French classes Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Looking for a French as a Foreign Language teacher in Saint-Germain-en-Laye next to Paris?
Whether you live, work, or simply love exploring the charm of Saint-Germain-en-Laye – a green, human-sized, and welcoming cosmopolitan city less than 30 minutes from Paris – our French courses are designed to help you gain true fluency and confidence.
As French as a Foreign Language specialists and local enthusiasts, we've designed programs specifically for expats and their families to ensure you not only grow your language skills but also feel more at home in your new community.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye, our heart city west of Paris
This city brings together everything we love: beauty, nature, history, openness to the world and that rare, simple joy of a truly well-lived daily life.
Don't be surprised if you see us in Saint-Germain-en-Laye often! We absolutely adore this city, its quiet elegance and its charming surroundings: the banks of the Seine between Port-Marly and Croissy, the leafy park-town of Le Vésinet, the narrow lanes of Vieux-Pecq or the soothing state forest. These are treasures just thirty minutes from central Paris that many Parisians still haven't discovered!
From the château terrace, the view of the capital absolutely breathtaking. We love strolling there, sharing an impromptu snack or simply taking a moment to watch the world go by. People often say that Saint-Germain is Paris in miniature but without the crowds. And it's true: its historic center, with elegant mansions, cobblestone streets and perfectly symmetrical royal squares, just oozes grace. Yet everything here feels calmer, more open, more human. The shopping streets are lively and friendly, and local shopkeepers have that natural warmth that makes all the difference: a kind word, genuine advice, a smile. Grabbing cheese at Foucher, a sourdough croissant at Cédric Hombecq or a homemade dish at Lulu is more than a purchase — it's a small, cherished moment of connection and pleasure we love to indulge in.
Saint-Germain also fascinates us with its stories. There's Debussy, born right here, whose birthplace immerses visitors in the poetry of Clair de Lune. There's Maurice Denis, the Nabi painter whose colorful works can be admired at the Departmental Museum, or Renoir, Monet and Pissarro, whose tales echo along the Seine or at the Grenouillère Museum in Croissy. And of course, there's Louis XIV, who spent his childhood at the Château de Saint-Germain, and Alexandre Dumas, who lived in nearby Port-Marly. These names, places and tales give the city its deeply inspiring, poetic and vibrant character.
But what we love most is its community: families from all over the world, here for a few years or to stay for good. You can hear a delightful blend of languages and accents near Place du Marché Neuf on Sunday mornings, outside the Lycée International or the British School, in the British-style shops in the center, in the aisles of the Gibert-Joseph bookstore or during the many activities organized by associations like Accueil International, la CLEF, or those listed by Anne's joyful team at Ouest2Paris. Saint-Germain-en-Laye is open, curious and warm – a place where people truly thrive.
That's why we love teaching French here: because in Saint-Germain, language isn't just learned in class. It's lived. It's found in conversations, walks, and the gentle rhythm of everyday life. Here, you don't just learn to speak – you learn to belong.
Let's start your French journey in Saint-Germain-en-Laye!
Private French Lessons for Expats in Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Step out of your comfort zone, confidently
Since 2017, we've been helping expatriates and their families learn French and feel more at home in Paris and Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Our courses focus on real-life situations you'll face as an expat – at work, at school, in daily errands, and in social settings – so you can improve your French quickly(1) and communicate with confidence.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced learner preparing for the DELF, TCF, or DCL FLE exams, we'll support your language journey and help you navigate the nuances of French culture with ease.
Private French Lessons
Our native French teachers offer FrenchUp private lessons right in Saint-Germain-en-Laye or in Paris – at your home, your office, or in handpicked local cafés. These charming, Parisian settings create a relaxed atmosphere where learning feels natural and enjoyable.
Group French Lessons
Prefer learning with others? You can take our FrenchUp courses in small, friendly groups of peers, friends, or families at the same level – at your office or at your home.
We also offer dynamic group classes like the French Conversation Class and our FrenchBooster Programme. The sessions are at 54 rue Greneta, Paris 2, which is just under 30 minutes away from Saint-Germain-en-Laye by RER line A!
(1) Students in our FrenchUp private lessons typically improve by one full CEFR level in just 30 hours of instruction – from placement test to final evaluation.
Which French Course Is Right for You?
Take Our Quick Quiz!
