Study French in Paris 15th arrondissement

Why the 15th Arrondissement Is One of the Best Places to Study French in Paris

Study French. Experience Paris. Live the Language.

When people imagine studying French in Paris, they often picture elegant cafés, lively markets, beautiful boulevards and conversations on sunny terraces. The good news? You don’t have to imagine it. In the 15th arrondissement, this is everyday life.
Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, the 15th is one of Paris’s largest and most welcoming neighbourhoods. It combines everything international students look for: safety, excellent transport connections, authentic Parisian life and a vibrant atmosphere, without the overwhelming crowds found in some of the city’s busiest tourist districts.
It is also the neighbourhood where an accredited French language school such as ACCORD Paris welcomes students from around the world every year.

Experience the Real Paris

One of the greatest advantages of the 15th arrondissement is its authenticity. Unlike neighbourhoods designed primarily for tourists, the 15th is where Parisians live, work, shop and meet friends.
As you walk through its streets, you’ll quickly discover local bakeries filled with the aroma of freshly baked croissants, independent food shops, bustling cafés, family-run restaurants and neighbourhood squares where everyday Parisian life unfolds.
For students learning French, this creates countless opportunities to hear and practise the language naturally. Every visit to a bakery, every coffee ordered in French and every conversation with a shopkeeper becomes part of your learning experience.

A Safe and Comfortable Environment for Students

Choosing where to study abroad is about more than selecting a course, it is also about feeling comfortable where you live.
The 15th arrondissement is widely appreciated for its residential character, clean streets and friendly atmosphere. Families, professionals, university students and local residents all contribute to a neighbourhood that feels welcoming throughout the year.
Whether you are travelling alone or studying abroad for the first time, the area offers the reassurance of a lively yet relaxed environment where students quickly feel at home.

Discover One of Paris’s Best Outdoor Markets

Few experiences are more French than shopping at an open-air market. Several times each week, the neighbourhood comes alive as colourful market stalls fill the streets with seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan cheeses, fresh seafood, flowers, pastries and regional specialities.
For language learners, these markets are much more than places to shop. They are living classrooms. Listening to conversations, asking questions, discovering new products and interacting with local vendors provide authentic opportunities to improve your French while experiencing an important part of everyday French culture.

Learn French Between Cafés and Brasseries

Some of the best language lessons happen after class. The 15th arrondissement is filled with traditional cafés where you can enjoy a coffee while reading the French newspapers, reviewing your notes or simply listening to conversations around you.
As evening arrives, the neighbourhood takes on a different rhythm. Friendly wine bars, cosy restaurants and classic Parisian brasseries welcome both locals and visitors, creating the perfect atmosphere for practising French with classmates or simply enjoying Parisian life. Language learning becomes part of your social life.

Close to the Eiffel Tower—Yet Wonderfully Local

One of the great pleasures of studying in the 15th arrondissement is its location. The Eiffel Tower is only a short walk or métro ride away, allowing students to enjoy one of the world’s most famous landmarks whenever they wish.
Yet despite this proximity, much of the neighbourhood has preserved its authentic local character. You can spend the afternoon visiting one of Paris’s iconic monuments before returning to quiet residential streets, neighbourhood cafés and local shops where everyday Paris continues at its own pace. It is the perfect balance between discovery and daily life.

Excellent Connections Across Paris

Paris has one of the world’s most efficient public transport systems, and the 15th arrondissement is particularly well served. Several métro lines, buses and nearby train connections make it easy to reach museums, universities, theatres, monuments and every other district of the capital.
Whether you want to explore Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, Le Marais, Le Louvre museum, Notre Dame cathedral, La Saint Chapelle or Saint-Germain-des-Prés after class, the entire city is within easy reach.

The Ideal Place to Learn French

Learning French is not only about what happens inside the classroom. It is about hearing the language every day. Speaking it. Living it. The 15th arrondissement naturally encourages this immersion.
From ordering your morning croissant to chatting with market vendors, relaxing in a café or discovering local restaurants with friends, every day offers new opportunities to gain confidence and improve your French.

