French class Paris 8
Looking for a French as a Foreign Language teacher in Paris's 8th arrondissement?
Whether you live, work, or simply love exploring this captivating part of Paris, our French courses, designed especially for expats and their families, will help you grow your language skills and confidence.
The 8th arrondissement: a showcase of French elegance… and its backstage
It's a neighborhood you think you know, until you actually spend time there.
The 8th starts with a thrill. That feeling you get at the Petit Palais, standing before a mural or strolling through its sunlit inner garden. That tingle as you walk down Avenue Montaigne, a discreet temple of haute couture, passing Dior and Chanel. And of course, there are the Champs-Élysées, never asleep, where it feels like you're stepping into an open-air theatre. You meet people from all walks of life: tourists, sports fans, partygoers, wanderers, fashionistas. The avenue shifts with the seasons and events. It brings together all of Paris and far beyond.
But there's more to the 8th than its famous avenue. Slip away via rue Washington, and you'll find hidden passages and leafy courtyards. Then, onto Parc Monceau, a romantic, mysterious retreat where joggers, readers, and families share its winding paths. Between meetings, if time allows, we love stepping into the Jacquemart-André Museum. It's like entering someone's private home, calm, refined, intimate.
And then there's rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. A legendary street lined with grand hotels, fashion houses, private clubs and embassies, all whispering rather than shouting for attention. We often find ourselves pausing in front of immaculate windows or catching the hush of a discreet business lunch. Behind tall gates lie hidden worlds: embassy courtyards, private gardens, even a traditional English tennis court. Here, prestige is subtle – it's felt, not flaunted.
The 8th is also a place of work. Around Madeleine, Europe, or Saint-Augustin, major firms have their headquarters. Banking, luxury, tech, consulting – this is where numbers and ideas are made. At lunchtime, cafés buzz with quick chats and impromptu meetings. The energy is real, almost electric – it's part of what makes Paris so unique.
At novexpat, we love teaching here because of that energy, that rare balance of grandeur and discretion. The 8th impresses, but it also intrigues. It makes us reflect on what “success in Paris” really means. It teaches us to notice subtle cues, to sharpen our eyes and ears. In this dreamlike setting, we observe, we listen and we uncover the visible and invisible workings of the city.
Let's start your French journey in Paris 8th!
Private French Lessons for Expats in the 8th
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 8th 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 less than 20 minutes by metro from Franklin D. Roosevelt station, 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 8 for you in under 2 minutes!
2 Parisian Cafés Where to Take Your French Lessons in Paris 8
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 8th 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 8:
Café 1902
2 Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
Marcella
1 Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008 Paris
French Lessons in the 8th: 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 8th 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 8. Honestly, it was tough to choose from our long list of favorites!
This is one of those places you want to keep secret – it feels so timeless, untouched, and precious. The Jacquemart-André Museum, set in a private mansion near Parc Monceau, offers a rare glimpse into the lives of two passionate art collectors and the elegance of Paris's 19th-century upper class.
It feels like the couple might return from dinner at any moment: the grand reception rooms, Madame's bedroom, Monsieur's antechamber and bath, the winter garden and that magnificent staircase that stirs emotion every time. It's refined, hushed, and surprisingly peaceful as if the walls still whispered conversations from another era.
And the art: Rembrandt, Botticelli, Donatello… never flashy, always chosen with taste and passion. You wander slowly, almost in silence, moved by the generosity of a home turned museum.
You leave with a strange sensation: as though you've been a guest in the memory of a devoted couple, in a Paris that's gone but still alive, here. We love this museum dearly.
158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris
Just steps from the Champs-Élysées' bustle, hidden among the sunken gardens, lies a spot we love to whisper about to our students: Place du Canada and its quaint Jardin de la Nouvelle-France.
Bronze busts of Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain remind us that we share more than language with Quebec: a history of bravery, journeys and culture. But the real treasure is nestled in a green alcove: the Jardin de la Nouvelle-France, a charming, unexpected escape. A flower-covered bridge, a still pond, maple trees... a breath of North America.
It's a curious mix—half Haussmann, half wild garden, between classic structure and rustic charm, remnant of the Swiss pavilion from the 1900 World's Fair. And the dreamlike stroll continues to the Musset monument, all in white marble and romantic nostalgia.
Nearly invisible… yet unforgettable. We always return whether to sit, read, chat in French, or just enjoy this quiet, beautiful corner of Paris.
Place du Canada, 75008 Paris
We always share this spot with a knowing smile—half a joke, but always sincere. Because yes, in Paris, even a restroom break can be a cultural experience!
Near Madeleine, between meetings or just before class, skip the café queues and head underground to the Lavatory Madeleine. For two euros, you enter a restored Art Nouveau gem, reopened in 2023 after an amazing renovation.
It's pure visual delight: polished mahogany, stained glass, elegant mosaics, individual sinks, period mirrors… You feel like you've stepped into Belle Époque Paris, where even daily routines had grace.
We love recommending it to students. Not just as a quirky tip, but as a lesson in Parisian spirit: beauty and style, even in the most unexpected details.
Place de la Madeleine, 75008 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 8th arrondissement a district where refinement and energy meet, where art, luxury and business coexist.
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 asking for tips from shop staff on the Champs-Élysées, ordering a truffled Croque-Comté at La Scène, commenting on Asian porcelain at the Cernuschi Museum, picking a wine at Taillevent's cellar, or meeting other parents at Le Petit Cours du Rocher, 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 8th arrondissement?
How to Get Started
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Browse our French courses in Paris 8th. 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 8th would best fit you?
Book a video call with Fabienne
Not in the 8th arrondissement of Paris ? No problem!
We also offer French lessons in Paris 1, Paris 7, Paris 9, Paris 16 and Paris 17... Five neighboring arrondissements where we support expats every week in gaining fluency and confidence in everyday conversations.
Looking beyond the 8th? 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 to suit expats and their families, including private lessons, duo and trio lessons. Our small-group conversation classes and intensive programs like FrenchBooster are held in a classroom in the 2nd arrondissement, just a 20-minute metro or bike ride from the 8th!
We teach in various parts of the 8th, including the Champs-Élysées, Monceau, Madeleine, and Europe areas. Classes can be held at your home, in hand-picked cafés near you, at your workplace, or online if you prefer 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 it's their first exposure to the language or academic support. We work with kids attending schools like Le Petit Cours du Rocher, EIB Monceau Primary School or Eurécole. Our classes are fun, age-appropriate, and help kids gain confidence as they improve their French. Lessons can take place at home, online, or in a convenient location in the 8th arrondissement.
