The Importance of Learning French in France

Welcome to France, a country renowned for its rich history, culture, and global influence. As you embark on your educational journey in this beautiful land, we would like to emphasize the significance of learning the French language and participating in a French language course while you are here.

Cultural Immersion: Learning a language is not merely about mastering grammar and vocabulary; it’s about understanding the culture and the people who speak it. By studying French in France, you have a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the French way of life, from its art and cuisine to its traditions and values. This immersion will not only enhance your language skills but also broaden your cultural horizons.

Effective Communication: French is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, with over 300 million speakers across the globe. In France, the ability to communicate in French is essential for daily life, whether it’s ordering in a café, asking for directions, or building meaningful relationships with locals. Learning French here will enable you to communicate effectively and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Academic Excellence: Many of you have chosen to study in France for its prestigious educational institutions. While English is widely used in academic settings, learning French will open up a wealth of academic resources. It will allow you to access research materials, attend lectures in French, and collaborate with local students and professors, enriching your educational experience.

Career Opportunities: In today’s globalized world, multilingualism is a valuable asset in the job market. Proficiency in French can significantly enhance your career prospects, not only in France but also in international organizations and businesses. Learning French in France is a strategic investment in your future.

The Importance of Learning French in France

Personal Growth: Learning a new language is a rewarding personal journey that promotes cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. It challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and build confidence in your abilities. By studying French in France, you’ll not only grow academically but also as an individual.

Integration and Inclusivity: Speaking French in France fosters a sense of belonging and inclusivity within the local community. It demonstrates your commitment to embracing the culture and being a part of the French society, making your stay more enriching and enjoyable.

“Studying at ACCORD Paris Language School is an investment in the growth of my future friendships and international opportunities. I can’t wait for you to explore the city of love with the friends you’ll meet from around the world. With classes provided all year long, we’re looking forward to seeing you study at ACCORD Paris Language School.” – Alexis Bardy, June 2023

In conclusion, learning French in France is not just a requirement but an incredible opportunity to enrich your academic, cultural, and personal experiences. It will open doors to a world of possibilities, helping you make the most of your time in this remarkable country.

Bienvenue en France! Welcome to France! We look forward to welcoming you at ACCORD Tour Eiffel French language school on your journey to becoming proficient in the beautiful French language.

Study French in France

You are looking for the Best French Courses in France? Select one of the Accredited French Language Courses proposed by a Qualité FLE school. Study French in France with ACCORD French Language School in the beautiful capital, Paris. ACCORD is an accredited Qualité FLE Private Institute of High Education.

ACCORD French Language School near the Eiffel Tower: Founded in 1988, the all year round French language school is located just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Eiffel Tower, the Champs de Mars, the Musée du Quai Branly, the Invalides (with the tomb of Napoleon the 1st), the Seine river and the Bateaux Parisiens, and opposite the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro and its famous gardens and fountains.

ACCORD: 3bis rue Jean-Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 55 33 52 33

The ACCORD Paris language school is recommended by the editorial staff of PARIS MOVE

ACCORD is rated 5 stars on Tripadvisor

Introducing… Montmartre

Welcome back to the latest in our Introducing series where we give you an insight into the French capital’s best-known landmarks if it’s your first time here plus some quirky facts if you’ve been here before. This time we’re introducing you to Montmartre, one of the biggest attractions in Paris and just half an hour on the metro from Accord language school! Ready to explore?

Don’t lose your head

You’ll know from your French lessons at ACCORD that Montmartre means “mountain of martyrs”. So here’s the legend behind the name: Saint Denis was the first bishop of Paris (and its patron saint). The Romans beheaded Denis and his companions Rustique and Eleuthère on the hill where the Sacré-Cœur stands but rather than drop dead, Denis picked up his severed head and delivered a sermon about repentance as he walked away!

Belle Epoque glory days

Hilltop Montmartre was once a cute little village with little farms, vineyards and windmills… until the Belle Epoque when it became a magnet for the world’s best-known artists! The cost of living here was affordable and it was exempt from Paris’ wine tax making wine cheap. A lively cabaret culture flourished here and the likes of Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh moved in. If you want a taste of what life was like back then with the bohemian gang of artists, pay a visit to “Au Lapin Agile” at 22 rue des Saules. The cabaret is one of the oldest and most popular in Paris and still stages a show every evening from Tuesday to Saturday.

