Celebrating the 140^th anniversary of the Alliance Française in Paris

On Thursday the 20^th of July several of the Le Cordon Bleu Paris’ pastry and boulangerie Chefs and students helped in the organisation and preparations for the 140^th anniversary of the Alliance Française in Paris. A set of artistic pastry sculptures were created for the occasion.  

The Cordon Bleu is one of the two founding members of the Alliance Française Foundation, which coordinates 829 Alliance Française centers in 135 countries. The Alliance Française, or AF, promotes the French language and culture through a network of schools, with approximately 428,000 learners (all courses combined) worldwide.

Over the years, Le Cordon Bleu and the Alliance Française have embraced a shared cultural and educational mission, aimed at promoting France and its values worldwide. Their commitment to showcasing French culture, arts, language, and gastronomy on a global stage has fostered an ongoing, daily dialogue between two esteemed institutions.

To celebrate this partnership and the 140^th anniversary of the Alliance Française in Paris, Le Cordon Bleu Paris decided to make it even more special by creating a chocolate and pastry masterpiece. The Pastry Chefs created and built a giant Eiffel tower, measuring 2.5m, glazed with pastry cream and decorated with flowers. Accompanied by the students, they produced beautiful chocolate sculptures, notably two giant chocolate globes, chocolate sail boats and a chocolate book. Finally, they prepared around 600 strawberry coulis verrines that were served to the invitees by the students as well as a presentation cake representing the number 140.

President André Cointreau was accompanied by the President of the Alliance Française, Yves Bigot, as well as Erik Orsenna from the French Academy and Françoise Nyssen, publisher and former Minister of Culture for the cutting of the cake.

Congratulations to the entire team of Chefs and students for their hard work in making this event so special. The institute would like to also thank the Alliance Française in Paris for their trust over the years.