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
	Follow ifecosse on Instagram

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

Theatre

Les Misérables: A theatrical adaptation by Stéphanie Goud

11th December 2025

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Join us at the Institut français d'Écosse for a vibrant and heartfelt theatrical adaptation, directed by Stéphanie Goud and inspired by Victor Hugo’s timeless masterpiece “Les Misérables”!

Film

Ukranian Cinema: The Editorial Office

18th December 2025

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

The Institut français d'Écosse is screening 'The Editorial Office', a darkly witty new film about truth, corruption, and identity in modern Ukraine.

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.

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!

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 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

Learning

St Marys Music School Edinburgh

Coates Hall 25 Grosvenor Crescent , Edinburgh West EH12 5EL

St Mary’s Music School is Scotland’s only independent specialist music school, offering a world class standard of music and academic education to musically gifted children aged 9-19 years.

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

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

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

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

Simply English Edinburgh

59 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh South EH3 9HY

English Language School in the heart of the city offering affordable and flexible lessons to adults of all ages.

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

Edinburgh College of Art

ECA Main Building and Hunter Building 74 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh Old Town EH3 9DF

Edinburgh College of Art is a vibrant and creative community of students and academics: a place of experimentation, exploration, intellectual stimulation and exciting collaborations.

Learning

UMBRAsec Training & Security Services

Unit 2 Eastern Industrial Estate 62-66 Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh East EH15 3HS

UMBRAsec was first established in 2012 as a security services provider. Over time we identified need for higher quality training and more qualified employees...

Learning

Mathnasium: Edinburgh South

178-182 Morningside Road, Edinburgh South EH10 7AF

Mathnasium offers bespoke maths tutoring services for students in P1-S4.

Learning

Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Edimburgo

20-22 East London Street, Edinburgh New Town EH7 4BQ

The Italian Cultural Institute, Edinburgh is the official Italian governmental body dedicated to promoting Italian language and culture in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Learning