Who are we ?
Parler Français is a non-profit association established under the French Law of 1901, which supports foreign nationals in learning French in order to facilitate their social, cultural and professional integration and to promote community life.
Through French language workshops based on a welcoming atmosphere, exchange and conviviality, Parler Français enables learners to better understand French society, gain independence and participate in community life.
By making the French language more accessible, Parler Français helps with social integration and access to training, employment, public services and administrative procedures for people who have recently arrived or settled in the La Rochelle area.
Every year, more than 500 learners, representing nearly 80 different nationalities, attend the workshops, making Parler Français a true hub of cultural diversity and linguistic richness.
This initiative is made possible thanks to the commitment of more than 50 volunteer trainers, who lead the workshops, support the learners and play an active role in their integration journey.
Our objectives and values
Our aim is to promote the social integration of foreign nationals, particularly those in vulnerable situations, by helping them to master the French language, which is key to accessing training, employment, services and administrative procedures.
Our workshops are open to everyone, without selection or discrimination.
Our work is guided by the values of the Republic: equality, diversity, secularism and solidarity.
Our history
Parler Français was founded in 2006 in La Rochelle by Joëlle Riondet, former director of the Departmental Youth Information Centre, based on a simple observation: the lack of a suitable solution to meet the needs of many young people and adults from abroad who wished to learn French.
The association’s name reflects its founding ethics: to prioritise speaking, communication and independence in everyday life.
Jean-Dominique Riondet designed an original logo to embody the association’s values and identity. Very quickly, a network of volunteers and partners rallied around this project, and its success was both immediate and lasting!
Following the founder’s death in 2021, the association continues and expands its work, welcoming an ever-growing number of people.
Where can you find us ?
Parler Français operates at three sites in La Rochelle:
École Dor
24 rue Saint-Jean du Pérot
La fabrique du lien social Christiane Faure
42 rue des Voiliers
Centre socio-culturel Le Pertuis (Mireuil)
3 rue François Boucher
Our partners
