France

The Best French Language Schools in Paris

by Paul Joseph  |  Updated October 11, 2021

Learning the language in a foreign city is the quickest way to integrate yourself into daily life. Happily for those keen to learn French in Paris, there are numerous excellent language schools here.

(Photo: Alliance Francaise)

Whether you’re upping sticks for work, study, or anything else, picking up the local lingo is vital for getting the most of your stay. Dotted across Paris are a wide number of French language schools offering a variety of courses to suit differing preferences and needs. We’ve done some research and picked out four of the best, based on a number of factors including range of courses available, pricing and student reviews.

Alliance Francaise

Located in an historic building close to Paris’s Quartier Latin, Alliance Francaise Paris offers a range of French courses for adults. Courses are a touch more expensive here than at other schools owing to its recognition of excellence, and include intensive and extended courses, as well as evening courses, across several proficiency levels, starting at ‘Discovery’ level and rising to ‘Master’ level. Over 90 qualified teachers use accredited learning methods, along with new technologies. Most classrooms are equipped with interactive smart boards, and there’s also a phonetic laboratory and multimedia room. An accommodation service helps you find a place to stay, and there’s also an on-site restaurant and café and a busy programme of cultural and social events.

Course prices from €120 per week / More info at www.alliancefr.org

Lutece Langue

Photo: Lutece Langue

Established almost 25 years ago, Lutece Langue offer a wide range of French language courses of all levels, for professional and personal use. The school is situated at Solférino, in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, near the Saint Germain area, and within walking distance from Assemblée Nationale, Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysées. Equipped with 10 classrooms, the focus is on providing a personalised teaching plan for each student, and class sizes are deliberately kept to a strict limit to ensure everyone can play an active role in lessons. The school also places a strong emphasis on flexibility and tailored learning, meaning that teachers aren’t bound by curriculums and can instead choose the teaching materials that meet individual students’ needs and requirements.

Course prices from €72 per week / More info at www.Lutece-langue.com

Accord

(Photo: Accord)

Over thirty years old, Accord is one of Paris’s most well-established language schools. Situated in a new location since March 2021, a few minutes’ walk from Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower and a number of other notable Parisian landmarks, the school offers a variety of programmes of different lengths, intensity and focus, including courses for absolute beginners. Among those suitable for visitors only planning to stay in Paris for a short period is the General Language Intensive course, which can be booked for 1 week or more and features 5-6 daily lessons of 45 minutes. For leisure, the school runs dance classes for enrolled students. There’s also a dedicated accommodation service.

Course prices from €70 per week / Book at Languagecourse.net

Sprachcaffe

(Photo: Sprachcaffe)

Due to reopen in April 2022, Sprachcaffe is situated in a tranquil side street, but within easy reach of several shops, bars, and restaurants. The school has a range of amenities including a library and computer lab, as well as a lounge and cafeteria, for the use of students. There are Standard, Intensive and Private courses available, with standard courses comprising 20 lessons a week. Business and exam preparation courses are also on offer. The school prides itself on the fact that 100% of its tutors hold a university degree. Students can book homestay accommodation through the school as well.

Course prices from €120 per week / Book at Languagecourse.net

LSI

One of Paris’ oldest language schools, LSI is located in the heart of the city, virtually next door to the famous Pompidou Centre. Spread across 7 classrooms, lessons are taught by experienced tutors well trained in getting the best out of students. As for the programmes on offer, there are a range of course of varying durations and intensity, meaning there’ll be one to suit every student’s needs. Among them are courses that combine language study with gastronomy and art history lessons, designed to immerse students in French culture. There are also plenty of on-site amenities, including a computer lab, library, well-equipped kitchen, snacks and drinks machines, lounge, and movie room. Outside the classroom, leisure activities arranged by the school include ballet, basketball, horse riding and yoga. Students can also book their accommodation through the school.

Course prices from €113 per week / More info at www.lsi.edu