Moving to France as an expat is an exciting adventure, but one of the biggest challenges is learning the language. While many French people, especially in major cities, speak some English, integrating into French society is much easier when you have a solid grasp of the language. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refine your fluency, learning French for expats is a process that requires dedication, the right resources, and consistent practice.
This guide explores the best ways to learn French, from language schools to apps and immersion techniques to help you gain confidence in your French-speaking skills.
Why Learning French Matters for Expats
For expats living in France, learning French is more than just a skill—it’s a necessity. Here’s why:
- Daily Life: From shopping at the local market to making medical appointments, speaking French makes daily tasks smoother.
- Social Integration: The French appreciate when foreigners make an effort to speak their language. It helps build relationships and makes it easier to make local friends.
- Work and Business: While some international companies use English, most workplaces in France require a functional level of French. Even if your job doesn’t require fluency, speaking French opens more career opportunities.
- Navigating Bureaucracy: French paperwork is complex. Whether applying for a carte de séjour (residency permit) or dealing with tax authorities, understanding French is essential.
Now that we’ve covered why French is crucial for expats, let’s look at the best ways to learn the language.
Top French Language Schools for Expats
If you prefer structured learning and face-to-face instruction, enrolling in a French language school is a great option. Many schools offer intensive courses, evening classes, and business French programs tailored to expats.
Alliance Française
Locations: Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and over 30 cities in France
Why Choose It?
- One of the most reputable French language schools worldwide
- Offers beginner to advanced courses
- Specializes in preparing students for official French language exams (DELF/DALF)=
Visit the website here.
LSF Montpellier
Location: Montpellier
Why Choose It?
- Small class sizes with a focus on immersion
- Located in the south of France, ideal for those looking for a warmer climate
- Affordable compared to Paris-based schools
Visit the website here.
Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne (CCFS)
Location: Paris
Why Choose It?
- Provides intensive courses for students and professionals
- Integrates French culture and history into language courses
- Perfect for those seeking university-level education in French
Visit the website here.
France Langue
Locations: Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Nice, Biarritz
Why Choose It?
- Offers flexible courses for all levels
- Focuses on conversation practice and real-life situations
- Great for expats and professionals
Visit the website here.
Best Apps for Learning French on the Go
If you prefer self-paced learning, mobile apps can be a great way to practice French daily. These apps help with vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar through interactive exercises.
- Best for beginners looking for gamified learning
- Covers listening, reading, writing, and speaking exercises
- Free with optional premium version
- Structured lessons that focus on real-life conversations
- Helps with grammar and sentence structure
- Subscription-based with practical dialogues
- Immersion-based learning with voice recognition software
- Best for those who want to think in French rather than translate
- Focuses on pronunciation and listening skills
- Uses spaced repetition to help retain vocabulary
- Ideal for memorising French words and phrases
- Free and customisable
- Offers interactive speaking exercises with native speakers
- Personalised learning plans
- Covers grammar, pronunciation, and cultural insights
Immersion Strategies: The Best Way to Learn French
No matter how many classes you take, the fastest way to become fluent in French is through immersion. Here’s how you can incorporate French into your daily life:
1. Speak French Every Day
The biggest mistake expats make is relying too much on English. Force yourself to speak French daily, even if it’s just ordering coffee or chatting with your neighbour.
2. Join Local Conversation Groups
Many cities have language exchange meet-ups where you can practice speaking with locals. Websites like Meetup, and local expat Facebook groups often organise language events.
3. Watch French TV and Movies
Watching French films with subtitles helps improve listening comprehension. Recommended options:
- For Beginners: “Emily in Paris” (English with some French)
- For Intermediate Learners: “Amélie Poulin” “Intouchables”
- For Advanced Learners: “Dix pour cent” (Call My Agent), “Le Bureau des Légendes”
4. Listen to French Podcasts
Listening to French podcasts while commuting or exercising is a great way to absorb new vocabulary. Try:
- Coffee Break French – Great for structured learning
- FrenchPod101 – Covers various levels
- InnerFrench – Stories and cultural insights for learners
5. Read in French
Start with simple books or news articles and work your way up to novels. Good beginner-friendly reads include:
- Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
- French children’s books (great for learning basic grammar)
- Le Monde or Le Figaro (for news articles)
6. Shop, Dine, and Do Daily Tasks in French
Instead of going to international supermarkets, shop at local markets where vendors speak mostly French. When at a restaurant, read the menu in French and order using full sentences.
7. Take a French-Only Challenge
For one week, commit to only speaking, reading, and writing in French. It will be difficult, but it forces you to think in French rather than translating from English.
Overcoming Challenges in Learning French
“I’m Afraid of Making Mistakes” – The French appreciate effort! It’s okay to make mistakes—locals will correct you.
“Grammar is Too Complicated” – French grammar has many rules, but focus on basic sentence structure first. Apps like Grammarly for French can help.
“I Don’t Have Time to Study” – Use idle moments (waiting in line, commuting) to listen to French podcasts or do a quick vocab review on an app.
Final Thoughts: Make French a Part of Your Life
Mastering French as an expat takes time, but with language schools, apps, and immersion techniques, you can speed up the learning process. The key is consistency—practicing daily, speaking as much as possible, and embracing mistakes.
By combining formal lessons, self-study, and real-world immersion, you’ll gain confidence and truly integrate into French society. So, start today, and soon enough, you’ll be navigating France like a local!