Place du Tertre

The local artistic legacy lives on today in Montmartre on Place du Tertre. It’s one of the most visited squares in Paris and literally full of artists selling their canvases or doing portraits on the hop. It’s no wonder that competition for a space is so fierce! First of all you have to wait about 10 years on the waiting list for a spot, then you’re allocated a tiny 3 square feet that you have to share with another artist on alternating days. Last but not least, you’re only allowed to do paintings, portraits, caricatures and silhouettes.

Climb those stairs

Montmartre is famous for its many stairways and being a hill, your calves are in for a serious workout making your way up the slopes. The stairs are great for your Instagram feed but maybe not so ideal when you’ve got the kids in tow or have limited mobility. Never fear, the tourist train is here! It sets off from Place Blanche by the Moulin Rouge every half hour and takes you to Place du Tertre in 15 minutes (it takes 30 minutes the other way). It costs 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children. So there you have it, if you want to save your pennies then take the stairs and enjoy the views, but if you want to save your energy then hop on board and enjoy the ride!

ACCORD: 3bis rue Jean-Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 55 33 52 33

The ACCORD Paris language school is recommended by the editorial staff of PARIS MOVE

ACCORD is rated 5 stars on Tripadvisor

How to get to the ACCORD Tour Eiffel school:

• by Métro (underground/subway)
  Nearest stations: La Motte-Picquet Grenelle (lines 6, 8 and 10) and Dupleix (line 6)
  Other stations: Ecole Militaire (line 8), Bir-Hakeim (line 6)
• by Bus: line no. 86 (Champ de Mars), line no. 82 (bus stops: Champ de Mars – Suffren, and/or Général Detrie), line no. 42 (bus stop: Desaix and/or Champ de Mars – Suffren)

With ACCORD navigating your New City: Paris!

If you’re traveling to Paris for a day, a week, a month or a year, we’re here to provide you with the navigation necessities to shift your stay into high gear. ACCORD language school wants to make sure you’re super safe coming to and from school every weekday, so let’s chat about the variety of ways to navigate the beautiful city of Paris!

Taking the metro:

Since the year 1900 when the Paris metro first opened to the public, Parisians and tourists alike have transformed the metro into the most widely used public transportation system in Paris. With a station no more than 400 meters away at all times, taking the Parisian metro is a convenient and ecological way to arrive at your next destination. In order to board the train, you must follow at least one of the following steps:
– Purchase a ticket from an automated machine
– Get in line at the ticket booth to ask the employee for a Navigo Easy Card or a Navigo Décourverte Pass (Talking to the employee will provide you with a valuable opportunity to practice your French!)

Discover the best transportation strategy for your Paris journey with these insider tips! Grab a single-use t+ ticket from the automated machine for occasional metro and bus rides. Always make sure to hold on to your single use t+ ticket throughout your entire journey in the metro station in order to avoid fines! For a more convenient option, the Navigo Easy Card stores all your tickets electronically on a single card. Want unlimited metro access? Opt for the Navigo Découverte Pass, available weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Just provide a physical photo copy of your face to get it from the booth. Locals love this pass for its incredible value when used frequently.
With over 4 million daily passengers, the Paris metro promises a unique underground adventure to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture!

How to get to the ACCORD Tour Eiffel school by Métro:
Nearest stations: La Motte-Picquet Grenelle (lines 6, 8 and 10) and Dupleix (line 6)
Other stations: Ecole Militaire (line 8), Bir-Hakeim (line 6)

Biking through cobblestone streets:

Renting a bike in Paris is a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the enchanting city. To rent a bike, start by using one of the city’s public bike-sharing systems, such as Vélib’. These bikes are available at numerous stations throughout the city, with the closest station to ACCORD language school located on 11 Bd de Grenelle, 75015. Simply choose a bike, unlock it using the app or a card, and you’re ready to pedal your way through Paris. One of the major benefits of bike rentals is the freedom it offers to navigate through traffic and explore charming side streets that may be inaccessible by other means of transportation. Additionally, cycling allows you to experience the city at a leisurely pace, soaking in the captivating architecture and cultural landscapes. However, it’s essential to be cautious about traffic and pedestrian-filled areas, as Paris is a highly populated city that may be overwhelming for inexperienced cyclists. Moreover, during peak hours, bike availability might become limited, leading to potential frustrations.
Overall, renting a bike in Paris is a delightful way to experience the city’s charm and discover hidden gems, with the only downside being the need for attentiveness amidst the city’s vibrant hustle and bustle.