Study French in the Heart of Paris

Choosing an accredited French language school located in the 15th arrondissement means studying in one of the city’s most enjoyable neighbourhoods. Here, your classroom extends far beyond the school itself. Paris becomes your teacher. Its streets become your vocabulary book. Its cafés become conversation practice. Its markets become listening exercises. Its people become part of your learning journey.
The French language school is fully air-conditioned!
And long after your course has ended, you may discover that what you remember most is not only the French you learned, but the Paris you experienced.

Ready to experience French where it is spoken every day? Discover our accredited French courses in Paris and start your own language journey in one of the world’s most inspiring cities.

Study French. Experience Paris. Live the Language.

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Learn French Through Music with ACCORD Paris

Learn French Through Music: 40 French Songs to Sing Along With ACCORD Paris

Looking for a fun way to learn French? At ACCORD, our French school in the heart of Paris, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, we believe that learning French should be both effective and genuinely enjoyable.

This is why we’ve put together a playlist of French songs, including some of the most famous ones out there. Whether you’re a fan of Piaf, Trenet, Higelin, Lavilliers, Gainsbourg, Barbara or Goldman, our music selection will help you improve your French while having fun, singing along and learning the lyrics as you go.

Why learn French through music?

Listening to music is a particularly effective form of language immersion: it encourages you to discover and memorise new vocabulary and improves your listening comprehension.

Listening is great, really great, but repeating song lyrics (and singing along with the artist!) really helps with your pronunciation without you even noticing. In almost all of the video clips below, the lyrics are shown karaoke-style, but you’ll always hear the original singer performing the song.

Learn French with…

Female singers

Edith Piaf – La vie en Rose  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPU8mENUBXk

Edith Piaf – Hymne à L’Amour  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgBldNsK-xw

Edith Piaf – L’Homme à la moto  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-c-w6SBe_E

Barbara – L’aigle noir  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-d1-783aA0

Françoise Hardy – Tous les garçons et les filles  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPkBMqehr5k

Dalida – Le Temps Des Fleurs  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO_YzK5dTjg

Sylvie Vartan – La plus belle pour aller danser  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBWfklvlUAE

Juliette Gréco – Sous le ciel de Paris  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MtkiiF6YMo

Juliette Gréco – Un petit poisson, un petit oiseau  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj_LzQYyaAM

Marie Laforêt – Viens, viens  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HUW2Zcpdlk

Brigitte Bardot avec Serge Gainsbourg – Bonnie and Clyde  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgBqyNJwjqE

Brigitte Bardot – Harley Davidson  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzhtfFfuL84

France Gall – Poupée de cire, poupée de son  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H0UPA_bixs

France Gall – Ella, Elle l’a  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaFFlu_QQxE

Male singers

Serge Gainsbourg – Ce mortel ennui  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyMqgv5Djf0

Serge Gainbourg – Couleur Café  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etTcm6b4y3A

Serge Gainsbourg – Je suis venu te dire que je m’en vais  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN-Kk5dFt9s

Charles Trenet – La mer  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka–QM_tJ-s

Charles Trenet – Que reste‐t‐il de nos amours ?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muTtoG399kM

Charles Trenet – Douce France  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsEw0kcx8yE

Jacques Higelin – Pars  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO6xE1j0axQ

Bernard Lavilliers – Les mains d’or  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_FrCekiYSY

Jean-Jacques Goldman – Quand la musique est bonne  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_7G-FXQK3c

Jean-Jacques Goldman – Comme Toi  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvzFxSoiLBY

Jean-Jacques Goldman – Là-bas  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWNnf5-hhU8

Joe Dassin – Et si tu n’existais pas   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMR8S154_zA

Joe Dassin – Les Champs Elysées  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FNJtKRL20s

Jacques Brel – Ne me quitte pas  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0tPRFMBZ98

Jacques Brel – Amsterdam  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn2KkqTue1Q

Jacques Brel – La Chanson des vieux amants  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_0RZ4WzFUg

