The Department of French Studies works together with the Center for French and Francophone Studies, an independent but closely allied unit, to put the Louisiana State University French program at the forefront of study of French and Francophone literatures, language, and cultures. In recognition of this, the French Embassy to the United States has designated the CFFS as a centre d'excellence, an honor given to only 15 university French programs in the United States. Our research, scholarship, and instruction reflect the historical significance of Francophone languages and cultures for Louisiana, as well as the leadership provided by French studies in the European intellectual tradition. Louisiana State University, an integral part of the Baton Rouge community, is situated at the crossroads of the Francophone world, our Cajun and Creole history links us to France, to Canada, to Africa, and to the Caribbean.<br><br>The LSU French program, comprising the Department of French Studies & the Center for French and Francophone Studies, has gained international recognition of its position at the forefront of the North American study of French and Francophone literatures and cultures.The program's work reflects the historical importance of Francophone languages and cultures for Louisiana, as well as the leadership provided by French studies in the European intellectual tradition. Located in Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, the program finds itself at the crossroads of the Francophone world, tied to Francophone Canada by Cajun history, to France, Francophone Africa, and the Caribbean by Creole history.