Institut francais d Ecosse

A cultural centre promoting French language and French culture in Edinburgh and in Scotland and part of the wider Institut Français network around the world.

About Institut francais d Ecosse

	Institut français d'Ecosse West Parliament Square, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1RF
	01312856030
	Institut francais d Ecosse Website
	Facebook information can be found here
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Listed Under Activities - Learning

A little corner of France in the heart of Edinburgh!

The French Institute in Edinburgh is a cultural centre promoting French language and French culture in Edinburgh and in Scotland and part of the wider Institut Français network around the world.

Here at the Institut français, at the heart of Edinburgh, we offer French courses, talks, live music and theatre performances, film screenings, library collections, kid's activities, and festivals!

Promoting cross-cultural exchange since 1946.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Institut francais d Ecosse are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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Upcoming Events at Institut francais d Ecosse

Music

The Gemstone Arias in Concert

13th January 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Join us for the World Premiere performance of The Gemstone Arias composed by Jay Capperauld with text by Niall Campbell, performed by Rosie Lavery (soprano) and Anna Michels (piano).

Film

Screening of L’Atalante

23rd January 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

L’Atalante was the only full-length film made by Jean Vigo before his tragic early death. The film is now considered to be one of cinema’s very greatest works.

Film

Screening: Souleymane’s Story by Boris Lojkine

28th January 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Prize winning film Souleymane’s Story, depicts the harsh reality of delivery cyclist Souleymane who recently immigrated from Guinea. Catch it at Institut français d'Ecosse on 28th January!

Film

Screening of Mélodie en sous-sol

11th February 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Mélodie is considered as one of the best thrillers and certainly among the most stylish movies of the early 1960s. Watch it at Institut français d'Ecosse on Wednesday 11th February.

Film

Screening of ‘Three Friend’ by Emmanuel Mouret

18th February 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Catch this French romcom by Emmanuel Mouret at the Institut français d'Ecosse on Wednesday 18th February!

Arts and Crafts

Family Afternoon: Let’s play with colours

19th February 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Looking for an afternoon of imagination and joy? Don’t miss our Family Afternoon at the Institut français d’Écosse on Thursday 19th February, suitable for ages 3 to 10!

Film

Screening of Holy Cow (Vingt Dieux)

20th February 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Holy Cow is an enchanting first film by Louise Courvoisier that was awarded the 2024 Youth Prize at Cannes’ Un Certain regard competition, as well as the Best First Feature film.

Music

Concert with the Jen Ewan Band

27th February 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Fresh from supporting the legendary Bill Bailey on tour, the Jennifer Ewan Band bring their stirring and richly layered mix of compelling original songs, Swamp Blues and old-time Cajun dance music!

Talks and Lectures

Writing the French Caribbean: an Introduction

3rd March 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Broaden your horizons on a journey to the French Caribbean for Francophone Month at this talk by Professor Lorna Milne FRSE, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques!

Theatre

SPIRITUEUSES – Women and Whisky

6th March 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

SPIRITUEUSES, a performance by the Âtre Collective, celebrates the often-overlooked role of women in the history of spirit production.

Film

Screening of La Vie est belle

11th March 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

La vie est belle is a 1987 musical comedy directed by Mwezé Ngangura and Benoît Lamy, screening at the Institut français d'Ecosse on 11th March!

Film

Screening of Monsieur Lazhar

20th March 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

An Algerian professor is hired at a Montreal public school to take the place of a professor who died tragically in her own classroom and helps his students overcome their grief.

Theatre

Children Show: Paws Up!

21st March 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

This English adaptation of the famous children’s book by Catharina Valckx ‘PAWS UP!’ is a poetic, interactive and funny show, performed in French and English

Music

RCS presents : Alexander Krylov in concert

9th April 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

For the Baroque Music Festival 2026, Alexander Krylov will present a solo programme of works including Bach, Scarlatti and Couperin.

Music

Blessed Echoes by Ensemble Près de votre oreille

10th April 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Since 2017, Près de votre oreille has developed an original artistic identity, recording several acclaimed albums and performing internationally.

Music

Jeux de Dames: A portrait of Love - Concert by Ensemble Amarillis

14th April 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

The Institut Francais d’Ecosse proudly present Ensemble Amarillis, their first Scottish performance as part of the Baroque Music Festival 2026.

Music

John Butt in Concert

16th April 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Musical Director of the Dunedin Consort, John Butt invites us on a journey that begins in Italy and concludes in Germany as part of the Baroque Music Festival!

Music

Italian Baroque: Monika d’Ermo Recital followed by Cenacolo Musicale

18th April 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

The Institut Francais d’Ecosse partners with the Italian Consulate in Edinburgh and the Italian Institute of Culture for an exceptional Night of Italian Baroque Music on Saturday 18th April.

Music

Concert with Les Fils Canouche

7th May 2026

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

After a successful tour in France, Les Fils Canouche are heading to Scotland with their new album “Les Pantophiles” and play the Institut français d'Écosse on 7th May!

Learning

Edinburgh New Town Cookery School

7 Queen Street , Edinburgh New Town EH2 1JE

Set in a Georgian town house in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre we train professional chefs and also offers short courses for keen amateurs, students and food enthusiasts.

Learning

Speak Out Languages

13 Great King Street, Edinburgh New Town EH3 6QE

Hello and welcome! If you want to speak a second language with confidence, you’ve come to the right place.Speak Out Languages gives adults the confidence...

Learning

Wee Joys Japanese Language

, Edinburgh South

Unlock your curiosity and start learning Japanese with a top-qualified professional Japanese tutor in Scotland.

Learning

Bonjour French Classes

La Barantine 202 Bruntsfield Place , Edinburgh South EH10 4DF

Improve your French with tailored French lessons in Edinburgh or online. You can join private or group classes here in Edinburgh!

Learning

The Royal Society Of Edinburgh

22 - 26 George Street , Edinburgh New Town EH2 2PQ

The RSE is an educational charity, registered in Scotland, operating on a wholly independent and non-party-political basis and providing public benefit throughout Scotland.

Learning

Cactus Evening Language Courses in Edinburgh

26 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh West EH12 5AL

Cactus is a leading UK specialist in language teaching and learning, running language courses for groups, individuals and businesses for more than 18 years.

Learning

Say Oui To Francais

99 Ferry Road, Edinburgh North EH6 4ET

Say Oui To Français offers engaging online and in-person French lessons for adults at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced speakers.

Learning

French For Fun

, Edinburgh and Leith

Welcome to French for Fun in Edinburgh and Leith: lively sociable French conversation classes for adult learners in small groups.

Learning

Kadampa Meditation Centre Edinburgh

Leith Walk, Leith EH6 5EA

Kadampa Meditation Centre Edinburgh has a purpose-built meditation hall to provide a haven of peace in the midst of the city, offering a wide range of classes and courses in modern Buddhism.

Learning

Morningside School of Music

138 Comiston Road, Edinburgh South EH10 5QN

Morningside School of Music offers professional instrumental music tuition to children and adults by professional, fully-qualified experts.

Learning

Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World

Dobbies Garden World Melville Nursery, Lasswade EH18 1AZ

Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World is the world's longest running butterfly house and one of Scotland's favourite tourist and educational attractions.

Learning