Bienvenue à l’Alliance Française de Lyon
About Us
Founded in 1984, the Alliance Française de Lyon is the city’s first French language training center. It welcomes students from around the world to learn French in a demanding, human-centered, and globally open environment.
The Alliance Française de Lyon is a private higher education institution recognized for the quality of its French as a Foreign Language (FLE) teaching.
It is:
- Certified QUALIOPI and Qualité FLE, a guarantee of seriousness and pedagogical excellence
- An official examination center for DELF, DALF, TCF, and DAEFLE
- A continuing education provider accredited by the French government
- A member of the international Alliance Française network
- Accessible to people with disabilities
students per year
nationalities represented per year
DELF / DALF exam success rate
French Language Training Center
The Alliance Française de Lyon offers a wide range of French courses:
- from beginner level (A1) to advanced level (C1)
- in-person or online
- For learners, employees, and professionals
All courses are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and are based on a communicative and action-oriented approach.
Learning is practical, progressive, and directly applicable to everyday life and professional situations.
Structured projects, such as the FASP project launched in 2017, combine French learning with awareness of environmental issues, using fun and level-appropriate teaching materials.
A Conducive Learning Environment
Expert Teachers and an Effective Method
Courses are taught by certified FLE teachers who are experienced and committed.
The method is based on:
- Communicative and action-oriented approach
- Oral practice from day one
- Clear objectives for each session
Materials include the Défi actuel and Défi textbooks, as well as the Apolearn platform, which centralizes resources, videos, and interactive exercises.
French Examination Center
The Alliance Française de Lyon is an examination center recognized by France Éducation International.
It allows students to take exams throughout the year.
- DELF
- DALF
- TCF
- DAEFLE
These official diplomas and certifications, issued by the French Ministry of National Education, provide international recognition for studies, work, or administrative procedures in France.
Cultural Center
Beyond teaching, the Alliance Française de Lyon is a true cultural center.
A varied program is offered throughout the year, for both students and the general public. These activities promote:
- Intercultural meetings and exchanges
- Discovery of French culture
- Sharing of international experiences
Each stay is customizable: contact our team to create your linguistic and cultural program according to your needs.
A Place for Learning and Culture
The Alliance Française de Lyon is housed in a remarkable Art Deco building dating from the early 20th century, located at 11 rue Pierre Bourdan.
Owned by the institution since 2006, the building:
- Has been fully renovated and modernized
- Covers 2,500 m²
- Includes 17 spacious classrooms
Students also benefit from:
- A large reception hall offering welcoming spaces for exchanges and relaxation
- A snack area equipped with coffee machines and food vending machines
- A terrace ideal for socializing with other students
- An outdoor garden
These spaces create a warm learning environment, encouraging interaction and conviviality among students from around the world.
An Ideal Setting in the Heart of Lyon
The training center is located in the 3rd arrondissement, at:
- 300 meters from the Rhône riverbanks
- 15 minutes on foot from Part-Dieu train station
- Immediate proximity to metro lines D and B, tram T1, and numerous bus lines
This central and dynamic neighborhood makes it easy to experience Lyon on foot or by public transport and fully enjoy life in the city.
The Team
The pedagogical and administrative team supports each student with care, ensuring:
- Personalized reception
- Continuous educational monitoring
- Services dedicated to enrollment, exams, and student life
The Alliance Française de Lyon is administered by a volunteer board of directors, whose officers are:
| President | Jean-Charles OVISE |
| Vice-President | Jacques BRUYAS |
| General Secretary | Jean EBERHARD |
| Treasurer | Louis DECHELETTE |
| Board Members | Samantha BARENDSON |
| Board Members | Corine BERTY |
| Board Members | Jean Pascal LYONNET |
| Board Members | Aurora VELEZ |
The Alliance Française de Lyon is governed by a volunteer board of directors, whose executive committee includes:
| General Management | |
| General Director | Nicolas DE LA CRUZ |
| Administrative and Financial Director | David BERTHELOT |
| Administrative Services | |
| Accounting and HR Assistant | Mélanie CLAIN |
| Communication, Marketing & Sales Manager | Izabel OLIVEIRA CARVALHO |
| Secretariat and Individual Registrations | Alexandre BAJZIK Khajiah MANGIN Luis-Paul CARDONA MOUROT |
| Communication Assistant | Olivia DEBERNARD |
| Maintenance | Patrick FOUEPE DE FOKI TEPAKBONG Patrice POTINO |
| Servicing | Olivier RIPOLL |
The teaching and examinations department is made up of a team of experienced teachers who are qualified in French as a Foreign Language.
| Pedagogy and Examinations Services | |
| Head of Education Disability and Quality Advisor | Perrine MATHOREZ |
| Pedagogical Coordinator | Fabien BACHELET-GIRARD |
| Examinations Officer | Coralie DELAIRE |
| Administrative Assistant for Tests and Exams | Noémie HENRY |
| Teachers | Fabien BACHELET-GIRARD Nathalie BONNIN Etienne DESSAUT Natalia DOS SANTOS Sylvie GAVEND Lucile JOUZEAU Vivian PACALON Anne-Eugénie SABATIER Camille SEASAL Isabelle STEWART |
Frequently asked questions
Nous contacter
Que vous ayez des questions sur nos cours, nos examens, ou que vous souhaitiez en savoir plus sur la vie à Lyon, notre équipe est là pour vous accompagner.