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A wide range of French language training courses are available in Paris. They are aimed at both beginners and more experienced learners, and offer a range of adapted teaching methods.
Learning French is essential to the integration of everyone, regardless of origin or nationality. Each person must be able to find the training that will lead them to a greater knowledge of the language and therefore greater autonomy in the city.
Would you like to learn French or improve your language skills?
Various courses and training opportunities, supported or implemented by the City, are available to suit your needs.
To facilitate your social and civic integration
The City of Paris offer
What is a CAP ? Around a third of the CAP course is devoted to learning French, in modules lasting between 20 and 180 hours, and adapted to the needs and objectives of each target group.
Who are they for? They are designed for adults over 18, French-speaking people with little or no schooling in their country of origin or in France, and non-French-speaking people with or without schooling in their country of origin.
Where and when? Classes are held in some forty schools (elementary and high schools) throughout Paris. They take place at different times of the year (half-yearly: from September to February and February to June; annually; or during specific sessions, notably in July or during school vacations).
To find out more
Who are they for? They are designed for adults over 18, French-speaking people with little or no schooling in their country of origin or in France, and non-French-speaking people with or without schooling in their country of origin.
Where and when? Classes are held in some forty schools (elementary and high schools) throughout Paris. They take place at different times of the year (half-yearly: from September to February and February to June; annually; or during specific sessions, notably in July or during school vacations).
To find out more
What are these courses? Some Paris'Anim centers offer language training courses (Literacy, French as a Foreign Language…) in the form of weekly classes or courses lasting a few days.
Who are they for? These courses are open to all, whatever their level of oral or written proficiency or previous schooling.
Where and when? Classes take place throughout the school year, in some 20 Paris'Anim centers.
To find out more
Who are they for? These courses are open to all, whatever their level of oral or written proficiency or previous schooling.
Where and when? Classes take place throughout the school year, in some 20 Paris'Anim centers.
To find out more
What are conversation workshops? Conversation workshops are led by library staff or volunteers, and last between 1h and 1h30.
Who are they for? Anyone wishing to improve their spoken French.
Where and when? They take place in some fifteen municipal libraries, as well as at the BPI and BNF , and are organized on a weekly basis throughout the year.
To find out more
Who are they for? Anyone wishing to improve their spoken French.
Where and when? They take place in some fifteen municipal libraries, as well as at the BPI and BNF , and are organized on a weekly basis throughout the year.
To find out more
The associative offers
What is a Socio Linguistic Workshop? Ateliers Socio Linguistiques (ASL) offer French language training based on the concrete needs of participants. The aim is to learn how to communicate independently in everyday situations in the local environment, and, for some ASLs, to help participants integrate into society and the workplace. They take place over the course of the school year, with approximately 6 hours of learning per week.
Who are they for? These workshops are aimed at all audiences, whatever their level of oral and written proficiency and previous schooling: Alpha (Literacy) for people who have not attended school in their country of origin, and Français Langue Étrangère (FLE) for people who have already attended school in their country of origin.
Where and when? On the association's premises. Enrollment takes place in September, with integration possible during the year depending on available places.
Who are they for? These workshops are aimed at all audiences, whatever their level of oral and written proficiency and previous schooling: Alpha (Literacy) for people who have not attended school in their country of origin, and Français Langue Étrangère (FLE) for people who have already attended school in their country of origin.
Where and when? On the association's premises. Enrollment takes place in September, with integration possible during the year depending on available places.
What is a French course? Associations in Paris offer French language courses with a variety of objectives, depending on the level of the participants and their previous schooling: reinforcing oral skills, getting to grips with the written word or reinforcing written skills. Courses generally run throughout the school year.
Who are they for? These courses are designed for everyone, whatever their level of oral and written proficiency and previous schooling: Alpha (Literacy) for people who have not attended school in their country of origin, and Français Langue Étrangère (FLE) for people who have already attended school in their country of origin.
Where and when? On the association's premises. Enrollment takes place in September, with integration possible during the year depending on available places.
Who are they for? These courses are designed for everyone, whatever their level of oral and written proficiency and previous schooling: Alpha (Literacy) for people who have not attended school in their country of origin, and Français Langue Étrangère (FLE) for people who have already attended school in their country of origin.
