French class Paris 17
Looking for a French as a Foreign Language teacher in Paris's 17th arrondissement?
Whether you live, work, or simply love exploring this peaceful and family-friendly part of Paris, our French courses, designed especially for expats and their families, will help you grow your language skills and confidence.
The 17th arrondissement: a calm, elegant Parisian neighborhood for families, and a lovely place to learn French
The 17th feels like home. Elegant, peaceful, bright, and family-friendly, this is Paris at a gentler pace. A place where people live well, and where we love to teach.
Just behind the grand Place de l'Étoile and the iconic Arc de Triomphe, between Porte Maillot and Place des Ternes, we find leafy avenues and Haussmann buildings with beautiful wrought-iron balconies. There's space to breathe here, and a rhythm that feels almost serene. People greet each other, pause for a chat at the market, meet up often. It's organized, neighborly, and quietly full of life.
We like wandering Rue Poncelet or Rue de Lévis, where the market stalls overflow with color and locals know their cheesemonger by name. We've discovered elegant townhouses, tucked-away courtyards filled with flowers, and quiet streets where everything seems to glow a little in the late afternoon light. It's refined, but never showy. Friendly, without the rush.
And then there's Batignolles, one of our favorite spots. We go for the organic Saturday market, pop into small shops, or settle into a café terrace for a moment of quiet. Sometimes we read in the Square des Batignolles, or walk through Passage Geffroy-Didelot and Place du Docteur-Félix-Lobligeois, where old-world charm still lingers. Even here, where things feel classic, there's something new and fresh around the corner.
Up north, the Épinettes neighborhood is full of surprises. It's younger, more diverse, and buzzing with creative energy. We've seen it transform. New cafés, design studios, and green spaces like Martin Luther King Park give it a vibrant pulse. It's a different side of the 17th, and we love that contrast.
At novexpat, we feel right at home here. The 17th is a place that doesn't need to prove anything. It lets you settle in, slow down, and find your rhythm. And that's what makes it such a wonderful place to learn French. Not just the words, but the feeling of living well, every day, in Paris.
Let's start your French journey in Paris 17th!
Private French Lessons for Expats in the 17th
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 17th 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 around 20–25 minutes by metro via line 3 (via line 2 or 13)!
(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 17 for you in under 2 minutes!
2 Parisian Cafés Where to Take Your French Lessons in Paris 17
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 17th 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 17:
Augustin
15 Place Richard Baret, 75017 Paris
Café Dose
82 Place du Dr Félix Lobligeois, 75017 Paris
French Lessons in the 17th: 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 17th 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 17. Honestly, it was tough to choose from our long list of favorites!
Housed in the impressive Hôtel Gaillard, once the Banque de France's headquarters, Citéco is Europe's very first museum dedicated to economics. The building alone is worth a visit, with its neo-Renaissance architecture and castle-like atmosphere.
But what's inside is just as exciting. Here, economics becomes fun and accessible for all, even for those who think it's not their thing. Through games, videos, models, and hands-on exhibits, visitors learn without even realizing it, and leave with a better grasp of how the world works.
Smart, beautiful, and fun for families, friends, or solo explorers.
1 Place du Général Catroux, 75017 Paris
Just a few blocks from the buzz of Place de Clichy and the charm of Batignolles, the Épinettes neighborhood hides a peaceful gem: the Cité des Fleurs. Accessible from Avenue de Clichy or Rue de la Jonquière, this private pedestrian street (no cars, no dogs!) feels frozen in time.
Low houses, flower-filled gardens, and total calm. Wandering down its cobblestones feels like walking onto a movie set. You can almost imagine life here a century ago. Artists like Alfred Sisley once lived here, and both Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac were born on this very street.
A poetic little escape, always worth a detour.
154 avenue de Clichy, 75017 Paris
A cobblestoned market street that's lively but never loud, Rue de Lévis is Paris at its most joyful and flavorful. Down near Villiers, you can browse produce stands, cheesemongers, rotisseries, bakeries, and gourmet groceries. It's irresistible.
Further up, you'll find fashion and home decor boutiques with unique finds. We always stop by Famille Mary, a honey lover's dream run by three generations of beekeepers.
And don't even get us started on the pavlovas at La Meringaie, impossible to resist.
If you're into knitting like our friend Vasso, head to Une maille à l'endroit, the coziest yarn shop in the area.
A street that brings joy to everyday life.
Rue de Lévis, 75017 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
87
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 17th arrondissement – peaceful, a little bourgeois, a little boho, especially loved by Parisian and expat families.
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 music advice at the FNAC Ternes, ordering a cocktail before working on their swing at Chill&Golf, shopping along Rue de Courcelles, striking up a conversation at a Palais des Congrès trade show, chatting 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 17th arrondissement?
How to Get Started
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Browse our French courses in Paris 17th. 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 17th would best fit you?
Book a video call with Fabienne
Not in the 17th arrondissement of Paris ? No problem!
We also offer French lessons in Paris 8, Paris 9, Paris 16 and Paris 18... Four neighboring arrondissements where we support expats every week in gaining fluency and confidence in everyday conversations.
Looking beyond the 17th? 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 flexible formats tailored to expats and international families, including private lessons, duo or trio lessons. Our small group conversation classes and intensive programs like FrenchBooster take place in our central location in the 2nd arrondissement, just a short metro ride away via line 3.
We teach in various parts of the 17th, including the Ternes, Monceau, and Batignolles neighborhoods. Lessons can take place in your home, in carefully chosen 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 from expat and international families with personalized French lessons, whether they're just getting started or need academic support. We often work with families whose children attend bilingual schools like EIB Monceau. Our lessons are fun, age-appropriate, and designed to help kids grow their language skills and confidence. Classes can take place at home, online, or in a convenient local spot.
