French Institute

I noticed that the French institute is classed as a ‘language school’ by Unilocal.I must say that’s not even the beginning…
Well, actually, it’s a good place to start, but apart from the excellent language classes offered the French Institute in Edinburgh is a fantastic venue for all sorts. And there’s no snobbery, I don’t have a word of French and frequently I’m laughed at for my botched pronunciations, but they still let me through the door.
I’ve attended art classes (got my tapestry on) and seen art shows here. There’s a gorgeous back room which serves as a gallery and has one of the most spectacular views in the city. Recently they held their Fête de la Musique celebrations, with a whole day of music from all over the world. Sea Bass Kid, a local ska/​jazz/​rock type band were particularly worth seeing! The French Institute is also a Fringe venue. Last year I went to see ‘The Onion Johnnies’, a not-​competely-​factual history of the onion Johnnies who would travel from France to Scotland on their bikes and wage war with rabbits (apparently).
This year there’s a range of shows on.
Down in the basement there is The Bistrot restaurant which does great French food and snacks. I’ve eaten here a few times and to be honest, they run out of the good stuff quickly so get there early! There’s also a bar.
I would recommend anyone with even the slightest interest in France to pop along or at least check out their website. I think they do a fantastic job here in Edinburgh as both a diverse venue and a Frenchy-​type talking place.

You will find it in the middle of a crescent off Charlotte Square in the New Town district. There are plenty of French restaurants in the area — Petit Paris, Le petiti folie… etc, probably not by accident. The Institute is using two floors of a Georgian house and offers not only courses in French, a good library collection of books and DVDs but also an attractive cultural programme of art exhibitions and film screenings. I am just back from a wonderful screening evening of a Romanian film, «East of Bucharest» on the hot topic of the Revolution in 1989 and the collapse of communism.