Bonjour!
You live in Paris. French surrounds you every day — in the bakery, on the metro, in your building. And yet, months later, you are still switching to English when things get complicated.
Sound familiar? You are not alone. It is one of the most common experiences among expats in Paris — and there is a good reason for it. Immersion is a gift, but it is not a method. Without structured learning, most people plateau quickly, pick up bad habits, and find themselves stuck at the same level despite living in a French-speaking environment.
After more than 20 years of teaching French to expats and professionals in Paris, here is what we have learned about what actually works — and what doesn't.
1. Make Daily Life Your Classroom — But Do It Wisely
Paris is your greatest asset as a French learner. Every interaction is an opportunity to practise. But to make the most of these moments, you need to be prepared for them — otherwise, you default to English before you even realise it.
Learn the French you actually need first.
Rather than working through a generic textbook, start with the vocabulary and phrases you encounter every day. Order your coffee in French. Greet your concierge in French. Ask for directions in French. Small habits compound quickly.
Listen actively, everywhere.
On the metro, in cafés, in meetings — tune in to how French people actually speak. Notice the rhythm, the liaisons, the contractions. The French you hear on the street is very different from the French taught in textbooks — and both matter.
Read everything around you.
Menus, signage, newspapers, advertisements — Paris is full of written French. Reading regularly, even in small doses, builds vocabulary and reinforces grammar naturally.
At French via Skype, our general French courses are designed to complement this daily immersion — giving you the vocabulary, grammar and confidence to make the most of every interaction in Paris.
Find out why learning French matters.
2. What Doesn't Work: Immersion Without Structure
Many expats arrive in Paris expecting to "pick up" French naturally. And while immersion helps enormously, it has real limits — limits that most people only discover when it is too late:
You plateau without feedback.
Without a teacher to correct your mistakes, incorrect patterns become ingrained. Many long-term Paris expats speak French fluently — but with errors they have been making for years, and which are very hard to unlearn.
Grammar does not come naturally from exposure.
Key structures — the passé composé vs imparfait, the subjunctive, French connectors — do not come naturally from immersion alone. They require explanation, practice and correction.
Comprehension outpaces production.
Most people understand far more than they can say. Without structured speaking practice, the gap between passive understanding and active expression rarely closes on its own.
This is why combining the immersive environment of Paris with regular, personalised tuition makes such a significant difference. Find out how our lessons work.
" I have been studying French with Laure for the past 2 years. I originally met her, and began taking French lessons from her, in Prague 15 years ago. Then, 2 years ago I received an email announcing that Laure would begin giving French lessons via Skype. I jumped at the opportunity! My previous experience with her had been very positive, and I looked forward to working with her again. She is a very professional and competent instructor. She individualizes instruction to precisely fit her students' levels and needs. Her classes are engaging and interesting. I look forward to each session. She offers the right mix of challenge, support, and patience. She provides honest feedback and encouragement in follow-up emails after each session. While I imagine that using Skype as a platform for giving French courses could be more challenging than a face to face class, she is extremely organized. Each lesson is well planned, and efficiently and seamlessly executed. I definitely recommend Laure to anyone who is interested in studying French in a supportive, positive environment. " — Kerith Donnay
" Almost a year and a half ago, I commenced ‘French via Skype’ with Laure because I desired to improve my academic ability and I have a deep interest in travel and global connection. Thus, I can testify to the excellence of Laure’s classes, which are perfectly structured to cover all aspects of language learning. In each lesson, there is always the opportunity to engage in discussion about daily life. This has considerably improved my conversational French and ensured that classes are consistently engaging and often humorous. Laure also concentrates on reinforcing new vocabulary and grammar structures so that they become part of my long term memory. Entering my senior years as a student, a key criteria for valuable tutoring lessons is effective pacing. Laure achieves exactly this, optimising my time so that I rarely feel overwhelmed and conveniently conducting lessons online. I can converse with a native French speaker right from my desk at home! Laure further caters to my needs as a student by willingly providing feedback on school projects. Overall, our lessons have completely elevated my French skills and confidence. " — Sasha Laragy
3. Learn French for the Situations That Matter Most
Different situations in Paris require different kinds of French. Here are the most important ones:
French for Daily Life
Shopping, dealing with your landlord, registering with a doctor, understanding your energy bill — daily life in France requires a practical command of the language that goes beyond basic phrases. Our general French courses are designed to give you exactly this foundation.
French for the Workplace
Professional French is a different register entirely. Meetings, presentations, emails, negotiations — the French workplace has its own codes, formality levels and vocabulary. Many expats who manage fine in daily conversation struggle significantly in professional settings. Our Business French courses are specifically designed for this context.
French for Administration
French administration is notoriously complex — and it is conducted entirely in French. Whether you are applying for a residency permit, renewing your visa, dealing with the CAF, or navigating the tax system, a solid command of administrative French will save you considerable time and stress.
French for Citizenship
Since January 2026, a B2 level in French — certified by the DELF B2 or TCF — is an official requirement for French naturalisation. This is a significant change from the previous B1 requirement. Read our detailed article on the differences between DELF B1 and B2 to understand what this means for you, and our complete guide on DELF B2 courses for French citizenship.