Florent Pagny – Savoir aimer  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlAjOjtbI9Q

Jean Ferrat – La montagne  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JBeO0RhzQY

Jean Ferrat – Aimer à perdre la raison  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpjcSFNj4BQ

Alain Bashung – La nuit je mens  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0KOBTkNrWE

French pop-rock bands

ANGE – Ces gens-là (chanson de Jacques Brel)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHVU6dQBkKE

Téléphone – Un autre monde  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE4Pf24pfEg

Téléphone – La bombe humaine  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgfoOJziPfc

BIJOU – Rock à la radio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWxuMXM8UWs

Noir Désir – Le vent nous portera  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd-Gga7Smyg

TRUST – Antisocial  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2MChYplYeM

Indochine – J’ai demandé à la lune  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot4aDt3j1RE

Learning French through music is also a great complement to a language stay in France. At ACCORD, our French courses draw on a wide range of materials: songs, but also newspaper and magazine articles in French, French films and role-playing exercises. Our goal is to help you progress as quickly as possible while immersing you in French culture.

Dynamic French courses open to all levels

Our French language school in Paris offers French courses for all levels, from complete beginner to advanced. Depending on your goals, you can choose from our 9 intensive courses, our 2 semi-intensive courses, our exam preparation courses (DELF, DALF, Abitur, A/AS Level, ILC), or our specialist courses such as Business French or Legal French. See the full list of our French courses in Paris.

While you wait to join us at ACCORD Paris, learn French through music with ACCORD Paris, sing along with the 40 songs we’ve put together for you today!

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Soak up the wonderful world of French pâtisserie in Paris

The best French sweet pastries and cakes to try during your stay in Paris

France is world-renowned for its gourmet cuisine and sophisticated sweet treats. Whether you’re a fine foodie, enjoy trying local specialities or just want to practise your French, sampling our local specialities is all part of experiencing a language stay in Paris.

ACCORD French language school in Paris actively encourages students to practise their French outside the classroom. Visiting a bakery, ordering a cake, asking the baker for a recommendation and chatting with the staff and customers are golden opportunities to use your French in real-life situations.

Some French pastries and cakes s are famous all over the world, others are local gems that overseas visitors are yet to unearth. Here’s a mouth-watering selection that you won’t be able to resist ticking off your to-do list after your French class in Paris.

Did you know…
The French don’t class croissants and pains au chocolat (also known as chocolatines) as pâtisseries in France; they call them viennoiseries. They’re made using puff pastry and traditionally served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, whereas pâtisseries tend to be served as dessert or as a sweet treat.

French pâtisserie classics

Éclair
Éclairs are one of the most iconic French cakes. They’re made with choux pastry filled with crème pâtissière with a glossy glaze on top. Chocolate and coffee are classics but pâtissiers make them in all kinds of flavours, including vanilla, caramel and pistachio.
Lightbulb moment: éclair means lightning in French, so does it take its name from the fact that we eat it at lightning speed?

Millefeuille
Millefeuilles are made up of three crispy puff pastry layers with vanilla crème pâtissière sandwiched between each layer. Its white glaze adorned with chocolate feathering make it instantly recognisable. It’s named after the many layers created by the puff pastry or feuilletage. Are there really one thousand? Find out for yourself!

Tarte Tatin
A Tarte Tatin is essentially an upside-down cake from the 19th century. The apples are caramelised in butter and sugar in a pan before being given a pastry top and baked. When it’s ready to serve, the tart is turned over so the apples are on top and the pastry is on the bottom.
Legend has it that the recipe came about from a happy accident when the Tatin sisters overcooked their apples at their inn.

Paris-Brest
This sweet treat was designed in 1910 to celebrate the famous Paris-Brest-Paris bike race, which is why it looks like a wheel. Its choux pastry ring is filled with praline cream and decorated with almond slivers. It’s a wheel French pâtisserie classic.

Opéra
Sleek and stylish Opéra cakes are made up of delicate layers of Joconde biscuit, coffee buttercream, chocolate ganache and a glossy chocolate glaze.
The beautiful balance between chocolate and coffee makes it a popular dessert and its good looks make it a regular in Parisian pâtisserie shop windows.