Private or group French lessons? FrenchUp courses, conversation classes, or the FrenchBooster Programme? Take our short quiz and find the perfect French course in Saint-Germain-en-Laye for you in under 2 minutes!
2 Cafés Where to Take Your French Lessons in Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Over 11,000 hours of lessons – and almost as many spent in Parisian cafés or those of Saint-Germain-en-Laye with our learners!
Not just because we're coffee lovers (okay, maybe a little), but because the Parisian (and saint-germanois!) café is one of the most practical, inspiring, and culturally rich places to take a French lesson.
We're always on the lookout for authentic, welcoming cafés ideal for private French lessons. We carefully select and recommend spots in Saint-Germain-en-Laye that match your mood, the weather, and the vibe of your neighborhood.
Here are two of our favorite cafés in Saint-Germain-en-Laye we'd love to share with you today:
Le Café des Arts
3 Rue Henri IV, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Felicity's Café
18 Rue de la Salle, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye
French Lessons in Saint-Germain-en-Laye: A Perfect Excuse to Explore This Suburb City of West Paris
In the midst of busy schedules, daily errands, and the challenges of expat life, it can be hard to make space for yourself. But taking French lessons is more than just language learning – it's also a chance to slow down, connect, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of Paris.
Why not extend your French lesson in Saint-Germain-en-Laye into a little urban escape?
Wander a side street, admire an architectural detail, or step into an offbeat boutique or museum. Every corner of Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers something worth discovering.
We're passionate about Paris and some of its suburbs like Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and we love sharing our favorite addresses, secret spots, and daily rituals with our learners. Because learning French should be more than grammar and verbs: it should feel like a real immersion in the Parisian (and saint-germanois!) way of life. We're here to help you fully experience your French moment and truly feel at home in Saint-Germain.
And until your next French class? We've already picked out three magical spots to explore in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Honestly, it was tough to choose from our long list of favorites!
Perched on the heights of Port-Marly, the Château de Monte-Cristo reflects its creator, Alexandre Dumas: flamboyant, generous and full of life. The writer designed it as a refuge, a setting worthy of his adventures – a “miniature paradise on earth.” Blending Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, every detail tells a story. We especially love the Moorish salon, inspired by Andalusia, with its intricate patterns and warm colors that transport you far beyond the Yvelines.
The theatrical tour brings Dumas back to life with all his passion and humor: his loves, travels, and creative energy. Afterwards, take a stroll through the romantic park with its small waterfalls, winding paths and hidden grottos. Time stands still, and it's easy to see why Dumas called it his earthly paradise.
Chemin du Haut des Ormes, 78560 Le Port-Marly
Just steps from the château, the Apothecary of Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a hidden gem, full of emotion and history. Inside this 17th-century jewel, everything feels frozen in time: delicately painted faience jars, glass bottles filled with mysterious herbs and hand-carved wooden boxes. The meticulous work of apothecaries – the ancestors of modern pharmacists – reveals a world where science met the poetry of plants.
The place is exceptionally well preserved, leaving visitors with the feeling of having opened a forgotten page of history. Right across the street, the Ducastel-Véra Museum continues the journey for those who wish to linger in this beautiful, curious and gentle past.
3 Rue Henri IV, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye
A little island in the middle of town: that's the special charm of the Parc des Ibis, a jewel of Le Vésinet near Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Around the large lake, winding paths invite peaceful walks among weeping willows, rolling lawns and poetic villas reflected in the water. Swans glide silently, children laugh on the playground and joggers pass readers resting in the shade… Everyone finds their own rhythm.
On Sundays, people come to picnic, read or simply breathe. In summer, newlyweds come for photos in the golden light over the lake and rose gardens. Nearby, the Wood Cottage stands watch, a reminder of Le Vésinet's romantic past. And when the sun begins to set, the park takes on the soft tones of a watercolor. A peaceful, dreamlike place that makes you wish you could stay forever.
Île des Ibis, 78110 Le Vésinet
410+
Expat Students
4.9/5
global satisfaction
88
net promoter score*
100%
pass rate in exams
Who am I?
Bonjour, I'm Fabienne Defaux!
I'm a French as a Foreign Language teacher and a true Paris and West Paris enthusiast – especially when it comes to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a green, cosmopolitan city where life feels good, less than 30 minutes from central Paris.
