Wondering how to learn French while living in France? You’re in luck – since moving to Europe over ten years ago, I’ve managed to (almost) master the language. I don’t think I’ll ever shake my American accent!
This is thanks to three things: complete cultural immersion, making friends with locals, and utilizing the incredible resources in and around my home in Versailles.
Whether you’re an au pair, an expat, or just looking to improve your language skills, Versailles offers several affordable and accessible resources. Here are my top tips to get you to parlez français in no time…
1. Université Inter-Âges de Versailles (UIA)
If you want to take the structured learning approach, I cannot recommend the Université Inter-Âges de Versailles enough. The University offers reasonably priced French courses for au pairs and other learners. It’s the best place to start if you have minimal French knowledge and want to build your skills quickly.
The best part? Classes are designed to fit your schedule, with no lessons on Wednesdays, which is perfect if you have childcare responsibilities. I love that this program allows you to build a solid French foundation while managing other commitments.
Location: 6 Imp. des Gendarmes, 78000 Versailles
2. Duolingo App: A Handy Tool for Daily Practice
While formal classes are great, daily exposure is key to language retention. When I applied for my French citizenship, I found the Duolingo app particularly useful for reinforcing vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in small, manageable lessons. Not to mention that it’s so fun to watch your learning streak build!
While the app’s latest updates have been pretty unpopular with its users, it’s a free and convenient way to keep up with your French skills anytime, anywhere.
3. Language Swaps: Speak Like a Local
Nothing beats real-life conversations when it comes to learning a new language! Consider doing a language exchange where you spend 30 minutes speaking French and 30 minutes speaking English (or whatever your native language) with a French speaker. This is a fantastic way to practice in an informal, pressure-free environment.
Where to find partners?
- Tandem App – Matches you with language learners worldwide.
- Facebook groups – Search for “language exchange Versailles” or similar groups.
- Meetup.com – Check for local French-English language swaps in Versailles or Paris.
4. ASFIR – Nos Centres: French Courses for Integration
ASFIR offers structured French courses for newcomers and non-native speakers who want to improve their language skills. They provide support for immigrants and residents looking to integrate into French society, often with affordable or subsidized options.
Versailles location available
5. Free Online Courses – FUN MOOC
If you’re looking for a free, flexible way to study French, check out FUN MOOC (France Université Numérique). This platform offers a variety of online French courses from top universities in France. You can learn at your own pace and choose from beginner to advanced levels.
6. Local Conversation Groups & Community Resources
My favorite way to learn French in France? By surrounding yourself with locals. Many community organizations and cultural centers offer free or low-cost French conversation groups. These are excellent opportunities to practice speaking in a relaxed environment – plus an invaluable way to make friends in a new city. Some options include:
- Versailles BlaBla Language Exchange – Social events where locals and expats meet to practice languages.
- Cultural Centers & Libraries – Check your local bibliothèque for French learning materials and conversation meetups.
7. Private Tutors & Affordable Classes
If you prefer personalized lessons, consider private tutors or local language schools:
- Université Inter-Âges (mentioned above)
- Apprentus – Connects you with private tutors in Versailles.
- Local ads & Facebook groups – Often, French locals offer affordable one-on-one lessons.
Final Tips for Learning French in France: Immerse Yourself in the Language
While structured learning will help you pick up grammar rules and important vocabulary, it’s important to completely immerse yourself in the language. Try these simple daily habits to boost your French skills:
Change your phone’s language to French (it’s simple but so effective, I promise). Listen to French radio or podcasts – France Inter, RFI, Coffee Break French. Watch French TV series and movies with subtitles (though old, French in Action is excellent for beginners). Read children’s books, newspapers, or magazines in French. Be brave! Practice speaking with locals at the market, bakery, or cafés.
Learning French in France doesn’t have to be expensive! By combining formal courses, self-study tools, and real-world practice, you’ll be well on your way to fluency. Whether you’re an au pair, a student, or an expat, Versailles offers plenty of resources to help you integrate and easily communicate.
And if you’re new to Versailles, check out these important French etiquette tips.
