French class Paris 18
Looking for a French as a Foreign Language teacher in Paris's 18th arrondissement?
Whether you live, work, or simply love exploring this Montmartre-style, bustling and multicultural part of Paris, our French courses, designed especially for expats and their families, will help you grow your language skills and confidence.
The 18th arrondissement: a colorful Paris, a Paris that rises above
An eclectic, lively district that defies clichés.
The 18th is Montmartre, of course. But not only.
Let's start with the hill. Amélie Poulain's hill, the “I Love You” wall in 250 languages, Place du Tertre with its portrait artists, and the crowded streets around the Sacré-Cœur. A Montmartre that can feel almost too dreamlike to be real.
But for those who take the time to veer off the main path and stroll at their own pace, Montmartre reveals its quieter magic. A courtyard with a double staircase, a flower-lined dead end, an old windmill tucked behind another, a break in the rooftops that offers a breathtaking view. Rue de l'Abreuvoir, rue Lepic, secret gardens and worn cobblestones speak of the Paris of artists, poets, and composers. A dreamer's Paris that lifts you up, both literally and figuratively.
At the foot of the hill, the Jules Joffrin neighborhood has a more local rhythm. Life feels vibrant but unhurried. You shop at the markets along rue du Poteau and rue Duhesme, passing cheesemongers, florists, and small family-run stores where the shopkeepers greet you with a smile. You eat well here too, in places that are sincere and unpretentious, where bohemian spirit matters more than labels. This part of the 18th leads you naturally toward the Saint-Ouen flea market, where we make it a point to spend at least one Sunday a year. It is a down-to-earth, cheerful, slightly cheeky Paris.
On the other side of the arrondissement is La Goutte d'Or, a neighborhood some still avoid, often out of habit or ignorance. But here too, a vibrant, multicultural, deeply human Paris comes to life. You'll find activist bookstores, unlikely cultural spaces, vivid street art, restaurants and grocery stores filled with rare spices, and community gardens that host some of the city's best festivals. It is a place of welcome, fusion, and creativity. A Paris that brings people together.
At novexpat, we love teaching in the 18th because it holds so many ways of being Parisian. Because it invites listening, discovery, and perspective. And because learning French here means learning to embrace the city in all its complexity and all its beauty.
Let's start your French journey in Paris 18th!
Private French Lessons for Expats in the 18th
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 18th 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 between 20 and 25 minutes by metro via lines 4 or 12!
(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 18 for you in under 2 minutes!
2 Parisian Cafés Where to Take Your French Lessons in Paris 18
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 18th 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 18:
La Cantine de Sam
6 rue Androuet, 75018 Paris
L'Été en Pente Douce
8 Rue Paul Albert, 75018 Paris
French Lessons in the 18th: 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 18th 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 18. Honestly, it was tough to choose from our long list of favorites!
Behind the discreet walls of the Montmartre Museum hides a marvel: the Renoir Gardens. Few know them, and yet… Once you step inside (entry is paid, but worth every cent), the bustle of the Butte fades away.
First, you enter a flowery patio with a lily pond. A few café tables, a swing, the famous Swing immortalized by Renoir… A little further down, a staircase leads to a lush, almost wild green oasis. And there: a breathtaking view of the Clos Montmartre vineyard, the Maison Rose, rue de l'Abreuvoir, and the Lapin Agile. A Montmartre unlike any other—peaceful, enchanting.
Upstairs, you can visit Suzanne Valadon's studio, so alive it feels like she's still there. Downstairs, benches invite you to linger, book in hand or simply gazing into the leaves.
We love this place so much we got a membership to keep coming back.
Who really knows Halle Pajol? Hidden behind Gare de l'Est, this former SNCF hall turned eco-district is now a one-of-a-kind spot. A giant terrace where you can enjoy bagels or iced coffee, a futuristic-style youth hostel, the largest urban solar power station in France on the roof, a bright public library… It's a Paris of reinvention, breath, and movement.
Just next door is the Laiterie de la Chapelle: an artisanal cheesemaker right in the city, making and aging raw milk cheeses by hand. Then stroll over to the covered Marché de l'Olive, tastefully renovated, with sunny terraces perfect for hanging out. Across the tracks, the Éole Gardens, a high-up city park, offer a surprising skyline and a fresh breeze.
A local, slightly hidden city escape... just the kind we love to share with our learners.
18 Esplanade Nathalie Sarraute, 75018 Paris
It's a little lane you discover while walking along avenue Junot. Villa Léandre is 70 meters of cobblestones lined with charming English-style houses: bay windows, floral facades, pastel shutters… A bucolic charm and rare calm in Paris. House number 10 even features a cheeky nod to London that makes us smile every time.
When you leave, you won't want to return to the city right away. So you head up rue Simon Dereure, stroll along allée des Brouillards with its adorable little homes and secret gardens… Until you come face-to-face with the golden-breasted bust of Dalida. And then, you enjoy one of our favorite Paris views (maybe our very favorite): the soft, curving slope of rue de l'Abreuvoir, its cobbles, character homes, the Maison Rose, and the Sacré-Cœur as the backdrop. A postcard come to life and still magical every time.
25 Avenue Junot, 75018 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 18th arrondissement in this idyllic Montmartre setting, with its lively shopping streets and café terraces, beloved by expats and visitors alike.
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 requesting a precise fabric cut at Marché Saint-Pierre, booking a table on the terrace of the Moulin de la Galette, doing groceries at the Marché de l'Olive, discussing artworks at the Dalí museum, chatting with fellow parents at school pick-up, 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 18th arrondissement?
How to Get Started
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Browse our French courses in Paris 18th. 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 18th would best fit you?
Book a video call with Fabienne
Not in the 18th arrondissement of Paris ? No problem!
We also offer French lessons in Paris 8, Paris 9, Paris 10, Paris 17 and Paris 19... Five neighboring arrondissements where we support expats every week in gaining fluency and confidence in everyday conversations.
Looking beyond the 18th? 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 the needs of expats and their families, including private classes, duo or trio lessons. Our small group conversation classes and intensive programs like FrenchBooster take place in a venue located in the 2nd arrondissement, easily accessible by metro (line 4) from the 18th!
We teach in various parts of the 18th, especially around the Montmartre and Jules Joffrin neighborhoods. Classes can take place at home, in handpicked cafés near you, at 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 expat and international children with personalized French lessons, whether it's for a first introduction or academic support. Our classes are fun, age-appropriate, and help kids gain confidence while improving their French. They can take place at home, online, or in a convenient location in the 18th arrondissement.
