The new Alliance Francaise centre opened at West End Friday night, moving to larger premises from the city. It is a venue that caters a French gallery, cinema, patisserie, library and teaching space.

Its gala opening was held on the eve of the three-day Paniri Greek Festival. On the other hand, Italian Week will open on Wednesday.

Damien Hubert, director of the Alliance Francaise of Brisbane, said that the Alliance has now more classes available and can now organize special social and cultural events.

The Alliance Francaise is one of the largest schools in the world that teaches French language under exceptional conditions, including uncontested teaching quality, learning tools (multimedia resource center, phonetics laboratory, tailor-made courses) and other services.

The centre is aimed at promoting French language and culture outside France. Its main focus is to teach French as a second language and is headquartered in Paris.

The walls for this month will feature French scenes from Brisbane artist Jennifer Long.