Where and when? On the association's premises. Enrollment takes place in September, with integration possible during the year depending on available places.
What is REFUG? REFUG offers short, semi-intensive French-language training courses set up by associations and players in the social economy. The aim is to help participants acquire basic French skills and knowledge of everyday life in France, as well as basic information on social and professional integration schemes.
Who can attend? These courses are aimed at all refugees residing in Parisian accommodation centers or on reception platforms, regardless of their administrative status, with priority given to asylum seekers still in the process of applying for asylum.
Where and when? Courses are held throughout Paris, mainly on the premises of training structures. The first training sessions start at the beginning of each school year. Other sessions are launched throughout the year.
Who can attend? These courses are aimed at all refugees residing in Parisian accommodation centers or on reception platforms, regardless of their administrative status, with priority given to asylum seekers still in the process of applying for asylum.
Where and when? Courses are held throughout Paris, mainly on the premises of training structures. The first training sessions start at the beginning of each school year. Other sessions are launched throughout the year.
The government's offer
What is it? It's a scheme run by the French Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Research and the French Ministry of the Interior, designed to help parents better integrate into their children's education and help them succeed at school.
Who is it for? It enables parents of foreign children at school to take 120 hours of training over the course of the year, i.e. 4 hours a week, to improve their French and gain a better understanding of the school system.
Where and when are the courses held? The courses take place in schools. Nearly 40 middle schools and elementary schools in Paris are partners in this initiative.
To find out more
Who is it for? It enables parents of foreign children at school to take 120 hours of training over the course of the year, i.e. 4 hours a week, to improve their French and gain a better understanding of the school system.
Where and when are the courses held? The courses take place in schools. Nearly 40 middle schools and elementary schools in Paris are partners in this initiative.
To find out more
To help you enter the job market
City of Paris offer
What is it? These programs are run by Paris-based associations and combine learning French with professional integration. The "Parcours Linguistiques à Visée Professionnelle" can be a continuation of a socio-linguistic workshop, and aim to provide access to training leading to qualifications or certification, a return to employment or professional development. The content of these courses varies in terms of pedagogy, timetable and duration, and covers a wide range of business sectors. The scheme is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF).
Who are they for? These programs are designed for Parisians, with priority given to residents of working-class neighborhoods, who are experiencing difficulties in finding employment or advancing in their careers due to their poor command of French.
Where and when? Programs run all year round, with registrations often taking place in September-October and January-February.
To find out more
Who are they for? These programs are designed for Parisians, with priority given to residents of working-class neighborhoods, who are experiencing difficulties in finding employment or advancing in their careers due to their poor command of French.
Where and when? Programs run all year round, with registrations often taking place in September-October and January-February.
To find out more
What the Ile-de-France region has to offer
Several of the Ile-de-France region's vocational training programs include French language modules for people with language difficulties.
The "Parcours Entrée dans l'Emploi" enables young people or people receiving RSA benefits to build and/or confirm a realistic, achievable professional project and/or develop basic skills in a professional situation, to gain preferential access to employment and work-study contracts.
As soon as they enter the training program, trainees draw up an action plan aimed at :
- Preparation for work-study contracts
- Preparation for direct access to employment
- Preparing for access to employment via training leading to certification.
During training, the emphasis will be on mastering oral and written communication skills, and refresher courses, in line with the trainees' career plans.
Beneficiaries requiring specific reinforcement in the French language must have a CEFR level A1.1 in oral or written French on entry.
At the center, the course lasts a maximum of 945 hours, supplemented by an 8-week full-time internship with a company.
The training courses are open to remuneration and, for 16-25 year olds, free transport.
As soon as they enter the training program, trainees draw up an action plan aimed at :
- Preparation for work-study contracts
- Preparation for direct access to employment
- Preparing for access to employment via training leading to certification.
During training, the emphasis will be on mastering oral and written communication skills, and refresher courses, in line with the trainees' career plans.
Beneficiaries requiring specific reinforcement in the French language must have a CEFR level A1.1 in oral or written French on entry.
At the center, the course lasts a maximum of 945 hours, supplemented by an 8-week full-time internship with a company.
The training courses are open to remuneration and, for 16-25 year olds, free transport.
