French class Paris 11
Looking for a French as a Foreign Language teacher in Paris's 11th arrondissement?
Whether you live, work, or simply love exploring this vibrant part of Paris, our French courses, designed especially for expats and their families, will help you grow your language skills and confidence.
The 11th Arrondissement: A Perfect Place to Learn French in Paris
One of our favorite areas in Paris and undoubtedly one of its most bohemian!
Bordered by Le Marais, Nation, Belleville, and the Canal Saint-Martin, the 11th is a lively and creative district where students, artists, families, young professionals, and retirees all cross paths. It's a neighborhood full of surprises: a bistro run by the latest rising-star chef, a trendy Neapolitan pizzeria, a vintage boutique turning heads on social media... and yet, just around the corner, you might find a quiet, hidden courtyard or a peaceful cobbled alley that feels like a secret.
The 11th arrondissement is also the most densely populated area in Europe, a true hub of urban energy. But here, people know how to appreciate a moment of calm, whether it's relaxing under century-old trees in Square Gardette or wandering through quiet passages and tucked-away courtyards.
This neighborhood is a blend of cultures and ideas, where long-standing traditions meet creative innovation. You'll find bustling squares like République and intimate hideaways like Cité du Figuier and Cour Damoye. From street art at every turn to immersive digital installations at the Atelier des Lumières… from cozy evenings at the Paname Comedy Club to iconic concerts at the Bataclan...
In short, the 11th is a vibrant microcosm of Paris itself, full of life, diversity, creativity, and charm. And we love sharing it with our French learners!
Let's start your French journey in Paris 11th!
Private French Lessons for Expats in the 11th
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. 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 the 11th arrondissement – 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.
We also offer dynamic group classes like the French Conversation Class and our FrenchBooster Programme. These sessions are held nearby at 54 rue Greneta, Paris 2nd – just a 10-minute walk from Place de la République!
(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 Paris 11 for you in under 2 minutes!
2 Parisian Cafés Where to Take Your French Lessons in Paris 11
Over 11,000 hours of lessons – and almost as many spent in Parisian cafés with our learners!
Not just because we're coffee lovers (okay, maybe a little), but because the Parisian 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 the 11th arrondissement that match your mood, the weather, and the vibe of your neighborhood.
Here are two of our favorite cafés for French lessons in Paris 11:
Les P'tites Indécises
2 Rue des Trois Bornes, 75011 Paris
The Beans on Fire
Square Gardette, 75011 Paris
French Lessons in the 11th: A Perfect Excuse to Explore the Neighborhood
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 lesson into a mini adventure?
Wander a side street, admire an architectural detail, or step into an offbeat boutique or museum. Every corner of the 11th arrondissement offers a slice of Paris worth discovering.
We're passionate about this city, 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 way of life. We're here to help you fully experience your French moment and truly feel at home in Paris.
A hidden treasure for lovers of French music, this intimate museum is tucked away in Édith Piaf's former apartment. Step inside and you'll feel like you're visiting a friend: handwritten letters, photos, stage costumes, records, and personal mementos paint a heartfelt portrait of la môme. A truly touching stop just around the corner from Square Gardette.
5 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris
Down a cobbled alley bursting with greenery, you'll find the magical studio of Kostia, one of the last artisan designers in the area. His handmade creations—sculptural lamps, elegant decor, and unique objects—blend fine craftsmanship with timeless Parisian artistry. Visiting feels like stepping into another era.
11 cité de la Roquette, 75011 Paris
Behind an unassuming green gate lies la Cité du Figuier, a whimsical alley filled with glass-roofed workshops, colorful facades, and lush vines. One building is even said to be a remnant from the 1900 World's Fair! Now home to creatives, startups, and the lively Innocent Juice offices, it's the perfect post-lesson stroll—charming, eclectic, and full of inspiration.
104 rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris
Like the illustrated map in the background? It was created by French artist EmYLo, who captures neighborhoods with beauty and charm.
You can order a numbered print on her website. 💛
380+
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 enthusiast – especially when it comes to hidden alleyways, buzzing terraces, and the cultural magic of the 11th arrondissement.
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 they're shopping on rue de la Roquette, chatting at a café on rue Oberkampf, 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 Paris and book a video call with me to chat — and why not begin this wonderful adventure right here, in the 11th arrondissement?
How to Get Started
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Browse our French courses in Paris 11th. Discover all the details about our FrenchUp Class, French conversation classes, and FrenchBooster program: prerequisites, syllabus, class structure, testimonials, and pricing.
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Pre-apply online for your preferred French course (no payment, no commitment)
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Get a video call interview with Fabienne, our enrollment advisor
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Receive a detailed training agreement to sign and start learning French in Paris!
Still not sure about what French class in Paris 11th would best fit you?
Book a video call with Fabienne
Not in the 11th arrondissement of Paris ? No problem!
We also offer French lessons in Paris 3, Paris 4, Paris 10, Paris 12, Paris 19 and Paris 20... Six neighboring arrondissements where we support expats every week in gaining fluency and confidence in everyday conversations.
Looking beyond the 11th? We teach in all arrondissements of Paris — and even in surrounding cities like Neuilly-sur-Seine, Issy-les-Moulineaux, and Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Not in Paris yet? Thanks to our online French courses, you can start learning remotely before your plane even lands.
FAQ
Your questions answered
We offer several formats designed specifically for expats and their families, in particular private French lessons (individual or for up to 3 participants). Small-group conversation classes, and intensive group programs like our FrenchBooster Program are run in a cosy space in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, at an easy reach of the 11th arrondissement!
We work in various parts of the 11th arrondissement, especially around the Oberkampf, Charonne, Voltaire, and Bastille neighborhoods. You can take classes at quiet, welcoming locations near your home, at your workplace, or remotely via video — whatever works best for you.
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.
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.
Yes, we do! We offer tailored French support for children of expats and international families, whether they're new to French or need extra help adjusting to the French school system (école française). Lessons are engaging, age-appropriate, and designed to boost both language skills and confidence. Classes can take place at home, online, or in a convenient location in the 11th arrondissement.