Let’s take a walk:

Walking through the streets of Paris is truly a feeling unlike any other. You’re able to hear the laughter of locals, the smell of fresh buttery croissants, and most importantly—walking around Paris gives you the unique opportunity to slowly soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful city. Some of the most picturesque spots in Paris are Montmartre and the Wall of Love in the 18e, the Champs-Élysées in the 8e, the Parc du Champ de Mars in the 7e (and only a 5 minute walk from school!), the ‘Quartier Latin’, the ‘Quartier du Marais’ and the Picasso museum, and many more…

Cruising down the street in bus or a car:

Whether you feel stranded in the middle of the night or you’re looking to travel to your next destination with a view of Paris from the comfort of a car seat, it is important to know your rideshare and bus transportation options. Choose from popular rideshare apps like Uber, FreeNow, or Bolt for a comfy ride any time, anywhere in the city. They’re convenient, often cheaper than regular taxis, and available 24/7. However, if you want a scenic adventure, hop on the bus! With metro tickets or a Navigo Découverte Pass in hand, you’re all set to ride. Just wait at the bus station, and the bus will whisk you away. Remember to enter through the front, tap your pass or ticket, and you’re good to go. Beware of fines for fare evasion! Most buses operate Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 12:30 am, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore Paris like a pro!

Navigating your New City: Paris!

ACCORD language school wants to make sure you arrive safe and on time for class, so be sure to follow all the guidelines necessary when navigating your way around the beautiful streets of Paris!

The ACCORD French language school offers a choice of 8 French intensive courses (from 20 to 29h/week), 2 French super-intensive courses (32h and 35h/week), 5 exam preparation courses (DELF, DALF, A/AS level, ILC , Abitur), 8 French intensive PLUS courses (intensive course with 5 to 20 individual lessons), Business French and French and Law lessons in mini groups, as well as 7 afternoon lessons and French private and individual lessons.

ACCORD 2023 dates and prices to view and download

The ACCORD Paris language school is recommended by the editorial staff of PARIS MOVE

ACCORD is rated 5 stars on Tripadvisor

Super Strategies for Success at Accord Langues Paris

Studying a language is an extremely personal experience. The hours of dedication put towards improving your French language and comprehension are bound to inspire you to keep learning or potentially deter you from obtaining this newfound skill. ACCORD provides students with a variety of opportunities to increase your motivation in studying French. Through discovering local attractions recommended by the native French professors to wanting to order French cuisine without using google translate, here are Super Strategies for Success at the Accord Langues Paris French school.

1) Always ask for help

Imagine this: It’s a Sunday and you just landed in the city of your dreams… Paris! You’re so excited to finally feel the buttery crunch of your first French croissant, so as you walk into the boulangerie with one special pastry on your mind, the worker greets you in their mother tongue: French. You just arrived in this entirely new environment surrounded in a language you don’t yet speak and suddenly this seemingly small moment of ordering a croissant transforms into a huge realization. How should I respond? Should I just point to the croissant and hope for the best? Everything looks so delicious, what if I also want a baguette but I simply don’t know how to ask? Fear no longer, Accord Langues Paris will make your language skills so much stronger.
The next day as you walk through the shiny silver doors on your first day of studying at ACCORD, you spot your name and classroom number on the giant billboard and walk straight to your seat. Although apprehensive at first, you wait until halfway through class and approach your professor during the break. As your stomach is rumbling in search of a mid-day snack, you specifically ask your professor for the correct ways to order at the boulangerie. Not only do they provide you with a variety of polite methods to use when ordering food, but they give you recommendations for the best boulangeries all across Paris. When in doubt, Accord Langues Paris will help you out!

2) Make friends at Accord Langues Paris!

