Culture in French

Organization of cultural outings, led by French instructors from “Français en Jeu,” to promote exchange, integration, access to culture, and the practice of French, in a family-friendly, convivial, and communal setting.

Immigrant and non-French-speaking families in Lausanne with minor children, where at least one parent is enrolled in at least one course at Français en Jeu Lausanne.

The Français en Jeu association, based in the canton of Vaud, helps migrants facing social and/or economic hardship integrate by offering French classes and language-related activities. In Lausanne, where 43% of the population is foreign-born, integration issues are, in fact, central. In conversations with many of our participants, we’ve found that their daily lives are largely shaped by their children, work, and financial worries, leaving very little room for leisure activities—especially cultural ones. It is as if such activities were not accessible to them. The same is true for “recreational” time spent with family. Culture is a powerful vehicle for integration, as it facilitates encounters, exchanges, and the learning of the language and social norms of the host society. And yet, vulnerable populations with a migrant background have little or no access to these opportunities, due to a lack of resources or knowledge. To encourage our participants to explore cultural offerings, we’d like to offer three outings (choose from: the Olympic Museum, the Musée de l’Elysée, the MCBA, the History Museum, Aquatis, a small theater, the Roman Museum, etc.) for non-French-speaking families—with both older and younger children—where at least one parent is taking French classes at Français en Jeu Lausanne. This would set off a virtuous cycle: promoting integration in a different way—together and as a family—practicing French together, providing access to culture, and inspiring families to repeat the experience. To achieve this, we will plan the outings in advance through meetings where we will highlight other interesting and accessible cultural activities—particularly those that are affordable. Special attention will be given to free events (free permanent exhibitions, free admission on the first Saturday of the month, etc.). This will require active collaboration on our part with, for example, Caritas or the City of Lausanne’s cultural department.

Lausanne

3 cultural outings spread out over the first half of 2026

3,750

Association Français en Jeu Cultural venues in Lausanne Caritas Cultural Services of the City of Lausanne