de Femmes is performing at the Old St Paul’s lunchtime concert series, Musical Punch Over Lunch on 25th of July at 12.30pm, and you are all invited!

This is the perfect opportunity for you to step out of the everyday, take a breath and enjoy some truly captivating music. Bring your lunch, take a pew, and unwind in a stunning heritage building.

The performance will be up to 45 minutes in duration. Koha entry. Further details are available here: visitheritage.co.nz/whats-on/musical-punch-over-lunch-2/



Bastille Day 2024 at Alliance Française Wellington

Bastille Day 2024 at Alliance Française Wellington

Jul 14
2:00PM - 5:00PM
Alliance Française Wellington



Read More Read More
Fête de la Musique - Free Concert of European Music

Fête de la Musique - Free Concert of European Music




Read More Read More
July Holiday Programme for Children

July Holiday Programme for Children

During our Holiday Programme, children are immersed in the French language through cooking, arts and crafts activities designed to educate and entertain.


Read More Read More
Shared Borders - Switzerland Workshop & Tasting - Third Edition

Shared Borders - Switzerland Workshop & Tasting - Third Edition

Bonjour and willkommen to the 3rd edition of our Shared Borders events, organised by Goethe-Institut Neuseeland, Embassy of Switzerland in New Zealand and Alliance Française Wellington.

This time will be a little bit different as we focus on one country: Switzerland, that shares borders with France and Germany. Join us for this special workshop & tasting at the Goethe-Institut for a delightful morning celebrating Swiss culture and cuisine.

Immerse yourself in Switzerland as we explore language, culture, geography, traditional dishes, pop culture, etc. This event includes a presentation, followed by a tasting of different local delicacies, such as local cheese and chocolate.

It will also be the perfect occasion to celebrate the 2 languages that all three countries share: French and German.

Grab your spot now!

Où - Wo: Goethe-Institut Wellington (148-150 Cuba Street, Level 6)

Quand - Wann: Saturday 15 June 2024 from 10am to 12pm

Combien - Wie viel: $30 for AF members and Goethe-Institut students, $35 for others


Read More Read More
Découvrez le Balfolk - Dance Workshop

Découvrez le Balfolk - Dance Workshop

Discover Balfolk during this special dance workshop at Alliance Française Wellington.

Ready to step into the world of Balfolk dancing?

Join us for a fun and interactive workshop, held in partnership with Balfolk Wellington, where you'll learn traditional French folk dances.

No experience necessary, dances are simple and easy to learn, so just bring your dancing shoes and a smile!

Come and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Balfolk dancing with us!


Read More Read More
Voix de Femmes - In Paradisum

Voix de Femmes - In Paradisum

With a title like “In Paradisum” you can be assured you will be transported somewhere celestial in this divine programme of French music in the splendour of the newly restored French Gothic Erskine Chapel in Island Bay. For Voix de femmes and its repertoire of French and New Zealand music this is a match made in paradise!

The magical acoustics of this architectural treasure have been sought and experienced over time by the likes of Kiri Te Kanawa and The Vienna Boys’ Choir. Voix de femmes was privileged to sing at the re-opening of the Chapel last year and the choir is so excited to perform there again.

Our programme, including music by our favourite composers Boulanger, Fauré, Poulenc, Gounod, Debussy and Artley, seems written for this venue. We will be joined by the magnificent Rebecca Steel on flute with two fine young soloists from the New Zealand School of Music.

With strictly limited seating these concerts will sell quickly.

LIMITED DOOR SALES.

Venue : Erskine Chapel
31 Avon Street, Island Bay,
Wellington 6023.


Date: Sunday 5 May, 2.00pm AND 4pm - 2pm is now SOLD-OUT!

Concert duration: 1 hour

Tickets: $30.00 available through choir members or text Kerry 021 537 881

Venue Information: PARKING around the chapel is limited. It is recommended to park on nearby streets and walk up. There are a few mobility parks outside the chapel. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance.
There is a lift from the foyer to the Chapel upstairs if required.



Défi Inter-Alliances 2024 - Wellington

Défi Inter-Alliances 2024 - Wellington

Apr 30
8:00PM - 9:00PM
Alliance Française Wellington



Read More Read More
Café des Idées - Science in conversation

Café des Idées - Science in conversation

Scientific ventures in the Pacific: 200 years since La Coquille explored Aotearoa

Join the conversation with this new edition of the Café des Idées, as we receive Michael Lee. He will present his research on Dumont d’Urville’s first visit to New Zealand in April 1824.

Conservation biologist, historian, regional politician, living on Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. The former marine radio officer first encountered the journals of Dumont d’Urville’s 1827 Astrolabe visit to New Zealand in 1996, when writing a thesis for a MSc in Biological sciences from the University of Auckland.

This sparked his interest in the largely unappreciated role of French navigators and naturalists in the scientific discovery of New Zealand and Oceania. He has been researching and writing about New Zealand natural history, especially the French role in it, ever since. This research culminated in publication of his first book ‘Navigators & Naturalists – French Exploration of New Zealand and the South Seas (1769-1824)’ which was re-edited and reprinted in 2020.

The book concludes with the highly successful world voyage of La Coquille (1822-1825), the 200th anniversary of its visit to New Zealand we are now celebrating.  A sequel, provisionally entitled: ‘Te Atoramo – D’Urville returns: Voyage of the Astrolabe – Nouvelle Zélande 1827’, is approaching completion. 

Join us to learn more about this fascinating journey - RSVP essential!

This event will include the possibility to connect online or to come at the premices of Alliance Française in Wellington. A link will be send a few days before the event on the email you filled on the registration form.


📅 19 April 2024 - 5.30pm to 7pm
📍 Alliance Française Wellington
💬 In English
🎟️ FREE EVENT (koha donation)



Read More Read More
View All Events View All Events

Explore // Découvrir


Member Benefits

Discover the benefits of membership at Alliance Française.


Culturethèque

Access French news, comics, novels and more.


Our French Library

Explore and borrow books, magazines and more from our library.

Go further // Aller plus loin


Examinations

Certify your level of French with our official examinations.


Frantastique

Improve your French daily with an email.


Join our Book Club

Discover, read and discuss French language novels. For those at an advanced level.

Our Partners Our Partners

Become a member

Become a member of Alliance Française Wellington and get exclusive offers and discounts.

Become a Member
Become a Member