French class Paris 20
Looking for a French as a Foreign Language teacher in Paris's 20th arrondissement?
Whether you live, work, or simply love exploring this village-like, warm 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 20th arrondissement: vibrant surprising Paris – an ideal place to learn French
The 20th can't be summed up easily. Not by its vast Père-Lachaise Cemetery, peaceful and moving as it is, nor by its modern apartment blocks. Because for those who take the time to explore or live here, the 20th reveals a different side – warm, welcoming and eclectic. A district where we love teaching French in buzzing cafés, quiet alleys or cultural spots full of life.
This is a district with many faces. Cultures mix here and the arts speak from the walls as much as from the stages. Belleville brings it all together: corner shops from around the world, street food with flavors from Asia or North Africa, busy terraces, vibrant street art and creative spaces that host concerts, exhibitions or community events. Nearby, Rue de Ménilmontant climbs steeply toward the Parc de Belleville. It's a slow walk up, turn by turn, but the reward is one of the best views in Paris. The Eiffel Tower rises on the horizon, a gentle reminder, among the trees and small houses, that yes, this is still Paris.
Further on, you find quiet streets and winding paths: Rue des Cascades, Rue de Saviès, Villa de l'Ermitage… Around each bend, low houses, old workshops and even the occasional vine. A pocket of the city where time seems to pause.
A little farther along is the Gambetta neighborhood, where the 20th moves to a different rhythm. The Théâtre de la Colline, local cafés, independent shops, the hospital – and just nearby, quietly tucked away, the DGSE headquarters. From there, it's easy to slip into Père-Lachaise, a vast, green sanctuary. Silent and solemn, but also full of touches that surprise – like extravagant tombs that can even make you smile.
Heading back toward Rue des Pyrénées, the energy picks up again. Locals gather on the terraces, and soon you're in the Saint-Blaise neighborhood: a modern church, a bright public library, unfussy bistros, cobbled streets. That village feeling is always close – even here, at the edge of the city.
At novexpat, we especially love teaching here. Because the 20th offers a real neighborhood life, cultural richness and a warm atmosphere. It's a welcoming, down-to-earth place where learning French feels natural – far from the tourist clichés. A genuine Paris that invites discovery and connection.
Let's start your French journey in Paris 20th!
Private French Lessons for Expats in the 20th
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 20th 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 20 minutes by metro from stations like Jourdain (L11) or Gambetta (L3) 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 20 for you in under 2 minutes!
2 Parisian Cafés Where to Take Your French Lessons in Paris 20
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 20th 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 20:
Le Floréal
43 rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris
Moncœur Belleville
1 Rue des Envierges, 75020 Paris
French Lessons in the 20th: 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 20th 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 20. Honestly, it was tough to choose from our long list of favorites!
A legendary spot, a little bohemian and totally joyful. Concerts, exhibitions, dance parties, brunches, karaoke... there's always something going on at La Bellevilloise. Come for a drink on the rooftop, dinner under the glass ceiling or a night of karaoke where everyone sings their heart out.
At La Bellevilloise, everyone finds their place no matter their age or mood. It's a joyful mix of styles, generations and vibes. You walk in curious and walk out smiling. Come alone, with your family or with a whole crew!
19-21 Rue Boyer, 75020 Paris
A funny name for a street with a public swimming pool… but there's no risk of drowning here – except maybe in a sea of color. Rue Dénoyez is a hidden gem of the 20th, transformed into an open-air gallery. Along its 150 meters, street art pops up everywhere – on walls, poles, shutters… It's a stream of ever-changing artworks by both known names and anonymous talents.
And when the mood shifts from swimming to curling up with a book, head to Le Barbouquin. This charming tearoom is perfect for sipping tea or homemade hot chocolate nestled in a cozy armchair. You chat, read, breathe. A street we love for its mix of art, softness and whimsy.
Rue Dénoyez, 75020 Paris
Rue des Vignoles is a street to savor slowly. Cobbled paths, blooming alleys, colorful homes and old artist studios create a nearly timeless setting. As you walk, you discover a quiet working-class Paris full of charm and stories.
Then, at number 33 behind a modest facade, a surprise: a flamenco peña! Here, far from grand theaters, the greatest flamenco artists share their art up close. The venue is small but the emotion is huge – and the duende is almost guaranteed. This cozy and soulful place is one of the many multicultural treasures the 20th arrondissement has to offer.
33 rue des Vignoles, 75020 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 20th arrondissement a neighborhood where it feels good to go out, take a walk and enjoy daily life.
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 for getting tips from a wine shop owner on Rue des Pyrénées, ordering a banh-mi from Cô My Cantine, commenting on the latest photo exhibition at the Carré de Baudouin, 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 20th arrondissement?
How to Get Started
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Browse our French courses in Paris 20th. 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 20th would best fit you?
Book a video call with Fabienne
Not in the 20th arrondissement of Paris ? No problem!
We also offer French lessons in Paris 10, Paris 11, Paris 12 and Paris 19... Four neighboring arrondissements where we support expats every week in gaining fluency and confidence in everyday conversations.
Looking beyond the 20th? 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 designed for expats and their families, including private, duo or trio lessons. Our small group conversation classes and intensive programs like FrenchBooster take place in a classroom in the 2nd arrondissement, which is just about twenty minutes away by metro or bike from the 20th.
We teach in various parts of the 20th including the neighborhoods around Belleville, Père Lachaise, Gambetta and Saint-Blaise. Lessons can take place at your home, in carefully selected 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 children and international families with personalized French lessons – whether for early learning or school support. For example, we work with families whose children attend binational or international programs at schools like Maurice Ravel. Our lessons are fun and age-appropriate and help children make real progress while building confidence. They can be held at home, online or in a convenient location in the 20th.