We offer a dedicated French B2 citizenship programme with two tailored modules. Read more about what B2 French level means and how to prepare for the DELF B2.
4. Master the Grammar Points That Make the Biggest Difference
Learning French in Paris is not just about vocabulary — grammar is what allows you to express yourself accurately and confidently. Here are the points that make the biggest practical difference:
The Past Tenses
The passé composé vs imparfait distinction is one of the most common sources of error for English speakers — and one of the most heavily assessed at DELF B1 and B2 level. Understanding when to use each tense is essential for both spoken and written French, and it rarely comes naturally from exposure alone.
French Connectors
Using the right French connectors — cependant, en revanche, pourtant, par conséquent, grâce à, à cause de — transforms basic French into fluent, connected communication. They are also directly assessed in the DELF exam across all levels.
The Subjunctive
Required in many everyday structures — il faut que, bien que, avant que, pour que — the subjunctive is one of the key grammar points that separates intermediate from advanced learners. It appears frequently in both spoken and written French, and mastering it significantly improves your fluency and exam scores.
Written Production
Whether you are writing a professional email, a formal letter, or a DELF essay, structured writing requires specific techniques — planning, argumentation, use of connectors, and appropriate register. Read our guide on how to prepare for the DELF B1 writing test for practical tips applicable at multiple levels.
The DELF B2 Speaking Exam
If you are preparing for citizenship, understanding the DELF B2 speaking topics and the structure of the DELF B2 monologue suivi is essential. Mastering the right expressions and argumentation techniques can make a significant difference to your oral score.
5. Set Clear Goals — and Choose the Right Exam
One of the most effective ways to accelerate your French learning is to work towards an official qualification. Having a concrete goal — an exam date, a target score — gives your learning direction and keeps you motivated.
The main French language exams are:
DELF — the most widely recognised French language diploma, from A1 to B2. Internationally valid, awarded by the French Ministry of Education, and now required at B2 level for French citizenship since January 2026. Not sure which level is right for you? Read our articles on the differences between DELF A2 and B1 and the differences between DELF B1 and B2.
DALF — for advanced learners, at C1 and C2 level. Often required for admission to French universities. La Sorbonne, for example, requires C1 for many programmes.
TCF — a shorter test used for university admission and immigration purposes, including French citizenship and visa applications.
We offer comprehensive preparation for all levels:
Our DELF and DALF students consistently score 80% or above.
6. Practise Speaking — Every Day
Speaking is the skill most learners find hardest — and the one most neglected in traditional language learning. Yet in Paris, it is the skill that matters most.
Speak French from day one. Even if your level is basic, resist the temptation to switch to English. French people generally appreciate the effort, even when their English is excellent.
Use structured role plays in your lessons. At French via Skype, every lesson includes conversation practice based on real-life situations — so that when you encounter those situations in Paris, you are already prepared.
Work on your pronunciation. French pronunciation is one of the biggest barriers for English speakers — nasal vowels, silent letters, liaisons. These take time and focused practice, and our lessons include dedicated pronunciation work from the very first session.
Prepare specifically for your exam's oral component. If you are targeting the DELF B2 for citizenship, read our guide on DELF B2 speaking topics to know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
" Laure has been an absolutely incredible teacher, and I’ve passed my B2 with 92%! That is a fantastic improvement on my mark in the B1, done prior to our lessons. I get a huge amount of practice in all areas in the lesson, and we did plenty of mock exams of all types. After the session I promptly receive a list of vocab I couldn’t remember or didn’t know, words I mispronounced and really good homework focused on issues that came up in the lesson or things I have asked to work on. I’m continuing with lessons even after the exam, which really speaks volumes about how much I enjoy them, and I’m so delighted to now be able to tackle novels I previously had to give up on. I’ve really seen a huge improvement in my French, and crucially also in my confidence with the language. With plenty of encouragement and a huge amount of skill, Laure has helped me exceed my expectations! " —Katherine Rybacki
« Laure est une professeure de français exceptionnelleJ’ai eu le grand plaisir de travailler avec Laure pour préparer l’examen du DELF B1, et je peux affirmer avec certitude qu’elle a joué un rôle essentiel dans ma réussite. Dès le premier cours, Laure a démontré non seulement une excellente maîtrise de la langue française, mais aussi un véritable talent pour l’enseigner de manière claire, vivante et parfaitement adaptée à mon niveau et à ma manière d’apprendre.
Ce qui distingue Laure des autres enseignants, c’est sa capacité à rendre chaque séance à la fois productive et agréable. Elle a une approche calme et bienveillante qui m’a mise à l’aise dès le début, même lorsque nous abordions des points de grammaire complexes ou l’expression orale — qui était mon plus grand défi. Ses cours étaient toujours bien structurés, mêlant conversation, exercices d’écoute, enrichissement du vocabulaire et questions d’examen blanc très proches du format réel.
