Parlez vous francais? Non? Would you like to? Are you a lifelong fan of French culture for whom learning the language is the final barrier to becoming a complete francophile? Maybe you want to finish what you started in high school, or are hoping to make your resume stand out in the job hunt. Whatever the reason you want to learn French, there are myriad ways to improve your French language skills.
Knowing where you want to learn French in France is the first step towards fluency.
Online tools and classes, as well as apps on your phone, classes at local universities or the French Institute, and informal meetups, offer opportunities to practice no matter where in the world you are. Plus, the internet makes a lot of French movies, music, books, podcasts, and newspapers easily accessible to aid in your language learning endeavors!
If apps, podcasts, online classes, and community meetups aren’t working for you, maybe you need to fully immerse yourself in French language and culture. Perhaps...you want to learn to speak French in France through immersion. Not only is a specialized language school a great way to really improve your skills, but attending a language school abroad gives you a chance to put everything you learn into action immediately after class.
But...are you wondering where to learn French in France? With so many wonderful cities to choose from, we don’t blame you! Here are our top picks for where to study French in France — to make your life just that much easier.
8 best places for learning French in France for adults
1. Paris
Ah, Paris (read in French accent), a city known for its food, art, fashion, and famous residents. It’s virtually impossible to not feel inspired while exploring the streets, parks, and museums of France’s capital city. With twenty million visitors annually, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world...meaning you’re not alone in your excitement to embrace Parisian life.
Paris is one of the best places to learn French in France; not only for the many options for studying French, but also for the endless opportunities to practice while out and about in the city. Listen to passersby while enjoying your morning croissant and watching the world go by, sitting outside a cafe.
Strike up a conversation with the lady sitting next to you on the metro about where you can get the best moules frites. Stop and listen to the band playing music on your way home from class. In the City of Lights, you can fully immerse yourself in French language and culture!
Recommended Programs:
- Teen Summer Language Camp. Live with a host family while learning French from native French speakers.
- Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne. Study French culture and civilization in addition to French language, while living in the heart of the city.
- View ALL French Language Programs in Paris
2. Montpellier
Montpellier is an oft-overlooked option for learning French in France for adults!
If you are wondering where you should learn to speak French in France, consider Montpellier. Less than ten miles to the Mediterranean and home to a 14th century gothic church, this city is an ideal blend of history and seaside paradise.
It’s also a city with style (re: trams designed by Christian Lacroix!). While you’re in Montpellier studying, use your new French skills to sample the exquisite wines of the Languedoc region, buy fresh produce in the city’s markets, or discover the city’s ancient heritage.
Recommended Programs:
- Intensive French Language Program in the South of France. Intensive classes combine group and individual study and practice, focusing on your speaking skills.
- L’Academie de France, Montpellier, France. This four-week immersive course is for highly motivated high school students looking to take their French language skills up a notch!
- View ALL French Language Programs in Montpellier
3. Marseille
When deciding where to learn French in France, keep in mind that sometimes smaller is better. The port city of Marseille in the south of France has been an important hub for immigration and trade since its founding by the ancient Greeks around 600 A.D., making it the oldest city in France. That is a lot of history to explore! With about 300 days of sunshine a year and roughly 35 miles of beach, Marseille will win you over with its scenery and weather, in addition to its history and food.
- Recommended Programs:
- Eurolingua French Homestays in France. Learn French language and culture by fully immersing yourself in a French family’s daily life.
- View ALL French Language Programs in Marseille
4. Nice
Nice has an adventure waiting for you!
Nice is probably best known for nearly perfect weather and beauty. Close your eyes and imagine doing your homework surrounded by crystal clear blue water, the same color sky, and picture perfect beaches. You have to agree Nice is one of the best places to learn French in France.
Nice isn’t all pristine beaches though. France’s fifth largest city was also an inspiration for artistic greats Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall. If you time your studies right, you could find yourself there during the Nice Jazz Festival. This sounds like a really nice place to learn French in France (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves).
Recommended Programs:
- French Immersion Summer Program. Live in the beautiful Old Port neighborhood while studying French language as well as elective courses taught in French.
- Actilangue - French Language School on the Riviera. Learn French while enjoying cultural activities, time at the beach, and an optional homestay experience.
