French class Paris 13
Looking for a French as a Foreign Language teacher in Paris's 13th arrondissement?
Whether you live, work, or simply love exploring this lively and undoubtedly one of the artsiest part of Paris, our French courses, designed especially for expats and their families, will help you grow your language skills and confidence.
The 13th arrondissement: a Paris that sparks the imagination and inspires French learning
The 13th is a vibrant, multicultural part of Paris where we love holding classes in lively spots, hidden corners or surprisingly peaceful places.
It's impossible to miss from the riverbanks: the four towers of the BNF rise like open books above the city. Inside, light pours into vast reading rooms, and the calm, focused energy makes it an inspiring place to study or simply absorb the atmosphere of learning.
Just nearby, the Frigos — a former refrigerated train station now home to artists’ studios — reflect the creative heartbeat of the neighborhood. That same spirit runs through the Cité de la Mode et du Design, where the Institut Français de la Mode trains future designers and luxury artisans. Even as it looks forward, this district stays grounded in tradition. The Galerie des Gobelins is a beautiful example, showcasing centuries of French craftsmanship.
Further along, the rhythm changes. At Gare d'Austerlitz, Parisians rush to catch night trains beneath the great iron-and-glass hall. From here, the tracks lead to the sea, the mountains or a European capital. But in the 13th, you don’t need to leave town to feel transported — the metro alone can take you somewhere entirely new.
Step off at Tolbiac or Olympiades, and you're in the heart of Europe’s largest Chinatown. The streets here are rich in color, scent and sound — Vietnamese restaurants, Chinese supermarkets, ideograms on posters, the soft smoke of incense, golden maneki-neko cats waving from shop windows. It's easy to wander here between classes, pick up a banh mi at Pâtisserie Saison or stock up at Tang Frères.
From Place d'Italie, a path leads to the Butte-aux-Cailles, a small hill with the feel of a secret village. Winding cobbled streets, ivy-covered houses, cheerful terraces — it rises and dips with a rhythm of its own. There's a quiet magic to this place, the kind that makes you feel like you've stumbled into an older, softer Paris.
And then there are the hidden corners we're still surprised to find — and a little envious of. The blooming Cité Florale, the leafy Square des Peupliers, the quiet charm of Villa Daviel, the pastel tones of rue Dieulafoy… Places where the city fades and you can almost imagine the Bièvre river still flowing in the open air.
We love teaching here because the 13th leaves room to dream. It's a modern, welcoming neighborhood that keeps its secrets well. It's a place where learning French feels connected to everyday life — warm, imaginative and real.
Let's start your French journey in Paris 13th!
Private French Lessons for Expats in the 13th
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 13th 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 – at your office or at your home.
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 about 25 minutes from Olympiades (Line 14) or Place d'Italie (Line 5, 6, or 7), for example!
(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 13 for you in under 2 minutes!
2 Parisian Cafés Where to Take Your French Lessons in Paris 13
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 13th 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 13:
La Felicità
5 Parvis Alan Turing, 75013 Paris
Le Mêlécasse
12 Rue de la Butte aux Cailles, 75013 Paris
French Lessons in the 13th: 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 little urban escape?
Wander a side street, admire an architectural detail, or step into an offbeat boutique or museum. Every corner of the 13th 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.
And until your next French class? We've already picked out three magical spots to explore in Paris 13. Honestly, it was tough to choose from our long list of favorites!
Founded in the 17th century by Colbert to furnish royal residences, the Gobelins tapestry workshop still produces extraordinary pieces today. It brings together several historic crafts: Beauvais and Savonnerie tapestry-making, the national furniture collection and specialized restoration workshops.
Here, you'll discover stunning works that can take years to weave by hand and you might even spot some of the twenty or so master weavers still at work. Guided tours offer insight into these rare crafts while showcasing some of the 200 000 artworks and objects housed here.
Contemporary design and ancient techniques live in harmony in this hidden gem of living heritage, tucked away in the 13th.
42 Avenue des Gobelins, 75013 Paris
Just off Rue de la Butte-aux-Cailles, in Place Paul-Verlaine, you'll find an artesian well that has supplied Parisians with naturally pure water for over 25,000 years. Drawn from over 600 meters underground, it's slightly iron-rich, chlorine-free, and delicious. Locals often fill entire crates of bottles here. We've tried it and there's no going back! Anytime we're in the neighborhood, we make sure to bring an empty bottle!
Right across the square, the Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool adds even more charm to the area. With its 1920s architecture, vaulted ceilings, and massive windows, it's a registered historic monument. Best of all? The outdoor pool, heated to 28°C, stays open year-round. Swimming in the open air, even in winter, feels like magic in this village-like corner of Paris. We often cross town just for a dip!
Place Paul Verlaine, 75013 Paris
Across from Gare de Lyon, the striking green structure of the Docks – Cité de la Mode et du Design immediately catches the eye. Housed in former industrial warehouses along the Seine, it brings together the best of Parisian creativity and nightlife: a top fashion school, concept stores, exhibits, rooftop bars, and clubs.
Stroll along the walkways, take in the river view from the terrace, or stop by Wanderlust or Café Oz for a drink or a dance.
Continue your walk along the docks and you'll stumble upon even more hidden gems—like the Dame de Canton, a beautiful Chinese junk turned floating concert venue (we definitely love it!).
34 Quai d'Austerlitz, 75013 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 the 13th arrondissement with its colorful neighborhoods and contrasts, calling for inner-city adventures of all kinds.
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 ordering a delicious lunch menu at Simone, getting a medical opinion at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, asking (in a hurry!) where their night train departs from at Gare Austerlitz, chatting about a film after a screening at the enormous MK2 Bibliothèque, talking with other parents at school pickup, 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 13th arrondissement?
How to Get Started
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Browse our French courses in Paris 13th. 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 13th would best fit you?
Book a video call with Fabienne
Not in the 13th arrondissement of Paris ? No problem!
We also offer French lessons in Paris 5, Paris 12 and Paris 14... Three neighboring arrondissements where we support expats every week in gaining fluency and confidence in everyday conversations.
Looking beyond the 13th? 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 tailored to expats and their families, including private lessons or duo/trio formats. Our small-group conversation classes and intensive programs like FrenchBooster are held in a classroom located in the 2nd arrondissement—easily accessible in under 30 minutes by metro or bike from the 13th!
We teach in various spots around the 13th, including the Gobelins, Butte-aux-Cailles, Gare d'Austerlitz, and Olympiades neighborhoods. Lessons can take place at your home, in a cozy café near you, in your company, 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 expat and international families with personalized French classes—whether for a first introduction or academic support. We work with children and parents from schools like the Montessori Trilingue La Baleine or the international section of Cité Scolaire Claude Monet. Our classes are playful, age-appropriate, and designed to help them gain confidence while making real progress in French. Lessons can take place at home, online, or in a convenient location within the 13th.
