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French Institute

French Institute

3.3(3 reviews)
0.5 mi•Old Town, Royal Mile, Newington

I noticed that the French institute is classed as a 'language school' by Yelp. I must say that's…read morenot even the beginning.... Well, actually, it's a good place to start, but apart from the excellent language classes offered the French Institute in Edinburgh is a fantastic venue for all sorts. And there's no snobbery, I don't have a word of French and frequently I'm laughed at for my botched pronunciations, but they still let me through the door. I've attended art classes (got my tapestry on) and seen art shows here. There's a gorgeous back room which serves as a gallery and has one of the most spectacular views in the city. Recently they held their Fête de la Musique celebrations, with a whole day of music from all over the world. Sea Bass Kid, a local ska/jazz/rock type band were particularly worth seeing! The French Institute is also a Fringe venue. Last year I went to see 'The Onion Johnnies', a not-competely-factual history of the onion Johnnies who would travel from France to Scotland on their bikes and wage war with rabbits (apparently). This year there's a range of shows on. Down in the basement there is The Bistrot restaurant which does great French food and snacks. I've eaten here a few times and to be honest, they run out of the good stuff quickly so get there early! There's also a bar. I would recommend anyone with even the slightest interest in France to pop along or at least check out their website. I think they do a fantastic job here in Edinburgh as both a diverse venue and a Frenchy-type talking place.

The receptionist was rude, dismissive, and arrogant. I was forced to vacate the foyer seats and…read morestand in a crowded exhibition hall without seating, despite my back problems and sensory issues. When asked for a reason, I was told the foyer chairs were for "the restaurant patrons" despite the restaurant being essential empty with nobody waiting to sit down in the foyer. The receptionist then cordoned off the seats with red rope, and nobody sat in them for the rest of the evening. There was no apparent reason for her behaviour besides pure spitefulness and that is not the sort of person you want representing your business as the first point of interaction with patrons.

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French Institute
French Institute - View to Fife from the rear of the building

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View to Fife from the rear of the building

Basil Patersons - collegeuniv - Updated June 2026

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