The organization was started by leading members of Seattle’s French-American community, including many members of the French American Chamber of Commerce, to focus on education and promotion of French culture. FEN aims to familiarize the people of our region, and especially youth, with the diversity and richness of several aspects of French culture.
The group achieves its goals through these four main areas of activity:
À l’école – “France in a Suitcase”
“France in a Suitcase” is a one-hour interactive presentation for students of all ages. It is facilitated by a pair of volunteers, one American and one French, who use a specially prepared suitcase to take the students on a simulated “trip to France.” The students are encouraged to actively participate and learn about French traditions, gastronomy, geography and language.
Seattle’s French Fest: A Celebration of French-Speaking Cultures
Seattle’s French Fest is held annually in March as a part of Seattle Center’s Festál Cultural Festivals series. French Fest began in 2013 with the goal of celebrating Seattle’s French community and other French-speaking cultures. The event brings together representatives from the worldwide Francophone community with cultural, musical and educational components enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Culinary Events
FEN organizes French cooking classes throughout the year that allowing participants to join in the preparation of a French-themed meal. The classes are taught by Chef Jacques Boiroux, a well-known Chef and TV personality. Our cooking classes are a great way to discover French cuisine, learn tips from a professional chef, and enjoy a lively social evening.
French Interns
FEN programming is facilitated by French interns who are recruited from top-tier French universities or Grandes Ecoles to train in the organization and help with program execution. The interns, who come to the Seattle area for periods of three months to a year, bring the freshness of their own points of view and personal experience to the programming.