Fraisier
The French love a fraisier in spring for its light sponge, crème mousseline and fresh strawberries. It’s a favourite at birthday parties and family get-togethers.

Religieuse
This cute concoction has two choux buns, one on top of the other, filled with chocolate or coffee crème pâtissière and topped with a chocolate or coffee glaze. Why’s it named after nuns? Just take a look at the shape… doesn’t it remind you of a nun’s traditional headdress?

Unmissable French treats

If you want to try something different once you’ve sampled France’s signature sweets, push the boat out and try some of our regional specialities during your time in Paris. The French may know and love them, but not many people have heard of them overseas. Our regional cakes capture the diversity and variety of French pâtisserie in all its glory.

Kouign-amann
The kouign-amann from Brittany is often said to be one of the most indulgent cakes in France. Its name means gâteau au beurre or butter cake in Breton. It’s made using bread dough and lots of butter and sugar, making it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Saint-Honoré
The Saint-Honoré was first concocted in the 19th century in tribute to the patron saint of bakers. It has a puff pastry base with lashings of whipped cream and a ring of little caramelised choux buns. Look out for this chic showstopper in the best cake shops and tea rooms in Paris

Flan pâtissier
If may look simple, but the flan pâtissier is a French pâtisserie favourite. The indulgent creamy filling is made using eggs and vanilla in a shortcrust or puff pastry case. Locals love serving it for dessert or grabbing a slice of flan for an afternoon snack.

Pithiviers
This frangipane-filled puff pastry cake hails from the town of Pithiviers in the Loiret (not to be confused with the savoury meat-filled pithiviers pie). Bakers score pretty patterns into the crust with a knife before baking it until golden.
Can you tell the difference between a pithiviers and a galette des Rois?

Tropézienne
The Tropézienne comes from 1950s Saint-Tropez and is a soft brioche filled with whipped cream and topped with sugar crystals. It shot to stardom after the release of the Brigitte Bardot film, And God Created Woman, and is the perfect summer dessert.

Merveilleux
A merveilleux is the perfect combination of crisp meringue, whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It’s light as a feather and melts in your mouth. It originated in Northern France and Belgium and is popular all over France. It’s certainly merveilleux!
Foodies describe the merveilleux as a cake that looks as good as it tastes!

Gourmet glossary

France is home to a few different types of shop:

  • A boulangerie sells bread, pastries and a few cakes too.
  • A pâtisserie specialises in sweet treats and desserts.
  • A boulangerie-pâtisserie brings the two together.
  • A salon de thé is the place to go for cake with coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

French phrases to use when you’re in a Parisian pâtisserie

These phrases could come in handy during your stay in Paris:

  • Bonjour, je voudrais…
  • Qu’est-ce que vous me conseillez ?
  • Je vais prendre cette pâtisserie.
  • Est-ce que je peux manger sur place ?
  • C’est à emporter, s’il vous plaît.
  • Combien je vous dois ?
  • Merci beaucoup. Bonne journée !

Practise your French in real-world situations as you explore the wonderful world of French pâtisserie.

A mouth-watering must-do during your language stay in Paris

No trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre and the French capital’s bakeries to sample a French speciality and make chit-chat with the shop owners. These slices of everyday life are often the best way to improve your French as they help you broaden your vocabulary, build your confidence and get to grips with French culture.

ACCORD FLE language school encourages its students to squeeze every drop out of their immersive language experience. So once your French lessons have finished for the day, why not plan a gourmet tour visiting the pâtisseries in 15th arrondissement, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Rue de Rivoli?  It will satisfy your appetite for culture, French practice and sweet treats!

Come hungry!
Which of all the French bakes and cakes we’ve mentioned are you the most excited to try?
Feel free to ask your teacher or ACCORD staff for advice: they are only too happy to recommend a few great little spots near the school!

Bon appétit et à bientôt chez ACCORD à Paris!

