Learning French

Knowledge of French is essential for successful integration. We advise non-French-speaking scientists to acquire this skill as soon as possible—ideally before arriving in France. Being able to speak French will make it easier for you to build connections, integrate more quickly, and better understand your new environment.

Language courses may be available to international doctoral candidates and researchers at your host institution. Check with the language department (for students) or the training department (for employees).

There are many options for learning French in Lyon and Saint-Étienne. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.

In Lyon

French lessons: language schools

  • List and contact details of schools teaching French in Lyon
  • This partnership is currently being renegotiated and is not currently listed. Should it be extended, we will display it on our site again: A partnership between the Alliance Française network and the EURAXESS France network entitles you to a 10% discount on tuition fees at the Alliance Française de Lyon. This discount also applies to accompanying family members (aged 16 and over).


To benefit from this discount, you must be registered on the EURAXESS France database.

More information about this partnership on the FnaK website.

French lessons: associations

  • Coup de Pouce Université: this voluntary association offers French lessons for foreign students including PhD students. Annual fee of €100 per year for PhD students. 
  • ItinérENS is an association dedicated to welcoming and supporting migrants and refugees in France. The association offers free French language courses from Alphabétisation to B2 level, for all. Classes are usually 2 hours long and run by two volunteers working in pairs.
     
  • Fil (Facilitating Insertion through Language): evening or day classes, throughout the year, except school holidays, in 5 different locations. You can enroll all year long. Fee: from €30 per year. 

Language exchanges

  • Le KoToPo: KoToPo is an association that offers friendly, free language exchanges between native speakers of other languages and French language speakers each night of the week. Each night is dedicated to one or more languages (Monday: English, Tuesday: Spanish, Wednesday: Japanese, Thursday: Portuguese/German or Italian/Chinese, etc.). A great way to share your language while learning French.
     
  • Le Polyglot Club: organizes free language exchange evenings.
     
  • Lyon's municipal libraries also offer regular conversation cafés in French. For more information: Events in Lyon's municipal librairies: select "Cercle et conversation"

In Saint-Etienne

French lessons: the CILEC

  • The CILEC (International Center for Language and Civilization): offers French lessons. Contact them via their website for a quote. 

Associations and linguistic exchanges

  • Le Remue Méninge: a community café in the heart of Saint-Etienne offering free activities and French conversation workshops.
     
  • The Polyglot Club: organizes free language exchange evenings.

REMOTE LEARNING

Tools to improve your French

Tools to help you integrate

Spiky app

Link to download.
Free application project for foreigners arriving in France, and students in particular.

Living in France: this Campus France section offers a number of tips and videos on gastronomy, traveling, French regions, French language and culture, cultural norms, leisure activities (sport and culture), climate and safety.