10 February 2016 Last night, we attended Gad Elmaleh's stand-up comedy show in Lower Manhattan. He was hilarious! We especially enjoyed listening to his highly perceptive comparisons between life in France and the USA. For more information, go to: http://www.gadelmaleh.com/

19 January 2016 This evening, we attended a discussion about politics in the Middle East with Jean-Pierre Filiu , who is a historian and professor at Sciences Po, the Paris Institute for Political Studies. The event was hosted by Albertine in partnership with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in New York City. Drawing on his experience as a former diplomat and diplomatic advisor, the author presented the central argument in his new book, "From Deep State to Islami

19 November 2015 Tonight, we returned to Albertine Reading Room and Bookshop in New York City for a discussion of the book, entitled, "The Other Paris" (2015) by Luc Sante, a Belgian American cultural historian. The author shared a selection of his favorite passages from the book, focusing on daily life at the margins of Parisian society prior to the period of urban renewal in the 19th century. Afterward, he opened the floor for discussion and fielded questions from members o

8 November 2015 Lately, we have been taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather by meeting for French lessons at Old York Cellars Winery in Ringoes, New Jersey. Adult students have really enjoyed practicing their French, while sitting outside on the slate patio overlooking the expansive vineyard. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon! Please note: Students must be at least 21 years old to participate in these lessons.

8 November 2015 Students were delighted to attend Festival Albertine hosted by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy located on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The highlight of the evening was a discussion about feminism, entitled, "Still the Second Sex?" in which panelists reflected on the progress that has been made to promote women's rights since the publication of Simone de Beauvoir's groundbreaking book, "Le deuxième sexe" (1949). This discussion prompted students t

18 July 2015 Last night, a small group of students went to see Paris Combo live in concert at City Winery New York City. What a memorable evening! If you're not familiar with Paris Combo, their music is an eclectic mix of sounds, influenced by cabaret, gypsy jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt, French pop from the 1930's, North African rhythms, and swing. Our group gathered at a long table in front of the stage. (We were lucky to have seats located right in the center of t