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French Pop-Rock: Bands to Discover with ACCORD Paris

Learn French Through Music with ACCORD Paris: French Pop-Rock

Many French rock bands chose to sing in English, hoping to reach an international audience. But some choose to do the opposite: writing and recording in French, even if it meant staying largely unknown beyond our borders. And that’s exactly what makes their catalogue so valuable to you, these are songs written in French, playing on words with expressions and vocabulary that are genuinely French.

After our first playlist dedicated to great French singers, here’s a selection focused entirely on Pop-Rock bands who sang in French. Another way to build your vocabulary, train your ear, and get a feel for French music culture, beyond the hits already heard everywhere in the world.

Discover these French Pop-Rock bands

Dynastie Crisis
A French rock band from the 70s, Dynastie Crisis remains a little-known but well-regarded name among fans of French rock, known for ambitious compositions and a distinctly French identity.

Dynastie Crisis – Vivre Libre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkXXq6i2XwY&list=RDKkXXq6i2XwY&start_radio=1

Dynastie Crisis – Faust 72: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r03hzBWESyU&list=RDr03hzBWESyU&start_radio=1

Atoll
A French progressive rock band from the 70s known for elaborate compositions, swinging between dreamy atmospheres and more theatrical pieces, as shown in the track below.

Atoll – L’Araignée-Mal (Le photographe exorciste): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weA1bYu2V3o&list=RDweA1bYu2V3o&start_radio=1

Téléphone
Arguably one of the most iconic French rock bands. Téléphone defined the late 70s and early 80s with energetic rock, entirely sung in French. Their lyrics and sound had a deep influence on French rock as a whole.

Téléphone – Hygiaphone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah3ayYdRO5A

Téléphone – Cendrillon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tHbSMQeCdk&list=RD_tHbSMQeCdk&start_radio=1

Téléphone – Un autre monde: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE4Pf24pfEg&list=RDNE4Pf24pfEg&start_radio=1

Indochine
Formed in the early 80s, Indochine has grown over the decades into one of the most popular French rock bands, still active today with a loyal fanbase that spans generations.

Indochine – Trois nuits par semaine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtpnv1D-HXo&list=RDMtpnv1D-HXo&start_radio=1

Indochine – Le chant des cygnes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAmOCXgc76U&list=RDZAmOCXgc76U&start_radio=1

Triangle
A French pop-rock band from the 70s, Triangle found popular success with catchy melodies and very explicit lyrics.

Triangle – Peut-être demain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ2K9cb9L_E&list=RDjJ2K9cb9L_E&start_radio=1

Triangle – Viens avec nous: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODzH_CKGdU4&list=RDODzH_CKGdU4&start_radio=1

Martin Circus
An iconic French pop band from the 70s, Martin Circus is remembered for catchy, often humorous tracks — like this hit that still gets airplay today.

Martin Circus – Je m’éclate au Sénégal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61RHnHAERS4&list=RD61RHnHAERS4&start_radio=1

Bijou
A pioneering French rock band from the late 70s, Bijou defined its era with raw energy and lyrics firmly rooted in everyday spoken French.

Bijou – Rock à la radio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzdlgzh7Fm4&list=RDtzdlgzh7Fm4&start_radio=1

Au Bonheur des Dames
A French pop band from the 80s, Au Bonheur des Dames found huge popular success with light, danceable songs, very representative of France’s pop mood in that decade.

Au Bonheur des Dames – Oh les filles !: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS8b9mACAWM&list=RDfS8b9mACAWM&start_radio=1

Louise Attaque
Formed in the 90s, Louise Attaque left its mark on French rock with an original sound blending guitars, violin and folk-rock energy. Songs that are ideal for improving your French.

Louise Attaque – J’t’emmène au vent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9L_dmSMBvU&list=RDk9L_dmSMBvU&start_radio=1 

Trust
A major name in French hard rock, Trust made its name with hard-hitting lyrics entirely in French, still quite rare within the hard rock genre.

