French Culture Days Around the Bay: Guided Tour with SFBA

San Francisco Bay Accueil (SFBA) is delighted to invite you to the French Culture Days around the Bay.

From the Seine to the Pacific

California, a land of “fabulous” opportunities since its early history, has always attracted our compatriots with its wealth of natural resources, dynamic economy, and pioneering role in innovation. Yet, far from merely benefiting from this environment, the French who have settled here have profoundly influenced the identity of this region, particularly through their culture. This influence is especially noticeable in San Francisco, the major Californian metropolis of the 19th century and Paris’s “sister city” since 1997. After all, isn’t San Francisco often called the “Paris of the Pacific”?

The French Culture Days around the Bay begin in the fall of 2024 and will continue throughout 2025. To highlight the still-vivid ties between France and California, our activities will be local, accessible in person or remotely, and tailored to adults, children, and families. All activities will be free of charge. This project heavily relies on the expertise of French women entrepreneurs living in the Bay Area.

Guided Tour of San Francisco’s Historical and Economic Heart

Led by Daphnée Touchais, a Parisian tour guide and opera singer in California, and Sylvie Walters, guide and founder of the travel agency L’Esprit San Francisco.

Paris & San Francisco: Grand Hotels & Department Stores

From the second half of the 19th century, the “City of Light” and the “Paris of the Pacific” contributed to the rise of the Belle Époque lifestyle, where travel, luxury, and technological advancements symbolized a triumphant bourgeoisie. Parallels, similarities, and differences with Paris will shape our journey through Downtown San Francisco, exploring its palaces and department stores.

Come with your family to enjoy the festive decorations and lights during this Christmas season, as the city dresses up in its finest winter attire.

The tour is exclusively for SFBA members who are current with their membership dues.
You may register one additional person if they are part of your household.