Policies & Guidelines
We want French, Wine & Conversation to be fun, welcoming, flexible, and respectful — for our participants, our hosts, and the local businesses that welcome us each week.
Here are a few simple guidelines to keep the experience running smoothly.
Registration & Payment
Registration is for the full session and payment is due 2 weeks before the start of the next session.
Because groups are intentionally limited to 3–4 participants, registration reserves a specific spot within your cohort.
All registrations are non-refundable.
Once payment has been made, the registration cannot be cancelled for a refund.
North & South Session Swaps
Life happens — we get it!
If you are registered for the South group but one week the North session works better for your schedule, or vice versa, you can switch locations for that week, provided there is space available.
Please let us know at least 1 hour before the session so we can make sure the groups remain balanced.
Your registration stays with your original cohort. The swap is simply a flexible option when your schedule changes.
Missed Sessions
If you are unable to attend a session, the session is not refundable or transferable to another participant.
Whenever possible, we encourage you to use the North/South swap option instead.
Joining a Cohort After It Has Started
Beginners are welcome to join us at any time, when space is available.
If you join after the beginning of a cohort, you will receive a catch-up guide covering the material previously introduced.
New participants are expected to make a reasonable effort to follow along with the group and practice the missed material independently.
The session leader will also be available from 7:00–7:15 PM at the beginning of each session to answer questions and help new participants get comfortable.
Visiting Local Establishments
A big part of the experience is discovering Calgary one local establishment at a time.
Each week, we’ll meet at a different restaurant, pub, café, or local venue.
We are guests in these spaces, and we want to be the kind of guests every business is happy to welcome back.
Supporting Our Hosts
Participants are expected to make a purchase at the establishment we visit during the evening.
As part of your registration, each participant will receive a $10 gift certificate for the establishment we are visiting, to use during that evening.
Gratuity is not included.
Please remember that the staff and servers are taking care of us while we learn, chat, and enjoy the evening.
We ask all participants to:
- Make a purchase during the evening
- Treat staff and other guests with courtesy and respect
- Follow the establishment’s rules
- Keep noise and behaviour appropriate for the space
- Tip your server appropriately
- Leave the space clean and tidy
- Represent French, Wine & Conversation positively
The goal is to build genuine relationships with local businesses and create a program that establishments are excited to welcome back.
We get to enjoy their space — let’s make sure they enjoy having us there too.
Monthly French Conversation Brunch
Monthly French Conversation Brunches are included in your session registration.
The guided French conversation is included, but participants are responsible for the cost of their own food and drinks.
A minimum purchase of $15 per person is expected at the featured establishment.
As with our weekly evenings, we ask participants to be respectful of the venue and to tip appropriately.
Small Groups
Groups are intentionally limited to 3–4 participants per evening.
This keeps the experience personal and ensures that everyone has plenty of opportunities to speak and participate.
Because spaces are limited, we encourage participants to reserve their spot early.
Locations & Schedule
The establishment we visit each week will be announced 7 days in advance.
Locations, activities, or schedules may occasionally need to change due to circumstances beyond our control.
If a significant change is required, participants will be notified as soon as possible.
Respect & Community
French, Wine & Conversation is built around connection.
We want everyone to feel comfortable participating, making mistakes, asking questions, and being themselves.
We ask participants to contribute to an environment that is:
Respectful. Inclusive. Encouraging. Fun.
Everyone is learning at a different pace. Be patient with yourself — and with each other.
And remember: laughing at your own French is encouraged. Laughing at someone else’s French is not.
A Note About Alcohol
Some of our sessions take place in restaurants, pubs, or establishments where alcohol is served.
Purchasing alcohol is never required to participate.
Participants are responsible for making choices that are appropriate for themselves and for behaving respectfully and responsibly throughout the evening.
Questions?
If you’re ever unsure about a policy, a location, a swap, or anything else related to your session, please reach out.
We’d much rather answer a question than have you wonder about it.
Let’s keep it simple, flexible, respectful — and fun.
Learn French. Discover Calgary. Support local. Make connections.