French class Paris 4
Looking for a French as a Foreign Language teacher in Paris's 4th arrondissement?
Whether you live, work, or simply love exploring this eclectic and so welcoming part of Paris, our French courses, designed especially for expats and their families, will help you grow your language skills and confidence.
The 4th arrondissement: where history sparkles and life shines
The 4th arrondissement is Paris in dreamlike form – full of contrasts and surprises.
It takes us from the grand, bustling square of Notre-Dame to the quiet, tucked-away courtyards of the Village Saint-Paul. From the lively slope of Centre Pompidou, with its bold exhibitions and the dancing figures of the Stravinsky Fountain, to the winding streets of the Lower Marais, lined with design shops, fashion boutiques, cozy cafés, the elegant BHV, and foodie gems like Eataly. From the graceful banks of Île Saint-Louis, where buildings seem to lean into the Seine, to the almost theatrical charm of Place des Vosges, circled by galleries and echoing with children's laughter. And then there's the strange, quiet beauty of the Arsenal district – broad, serene streets and a port, right in the middle of Paris.
On Sundays, the contrast is even sharper. The Marais is one of the few Paris neighborhoods where shops stay open. Streets turn pedestrian, sidewalks fill with life, and we weave through a crowd outside a famous ice cream shop, into a boutique, or into the sound of a street concert. It feels festive, generous – a Paris that shares itself freely. Yet take one turn, and the mood shifts: Place Sainte-Catherine offers gentle quiet; Victor Hugo's apartment still holds the scent of ink and paper; the hidden garden at the Hôtel de Sully and medieval Rue des Barres whisper that nothing here is linear – everything is surprise and detour.
The 4th dares to blend centuries: forgotten cellars, old ramparts, noble mansions like the Hôtel de Sens, and a vibrant, inclusive spirit, especially on Rue des Archives, the joyful heart of the LGBTQ+ district. Here, eras meet like passersby. The stones speak, and the present reinvents itself every day.
At novexpat, we love teaching here because this is where Paris feels complete: a place of heritage, art, commerce, creativity, tenderness and bold expression. The 4th makes us smile and reminds us how alive, layered and deeply human this city can be. Learning French here means stepping into a living culture – past, present, and future. A true playground for our learners, and for us.
Let's start your French journey in Paris 4th!
Private French Lessons for Expats in the 4th
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 4th 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 10 to 15 minutes by metro or bike, or around 20 minutes on foot from anywhere in the 4th arrondissement!
(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 4 for you in under 2 minutes!
2 Parisian Cafés Where to Take Your French Lessons in Paris 4
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 4th 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 4:
Terres de Café
36 Rue des Blancs Manteaux, 75004 Paris
L'Ébouillanté
6 Rue des Barres, 75004 Paris
French Lessons in the 4th: 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 4th 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 4. Honestly, it was tough to choose from our long list of favorites!
You stumble into the Jardin des Rosiers almost by accident, coming from Rue des Rosiers, maybe still holding a warm falafel. The buzz of the Pletzl, the old Jewish quarter, fades. In the shadow of a stretch of Philippe Auguste's old wall, a fig tree hugs the stone, a chestnut tree reaches over us, and the scent of roses gently halts our steps.
It's a series of small gardens, each with its own pace, its own charm. In the back, on a bench near the Hôtel de Coulanges, you can glimpse the tall chimney of the old Société des Cendres, now overlooking Uniqlo's first shop-museum in Paris. Kids laugh by the playground. Sometimes a squirrel darts by, to everyone's delight. And we bask in the sun...
We always end up staying longer than expected. And we leave with lighter hearts, as if Paris had shared a secret.
10 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris
On an unassuming pillar in Place des Vosges, at shoulder height, you'll find some faint letters and a date carved with a knife: 1764 NICOLAS.
The year is 1764. This simple, secret act is now recognized as the oldest graffiti in Paris.
But what truly moves us is the author: Nicolas-Edme Restif de La Bretonne, a nocturnal, bohemian writer and avid walker, who wandered Paris observing its people and left us his work Les Nuits de Paris.
This tiny graffiti is a wink from the past. A nudge to look up, stay curious, and read Paris like an infinite palimpsest. Maybe today's street art started right here?
11 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
Tucked away on a quiet Marais street, the MEP is a place we return to often for an exhibition that stirs something, an image that resonates, a light that questions. Big names of course – Nan Goldin, Brassaï, Irving Penn… – but also bold, emerging talents.
We love wandering the upper floors, getting lost in a black-and-white series, reflecting aloud or in silence. The careful staging, the varied formats – everything draws you into each photographer's world.
And for those who love to create themselves: workshops, meetups, a library. A beautiful gateway to contemporary photography. A place to sharpen your eye!
5-7 Rue de Fourcy, 75004 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 4th arrondissement a vibrant, stylish, and intimate neighborhood.
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 asking advice from the salespeople at the BHV, ordering an ice cream from Berthillon, admiring the stunning view from the top of the Centre Pompidou, shopping on Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, during a parent-teacher meeting at the multilingual Massillon School, 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 4th arrondissement?
How to Get Started
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Browse our French courses in Paris 4th. 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 4th would best fit you?
Book a video call with Fabienne
Not in the 4th arrondissement of Paris ? No problem!
We also offer French lessons in Paris 3, Paris 5, Paris 6, Paris 11 and Paris 12... Five neighboring arrondissements where we support expats every week in gaining fluency and confidence in everyday conversations.
Looking beyond the 4th? 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 lessons, duo or trio sessions. Our small group conversation classes and intensive programs like FrenchBooster take place in a classroom in the 2nd arrondissement, just about 15 minutes away by metro or bike from the 4th!
We teach in various parts of the 4th, including around the Lower Marais, Hôtel de Ville, and Arsenal neighborhoods. Lessons can take place at your home, in carefully chosen nearby cafés, 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 expat and international families with personalized French lessons, whether it's a first introduction or school support. We work with children and parents, for example, at the Massillon School. Our lessons are playful, age-appropriate, and designed to build both language skills and confidence. They can be held at home, online, or in a convenient location in the 4th arrondissement.
