L'Union Française

L'Union Française, the oldest existing Franco-American nonprofit in Louisiana, supports and preserves the French language as well as French and Francophone cultures. L'Union Française gives grants to elementary school French programs and awards to high school students; offers French language and culture classes for adults; hosts community cultural events; and supports endeavors such as the New Orleans French Film Festival.

L'Union Française celebrated its 153th year last fall 2025. L'Union Française traces its founding to 1872, when a group of Frenchmen and French descendants founded the organization as a French philanthropic society in New Orleans. Initially the organization's goal was to assist the needy, especially those French-speaking immigrants arriving in New Orleans.

Today, L'Union Française offers affordable French language classes for adults at all levels. The L'Union Française language program for adults seeks to make communication in French a natural, personalized, enjoyable and rewarding experience. The instruction is intimate and student-centered, while providing a balanced focus on comprehension, speaking, writing and reading; all led by experienced French teachers who are native speakers from all around the francophone world. 

In addition to our French language classes, we also offer special-interest classes, ranging from culinary skills to literature and cinema, "Vive la Francophonie" cultural classes, Louisiana French music evenings, Louisiana French and Creole tables, and cultural events. 

This year, we are focusing on "Growth," expanding possibilities for our community. Because of our role bringing our French heritage back to our community and beyond, we are raising money to expand our programming and enrich the cultural experiences we bring to life. 

We are excited to be able to reach out to, and welcome, more members of our local community at the L'Union Française House, located at 4522 Pryantia St. in Uptown, New Orleans!  Give Today, Grow Tomorrow's Possibilities. 

Testimonials

Great place to study French in the City of New Orleans. A wonderful experience. I have learned so much. And a great sense of community. And a terrific way to learn about French culture while in New Orleans.

As a French Major at Tulane (A & S, 1970) I began to look for a place to refresh my knowledge of the French Language. L'Union Francaise is the place. I have now studied with three teachers there, and attended classes in French Culture. My French has improved to the point of near fluency, and I converse regularly in French at francophone and francophile organizations throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Highly recommended, and good value.