French class Paris 19
Looking for a French as a Foreign Language teacher in Paris's 19th arrondissement?
Whether you live, work, or simply love exploring this festive, bucolic 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 19th arrondissement: an unexpected Paris, perfect for learning French differently
This is a district that breaks clichés. Too far north for postcards, too big to grasp at once, the 19th is actually a concentrated mix of everything that makes Paris so vibrant.
It starts with the vast cultural hub around Parc de la Villette, unlike anywhere else in the city. The Philharmonie, the Cité des Sciences, the Géode, the Grande Halle: striking spaces designed for learning, creating, listening and sharing. All year long, schoolchildren, families, students and curious minds of all ages come together here. In autumn, jazz takes over and the whole area becomes electric. It's a lively neighborhood where we love to teach, between coffees in one of the many cultural spaces open to the public.
North of the park, the Saint-Ouen canal offers green getaways beyond the ring road. We like following the banks all the way to the Magasins Généraux, or even farther by bike toward the Parc de la Poudrerie, sometimes as far as Meaux to bring back mustard or local cheese. To the south, the canal leads to the Bassin de la Villette, where in summer we enjoy swimming at Paris Plage, having picnic, reading, renting boats or just watching life go by. It's a local Paris, full of human connection, perfect for practicing French in real everyday situations.
And then there are the Buttes-Chaumont, a wild, hilly and almost exuberant park. You climb, you observe, and suddenly, you feel far from the city's hustle. Locals come to kick a ball around, rest on a bench or share a drink at Rosa Bonheur under the trees.
But the 19th is more than just parks. You have to be willing to explore. To slip into hidden alleys like Passage Jandelle or the narrow lanes of La Mouzaïa. To climb to Butte Bergeyre, a tiny, quiet neighborhood with vineyards, cats and sweeping views. To experience daily life at the Flandres open-air market (the cheapest in Paris), at Halle Secrétan or at 104, a vast repurposed industrial site now filled with artists, exhibitions, cafés and workshops for all ages.
At novexpat, we love teaching here. Because the 19th is welcoming, accessible and full of surprises. Because you can practice French by walking, listening, chatting and opening up. Because this part of Paris, rich in contrast, creativity and urban poetry, speaks to everyone. Especially to those settling in.
Let's start your French journey in Paris 19th!
Private French Lessons for Expats in the 19th
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 19th 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 twenty minutes away by metro from Jaurès station (L5) or Botzaris (L7bis) 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 19 for you in under 2 minutes!
2 Parisian Cafés Where to Take Your French Lessons in Paris 19
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 19th 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 19:
Le Pavillon des Canaux
39 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris
Mardi
29 Rue de la Villette, 75019 Paris
French Lessons in the 19th: 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 19th 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 19. Honestly, it was tough to choose from our long list of favorites!
Welcome to one of the most unexpected corners of Paris. Just steps from Buttes-Chaumont, the Mouzaïa district is like a hidden escape, a quiet bubble of poetry.
No Haussmann buildings or grand avenues here, but charming colorful cottages, stairways, cobbled lanes and flower-filled gardens. The whole area is built on old quarries, which explains the unique sloping layout.
You wander aimlessly, meander from one lane to another, hear birds singing and imagine living here... A discreet and enchanting neighborhood, perfect for breathing deep when you need a break from the city's buzz.
Rue de Mouzaïa, 75019 Paris
A quiet staircase off Avenue Simon Bolivar... just a few steps and the city noise fades. Welcome to Butte Bergeyre, one of the 19th's best-kept secrets.
Cobblestone streets, elegant houses (some protected), hidden gardens... This is far from postcard Paris, yet the view is spectacular. One way, the Sacré-Cœur. The other, the Eiffel Tower. Below, a tiny vineyard nodding to Montmartre.
Writers, artists and lovers of peace live tucked away here. You do not pass through by accident. You earn it. It's a Paris made for wandering and discovery, to be savored slowly with wonder.
54 avenue Simon Bolivar, 75019 Paris
Two addresses, two banks, two vibes… connected by a little boat that glides across the Bassin de la Villette. It's a charming touch that makes going to the movies feel a bit magical.
MK2 La Villette offers bright spacious theaters, a great bookstore, cafés to hang out in after the show, and sweeping canal views. The kind of place that lifts a grey Sunday or adds joy to a Saturday out with friends.
If you want to talk about the movie, you can head next door and play pétanque by the water. Magic, any time of year.
7 Quai de la Loire, 75019 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. 💛
390+
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 19th arrondissement where there is always something new to discover, a walk to enjoy or a market to explore.
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 bike advice at the AICV, trying the surprisingly good offal at Quedubon, commenting on the latest contemporary dance show at 104, chatting during a school parent meet-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 19th arrondissement?
How to Get Started
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Browse our French courses in Paris 19th. 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 19th would best fit you?
Book a video call with Fabienne
Not in the 19th arrondissement of Paris ? No problem!
We also offer French lessons in Paris 10, Paris 11, Paris 18 and Paris 20... Four neighboring arrondissements where we support expats every week in gaining fluency and confidence in everyday conversations.
Looking beyond the 19th? 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 expatriates and their families, including private, duo or trio lessons. Small group conversation classes and intensive programs like our FrenchBooster are held in a space in the 2nd arrondissement, easily accessible in about 20 minutes by metro or bike from the 19th!
We teach in different parts of the 19th, especially around Secrétan, Buttes Chaumont, La Villette, Mouzaïa and Place des Fêtes. Classes can take place at your home, in handpicked cafés nearby, at your workplace or online for greater 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 expatriate and international families with tailored French lessons, whether for early language discovery or academic support. Our classes are fun and age-appropriate, helping kids build skills and confidence. They can take place at home, online or in a convenient location in the 19th arrondissement.