What does it involve? The aim is to develop basic skills (in line with CléA) and language skills (in line with the CEFR) in a professional situation, and to draw up a career plan.
3 courses are available:
Track 1 - "Skills and professional project".
Construction and validation of a professional project and reinforcement of basic and linguistic skills in a professional situation.
Accessible to people with a language level below A.1.1.
Duration 300h maximum at the center (21h maximum per week).
Track 2 - "Access to employment and training
Preparation for employment and pre-qualifying or qualifying training. Consolidation of professional project, reinforcement of basic and linguistic skills and preparation for CléA certification.
Accessible to people whose language level is A1 or above and who have a professional project.
Duration: 250h maximum at the center (21h maximum per week).
Track 3 - "Professional titles
Enables access to employment by obtaining a level 3 professional qualification in the personal assistance and cleaning sectors. Reinforcement of language skills related to both sectors.
Preparation for 2 ADVF or APH professional qualifications
Duration: 750h maximum at the center (35h per week).
Who should attend? People with French language learning needs, jobseekers, including RSA beneficiaries. Track 1 is open to people with a level of A1.1 or below.
Remuneration is available, and for 16-25 year olds, free transport will soon be available.
To find out more
3 courses are available:
Track 1 - "Skills and professional project".
Construction and validation of a professional project and reinforcement of basic and linguistic skills in a professional situation.
Accessible to people with a language level below A.1.1.
Duration 300h maximum at the center (21h maximum per week).
Track 2 - "Access to employment and training
Preparation for employment and pre-qualifying or qualifying training. Consolidation of professional project, reinforcement of basic and linguistic skills and preparation for CléA certification.
Accessible to people whose language level is A1 or above and who have a professional project.
Duration: 250h maximum at the center (21h maximum per week).
Track 3 - "Professional titles
Enables access to employment by obtaining a level 3 professional qualification in the personal assistance and cleaning sectors. Reinforcement of language skills related to both sectors.
Preparation for 2 ADVF or APH professional qualifications
Duration: 750h maximum at the center (35h per week).
Who should attend? People with French language learning needs, jobseekers, including RSA beneficiaries. Track 1 is open to people with a level of A1.1 or below.
Remuneration is available, and for 16-25 year olds, free transport will soon be available.
To find out more
The government's offer
What is the program? OFII offers language progress courses ranging from 100 to 600 hours, depending on the needs and level of the person concerned. The standard course is aimed at A1 level, while the complementary courses are aimed at A2 and B1 levels. The courses are provided by SJT and its co-contractors.
Who can attend? The courses are open to people with a level below A1 of the CEFR, who have signed the Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine (CIR) for foreigners from outside the European Union, who have been legally and permanently resident in France for less than five years.
Where and when? Training courses take place on the premises of SJT or its co-contractors in Paris, during the day, evening or weekend.
To find out more
Who can attend? The courses are open to people with a level below A1 of the CEFR, who have signed the Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine (CIR) for foreigners from outside the European Union, who have been legally and permanently resident in France for less than five years.
Where and when? Training courses take place on the premises of SJT or its co-contractors in Paris, during the day, evening or weekend.
To find out more
To prepare for a diploma or certification
Obtaining certifications or diplomas attesting to a language level (generally based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR) plays a key role in building a pathway to integration in French. Some of the training courses listed, set up by associations or CAPs, include preparation for these certifications or diplomas, notably the DILF or DELF.
Learning French at a distance
To complement face-to-face training, a range of distance learning tools are available. To find the tool best suited to your level, your educational background and your needs, you can consult the list proposed by SCOP Langues Plurielles and Small Bang: it includes tools available on computers and/or smartphones.
Even if you don't know much French, you can still use these tools, such as J'apprends.
Where can you find the right offer for your needs?
On the Alpha Network website
is a platform that lists and enables associations to update all the local French-language services available in Paris and the Ile-de-France region.
At the EIF-FEL network offices
To better meet the needs of Parisians in terms of French language training and promote their socio-professional integration, the City of Paris, in partnership with three Parisian associations, has created the EIF-FEL network.