- View ALL French Language Programs in Nice
5. Aix-en-Provence
Aix (as it’s known by the locals) is home to Cezanne, three universities, and several French language schools. You will certainly not be the only international student in this university town. The city’s largely pedestrian-friendly main area lends itself to leisurely strolls past bubbling fountains, and glasses of rose sipped on terraces while people watching.
Aix-en-Provence is also the perfect jumping off point to explore more of Provence, including vineyards, lavender, and the Camargue, Europe’s largest delta where the Rhone meets the Mediterranean.
Recommended Programs:
- Learn French in France. ESL’s programming offers something for everyone; any age and any level.
- Language Learning in France - Putney Student Travel. How does a group pledge to only speak in French sound? The Putney Student Travel program is a fully immersive program that wants students to learn about France and French culture while studying the language.
- View ALL French Language Programs in Aix-en-Provence
6. Antibes
Antibes is also a French Riviera resort town. You might want to test the theory that languages are best learned in the most beautiful locations. In addition to the beach, Antibes is best known for its old town, surrounded by 16th century ramparts.
It’s also an excellent place if you’re hoping to practice your knowledge of French vocabulary related to all things floral, because Antibes is home to an important commercial flower-growing industry.
Recommended Programs:
- Centre International D’Antibes. The other CIA, this program is an all inclusive opportunity for teens to learn French and explore the French Riviera.
- Language Vacation. This sounds like the perfect vacation. Antibes is the place to be for teens looking to show off to colleges and their friends with their excellent tans and fluent French.
- View ALL French Language Programs in Antibes
7. Lyon
Is Lyon the best place to learn French in France? For you, it might be!
France’s second city, Lyon has a history of silk weaving, and more recently is considered to be a capital of gastronomy. The historical center (dating back to ancient Rome) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and there are numerous stunning and exciting things to see during your study breaks.
Film fans will also be excited to learn that Lyon is home to the Lumiere brothers (not from Beauty and the Beast), who are considered to be the fathers of the art of movie-making.
Recommended Programs:
- Standard French with Optional Internship. In addition to French language classes, put your skills to work with an internship in any one of a number of local industries.
- Intensive French Course in Lyon. Hone your French skills with creative workshops (like writing, theater or French music) to not only improve your French, but develop other skills as well.
- View ALL French Language Programs in Lyon
8. Grenoble
Grenoble is considered to be the “Capital of the Alps.” So if you’re more into skiing than lounging on the beach, Grenoble may be the place for you. It’s also home to four universities, making it a popular destination for students from all over.
As an official City of Art and Culture and a science hub, Grenoble has a lot going on. Fun Fact: When Grenoble hosted the Winter Olympics in 1968 it was the first time the winter games were being broadcast on television in color!
Recommended Programs:
- Eurolingua French Homestays in France. A homestay is the ultimate French immersive program, offering students an opportunity to observe, and participate in, traditional French life.
- Boston University Grenoble French Studies Program. BU students can spend the summer studying French language as well as studying in French.
- View ALL French Language Programs in Grenoble
Still wondering where to learn French in France? Talk to our Online Advisor for FREE and get matched with 5 French language programs!
Oui can’t wait to see you learn French in France!
Peruse as many cafes as you can, and you’ll learn to speak French in France! (And probably gain some kilos, too.)
France is definitely a good choice for French language study. France is made up of 12 regions, each with its own unique cuisine (there are over 1000 different types of French cheese alone!), culture, and dialect. The opportunities to practice what you’ve learned in class are endless!
The decision to learn French in France through immersion isn’t just a great excuse to spend time somewhere incredible (it is a great excuse though). Learning French in France also has the potential to make you a better French speaker.
If you study French in a classroom for four hours a week, or spend a few hours with an online program, but then you spend the rest of your time speaking English or Japanese or Turkish, you do not have a lot of chances to practice what you have learned in the real world. If you study French in a classroom and then stop at the grocery store on your way home and buy du lait et des baguettes, and continue to speak in French all the way home, then you are constantly practicing and learning the language!
Real world immersion in a language offers you the chance to speak to real people in real situations, which is hard to do with a grammar book and flashcards. So while we’ve shared eight excellent places to hone your skills, anywhere you choose in this gorgeous and fascinating country will be the best place to learn French in France.
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