A Bridge Between Cultures
Founded in 2017, the Association Franco-Chinois Yvelines (AFCY) is a non-profit organization based in Sartrouville, France. Our mission is to build lasting connections between the French and Chinese communities by promoting cultural and linguistic exchange, personal development, and shared learning experiences. We believe that through dialogue, education, and active participation, individuals from different backgrounds can come together to better understand one another and grow in harmony.
AFCY was established in response to a growing need: the desire to connect people from distinct cultures in meaningful ways. In an increasingly globalized world, the importance of cultural intelligence and cross-cultural communication has never been greater. We provide a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to explore language, heritage, values, and customs through shared experiences.
A Diverse and Engaged Community
Our association brings together a wide array of members: students, families, professionals, educators, artists, and curious individuals who seek to learn more about the Chinese and French cultures. Some members are native speakers of Mandarin or French, others are learning the language for the first time. Some are of Chinese descent looking to reconnect with their roots, while others are French residents seeking new cultural perspectives.
We embrace diversity not only in origin but also in ideas, approaches, and lifestyles. AFCY operates on the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Whether you wish to participate in a Chinese calligraphy workshop, attend a cultural celebration, take part in a language exchange, or simply share a meal and a conversation, our association welcomes you with openness and respect.
Our History and Motivation
Since our founding in 2017, our guiding motivation has been to create a safe and inspiring environment where curiosity leads to understanding and understanding leads to unity. We observed that while there were many people interested in Chinese or French culture, there were few structured, community-based spaces where this interest could be explored deeply and respectfully.
We wanted to fill that gap—by offering meaningful programs rooted in authenticity, cooperation, and shared humanity. Over the years, we have grown from a small group of volunteers into a thriving association with numerous initiatives ranging from language workshops and holiday festivals to educational seminars and cultural outings. Each project we undertake reflects our ongoing commitment to intercultural awareness, bilingualism, and personal growth.
What Makes Us Unique
AFCY is not just a cultural association—it is a living example of how cultures can not only coexist but actively enrich one another. Our uniqueness lies in our integrative approach:
- Linguistic and Cultural Synergy: We combine language learning with cultural immersion. Our French-speaking members discover Mandarin not just through grammar lessons, but through songs, cooking classes, calligraphy, and film. Meanwhile, Mandarin speakers experience French culture through literature, arts, philosophy, and community interaction.
- Human-Centered Approach: At the heart of AFCY is the belief that personal connection is the foundation of cultural understanding. We place people before process. All our programs, whether educational or artistic, are designed to foster personal interaction and meaningful dialogue.
- Intergenerational Involvement: From children discovering Chinese tales for the first time, to seniors attending Tai Chi classes or cultural lectures, AFCY bridges generations. We strongly believe that cultural exchange must not be limited to one age group; everyone has something to share and something to learn.
Areas of Focus
1. Language and Education
Language is the first step to understanding a culture. We offer language support for learners of all levels in both French and Mandarin Chinese. Whether you are preparing for a professional exchange, planning to travel, or simply curious about the language, we provide tools and guidance to help you learn with confidence.
We also host language exchange meetups, bilingual reading clubs, pronunciation workshops, and seminars on translation and interpretation, encouraging people to think beyond literal meanings and into the richness of cultural expression.
2. Culture and Tradition
AFCY organizes regular cultural events that celebrate the diverse traditions of both France and China. These events include Chinese New Year celebrations, Mid-Autumn Festival gatherings, traditional tea ceremonies, art exhibitions, and more. We also spotlight French culture through themed events, such as storytelling sessions, gastronomy workshops, and musical evenings.
These gatherings are open to all and serve as joyful opportunities to explore the deeper meanings behind rituals, customs, and histories.
3. Personal Development and Community Life
Beyond culture and language, AFCY is committed to personal development and well-being. We believe that individuals grow best in supportive, respectful environments where they are encouraged to express themselves and explore their potential.
To this end, we offer sessions on mindfulness, public speaking, leadership development, and intercultural communication. We also participate in local events, collaborate with other associations, and engage in civic life to promote mutual understanding and community cohesion.
Our Values
- Respect: We promote respect for all individuals, languages, traditions, and perspectives.
- Openness: We welcome new ideas, questions, and viewpoints with curiosity and humility.
- Solidarity: We stand for mutual support and cooperation among members, partners, and communities.
- Authenticity: We strive to represent each culture truthfully and to create sincere connections.
- Accessibility: We work to make our activities and resources inclusive and affordable to all.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, AFCY continues to evolve. We are expanding our programs, forming new partnerships, and refining our offerings to meet the needs of an ever-changing society. Our goals include developing youth leadership programs, launching bilingual publications, and opening more structured training opportunities for aspiring cultural mediators.
We remain deeply committed to our original vision: that by fostering cultural and linguistic exchange, we contribute to building a more open-minded, educated, and peaceful world.
Join Us
Whether you are just discovering us or have been with us from the start, we invite you to be part of our journey. AFCY is a space for everyone who believes that connection is more powerful than division, that learning is lifelong, and that culture is not a barrier, but a bridge.
If our values resonate with you and you wish to learn more, engage with our community, or contribute your skills and passion, we warmly welcome you to contact us or visit our premises.
Association Franco-Chinois Yvelines (AFCY)
22 Rue du Président Roosevelt
78500 Sartrouville, France
Email: contact@afcy.click
Let us learn, grow, and build understanding—together.