ACCORD provides classes for students in every possible category of language comprehension. Due to this coexistence of courses, when each class enters their 15 minute break period around the same time each day, students have the opportunity to meet someone who may not be in their class nor their level of French. This environment proposes extraordinary possibilities to connect with even more people from all over the world.
Regardless of how long you may be studying at ACCORD, the friends you meet along the way last forever.

Jaiden: “I met one of my best friends studying at ACCORD for only two weeks! I live in the United States and she lives in Switzerland, so even though we may be on opposite sides of the world, I always know that I have a friendly face to see every holiday vacation! I can’t thank ACCORD enough for providing me the opportunity to meet so many driven people from all over the world.” ~ student at ACCORD in 2018

3) Practice Makes Progress

Through learning new techniques in mastering your French every day, the accumulation of knowledge needs to be put into action. The professors at Accord Langues Paris ensure that the entirety of class is French for maximum immersion. In return, the expectation is that students ask questions and respond in French as well. The completely immersive classroom environment may seem intimidating at first, but the improvement you’re able to make after just one week of studying entirely in French is often unrecognizable compared to your language skills beforehand. A wonderful way to continue improving is to practice French outside of class as well. Creating a team of fellow students to have a picnic with while having conversations in French is a fun and useful tool to rapidly improve your language skills. In addition, challenging yourself to order a meal or make a reservation entirely in French will make you feel more confident to keep practicing and improving. Utilize the unique opportunity you have to sharpen your French speaking and comprehension within the home country of French, your future self will be very grateful!

Through giving yourself the gift of studying French at Accord Langues Paris, you embark on the adventure of a lifetime with support from staff, socializing with students, and self-discipline to reach for success. We can’t wait to see you thrive in Paris and it’s an honor to be a part of your journey!

Alexis Bardy – July 2023

Study French in France

You are looking for the Best French Courses in France? Select one of the Accredited French Language Courses proposed by a Qualité FLE school. Study French in France with ACCORD French Language School in the beautiful capital, Paris. ACCORD is an accredited Qualité FLE Private Institute of High Education.

ACCORD French Language School near the Eiffel Tower: Founded in 1988, the all year round French language school is located just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Eiffel Tower, the Champs de Mars, the Musée du Quai Branly, the Invalides (with the tomb of Napoleon the 1st), the Seine river and the Bateaux Parisiens, and opposite the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro and its famous gardens and fountains.

ACCORD: 3bis rue Jean-Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 55 33 52 33

All Photos: ©Frankie Pfeiffer

ACCORD suggestion: a Versailles Day Trip

No visit to France would be complete without a trip to Versailles. The name alone conjures images of gold, glitz, glass, pomp and glory doesn’t it? Despite its luxury, it’s within easy reach by public transport from the city centre and a “passport” to visit the palace and grounds costs just under 30 Euros… so you can bask in the Sun King’s glory yourself for a few hours!

How to get to Versailles

ACCORD language school is all about being eco-friendly and taking care of the planet, so here are a couple of cheap and green ways to get to the palace (and you can put your French skills to good use when you buy your tickets at the machine or counter too!). Hop on the RER Line C train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station then walk 10 minutes to the palace (60-90 minute journey) or catch the RATP bus 171 from Pont de Sèvres (metro line 9 terminus) to Versailles (30 minute journey depending on traffic).

Humble beginnings

Looking at it now, you wouldn’t believe that the Palace of Versailles started out as a humble hunting lodge. Louis XIII took a liking to Versailles during hunting trips here and decided to have a little country house built between his main residence in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Paris in 1623. When we say humble, we mean it! It was described as a building that a gentleman would not be overly proud of… so the king had it rebuilt in 1631 and laid the foundations for the palace we see today. Louis XIII’s son, Louis XIV, developed a fondness for visiting the palace on hunting trips with his governor from 1651 and often ended up staying here. He was the one who saw the potential of the palace and the woodland around it, unleashed his inner architect and made the château what it is today.

