Celebrating 14 years of bilateral cooperation between France’s Champagne-Ardenne region and the state of Baja California, the Alliance Française Tijuana will host the 14th edition of France Week.
Jean-François Piche, founder and general director of the Alliance Française Tijuana, spoke of this event during an interview with San Diego Red about how it offers the local community a diverse lineup of cultural activities, workshops, panel discussions, and tastings designed to foster cross-cultural connection.
“France Week originated from an international agreement signed 15 years ago between the French Embassy in Mexico and the Champagne region,” Piche explained. “It is a multisectoral agreement and spans industrial, commercial, cultural, and educational collaboration. A key driver was connecting the winemaking industry in Valle de Guadalupe with French experts to exchange knowledge, techniques, and more.”
Held in partnership with the Honorary Consulate of France in Tijuana, this year’s festival features the following public programming:
Opening Panel: “Prominent French Women of Baja California”
The festival opens with a panel celebrating four French women who have made significant contributions to the state which are:
Dr. Marie-Hélène Chabrier
Physician and Honorary Consul of France in Baja California for the past four years, as well as an advisory board member for the Alliance Française Tijuana. She is recognized for her leadership in supporting the regional French community across Tijuana, Ensenada, and Mexicali.
Nathalie Badan
Winemaker, cultural manager, and organic agriculture pioneer in Valle de Guadalupe behind the acclaimed Mogor Badan and Tres Mujeres labels, work honored by UNESCO in 2015. As the inaugural director of the Center for the Arts (CEART) Ensenada, she spearheaded expanding France Week across all five municipalities in the state.
Nicole Kelly
The first French instructor at the Alliance Française Tijuana following its founding in 1994, whose academic leadership helped launch and establish the institute’s language program.
Agnès Cameleyre
Renowned regional culinary professional and caterer known for leading cooking workshops and executing high-level official receptions for visiting French diplomats and ambassadors.
According to Piche, this edition is dedicated to these women and seeks to honor and highlight the significant presence of women in social, cultural, and governmental fields. By featuring four French women who reside in Baja California, some of whom have lived there for over 30 years, it brings harmony to France Week in Baja California.
- Date & Time: November 9 | 7:00 PM
- Venue: Multipurpose Room, Alliance Française Tijuana
- Admission: Free (Capacity limited to 40 guests)
“France-Mexico: 200 Years of Diplomatic Relations” Conference
A historical overview presented by Dr. Ana Lilia Nieto, professor-researcher at COLEF, and Dr. Diana Méndez, director of the Historical Research Institute at the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC).
- Date & Time: November 10 | 7:00 PM
- Venue: Multipurpose Room, Alliance Française Tijuana
- Admission: Free
Wine Tasting: The Provence Region
Recognizing Baja California’s rich viticultural culture, sommelier Romina Mendoza, the only professional in Baja California holding a WSET certification in wine, will guide guests through an educational tasting of four select wines from the Provence region of France.
- Date & Time: November 11 | 7:00 PM
- Venue: Garden, Alliance Française Tijuana
- Admission: $650 MXN | $35 USD (Capacity limited to 50 guests)
Concert: Classical & Contemporary French Chamber Music
Ensenada’s Contratiempo ensemble will perform a classical chamber recital highlighting French masterworks across eras, including pieces by Debussy, Fauré, Bizet, Satie, Kosma, Piaf, and Aznavour.
The ensemble features featured performances by three prominent Baja California musicians: soprano Ameyali Escobar, violinist Erik Ghukasyan, and cellist Ruben Ghukasyan.
- Date & Time: November 12 | 7:00 PM
- Venue: Multipurpose Room, Alliance Française Tijuana
- Admission: $250 MXN (13$ USD) General | $200 MXN ($11 USD) AFT Students (Capacity limited to 45 guests)
Movie Club Screening: Death in this Garden (La mort en ce jardin)
A screening of the 1956 Franco-Mexican classic directed by legendary filmmaker Luis Buñuel, who produced half of his cinematic output in France.
- Date & Time: November 13 | 7:00 PM
- Venue: Multipurpose Room, Alliance Française Tijuana
- Admission: Free (Capacity limited to 40 guests)
5-Course French Pairing Dinner
France Week concludes with an exclusive five-course culinary experience featuring the best Mexican-French wine pairings provided by the Henri Lurton family, produced at their winery in Valle de Guadalupe.
- Date & Time: November 14 | 7:00 PM
- Venue: Garden, Alliance Française Tijuana
- Admission: $850 MXN | $46 USD (Capacity limited to 80 guests)
Due to limited venue capacity, advance registration is required. Reservations can be made via WhatsApp at +52 664-622-15-22. Reservations for the wine tasting and closing dinner must be confirmed at least 24 hours prior to the event.
The Alliance Française Tijuana hosts cultural and educational programming throughout the year, including the annual French Film Tour, Fête de la Musique, Bastille Day celebrations, Francophonie Day, and winter holiday concerts. The Baja California community is invited to stay tuned for upcoming events.
Take a look back at the 10th edition of France Week in Baja California, which featured French pianist Marina Pacowski performing works by French composers from the Romantic and Impressionist eras:
To learn more or stay updated on upcoming events, follow the Alliance Française Tijuanaon social media:
Instagram: @alianzafr_tj
Facebook: Alianza Francesa Tijuana