Trust – Antisocial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-s6951-hT0

Les Rita Mitsouko
An iconic duo from the French rock scene of the 80s, Les Rita Mitsouko stood out with a singular musical world blending rock, pop chanson and Latin influences, plus an unforgettable stage presence.

Les Rita Mitsouko – Marcia Baïla: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zWlnzFXcKY&list=RD1zWlnzFXcKY&start_radio=1

Mano Negra
An iconic band from the late 80s and early 90s, Mano Negra blended rock, punk and Latin American sounds, carried by the infectious energy of Manu Chao and his brothers.

Mano Negra – Pas assez de toi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSxoxqDB0OI&list=RDeSxoxqDB0OI&start_radio=1

Another way to learn French

These bands may not have always crossed French borders, but that’s exactly what makes their catalogue so rich for you as a French learner: lyrics written and thought through in French, with no concessions made to an English-speaking audience. By listening to them, you’re training your ear to authentic French, the kind you’ll hear every day during your stay at ACCORD Paris.

So don’t hesitate to add these tracks to your playlist, sing along with the lyrics, and ask your teachers to explain any expressions that still escape you!

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Improve Your French while Learning French at Parisian Markets

Discover how Paris’s famous street markets become the perfect classroom for practising French

When people imagine learning French, they often picture a classroom, a textbook and grammar exercises. While these are essential, they are only part of the learning journey.
One of the greatest advantages of studying French in Paris is that the city itself becomes your classroom. Every café, bakery, metro station, museum, and especially every market, offers opportunities to hear, understand and speak authentic French.

At ACCORD, we believe that students don’t simply learn French in the classroom: they experience the language throughout Paris. And there is perhaps no better place to do that than a traditional Parisian street market.

A market is much more than a place to shop

Parisian markets are among the city’s most vibrant and authentic places. Several mornings each week, streets come alive with colourful fruit and vegetable stalls, artisan cheese producers, fishmongers, florists, bakers and local farmers.
Instead of hearing carefully spoken textbook French, you discover the rhythm of everyday conversations, you hear greetings, you listen to recommendations. You also ask questions. You understand prices. You thank the vendors. Every exchange becomes a small but valuable language lesson.

Learn the French people really speak

Markets introduce you to the language used in daily life.
You quickly become familiar with expressions such as:

  • Bonjour !
  • Je voudrais…
  • Combien ça coûte ?
  • C’est tout, merci.
  • Bonne journée !

Little by little, these expressions become natural.
Unlike memorising vocabulary lists, using French in genuine situations helps you remember words because they are connected to real experiences.

Build confidence through small conversations

Many students worry about speaking French because they are afraid of making mistakes. Markets are ideal places to overcome this fear. The conversations are short, friendly and predictable. Buying strawberries. Ordering cheese. Choosing fresh bread. Asking which tomatoes are the sweetest. These simple interactions gradually build confidence.
Soon, speaking French no longer feels like an exercise, it becomes part of everyday life.

Discover French culture one market at a time

French markets are about much more than food. They reflect local traditions, regional products and the importance that French people place on quality, freshness and conviviality. You discover cheeses you’ve never heard of. You learn why baguettes are bought fresh every day. You taste seasonal fruit. You realise that shopping is often as much about conversation as it is about buying.
Learning French also means understanding the culture behind the language. Markets offer that opportunity every single week.

Expand your vocabulary naturally

A visit to the market introduces dozens of useful words that you’ll use throughout your stay:

  • fruits and vegetables
  • colours
  • numbers
  • quantities
  • food and cooking
  • polite expressions
  • everyday questions

Because you immediately see, hear and use these words, they are much easier to remember than vocabulary learned only from a textbook.

An unforgettable lesson outside the classroom

One of the strengths of studying in Paris is that every neighbourhood has its own atmosphere. Some markets are lively and bustling. Others are small and intimate. Some specialise in fresh produce, while others feature regional delicacies, flowers, books or antiques. Each visit offers new opportunities to observe, listen and communicate. This is exactly why experiential learning plays such an important role in language acquisition.