The network's mission is to federate, coordinate and professionalize the French language players in Paris. In association with other institutional players involved in French language learning, it contributes to the articulation of the various existing schemes and the implementation of coherent training paths. Initiated in 2016, this project offers assessment centers for residents and/or workers in eight Paris arrondissements (10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th).
For an assessment appointment, it is necessary to go directly to the platform: http: //www.reseau-eiffel.fr/. People will be seen by assessors from the three associations behind the project:
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13th and 14th arrondissements: offices managed by Centre Alpha Choisy
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10th, 17th and 18th arrondissements: offices managed by the CEFIL
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11th, 19th and 20th arrondissements: offices managed by Paroles Voyageuses
Assessments are followed by recommendations for training courses in line with the linguistic profile and people's situations.
For more information or to book an assessment appointment, contact Réseau EIF-FEL: http: //www.reseau-eiffel.fr/
The EIF-FEL network is supported by the City of Paris, the European Asylum Migration and Integration Fund (FAMI) program, the French government and France Travail.
With associations
Find out more at Maisons de la Vie Associative et Citoyenne (MVAC) and Mairies d'arrondissement.
Are you a professional or a volunteer?
Are you an association, a training organization or a prescriber? Below you'll find resources to help you find out what's available in Paris, to help you assess the level of your candidates and recommend a suitable training program, as well as a range of teaching tools to help you in your support.
Resources
Offers
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Panorama of French language learning in Paris
This panorama presents the full range of French language training in Paris, financed by the City of Paris, the Ile-de-France Region, the French State and Europe. It is presented according to three objectives: social integration, professional integration and learning a trade.
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Where to learn French brochures
These are available for all the city's arrondissements and printed every three years, with a new edition dated November 2021. The French-language offer is listed in a single brochure. You'll find the structures available in these areas, along with information to help you find your way around.
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The Réseau Alpha website
Réseau Alpha is a platform that lists and updates all French-language training courses available in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. -
Défi Métier website
Défi Métier is an interactive platform that lists all the continuing professional training opportunities available in the Paris region, including a linguistic map.
French language assessment
To meet the needs of Parisians for French language training and promote their socio-professional integration, the City of Paris is piloting the Réseau EIF-FEL project in partnership with three associations: CEFIL, Centre Alpha Choisy and Paroles Voyageuses.
Launched in 2016, the scheme is now present in eight arrondissements, and aims to network and qualify the players involved in learning French in Paris, in the service of coherent training paths. The Réseau EIF-FEL offices welcome people with French language needs all year round to assess their level and offer them appropriate training. Appointments can be made via the appointment platform.
Training courses on the challenges of assessment and building training paths
Several free training cycles are offered by Réseau EIF-FEL to enhance the qualifications of players involved in learning French: volunteer or professional trainers, pedagogical coordinators or public prescribers. Since 2019, the training courses have been run by SCOP Langues Plurielles.
Réseau EIF-FEL is supported by the European program Fonds Asile Migration et Intégration (FAMI), the French government, the Paris local authority and Pôle Emploi.
Launched in 2016, the scheme is now present in eight arrondissements, and aims to network and qualify the players involved in learning French in Paris, in the service of coherent training paths. The Réseau EIF-FEL offices welcome people with French language needs all year round to assess their level and offer them appropriate training. Appointments can be made via the appointment platform.
Training courses on the challenges of assessment and building training paths
Several free training cycles are offered by Réseau EIF-FEL to enhance the qualifications of players involved in learning French: volunteer or professional trainers, pedagogical coordinators or public prescribers. Since 2019, the training courses have been run by SCOP Langues Plurielles.
Réseau EIF-FEL is supported by the European program Fonds Asile Migration et Intégration (FAMI), the French government, the Paris local authority and Pôle Emploi.
What is it? Several associations in the same arrondissement or territory organize a joint assessment test to register people for a French course adapted to their needs, language levels, availability and location.
Who is eligible? Anyone living in the targeted district or arrondissement who needs to learn French or to read and write in order to integrate socially or professionally.
Where and when are they held? Rentrées partagées take place every year in arrondissements with working-class neighborhoods: 11th, 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th north-west. They are organized by French-language learning structures, in conjunction with the local development team and neighborhood partners.
