If you're the Westchester, N.Y., area and are looking for an outlet for your interest in French culture, there are several ways to further your knowledge and enjoyment within just a few miles. From French dining to language lessons to traditional celebrations, this part of New York boasts several options.
Language
If it's the French language that you're most interested in, you have several options. For adults looking for a continuing education option rather than a full-time student commitment, Westchester Community College (WCC) offers classes in French. It provides three skill levels. The tuition for part-time students who reside on campus are $161 per credit hour. For non-residents of the campus, the cost is $403 per credit hour, though WCC gives students the option of applying for financial aid and scholarships. If you're interested in becoming a full-time student of French, Yeshiva University (25 miles away) and Sarah Lawrence College (19 miles away) are both nearby institutions with available French majors.
Dining
If it's French cuisine that you're after, a few restaurants that serve just that are within a few miles. Le Jardin du Roi, located in Chappaqua, provides bistro-style eating. It has been open for nine years. Le Jardin is open until midnight and serves breakfast seven days a week. French American Bistro, located in Mt. Kisco, serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, as well as special menus for French holidays. This bistro also boasts a regular schedule of musical entertainment during Thursday dinner hours. Chiboust Bistro and Bakery, located in Tarrytown, offers a wine-bar setting as well as traditional French pastries. The bistro also serves a Sunday brunch and offers a variety of Mediterranean entrees for dinner.
Holidays
One French holiday that is celebrated in the Westchester area is Bastille Day, which is marked by an annual festival in New York City. "Bastille Day on 60th Street" brings French culture to the streets of the city, and activities include raffle drawings for French food and merchandise, wine and cheese tastings and French mime acts and European waitering competitions. It traditionally runs the nearest weekend to Bastille Day in July.
Music
France's tradition of music is also celebrated in the Westchester area. At New York City's annual Winter Jazzfest in 2011, six different French artists were featured, and it's the festival's tradition, due to its strong support from the French Cultural Services, to feature artists hailing from the country.
