Affordable French lessons
Learning French is the biggest step toward feeling at home in Paris. Here are free and low-cost classes through the city, plus flexible options for every budget.
Free and low-cost classes from your city hall
Paris offers some of the most affordable French classes available, and many are run through the city and your arrondissement’s mairie (town hall). Look here before you pay for private lessons.
- Cours d’Adultes de Paris
The city’s adult education program, with French as a foreign language (FLE) classes at all levels. Many French courses are free or very low-cost, so check the current fees.
- Your arrondissement’s mairie
Each arrondissement’s town hall can point you to French classes in your neighborhood, including community workshops (ateliers sociolinguistiques) run with local associations. Ask at the front desk or check your mairie’s website.
- Paris’Anim centers
Some neighborhood community centers offer weekly French classes and short courses.
Places are limited and fill quickly, so register as early as you can. You’ll need a personal email address and a “Mon Paris” account to apply for the city’s courses.
- Browse city courses (opens in a new tab)scap.paris.fr
Private tutors & online lessons
Flexible and tailored to you. Prices vary by tutor, and many start around €30 per hour.
- Preply (opens in a new tab)preply.com
Online marketplace to compare French tutors by price, level, and schedule.
- italki (opens in a new tab)italki.com
Book one-on-one lessons with tutors, including conversation practice, at a range of prices.
- Apprentus (opens in a new tab)apprentus.com
Find private French teachers in Paris for in-person or online lessons.
Language schools
More structured and usually pricier than city courses, but good for intensive study or official certificates.
- Alliance Française Paris (opens in a new tab)alliancefr.org
Well-known school offering French courses at every level, including intensive programs.
Tips for learning faster
- Apply to more than one program.
City classes can be full, so apply to several options and keep private lessons as a backup.
- Mix classes with real conversation.
Pair a weekly class with a language exchange, community events, or everyday errands in French.
- Find your level first.
Ask each program how they place students, and start where you’ll be challenged without being lost.
- Ask about certificates.
If you need proof of your French level for a permit or job, check which test or certificate is required before you pick a course.
Teach French or know a great teacher?
Tell us about a class or teacher you’ve learned from, and we’ll review it before adding it.
Suggest a resource (opens in a new tab)Last updated: . Fees, schedules, and registration dates change, so confirm details with each program.