French Businesses & Organizations in South Carolina
Explore French businesses and organizations in South Carolina serving your community. Find law firms, medical practices, restaurants, retail stores, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and community services owned by or dedicated to serving the French community. Connect with establishments that understand your cultural values and provide services in your language.
The Alliance Française is a worldwide non-profit organization founded in Paris in 1883. It is part of a network of over 1,000 chapters in 133 countries. In the United States, the Alliance Française counts more than 140 locations. The Alliance Française de Columbia is also an independent non-profit organization, which after a few years of inactivity started out on a fresh path in October 2004 and rejoined the fold officially in January 2005.
The mission of The Alliance is to encourage the study of the French language and the various cultures of French-speaking countries and, more specifically, to foster friendly relations between the French-speaking and American peoples. It has no political or religious affiliation and welcome adults of any age, sex , creed, race, color and national or ethnic origin. We encourage all speakers of French to become members, not just the French. This Alliance prides itself on being all-inclusive. Even if you do not speak French fluently, but you have an interest in, or you can share your knowledge of, certain cultural aspects concerning the French-speaking world, the Alliance is very keen on hearing from you and having you join as a member.
Sustained participation in all activities and a high membership rate are keys to our continuing success. It is not uncommon to hear comments about the need to have a thriving Alliance in Columbia.
The Alliance Française was first established in Paris in 1883 with the aim of promoting French language and culture around the world. The Federation of Alliances Françaises in the United States was founded on March 4, 1902.
One of 1,135 chapters in 138 countries, Alliance Française de Charleston was founded in 1960. Its 300+ members represent the mingling of two groups: a French community seeking to stay connected to their French heritage and an American community interested in experiencing French culture.
The Alliance sponsors annual events such as the Beaujolais Nouveau in November, Bastille Day in July and offers French language instruction, get-togethers featuring regional French foods, cooking classes, a French book club, French film club, pétanque (lawn bowling) games, and a knitting club.
The chapter also meets and entertains visitors from France and assists members in planning their travels to France. Membership is open to the community, and knowledge of the French language is not required.