For over 14 years, I've been helping expats and their families settle into life in Paris. In 2017, together with my husband Pierre-Yves, I founded novexpat with one clear goal: to offer personalized French lessons designed for the real lives of expats – so they can navigate daily life in Paris with more ease, confidence, and joy.
At novexpat, real life is our classroom. Our courses are built around the everyday situations you face – at work, at school, in the market, or on a café terrace – so you can start speaking and understanding French naturally, right from the start.
What do our learners often tell us?
✨ That each lesson immediately helps them better understand their surroundings, connect more easily with locals, and feel more at home – whether getting advice from vendors at the Central or Pereire markets, ordering a fine charcuterie plate and a good glass of wine at Le Ballon Rouge, discussing a play at the Théâtre Alexandre Dumas, going shopping in the city center streets, chatting with other parents after school, or participating in a work meeting with French-speaking colleagues.
With a team of 10+ experienced teachers and a deeply human approach, we design a learning experience that adapts to your goals, schedule, and lifestyle – and yes, even your neighborhood!
Throughout your journey, I stay personally involved to make sure everything fits: the right teacher, the right pace, and the right approach – just for you.
Ready to make French a natural part of your Parisian life? Explore our French courses in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and book a video call with me to chat – and why not begin this wonderful adventure right here, in Saint-Germain?
How to Get Started
-
Browse our French courses available in Saint-Germain. Discover all the details about our private FrenchUp Class, semi-private FrenchUp Duo & Trio Class, French conversation classes, and FrenchBooster program: prerequisites, syllabus, class structure, testimonials, and pricing.
-
Pre-apply online for your preferred French course (no payment, no commitment)
-
Get a video call interview with Fabienne, our enrollment advisor
-
Receive a detailed training agreement to sign and start learning French in Saint-Germain-en-Laye!
Still not sure about what French class in Saint-Germain-en-Laye would best fit you?
Book a video call with Fabienne
Not in Saint-Germain-en-Laye ? No problem!
We also offer French lessons in Paris where we support expats every week in gaining fluency and confidence in everyday conversations.
Our classes cover all arrondissements of Paris – and even nearby cities such as Boulogne-Billancourt, Neuilly-sur-Seine, Saint-Cloud or Versailles.
And for the ultimate flexibility, our online French courses mean you can start learning remotely before you've even unpacked your bags in Saint-Germain-en-Laye!
FAQ
Your questions answered
We offer several formats tailored to the needs of expats and their families, including private lessons and duo or trio classes. Our small-group conversation courses and intensive programs like FrenchBooster take place in a classroom in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, easily reachable by RER A in under 35 minutes!
Our teachers work in different parts of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, mainly around the Coeur de Ville, Debussy / Schnapper and Hôpital areas. Lessons can be held at your home, in selected cafés near you, in your workplace or online if you prefer more flexibility.
Absolutely! Our French lessons are tailored for expats, even total beginners. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable speaking French in real-life situations — at the doctor's office, in shops, at your child's school, during administrative appointments or at the coffee machine with your coworkers.
It all depends on your starting point and your objectives. Thanks to our practical approach and personalized support, each course gives you the keys to progress in the situations that matter to you. For our FrenchUp learners, we see an average improvement of one language level every 30 hours.
Our classes are based on real-life needs, not just grammar or vocabulary lists. Unlike language apps or fully automated platforms, we offer a personalized and structured learning experience with professional teachers who understand the expat life in Paris. We help you speak, connect, and integrate — not just memorize, with highly qualified teachers.
In many cases, yes! We can help you present your learning plan to your HR or mobility team. Our training programs are structured, goal-oriented, and make sense as part of a professional integration or development plan. You can also use your CPF to finance part of your training. Don't hesitate to consult our page dedicated to financing or contact us to discuss it together.
We're committed to presenting all our programs on the site in a thorough and comprehensive way. We've also created a free quiz to help you identify the program best suited to your level, goals and schedule. It's quick, non-binding and gives you a personalized recommendation in just 2 minutes. Finally, if you still have any doubts, don't hesitate to book a discovery call with Fabienne, our teaching consultant. She'll guide you towards the program that's right for you.
Absolutely! We support children of expat and international families with personalized French lessons, whether for a first introduction or as academic support. We discreetly work with children and parents who attend local international schools such as the Lycée International, the British School of Paris or Malherbe International School. Our classes are fun, age-appropriate and designed to help kids improve their French while gaining confidence. Lessons can take place at home, online or in a convenient location in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
