Institut français d’Ecosse

West Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF
Phone: 0131 285 6030
Email: frenchclassesife@gmail.com

The building that you can see today on the West side of Parliament Square bears little resemblance to the original seat of Midlothian County, erected on the same site, between 1816 and 1819, by architect Archibald Elliott.

In 2017, after having been occupied by the County for almost two centuries, the Chambers became the new seat of the Consulate General of France in Edinburgh and of the French Institute in Scotland.

The move also enabled the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Edinburgh Art Festival to set up offices in one of the city’s most prestigious locations.

In addition to being the best place to learn French in Edinburgh and pass your official French certifications, the Institute organises events of all genres: concerts, theatre plays, conferences, children activities, exhibitions, wine tastings, etc. And last but not least, we are an official venue of the Fringe!

We are delighted to be opening our doors as part of Doors Open Days weekend again this year (details below), but if you can’t make it along in person on the 25th September between 10am and 4pm, we will be offering a virtual tour of our building with a video available on our YouTube channel, our social media channels and our website from 9am the same day.

Visit in Person

This year, we are delighted to open our doors to the public once more. Discover our wonderful building’s history through a self-guided tour and a series of free activities throughout the day.

Our Doors Open Days event takes place on Saturday 25 September 2021 (10-11:30 children/family activities, 11:30-16:00 all public):

FREE event – Our children films sessions are back with a special screening at 10am (approx. 30min). Book now!
FREE event – Then head to our library for l’Heure du Conte with our librarian Catherine at 10:30am. Book now!
FREE event – For those who can’t make the early screening, another family film will take place at 11am. Book now and attend either or both screenings at 10am and 11am!
FREE event – Walk around our spaces and discover The Tolerance Project exhibition with graphic design posters displayed all around the ground floor. The exhibition is open from 10am to 4pm. More info here.
FREE event – From 11:30am to 4pm, visit the different spaces of our building with some self-guided tours (just follow the green signs!) or access the 2nd floor (accessible by lift) to test your French level for free!

The offices of the Consulate General of France in Scotland, the offices of the Edinburgh Art Festival and those of the RSNO will not be open to the public.

Book Here