Photo : Peter Burdon
Language Workshops Garden of Languages - Buffon Library
Forget standard textbooks and dive into a truly immersive experience at this local library's language hub. Whether you are curious about a niche dialect or want to sharpen your conversational skills at an international gathering, these sessions offer the perfect blend of learning and social connection.
Bibliothèque Buffon (Paris 5th)
About
The Bibliothèque Buffon hosts a series of language workshops as part of the La Rentrée des cultures festival, running from September 26 to October 16, 2026. This cultural program offers participants of all ages the chance to discover languages like Ukrainian, Estonian, and Japanese, alongside multilingual storytelling for children and a concluding polyglot social evening. These events are completely free and take place within the library, which is fully wheelchair accessible. Whether you are interested in linguistics or cultural exchange, there is a session for you. Please note that registration with the library is mandatory to secure your attendance.
From September 26 to October 17, as part of the annual festival Rentrée des cultures (Back to School of Cultures), organized by the Forum of Foreign Cultural Institutes in Paris (FICEP), the language hubs of the Paris libraries offer a calendar of events dedicated to the discovery of different languages.
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Ukrainian Language Workshop
Wednesday, October 7 from 5:00 PM to 6:45 PM, come discover the Ukrainian language with the Cultural Center of the Embassy of Ukraine in France. Workshop open to 30 people, ages 12 and up (independent teens). In our auditorium, on the 5th floor accessible by elevator. Registration at the Buffon library, by phone or in person.
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Estonian Language Workshop
Tuesday, October 6 from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM, come discover the Estonian language with a teacher from INALCO and the Estonian Embassy in Paris. In our auditorium, on the 5th floor accessible by elevator. Registration at the Buffon library, by phone or in person.
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Japanese Language Workshop
Tuesday, October 13, from 5:45 PM to 6:45 PM, come discover the Japanese language and culture with the Maison de la Culture du Japon. Workshop open to 80 people, ages 8 and up (reading skills required). In our auditorium, on the 5th floor accessible by elevator. Registration at the Buffon library, by phone or in person.
Don't miss the festival closing!
Friday, October 16, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, to close this festival in style, the FICEP and the language hub libraries of the city of Paris offer you a polyglot evening.
Come practice languages from all over the world over a drink, and contribute to the potluck buffet with your culinary specialties!
More information: HERE
And for the children…
The Buffon Library offers a multilingual storytime on Saturday, October 3 at 10:30 AM, for ages 2 and up (see information HERE).
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The Buffon Library also offers an English Club!
Our take on this event
From September 26 to October 16, 2026, the Bibliothèque Buffon is hosting several language-focused events under the umbrella of the FICEP's La Rentrée des cultures festival. The schedule features an Estonian language workshop on October 6 (17:30-18:45), a Ukrainian session on October 7 (17:00-18:45, for ages 12+), and a Japanese cultural workshop on October 13 (17:45-18:45, for ages 8+). Younger audiences can enjoy multilingual storytelling on October 3 at 10:30 (for ages 2+). The festival concludes on October 16 with a polyglot evening from 19:00 to 21:00, where attendees are invited to bring a dish to share.
All events are held in the library's 5th-floor auditorium, accessible by elevator and wheelchair-friendly. While admission is free, you must register in advance either by phone or in person at the library. Specific attendance caps apply, such as 30 people for the Ukrainian workshop and 80 for the Japanese workshop.
