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Founded in 1910 by a private benefactor eager to introduce Londoners to French artists and writers, the Institut français du Royaume-Uni (French Cultural Institute in the UK) is the official French government centre of language and culture in the UK. It exists to promote French language and culture, but also to encourage cross-cultural exchange.

LANGUAGE LEARNING
Around 7,000 students each year enrol on courses at the Institut’s Language Centre . In addition to traditional language courses, the Centre offers courses in business French, and on different aspects of French culture and current affairs. It caters for students of all levels of proficiency in French, and its courses are designed for a variety of timetables and interests.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
The Institut’s Cultural Centre comprises a cinema, multi-media library, children’s library and a French bistro.

Ciné lumière
Ciné lumière is undoubtably one of the UK’s best repertory cinemas, screening a mix of French, European and world cinema. It shows both classics and new releases, and regularly holds such special events as premières, retrospectives and themed seasons.

La Médiathèque
A window onto contemporary France, the Médiathèque holds the largest free-access collection of French material in the UK – feature films, documentaries, music, poetry, novels, comic books, children's books and much more.

Talks Programme
Audiences at the Institut français can keep up-to-date with the latest French thinking and the latest publications in French and English translation thanks to its extensive programme of talks, seminars and book launches.

Wine Tasting
The Institut's twice-monthly wine-tasting sessions provide a valuble insight into that vital part of French culture.

Le Bistrot
The Institut’s very own French restaurant and fully-licensed bar, Le Bistrot offers a selection of traditional French food, fro...