At Yorba Linda High School, the French Club offers students a unique opportunity to explore French culture, language, and history while having fun with friends. The club is the perfect introduction to French culture, and is open to everyone, not just those taking French classes. Whether you’re curious about French food or art or want to experience something new, the French Club is a welcoming space for all students to connect and learn.
One of the most exciting opportunities for French Club members is the annual trip to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The Getty is home to an impressive collection of European art, including significant works by French artists. It’s an eye-opening experience where students can see famous French paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 17th to 19th centuries. Although the museum is known for its broad collection of European art, the presence of pieces by celebrated French artists like Manet, Fragonard, and Corot makes it a must-see for anyone interested in French culture.
The trip is not just an ordinary visit to a museum—it’s an opportunity to dive deep into the cultural heritage of France. Whether it’s admiring the intricate details of a painting or learning about the historical context behind French art, the Getty trip allows students to experience French history in a way that goes beyond textbooks. Madame Yakzan (S), the advisor for the French club, states, “There are a lot of French paintings and furniture from Impressionism to the Middle Ages. Many students have never been to a museum, and this experience is very enriching. The Getty Museum has the charm for everything and instills in students a love for art…There’s a fun connection, especially in enjoying lunch together and looking at the beautiful views all around. Also, riding on the tram to get to the Getty is a fun experience.”
Of course, trips like these require funding, and that’s where the French Club’s annual baguette sale comes into play. Each year, club members come together to sell freshly baked baguettes to students and staff around campus. The money raised from this fun event helps cover the costs of the Getty Museum trip, ensuring that everyone can participate without worrying about expenses. Selling the iconic French baguette not only helps raise funds but also ties into the club’s cultural mission, giving the school a little taste of France. The baguette sale has become a much-anticipated tradition at Yorba Linda High School, and it’s a win-win for everyone. Students enjoy delicious, authentic bread, and the French Club can organize one of the year’s most exciting events.
In addition to the big events like the Getty trip, the French Club offers fun activities throughout the year. One of the highlights of every meeting is the chance to enjoy French snacks. From flaky croissants to sweet macarons, the snacks at each meeting give students a tasty introduction to French cuisine. This makes the meetings fun and helps build a sense of community among the members as they bond over shared cultural experiences. One member, Sophia Dufour (11), says, “I enjoy the monthly French club meetings because we learn about an interesting culture.”
One of the things that sets the French Club apart is that it’s not just for students who already know about French culture—it’s a club for everyone. Even if you’ve never studied French or aren’t enrolled in a French class, the club offers a great opportunity to learn something new in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Looking ahead, the French Club has exciting plans to host even more activities this year. The club is planning new cultural events allowing students to engage with French traditions, games, and holidays. The goal is to make the club as interactive as possible, giving members more ways to participate and learn about French culture beyond just language.
For anyone interested in joining, the French Club meets every other month and the specific date is announced on the loudspeakers during announcements. It’s a fantastic way to connect with fellow students, enjoy delicious French snacks, and participate in cultural activities that broaden your horizons. Whether you’re a beginner or already passionate about French culture, the French Club at Yorba Linda High School is the perfect place to explore a new world of language, food, and history on campus.