The grand tour

It would take days for you to explore everything Versailles has to offer, so since you’re expected back in class at ACCORD on Monday morning, here are a few of the biggest attractions that you don’t want to miss:

• The Hall of Mirrors, a room used to host balls and receptions
• The King’s State Apartment, including seven salons named after mythological gods
• The Queen’s Apartment, recently reopened after renovation work
• The Gardens, André Le Nôtre’s masterpiece
• The Queen’s Hamlet, where Marie-Antoinette would escape court life

There are also Musical Fountains, Night Fountains, Musical Gardens and Royal Serenade shows at specific times between April 1^st and October 31^st so check the website to see if you can fit in a show. You can bring a picnic with you to enjoy in the gardens, have a meal or drink at one of the many restaurants on-site, fill your bottle with water from the free fountains throughout the estate and charge up your phone at free charging stations (which will come in handy with all the photos you’ll be taking). Versailles is so big that you may want to hop on the on-site tourist train (8 Euros per person), hire a golf buggy (38 Euros per hour) or bike (22 Euros per day) or hit the lake and have some time out rowing a boat (17 Euros per hour)

Enjoy your trip back in time to France’s Golden Age (with a capital “G”) and share your photos with ACCORD language school!

Learn French in France

You are looking for the Best French Courses in France? Select one of the Accredited French Language Courses proposed by a Qualité FLE school. Learn French in France with ACCORD French Language School in the beautiful capital, Paris. ACCORD is an accredited Qualité FLE Private Institute of High Education (registered n°588).

ACCORD French Language School near the Eiffel Tower: Founded in 1988, the all year round French language school is located just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Eiffel Tower, the Champs de Mars, the Musée du Quai Branly, the Invalides (with the tomb of Napoleon the 1st), the Seine river and the Bateaux Parisiens, and opposite the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro and its famous gardens and fountains.

ACCORD: 3bis rue Jean-Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 55 33 52 33

Introducing… Le 14 Juillet

Welcome back to our “Introducing” series! You haven’t come all the way to Paris to study French at ACCORD French language school in July to miss out on the 14 Juillet celebrations have you? Whether you’ve planned your trip to soak up the atmosphere in Paris on Bastille Day or it’s just a happy coincidence, let’s find out more about the big day and why everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetimes here in Paris.

A potted history

Why do the French celebrate the storming of the Bastille every year on the 14 Juillet? The Bastille was a political prison and symbol of King Louis XVI’s oppressive powers over the French people. An angry mob of Parisians gathered outside the prison on July 14th 1789 after hearing that the King was planning to arrest the new National Assembly, which was to be the voice of the people. But the rebels weren’t there to free the prisoners inside the Bastille… they were there to steal the gunpowder and weapons the fortress housed alongside its inmates. The King and Marie Antoinette fled after the Storming of the Bastille and left the prison to be pillaged and burnt. The Storming marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the French celebrate it today as the symbol of the end of the monarchy and beginning of a modern republic.

Celebrating Bastille Day

First of all, Bastille Day is a bank holiday in France so ACCORD is closed for the day and you can enjoy the festivities. Paris celebrates Le 14 Juillet with a huge military parade (the oldest in Europe as a matter of fact) and flyover at 10.30am on the Champs-Élysées, which sees the iconic street decked out with flags. President Macron will make a speech after the parade with Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, as his guest of honour. After that, make a beeline for Champ de Mars where you’ll find free concerts in the early evening before a special classical music and opera performance at the base of the Eiffel Tower at 9.10pm. The festivities end on a high with a spectacular fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower on Champ de Mars at 11pm. So bring a picnic (NB: no alcohol consumption after 4pm) and blanket along to soak up the atmosphere at the park then feast your eyes on the show.

Bals des Pompiers

Traditionally, fire stations around Paris are the place to be for the Bastille Day after party! The first “firemen’s ball” happened in 1937 when locals followed the firemen who had marched in the military parade back to their fire station… the rest is history. Nowadays the main fire station in the city’s 20 arrondissements throws a huge party on the premises or at a nearby venue between around 9pm and 4am. What to expect: food for sale, music, dancing, live bands, DJs, alcohol and soft drinks. Some stations charge a small fee or ask for donations (2-3 Euros) dropping in the traditional barrel to help improve working conditions for the firemen. Don’t be surprised if you have to queue to get in for an hour or two at peak time (around 11pm-3am) but do expect to join in with a rousing rendition of La Marseillaise! All together now!

