WICE's "Café Littéraire: Savoring French Literature in English" offers a unique and enriching literary experience. We look for French literature that has won (or been nominated for) one of the six big French literary prizes, and that is available in English translation. The monthly discussions are in English.

"Café Littéraire" provides an opportunity to explore these masterpieces in the original French or in English translation. The works selected offer a window into French culture, history, and literary tradition, and allow members to immerse themselves in the eloquence and artistry of France's most esteemed authors.


The group normally meets on the 4th Friday of each month from 3:00 - 4:30 pm.

Note: Historically our book reading groups have been among the most popular activities in WICE, and available spaces often fill quickly. We reserve two places in this group each month for new WICE members. If no new members have signed up four days before the meeting, we will open these seats to all members.

If you would like more information or if you have questions, please email:

literature@wice-paris.org

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UPCOMING EVENTS

  • LY231 Café Littéraire: "Chéri," by Colette

    • 23 May 2025
    • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Location provided in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    The registration limit for this event has been reached. Please put your name on the waitlist and you will be contacted if a spot becomes available. The next book group meeting is scheduled for Friday, 20 June, and registration opens on Saturday, 24 May.

    Chéri (1920) is a French novel by Colette that explores love, aging, and shifting gender roles in Belle Époque Paris. The story centers on the complex, emotionally charged relationship between Léa de Lonval, a glamorous and independent courtesan nearing fifty, and Chéri, a beautiful, self-indulgent young man twenty-five years her junior. As Chéri prepares for an arranged marriage, both characters are forced to confront their emotional dependence and the realities of change, time, and societal expectation. With elegance and psychological depth, Colette examines the bittersweet end of an unconventional love affair and the quiet tragedy of growing older.

    The book group normally meets at the organizer's apartment. The directions, door code, telephone number, etc., are sent following registration in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails.

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  • LU271 Café Littéraire Book Group

    • 27 Jun 2025
    • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
    • To be announced
    • 9

    A book has not been chosen yet for the June meeting. It will, however,  be an award-winning book that was originally published in French and is available in English translation.

    The group discusses the book in English.

    The book group normally meets at the organizer's apartment. The directions, door code, telephone number, etc., are sent following registration.

    Registration for the June meeting opens on 23 May 2025.




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