When you imagine a trip to Paris, what does it look like? Boat rides down the Seine, café crème in a little café, meandering through markets to buy cheese and pâté… but how do you accomplish all of these perfect experiences?
If you’re worried that a year of college French isn’t going to get you far enough to have the Parisian vacation you’ve always dreamed of, or if you just dream of learning to speak the beautiful language in the shade of the Eiffel Tower, why not take a few French classes during your stay in gay Paree?
Top Rated French Language Schools in Paris
Whether for a few days, a week or a few months, Paris is the ideal place to take a language class if you want to learn French. Not only does the best possible classroom surround you – the second you walk out of class, you can practice what you just learned with local people.
There are some of the most incredible language schools in Paris to book classes with.
1. Cours de Civilization Française de la Sorbonne
The oldest university in France and one of the oldest in Europe, the Sorbonne draws students from all over the world. Though the CCFS doesn’t offer short programs, for longer stays, the Sorbonne’s French classes are some of the best in Paris; many students use them to fulfill their semester abroad or gap year, or as a very good excuse to spend several months living in Paris.
The CCFS offers French classes on a four-semester schedule: fall from the beginning of September to the beginning of December, winter from the beginning of October to the beginning of January and spring from the beginning of February to the beginning of May. Summer’s session caters to people who may not be here quite as long, offering three- and four- week sessions from June 4th to September 28th, with a possible accumulation of sessions for those who just can’t stay away!
Classes are offered on schedules of between 12 and 29 hours a week, depending on the option chosen by the student: some classes focus on classic grammar, while others include phonetics or civilization courses. At 1430 euro minimum for four months, it’s not the cheapest option, but it’s definitely one of the best.
2. Alliance Française
The Alliance Française is located just a few blocks away from the CCFS, remaining just a little while away from the Latin Quarter, Paris’ traditional arrondissement of learning. The AF is one of Paris’ most reputable language schools, offering a variety of courses for every schedule and level.
The general courses, offered either as 9 hours a week or 20 hours a week, can be taken for only a week, though many students spend an entire semester or a year taking advantage of the experienced teachers. The AF also offers night classes, four hours a week, as well as themed “ateliers” or workshops with focuses like history, literature, theater and culture.
These workshops meet six hours a week, at 75 euro a week, while the general language classes start at 95 euro a week or 216 euro a week for intensive, 20 hour per week courses.
3. Accord French Language School
For specialized courses in law and business, look no further: this language school, which also offers traditional grammar and speaking classes, has two great specialized programs for those interested specifically in French for business or law.
The French and Law program runs in 1-week sessions three times a year: at the end of January, beginning of August, and mid-September. Morning courses include an overview of French law and the legal system, while afternoons are based in excursions to courts and tribunals in Paris. At 600 euros for 35 hours of courses, this intensive program is great for law professionals and law students.
On the business side of things, Accord’s business course includes general French classes in the morning, held in groups of 14 students, with mini business French classes in small, three-person groups held in the afternoon. Starting at 780 euros for one week (minimum), this 32-hour intensive class will leave you speaking (and negotiating) like a pro!
Best French Courses in Paris
If you want to study French in France, Paris is the most popular destination in the country to go. But there are so many different courses available, so which one should you choose?
An intensive French language programme in Paris for those keen to improve their French language skills very quickly. These intensive French courses in Paris are designed to ensure systematic progress in all aspects of written and oral French.
Theme-based French language and culture workshops are offered to encourage faster progress in a specific field, with options including oral and written communications, vocabulary, grammar, culture, phonetics and preparation for the DELF / DALF / TCF tests.
After taking the initial French language test on arrival, you will usually be placed into the group best suited to your specific language needs, allowing you to work at your own pace. If you have never learned French or know only a few words, you will be placed in a beginner French course.
One-on-one French tuition in Paris is also provided to cater to the full range of student needs. Specific goals and language targets are drawn up based on individual levels and requirements, covering everything from General French and Business French to exam preparation and lessons designed to meet specific job requirements.
Participants who have fulfilled attendance requirements will receive a French language certificate at the end of their course, signed by your personal French teacher in Paris, along with a detailed skills evaluation.
Studying in Paris can be a really amazing way to experience living in Paris and taking in all the local treats. You might also like to view more of my France travel tips.
