Tip of the day 20/03 – International Francophonie Day

• July 18, 2022

The date of March 20 was chosen to celebrate the anniversary of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) that was born on March 20, 1970 in Niamey, Niger. This agency marks the first step towards Francophone cooperation, which will become the International Organization of La Francophonie a little later. The French language has always had an important place among languages. First a symbol of culture and creativity, it was then a vector of democracy and humanism, values ​​that UNESCO intends to promote. UNESCO loves, speaks and promotes French – one of its 6 official languages ​​and one of its 2 working languages. But more broadly UNESCO celebrating the Francophonie celebrates the cultural and linguistic diversity that makes up the world. Celebrating La Francophonie is recognizing the potential of language and culture to unite people, to create spaces of solidarity and mutual understanding, to reflect together on our common future. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) share this common vision that places culture and language at the heart of any lasting effort for peace. and development.

So, what can you do if you’re French and you’re travelling to Athens and you want to speak your native language or feeling like home? You’ll find for sure quite  plenty of Athenians speaking it, as it’s one of the two elective languages taught in schools, but something more formal?

• You can attend a French guided tour in Goulandris Foundation in Pangrati. It’s one of the most impressive art museums in Athens that gives you the chance to have a guided tour in your mother language.
• If you visit Athens  during spring, you can attend the Greek Franchophone Film Festival.
• If you visit Athens during autumn, check the Petit Paris d’ Athens festival
• Check also the official site of Greek French institute as it organises often film screenings, presentations, events etc
• Have your diner or lunch in one of the French restaurants based in  Athens. Some options are:
  • Chez Lucien (Troon 52 Petralona, Athens)
  • Cinq Sens  Athens (Pirrou 38 Athens)
  • L’Aubrevoir (Xenokratous 51 Athens)
  • Spyros et Vasilis (Lachitos 5 Kolonaki, Athens)
  • Tartare (Al. Panagouli 52, Glyfada)
  • Chapeau Bistrot (Sokratous 4A, Chalandri)
  • Polly Magoo Bistrot (Agg. Sikelianou 8 Neo Psychiko)
  • Blue  Pine (P. Tsaldari 37 Kifisia)
  • Brasserie Lorraine (Spefsippou 1 A,  Kolonaki, Athens)
  • Maison Colette (Dim. Vasileiou 14 Neo Psychiko)
• And if you are still looking the best croissant in Athens, check these bakeries too!

More to be announced as the post has often updates