French class Paris 2
Looking for a French as a Foreign Language teacher in Paris's 2nd arrondissement?
Whether you live, work, or simply love exploring this lively, cosmopolitan part of Paris, our French courses, designed especially for expats and their families, will help you grow your language skills and confidence.
The 2nd Arrondissement: a cozy, vibrant slice of Paris to learn French
Paris's smallest arrondissement is packed with elegance, history… and endless chances to practice your French.
The 2nd arrondissement charms with its density, richness, and understated beauty. It's here you'll find the famous covered passages of Paris: Passage des Panoramas, Passage Choiseul, Passage Vivienne — steeped in history, lined with quirky shops and tempting eateries. A stroll here takes you past vintage storefronts, postcard displays, hidden restaurants, and bookshops run by true enthusiasts… the perfect backdrop for a gentle, immersive dive into the French language.
But the 2nd isn't just about the past. It's a lively hub buzzing with startups and creatives. On Rue des Jeûneurs, Rue d'Aboukir, and Rue Montorgueil, cafés fill up at lunchtime, counters get busy, and conversations fly. And at the far end of Rue Sainte-Anne, it's like stepping into another world, filled with Japanese and Korean flavors, spices from across the globe, and a French peppered with accents from everywhere.
Come evening, the vibe shifts. The Opéra-Comique opens its doors, laughter fills the Bouffes-Parisiens, and the Grand Rex lights up Boulevard Poissonnière with its glowing Art Deco marquee.
And then there's Montorgueil. A village within the city. That's where our group classes happen, in a cozy maze of pedestrian streets, where a century-old pastry shop, grocery stores, and buzzing bars all live side by side.
Learning French in the 2nd means quickly feeling part of Parisian life. And we love guiding our learners, step by step, word by word.
Let's start your French journey in Paris 2nd!
Private French Lessons for Expats in the 2nd
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 2nd 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 in small groups? Our FrenchUp classes can be shared with friends, family, or peers at the same level.
Group lessons like French Conversation Classes or the FrenchBooster Program take place right here, in the heart of Montorgueil, in our classroom at 54 rue Greneta — just a 5-minute walk from Châtelet-les-Halles!
(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 2 for you in under 2 minutes!
2 Parisian Cafés Where to Take Your French Lessons in Paris 2
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 2nd 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 2:
Café du Centre
57 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris
Bistrot Vivienne
4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris
French Lessons in the 2nd: 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 2nd 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 discover in Paris 2. Let the adventure begin!
When we need a little softness, this is where we go. Just steps from the hustle of the Grands Boulevards, Galerie Vivienne is still one of our best-kept secrets. You step in like entering a bubble — beneath an elegant glass canopy, surrounded by mosaics, woodwork, and a soft glow. There's always something new to notice: a changing window display, a different mood depending on the time of day.
We love wandering here after class, chatting about literature outside a vintage bookstore, or imagining Vidocq's secret meetings — the very first private detective had his office right here. It's a place of stories, whispers, slow footsteps. And even if some shop windows show jaw-dropping prices, the passage still feels warm, curious, a bit magical.
It's our sweet escape, just around the corner from Palais-Royal. A little walk that's good for the head and the heart.
4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris
When we're looking for lunch between classes in the 2nd or on a drizzly Paris day, we somehow always end up here. The Passage Choiseul is our go-to hideout — a long, light-filled passage with that old-school Paris charm. Small signs, simple plates, delicious smells. We've got our favorites: a hearty soup, a loaded salad, something hot to-go, and off we go again, recharged.
Right next door, it's a whole different world: Rue Sainte-Anne bursts with Asian flavors. Come for steaming bowls of ramen, crispy gyozas, or spicy Korean dishes. There's always a line (a good sign), and inside, voices mingle in every language. It's lively, generous, super authentic.
We love this double detour — the calm elegance of a historic passage on one side, the buzzing energy of Asia on the other. And always, the same promise: a delicious escape.
1 Passage Choiseul, 75002 Paris
We'll admit it: at Novexpat, we've got a soft spot for Dédé. Dédé la Frite is this relaxed, retro-style brasserie where we often end up after classes to unwind over a cone of golden, crispy, addictive fries and a solid Belgian beer. No special occasion needed — just a craving for somewhere simple, cheerful, and fuss-free.
The little terrace opens right onto the street — perfect for people-watching: locals passing by, suited professionals, fashionistas fresh out of nearby boutiques. And inside? It's a joyful mix of lost tourists, loyal neighbors, giggling students… Everyone chats, no one takes themselves too seriously.
It's our cure for overly stuffy bistros. Honestly, we keep coming back — if only for the fries.
52 Rue Notre Dame des Victoires, 75002 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 2nd arrondissement a lively, full-of-surprises neighborhood I love exploring with my learners.
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 at a coin dealer's stand on Rue Saint-Marc, at a bistro on Rue des Petits-Champs, shopping along Rue Montorgueil, at the doctor's, their kids' school, or Fashion Week at Place de la Bourse, 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 2nd arrondissement?
How to Get Started
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Browse our French courses in Paris 2nd. 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 2nd would best fit you?
Book a video call with Fabienne
Not in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris ? No problem!
We also offer French lessons in Paris 1, Paris 8, Paris 9, Paris 10, Paris 3 and Paris 4... Six neighboring arrondissements where we support expats every week in gaining fluency and confidence in everyday conversations.
Looking beyond the 2nd? 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, duo or trio classes. You'll also find small group conversation classes and intensive options like our FrenchBooster Program, all held in our classroom right in the pedestrian-friendly Montorgueil neighborhood of the 2nd arrondissement, just a short walk from Châtelet-les-Halles!
We teach in various spots around the 2nd, including the Bourse area, rue Sainte-Anne, the covered passages, and Montorgueil or the Quartier du Caire. Classes can happen at your home, in a hand-picked café nearby, at your workplace, or online for more flexibility. In-person group classes are held at 54 rue Greneta, in the Montorgueil neighborhood, close to Châtelet-les-Halles.
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 children and international families with personalized French lessons, whether it's their first introduction to the language or they need help with school. Our lessons are fun, age-appropriate, and designed to help kids build confidence while learning. Classes can take place at home, online, or at a convenient spot in the 2nd arrondissement.