Laure a également fait preuve d’une grande attention à mon évolution. Elle m’a donné des retours constructifs et précis, ainsi que des conseils pratiques pour améliorer non seulement mes compétences linguistiques, mais aussi ma confiance en moi. Grâce à son accompagnement, je me suis sentie parfaitement prête le jour de l’examen, et j’ai obtenu un résultat dont je suis très fière !
Si vous recherchez une professeure compétente, bienveillante et véritablement inspirante, je ne saurais trop recommander Laure. C’est une enseignante remarquable, passionnée par son métier et sincèrement investie dans la réussite de ses élèves. » — Karen Karbo
7. Support Your Children's French — From School to IB
If you have children attending school in Paris, structured French tuition can make a significant difference — whether they are learning French from scratch or preparing for official exams.
Paris is home to many international schools offering the IB curriculum, including the American School of Paris, the International School of Paris, and the British School of Paris. If your child is preparing for IB French — at Ab initio, SL or HL level — targeted support alongside their school programme can take them from a 4 to a 6 or 7. Read more about our IB French tuition approach.
We also prepare students for DELF junior and DELF prim, as well as GCSE and A-Level French. Our IB students consistently achieve 6 or 7 out of 7. Discover our IB French tuition page.
8. French Citizenship in Paris — What You Need to Know in 2026
If you are planning to apply for French citizenship, language preparation is now more important than ever. Since January 2026, French law requires a B2 level for all naturalisation applications — a significant increase from the previous B1 requirement.
You have three officially recognised options:
- DELF B2 — a lifetime diploma, the most popular choice
- TCF IRN — valid for 2 years, designed specifically for citizenship applications
- TEF IRN — also valid for 2 years
Read our detailed guide on DELF B2 courses for French citizenship to understand exactly what is required and how to prepare. We offer a dedicated French B2 citizenship programme with two tailored modules — accelerated and regular — both including mock exams, personalised feedback, and lesson summaries. Our students consistently score 80% or above.
9. Be Consistent — Small and Regular Beats Intensive and Rare
One of the most common mistakes learners make is trying to learn French intensively for a short period, then stopping. Language learning requires regular, sustained practice — ideally a little every day.
Here is a simple routine that works well for expats in Paris:
- One or two structured lessons per week with a qualified tutor
- Daily practice using the language in real situations — shopping, reading, listening
- Weekly review of vocabulary and grammar from your lessons
- Regular exposure to French media — podcasts, films, TV series, radio. TV5Monde is an excellent free resource, with exercises specifically designed for French learners
At French via Skype, we offer flexible scheduling throughout the year — including evenings, weekends and school holidays. Find out how our lessons work.
Frequently Asked Questions about Learning French in Paris
How long does it take to learn French in Paris?
It depends on your starting level, how intensively you study, and whether you combine structured lessons with daily immersion. Most learners see noticeable progress within a few weeks of regular lessons. Reaching B1 from scratch typically takes 6 to 12 months of consistent practice. Read our article on how long it takes to prepare for the DELF B1 exam for a more detailed overview.
Is it possible to learn French just by living in Paris? Immersion helps significantly, but it is rarely sufficient on its own. Without structured learning, most learners plateau and develop incorrect habits. The most effective approach combines daily immersion with personalised tuition. Find out how our lessons work.
What French level do I need for citizenship in France?
Since January 2026, a B2 level is required for French naturalisation — a significant increase from the previous B1 requirement. Read our guide on the differences between DELF B1 and B2 and our article on DELF B2 for French citizenship.
What is the best exam to prepare for if I want French citizenship?
The DELF B2 is the most popular choice — it is a lifetime diploma and is accepted for all naturalisation applications in France. The TCF IRN and TEF IRN are also accepted but are valid for only two years. Discover our French B2 citizenship programme.
Can you help me prepare for the DELF B2 oral exam?
Yes. The oral exam is often the most challenging part of the DELF B2. Our lessons include extensive speaking practice, mock oral exams, and targeted work on DELF B2 speaking topics and the DELF B2 monologue suivi. Read our guide on 20 essential idiomatic expressions for the DELF B2 monologue for practical preparation tips.
Do you offer lessons for children attending international schools in Paris?
Yes. We support children at all levels — from complete beginners to IB French (Ab initio, SL and HL), DELF junior, and GCSE French. Read more about our IB French tuition.
How French via Skype Can Help You
At French via Skype, our native French tutor has over 20 years of international teaching experience — supporting expats, professionals, students and families in Paris in achieving their French language goals, whether for daily life, the workplace, an official exam, or French citizenship.
All lessons are delivered online via Zoom, Teams or Skype — giving you the flexibility to learn from anywhere in Paris, at a time that suits you.
- DELF and DALF students consistently score 80% or above
- IB French students regularly achieve 6 or 7 out of 7
- Students supported from complete beginner to C2 level
Read what our Paris students say about their experience.
Ready to start? Whether you are a newly arrived expat, a professional, a student, or someone applying for French citizenship — contact us to discuss your needs. We will design a teaching plan tailored to your level, your goals and your schedule in Paris.
À bientôt !
