Among the most spoken languages in the world, learning French is an ambition held by many – and where better to do so than in the iconic French capital itself?
There are a wide number of language schools dotted across Paris, each offering a mix of courses to cater for various preferences, budgets and needs, from casual weekly evening classes to intensive every-day learning schedules. If you’d like to learn French in Paris and are looking for the right school and course for you, we’ve looked into all of the options and hand-picked five of the best below.
Accord
Founded in 1988, Accord French Language School is widely considered one of the leading schools in France for teaching French to foreign students. Their Paris school is located in the heart of the city, close to the Eiffel Tower, where it is open throughout the year and welcomes students aged 16+ from across the globe. They offer a wide choice of accredited courses, from semi-intensive through to super intensive, as well as Business courses, French & Law program, an even French courses for Au Pairs. For those needing somewhere to stay, Accord can also help arrange Paris accommodation during your time studying in the city.
Alliance Francais
Established in Paris in 1883, Alliance Française is one of the world’s most renowned names in French language learning, with its flagship Paris school continuing to welcome students from the world over. Located on Boulevard Raspail, between Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter and Montparnasse, the school places learners in one of the capital’s most historic and culturally rich districts. Open throughout the year, Alliance Française offers a broad programme of French courses and workshops for all levels, from beginner through to advanced. Students can also prepare for official French language exams, including DELF, DALF and TEF, while enjoying a busy calendar of cultural activities designed to deepen their understanding of French life, language and culture.
Lutece
Offering French courses in Paris for all levels for almost three decades, Lutece is a well-established place of learning. Situated on a peaceful, attractive street near the Saint Germain district, they provide both private and group classes for individuals and professionals across General French, Business French, sSecialised French, and more. They use a student-oriented teaching approach designed to enable students to move forward little by little, going back regularly to check they have mastered the notions already learned. The school itself is equipped with 10 classrooms, plus a study space and a kitchen facility serving free coffee and tea.
Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne
For those looking to combine French language learning with the structure of a university-style summer programme, the Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne is a fine option. Welcoming students from around the world, the institution provides intensive summer courses designed for all levels, with programmes available in June, July and August. Courses combine language tuition with phonetics, cultural modules and French civilisation classes, helping students improve grammar, vocab, pronunciation and oral fluency, plus a deeper understanding of French history and culture. Located in the heart of Paris’s 17th arrondissement, the school offers modern classrooms and language labs. Students can choose from flexible course formats, ranging from short one-month sessions to more intensive programmes.
Alpadia
If you’ve got teenage kids with an ambition to learn French, Alpadia could be just for you. Set on a lush green campus in the chic neighbourhood of Passy on the outskirts of Paris, their summer language school is available for children aged 13 to 17 and features excellent classroom facilities, single bedroom accommodation and plenty of communal areas, sports grounds and outdoor spaces. With a maximum class size of 15 students, courses follow a curriculum designed for younger learners and cover speaking and listening skills, reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar, as well as collaborative projects. Course prices include enrolment fee, tuition, accommodation, meals, and a packed programme of activities.