Learn French in France

Learn French in France

From bonjour to au revoir, learn French as you travel through France.

Begin your journey of learning at one of these top language schools in France.

If you've ever wanted to learn a language, then the best way to get to grips with the phrases, intonation and colloquialisms is by immersing yourself in the culture and exploring that country for yourself. To help you get inspired for a journey of learning, we've put together a simple guide to easy French phrases, and where you can find some of the best language schools across the country. From learning the lingo in the midst of bustling Paris, to relaxing on a beach in Biarritz as you jot down notes, France is undoubtedly the very best place to learn French.

Learn the basics

You don't need to be fluent to get by in France, but knowing a handful of phrases can be really helpful, especially when you're shopping at the local market, or want to ask a question.

Hello, goodbye...

Yes – Oui

No – Non

Please - S'il vous plaît

Thank you – Merci

Hello – Bonjour (formal, can be used morning and afternoon)

Hi – Salut (informal)

How are you? - Comment ça va?

Good evening – Bonsoir

Good bye - Au revoir

Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous anglais?

Shopping and dining

Do you have any spare tables? - Avez-vous une table libre?

Would you like anything else? - Vous prendrez autre chose?

The bill, please - L'addition, s'il vous plaît

How much is this? - C'est combien?

Could I have a carrier bag, please? - Puis-je avoir un sac, s'il vous plaît?

Getting around

Where is…? - Où est…?

The town centre - Le centre-ville

The tourist information office - L'office de tourisme

Car - La voiture

Excuse me, is there a petrol station near here? - Excusez-moi, y a-t-il une station-service près d'ici?

Weather

What's the weather like? - Quel temps fait-il?

It's sunny - Il y a du soleil

It's raining - Il pleut

It's snowing - Il neige

It's … degrees (Celsius) - Il fait ... degrés

Learning French on holiday

North

Paris

Founded in 1988, Accord French Language School is located in the heart of Paris, close to the Louvre. The school offers a variety of course programmes, from intensive lessons to family courses for parents with children aged between 6 and 17. The family courses are tailored to suit children's needs and wants, and even include fun days out to Disneyland Paris and Parc Asterix.

One of the best ways to spend time outside of class is by sightseeing; from wandering past the Sacré-Coeur to admiring the Arc de Triomphe and the impressive Eiffel Tower. To see the sights in a good time, rent out a couple of bikes, and pedal your way around this enchanting city.

If you want to put the things you've learnt to practise, head over to Rue Montorgueil, one of the city's top market streets that is known locally for being a foodie heaven. As you wander through, you'll come across the divine smell of rotisseries and bakery stalls, as well as vendors selling flowers, strawberries and fresh pastries.

Rouen

If you wish to learn French in the region of Normandy, then make the trip to the city of Rouen, where you can study at French in Normandy. The school is located on the left bank of the River Seine, opposite Rouen's botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes de Rouen, a beautiful collection of flora that makes for the perfect lunch break destination.

The school's courses vary from general language to cultural immersion programmes, where students can learn all about the local culture, cuisine and the region of Normandy.

Rouen is a beautiful city, full of enchanting architecture, making it the perfect place to explore after a day of learning French. One of the best sights to spot is the Rouen Cathedral, a captivating place of worship that has an intricate gothic design. From most points in the city you can spot the cathedral's sky-high cast iron spire, which can often be seen piercing the sky's billowing clouds. Inside has a similar grey and gothic feel, and features beautiful carvings of religious icons.

If you and the kids are in the mood for a bit of adventure, follow La Route Des Fruit, a well-known orchard trail located in Regional Natural Park, between Notre-Dame-de-Bliquetuit and Duclair. You and your family can carry your very own wooden baskets, and pick handfuls of delicious apples, pears and berries.

South

Biarritz

Biarritz is a beautiful seaside down that is often popular with surfers, and fans of the southern coast sun. If you want to learn French in this breathtaking location, book some lessons with France Langue – Biarritz BLS, a wonderful French language school that's located not too far from the stunning Plage de la Côte des Basques.

From beginners to those of you who have achieved a competent level, the school caters to all stages of learning, and even offers a special teen programme for your kids. On top of classes, the school also has a garden, swimming pool and computer room, so it makes for a great place to relax as a family.

After lessons, make sure you make the most of the town in the wonderful sunshine. Known for its exceptional architecture, a tour of the town's best buildings is a must. Wander into the Imperial Church, a Roman-Byzantine and Hispanic-Moorish styled building, which features intricate mosaicked walls. Another great example of architecture is the Orthodox Church, a Byzantine place of worship that was designed by local architect, M. Tisnés, and features icons from St. Petersburg, Russia.

For kids, head over to the Sea Museum, an amazing underwater world that has 50 aquariums and over 1,000 species, including sharks. There's also the Planète Musée du Chocolat, a chocolate factory that explores the history and heritage of chocolate making. During your visit, you'll learn how the cocoa bean is used to create chocolate bars, and will even get the chance to sample one or two chocolate drops.

Montpellier

If you're planning a trip to the bustling city of Montpellier, and wish to learn the language during your travels, a great place to start is Accent Français, a brilliant school located close to the city's main square, Place de la Comédie.

There are plenty of course options, where you can choose between staying for a few weeks, learning over a long period of time, or taking advantage of the briefer private classes, between exploring the city's sights. The school even offers cooking lessons for eager chefs, and a cultural programme that immerses you into the French scene.

If you're travelling with your kids, take them along to the LSF School, which is just around the corner from Accent Français. At LSF, your kids can take part in the summer school lessons and activities, and make friends during the after-lesson social activities.

Outside of class, there's plenty to see and do in this fascinating city, from admiring the architecture to enjoying the amazing French cuisine on offer. If the weather's good, head down to one of the most stunning beaches closest to Montpellier, Espiguette beach in La Grau du Roi, which is just a 40-minute drive from the city centre.

Getting there and around

Have you always wanted to learn French? If this guide has got you inspired to take on a journey of learning, you're in luck. A trip across the Channel with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle takes just 35-minutes, meaning you'll be saying salut, merci and au revoir in no time at all. Bon voyage!

Book your journey