To find out more
Paroles Voyageuses, 11th district: [contact puis paroles-voyageuses.com après le signe @]pbagnpg@cnebyrf-iblntrhfrf.pbz[contact puis paroles-voyageuses.com après le signe @]
Center Alpha Choisy, 13th district: [alphachoisy.pedagogie puis gmail.com après le signe @]nycunpubvfl.crqntbtvr@tznvy.pbz[alphachoisy.pedagogie puis gmail.com après le signe @]
Carrefour 14, 14th district: [corinne.didot puis orange.fr après le signe @]pbevaar.qvqbg@benatr.se[corinne.didot puis orange.fr après le signe @]
Center Social Maison Bleue and FISPE 17th and 18th: [contact puis maisonbleue-pm.org après le signe @]pbagnpg@znvfbaoyrhr-cz.bet[contact puis maisonbleue-pm.org après le signe @]
Who is eligible? Anyone living in the targeted district or arrondissement who needs to learn French or to read and write in order to integrate socially or professionally.
Where and when are they held? Rentrées partagées take place every year in arrondissements with working-class neighborhoods: 11th, 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th north-west. They are organized by French-language learning structures, in conjunction with the local development team and neighborhood partners.
To find out more
Paroles Voyageuses, 11th district: [contact puis paroles-voyageuses.com après le signe @]pbagnpg@cnebyrf-iblntrhfrf.pbz[contact puis paroles-voyageuses.com après le signe @]
Center Alpha Choisy, 13th district: [alphachoisy.pedagogie puis gmail.com après le signe @]nycunpubvfl.crqntbtvr@tznvy.pbz[alphachoisy.pedagogie puis gmail.com après le signe @]
Carrefour 14, 14th district: [corinne.didot puis orange.fr après le signe @]pbevaar.qvqbg@benatr.se[corinne.didot puis orange.fr après le signe @]
Center Social Maison Bleue and FISPE 17th and 18th: [contact puis maisonbleue-pm.org après le signe @]pbagnpg@znvfbaoyrhr-cz.bet[contact puis maisonbleue-pm.org après le signe @]
Educational tools at your disposal
Below you'll find a range of booklets and tools to support you and your learners as trainers.
Used by training organizations, it enables learners to describe their progress and record what they have learnt, making it easier for them to continue their training. A user's guide and a collection of experiments have been produced to help trainers use Mon livret d'apprentissage du français.
Booklets, teaching aids and tools for discovering libraries, museums and a district of Paris
What are these? These booklets are designed to help you prepare for and visit various cultural sites in the region. The booklets include both written and oral comprehension and production activities.
Who can benefit? People learning French as a foreign language, and trainers.
Who can benefit? People learning French as a foreign language, and trainers.
French language learner's booklet (2016)
ivfvgrf@oas.se[visites puis bnf.fr après le signe @] or 01 53 79 85 30
ivfvgrf@oas.se[visites puis bnf.fr après le signe @] or 01 53 79 85 30
Booklet to help you visit the "Musée national de l'Histoire et de l'Immigration" (2016)
Booklet produced with the CEFIA, Centre Alpha Choisy and Socrate associations, the Musée National de l'Histoire et de l'Immigration and the City of Paris.
Paroles Partagées video: directed by Véronique Pantel, the video features testimonials from ASL participants, CEFIA social center workers and the Musée du Petit Palais.
Booklet produced with the CEFIA, Centre Alpha Choisy and Socrate associations, the Musée National de l'Histoire et de l'Immigration and the City of Paris.
Paroles Partagées video: directed by Véronique Pantel, the video features testimonials from ASL participants, CEFIA social center workers and the Musée du Petit Palais.
Booklet produced with the support of The Ivory Foundation, and in collaboration with the Cours de civilisation française at the Sorbonne.
Booklet produced by the association l'Ile Aux Langues: le 18e m'apprend et m'accueille.
Resources for trainers
Formations
Several organizations offer face-to-face training courses, particularly for volunteer trainers.
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Langues Plurielles, as part of Réseau EIF-FEL.
Trainers' kits
What tools are available for distance learning of French?
The cartography produced by SCOP Langues Plurielles and Small Bang lists French language learning tools, distinguishing between those accessible on computers and/or smartphones, those accessible to learners or trainers, and lists tools according to CEFR target levels.
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