Allons enfant de la patrie
Le jour de gloire est arrivé
Contre nous de la tyrannie
L’étendard sanglant est levé…

We hope you’re enjoying our “Introducing” blogs. Are there any landmarks or profiles you’d like us to cover in future blogs? Get in touch.

ACCORD French School in Paris

The ACCORD French language school offers a wide choice of French language courses: 8 French intensive courses (from 20 to 29h/week), 2 French super-intensive courses (32h and 35h/week), 5 exam preparation courses (DELF, DALF, A/AS level, ILC , Abitur), 8 French intensive PLUS courses (intensive course with 5 to 20 individual lessons), Business French and French and Law lessons in mini groups, as well as 7 afternoon lessons and French private and individual lessons.

ACCORD 2023 dates and prices to view and download

The ACCORD Paris French language school is recommended by the editorial staff of PARIS MOVE

ACCORD is rated 5 stars on Tripadvisor

Why I Love Being a Student at ACCORD Paris Language School

Paris is known to be the home of stylish fashion, historical architecture, and center for art, but ACCORD Paris Language School makes Paris a home for you.

My name is Alexis Bardy and I am a student at ACCORD Paris Language School. My mission for success when I first registered for intensive French courses was to gain a deeper understanding of French speaking and comprehension, little did I know how exciting my experience would truly be!

ACCORD Paris Language School Lends a Helping Hand

Similar to many students at Accord, I came to Paris with a few suitcases, eager to learn French, and completely on my own. I was originally apprehensive about how my afternoons would be occupied, but ACCORD provided me with the safe environment I needed to thrive in this new city. The staff immediately greeted me once I entered the school and provided a helping hand for any questions I had about French language courses and culture. I found the resources available at the school, such as professors and staff that were local to the area, to be extremely helpful in discovering new places around the city to explore.

ACCORD Language School: A Whole New World of Friendships

Then my only concern was who I was going to explore with! The classroom sizes at ACCORD Paris Language School are approximately 5-10 students with one professor. The intimate classroom environment helped me make friends so easily! Our professor often held collaborative assignments so we could practice our French with a partner and learn more about each other. It was a new feeling for me to be the only person from my home country in the entire classroom and I loved it!! I was so excited to learn more about my fellow classmates as we all were each other’s first friends in Paris. Every student is required to study at least one week at the school, but I met so many students studying for upwards of one month to one year!

“Tout au long de mon séjour de quatre mois à Accord, j’ai acquis une nouvelle confiance en matière de parler et de comprendre le français, tout en établissant des liens internationaux qui me dureront toute une vie.” – Milena, a student at ACCORD Paris Language School.

Complete Immersion = Rapid Progression

Making friends in class is a super useful tool for learning French. The students and professor only speak in French for the entire duration of class. Having a friendly shoulder to lean on if you are unsure of any material helps your comprehension of the language and team working skills. The professors also want you to understand all material that is being discussed in class, so they often pause for questions throughout the lesson and make themselves available to answer any sudden questions you might have as well. By far, my favorite part of class is listening to the way my professors spoke. Although many students have previously taken French classes in their hometown schools or universities, the opportunity to listen to the way French is pronounced by a native Parisian speaker is a very special experience. The experience of French immersion through living in Paris and taking classes taught entirely in the native language is an amazing way to rapidly improve my French speaking and comprehension.

Studying at ACCORD Paris Language School is an investment in the growth of my future friendships and international opportunities. I can’t wait for you to explore the city of love with the friends you’ll meet from around the world. With classes provided all year long, we’re looking forward to seeing you study at ACCORD Paris Language School.

Alexis Bardy – June 2023

ACCORD French Language School near the Eiffel Tower: Founded in 1988, the all year round French language school is located just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Eiffel Tower, the Champs de Mars, the Musée du Quai Branly, the Invalides (with the tomb of Napoleon the 1st), the Seine river and the Bateaux Parisiens, and opposite the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro and its famous gardens and fountains.

