Study French in Lyon in 2026: cultural immersion all year round

Choosing to study French at the Alliance Française de Lyon in 2026 means experiencing complete linguistic immersion, punctuated by major cultural events in Lyon. Throughout the year, French classes are enriched by festivals, outings, artistic encounters, and educational activities that allow you to optimize your learning and practice of French in authentic and stimulating contexts.

Here is the calendar of highlights for 2026 to help you choose the ideal time to come and learn French in Lyon.

Voici le calendrier des temps forts 2026, afin de vous aider à choisir le moment idéal pour venir apprendre le français à Lyon.

March 2026: spring, poetry, and Francophonie Month

Lyon’s cultural life blossoms with the arrival of spring.

In March, the Alliance Française de Lyon hosts the “Magnifique Printemps” poetry festival, an artistic event that celebrates the French language in all its poetic forms.

March is also Francophonie Month. To mark the occasion, students are invited to actively participate in numerous activities with their teachers, including plays, game nights, and cultural and linguistic events.

These activities offer an excellent opportunity to practice French outside the classroom in real-life situations, in a friendly and creative atmosphere.

April–May 2026: Literature at the heart of learning French

Spring is a special time for lovers of reading and debating ideas.

April: Quais du Polar

In April, the famous Quais du Polar festival, dedicated to crime fiction, comes to the Alliance Française in Lyon. Events are organized within the school, in conjunction with a rich program of events throughout the city.

May: Littérature Live

In May, the Littérature Live festival, organised by Villa Gillet, welcomes authors from around the world to address the major issues of contemporary society.

These months are key moments for honing your French listening comprehension skills, thanks to high-level meetings, readings, and discussions.

June 2026: Celebrating summer with music

The beginning of summer is always celebrated with enthusiasm in Lyon thanks to the Fête de la Musique on June 21.

On this day, music fills the city: concerts, street musicians, and improvised stages enliven every neighborhood.

At the Alliance Française in Lyon, a DJ set is organized to entertain students after class. It’s a festive way to practice French while enjoying the energy of the city.

July–August 2026: Summer courses and French art de vivre

Summer is the ideal time for a short but intensive language course.

The Alliance Française in Lyon offers two-week summer courses, perfect for making rapid progress in French while enjoying the holidays.

At this time of year, the lakes around Lyon become real leisure spots: swimming, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding.

It’s the perfect time to experience the French language in a summer atmosphere, relax, meet other international students, and discover the French way of life.

October 2026: Lyon's gastronomy takes center stage

In October, the Alliance Française in Lyon is organizing an authentic Lyon gastronomic week, much to the delight of food lovers.

On the program:

• educational activities centered around cooking,
• tastings,
• enrichment of vocabulary related to gastronomy, and sharing around the table.

An excellent way to discover the local culture while improving your French.

December 2026: the magic of the Fête des Lumières

At the end of the year, Lyon shines brightly with the unmissable Fête des Lumières. The city is adorned with magnificent light installations, creating a magical atmosphere enhanced by the Christmas spirit.

At the Alliance Française in Lyon, the Christmas party brings together students and teachers for a warm moment of sharing and celebration after a year rich in learning.

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