Alliance Francaise De Hyderabad (Cultural Venue)

After shifting from Adarshnagar and causing much heartache, the Alliance seems to have found its feet in Marredpally, and has comfortably settled into the old house that now plays host to it. Forgive the clashing furniture and become an 'ami' (that's friend, ignoramus) for unrestricted access to all of the Indo-French cultural center's activities. And there are many.

French movies are regularly screened by the Alliance in alliance (ha!) with the Hyderabad Film Club at the dingy but full-of-character-and-smells Sarathi Studios. Visiting artists usually perform at a bigger venue like Ravindra Bharathi - some lovely music and dance performances have played there to delighted audiences. The Alliance terrace plays host to performances by city artists as part of its 'Hyd And Seek' talent search programme. There are lots of monkeys jumping around too. Not to be confused with the participants. Heheh.

There are some interesting classes for you to enrol in - our favourite is the cooking class that doubles as a French lesson, and you get to eat your own creation afterwards (and the professor's also, worry not). There are usually art exhibitions to be visited - there have been some wonderful photography collections that come here after travelling the world. There's also the much-loved annual Fete de la Musique and the French Nightingale singing competition that so many of us have croaked for. Plus, the occasional sale of kitschy art and accessories.

Or you can just hang out at the tiny caf and hope to meet visiting French hotties.