ACCORD: 3bis rue Jean-Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 55 33 52 33

How to get to the ACCORD Tour Eiffel school:

• by Métro (underground/subway)
  Nearest stations: La Motte-Picquet Grenelle (lines 6, 8 and 10) and Dupleix (line 6)
  Other stations: Ecole Militaire (line 8), Bir-Hakeim (line 6)
• by Bus: line no. 86 (Champ de Mars), line no. 82 (bus stops: Champ de Mars – Suffren, and/or Général Detrie), line no. 42 (bus stop: Desaix and/or Champ de Mars – Suffren)

Books set in Paris

Books recommended by ACCORD school: Whether you’ve booked your French course at ACCORD language school and can’t wait to get a taste of what’s to come, or you’re already studying at ACCORD and looking for inspiration, books are a great way for you to soak up the city and unearth hidden gems.

Here are a few of our favourite classics and quirky tomes for you to get to grips with Paris before, during or after your French course with us.

Books recommended by ACCORD school:
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, 2003

Conspiracy theories and iffy history aside, The Da Vinci Code is jam-packed with Parisian landmarks and streets for you to go on your own adventure. The novel follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they investigate a murder at the Louvre and explore an alternative religious history. Given it sets the scene for the murder that brings the two main characters together and the pyramid where the novel ends, the Louvre is a must-visit. Don’t miss Saint-Sulpice Church where you’ll find the mysterious gnomon and “Rose Line” or a wander along the Seine to uncover more symbols. Can you find the “keystone”?

Books recommended by ACCORD school:
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, 2006

Take a look at life inside a Parisian apartment building as we join Renée Michel, the unsuspectingly intelligent and knowledgeable concierge. She works hard to maintain her uncultured persona among her successful but empty employers until she meets Paloma, a 12 year old resident who refuses to end up like the other tenants and decides to end her life on her 13th birthday. Until the sudden death of one of their privileged neighbours changes both their lives forever… The apartment stands on Rue Grenelle in the plush 7th arrondissement, so soak up the atmosphere and get a feel of what Renée and Paloma live on a daily basis.

Books recommended by ACCORD school:
The Ladies’ Delight (Au Bonheur des Dames) by Emile Zola, 1883

Whether you want to read this classic in French or English, you simply have to read it on a bench with a view of Le Bon Marché which inspired the novel. Like Le Bon Marché, The Ladies’ Delight is a fabulous department store in Paris where our heroine, Denise, a naïve country girl comes to work as an assistant. We join her as she attempts to settle in the glamorous city, overcomes its challenges and bravely weathers all the humiliation her capitalist boss Octave Mouret throws her way. This is a tale about determination, capitalism and feminism that has withstood the test of time and is very relevant today…

Books recommended by ACCORD school:
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell, 1933

Although this novel is split between both Paris and London (which you can visit from the capital on the Eurostar at Gare du Nord, if you fancy doing the full Orwell experience), this memoir documents the author’s “first contact with poverty” in Paris and is an eye-opening read. Experience life through the eyes of a struggling writer in his twenties as he sleeps in bug-infested hostels, survives on scraps, lives amongst tramps and gets a job as a dishwasher at a deeply unpleasant hotel in the City of Lights. Can you work out the identity of “Hotel X”?

Books recommended by ACCORD school:
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway, 1964

Another memoir, another struggling writer in Paris… This time it’s Ernest Hemingway’s turn to introduce us to the Paris he lived in during the 1920s. Here’s a little background to it: Hemingway recovered two trunks he had stored at the Ritz in Paris nearly 30 years earlier, in March 1928. Inside the trunks were notebooks he had filled in the 1920s, which he had transcribed and worked on them to turn them into a memoir: A Moveable Feast. He shows what life was like for aspiring writers in Paris, working in Parisian cafes, meeting up with Scott Fitzgerald and living in the Latin Quarter. As you’d expect with the novelist, there are lots of references to wine so why not channel you’re inner Hemingway, pop into Prunier Victor Hugo and settle back with a good book and verre de vin? Please drink responsibly.

Books recommended by ACCORD school:
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, 2014

Let’s fast forward a few years to World War II where we’ll meet a blind Parisian girl and a German boy with an unlikely relationship. Marie-Laure lives in Paris with her father Daniel, the locksmith at the Museum of Natural History, who makes her a model of her local neighbourhood so she can find her way home. The museum has a starring role in the plot of this novel as it sets the scene for a mystery where Marie-Laure and her father take its most valuable jewel when they flee Paris. Read this modern Pulitzer Prize-winning classic and hop onto the metro from ACCORD language school for a half hour ride to soak up the museum for yourself!

To purchase these books we recommend:
–Shakespeare and Company 
-ICI Librairie, on the Grands Boulevards

Are there any books you’d like to see on this list that capture Paris through the ages? Let us know so we can add them to our future blogs and see your name on the website!

An ideal partnership for foreign students taking a French course in Paris: the ACCORD School – Théâtre des Déchargeurs partnership.

Take advantage of your next stay in France to learn French or improve your knowledge of the French language while benefiting from our ACCORD School – Théâtre des Déchargeurs partnership.
Do not hesitate and choose a cultural immersion stay in Paris offered by the ACCORD school and take advantage of your stay to go to the theater!
With 35 years of experience in teaching French as a foreign language, ACCORD offers a range of high quality courses in Paris.

Ecole de langues ACCORD Paris: 3 bis rue Jean Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris, France

ACCORD French School in Paris

The ACCORD French language school offers a wide choice of French language courses: 8 French intensive courses (from 20 to 29h/week), 2 French super-intensive courses (32h and 35h/week), 5 exam preparation courses (DELF, DALF, A/AS level, ILC , Abitur), 8 French intensive PLUS courses (intensive course with 5 to 20 individual lessons), Business French and French and Law lessons in mini groups, as well as 7 afternoon lessons and French private and individual lessons.

ACCORD 2023 dates and prices to view and download

The ACCORD Paris French language school is recommended by the editorial staff of PARIS MOVE

ACCORD is rated 5 stars on Tripadvisor

Great news for the students of the ACCORD Tour Eiffel language school in Paris thanks to the signing of this ACCORD school – Théâtre des Déchargeurs partnership.

ACCORD students will thus be able to benefit from reduced prices for all shows in the large Vicky Messica hall. A promotional code will be given to all students interested in this offer and who request it from our Reception-Registration-Accommodation department. Thus, by using the code directly on the Théâtre des Déchargeurs website, our students will benefit from a reduced rate of 10 euros (instead of 15 and 24 euros) for all the dates of the 4 shows that play in the Vicky Messica main hall each months, until the end of the 2022-23 season!

Partnership ACCORD language school – Théâtre des Déchargeurs

The shows for the next two months are:
(by clicking on the title of the show you are directed to the page of the show present on the website of the Théâtre des Déchargeurs)

in May :
– Le Monde et son Contraire
– Poor White Trash
– Femme Non-Rééducable
– L’homme qui pensait en savoir trop

LES DÉCHARGEURS
3, rue des Déchargeurs
75 001 Paris
01 42 36 00 50 (billetterie)
01 42 36 00 02 (administration)

The large Vicky Messica room is accessible to people with reduced mobility, adapted seats are available by reservation.

Métro : Châtelet • exit rue de Rivoli or exit place Saint Opportune

RER : Châtelet-les-Halles • exit Porte Marguerite de Navarre

Bus : Stop at Rivoli Pont Neuf 21, 67, 69, 72, 74, 76, 81, 85 N11 et N24 – Stop at Châtelet 38, 47, 58, 70, 75, 96

Vélib stations: n°1003: 7, rue Saint Denis / n°1004: 12, rue des Halles

And don’t forget to stop by the Bar du Théâtre!

The Bar is open Monday to Sunday from 6 p.m. to midnight.
It is a cultural place open to the city, it is a space that is a place of life and conviviality, a ‘house’ whose heart is the theater stage, made accessible because one can also debate there , stroll there, have a drink, consult documents. The bar is also a space of conviviality conducive to exchange and debate around the subjects of the pieces.

An ideal partnership for foreign students taking a French course in Paris: the ACCORD School – Théâtre des Déchargeurs partnership.

Take advantage of your next stay in France to learn French or improve your knowledge of the French language while benefiting from our ACCORD School – Théâtre des Déchargeurs partnership.
Do not hesitate and choose a cultural immersion stay in Paris offered by the ACCORD school and take advantage of your stay to go to the theater!
With 35 years of experience in teaching French as a foreign language, ACCORD offers a range of high quality courses in Paris.

Ecole de langues ACCORD Paris: 3 bis rue Jean Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris, France