The market near ACCORD: a true Parisian experience

One of the great advantages of studying at the ACCORD French Language School is its location in the heart of Paris’s 15th arrondissement, one of the city’s most pleasant and authentic neighbourhoods. Just a short walk from the school, students can discover one of the area’s lively open-air markets, held several times a week. Here, local residents shop for fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan cheeses, seafood, flowers, pastries and many other French specialities.
Unlike markets designed mainly for tourists, this is a genuine neighbourhood market where students experience everyday Parisian life while practising their French in authentic situations. It’s the perfect place to continue learning after class and to discover that some of the best French lessons happen while choosing a baguette or chatting with a cheese seller.

Learning by living the language

Research consistently shows that languages are learned faster when students regularly use them in meaningful situations. Ordering lunch. Buying flowers. Asking for directions. Talking to a market vendor. These everyday experiences reinforce what has been learned in class and make French feel alive.
This is one of the reasons why studying French in Paris is so effective: the city provides endless opportunities to practise naturally.

ACCORD-Paris: where the city becomes your classroom

ACCORD School: Great location near the Eiffel Tower, friendly and experienced teachers. The French language school is fully air-conditioned!
A wide choice of high quality French courses.
At ACCORD, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our teaching approach encourages students to practise French whenever possible, in cafés, museums, parks, neighbourhoods and traditional Parisian markets.
Every interaction becomes another opportunity to improve listening, speaking and cultural understanding. Because learning French is not only about mastering grammar. It is about living the language.

And in Paris, every market stall, every smile and every conversation bring you one step closer to speaking French with confidence.

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Host Family Accommodation in Paris: Experience French Life from the Inside

Host Family Accommodation in Paris: The Best Way to Learn French Through Total Immersion

Learning French in Paris is about much more than attending language classes. It is about experiencing the language every day, discovering French traditions firsthand and becoming part of the life of one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
For many international students, staying with a Parisian host family is the most rewarding way to experience France. More than simply providing accommodation, a host family offers a welcoming home where every conversation, every meal and every shared moment become an opportunity to improve your French naturally.
Whether you stay for one week, several months or even longer, living with a host family transforms your language course into a genuine cultural immersion. 

Why choose a host family?

Continue learning French after class

Your French lessons do not end when you leave the classroom. At breakfast, over dinner, while discussing your day or asking for recommendations about Paris, you continue practising French in authentic situations. Listening to native speakers and taking part in everyday conversations helps you develop confidence, improve your pronunciation and enrich your vocabulary naturally.
Many students tell us that these informal conversations become some of the most valuable moments of their stay: “We wanted to thank you for the wonderful time we had with you. You are very kind and friendly. Thank you for helping us with our French.”

Discover everyday French life

Guidebooks introduce you to Paris. A host family introduces you to French life. You’ll experience daily routines, family traditions, local customs and cultural habits that tourists rarely discover. From shopping at the neighbourhood market to celebrating family occasions, you gain a deeper understanding of French culture simply by living it. This authentic immersion makes your stay both richer and more memorable.

Enjoy home-cooked French meals

Food occupies a special place in French culture, and sharing meals is an important part of family life. Depending on the accommodation option you choose, you may enjoy breakfast, dinner or both with your hosts, discovering traditional recipes, French specialities and the pleasure of long conversations around the table.

Feel at home in Paris

Moving to another country can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if it is your first experience abroad. A host family provides a reassuring environment where students quickly feel welcome. Many of our hosts have been welcoming international students for years and understand exactly how to help newcomers adapt to life in Paris.
One student shared this wonderful feedback: “I had a great time with my host family. I was treated like her own daughter. And… the food was excellent, and every meal was delicious! I hope I can come back next year!”
For many students, their host family becomes a genuine “home away from home.”

Carefully selected Parisian host families

Finding the right host family is essential to a successful language stay. For more than 35 years, ACCORD French Language School and its accommodation partners have worked with carefully selected families inside Paris, allowing students to enjoy city life without long daily commutes from the suburbs.
Our host families are accustomed to welcoming international students and helping them discover both the French language and Parisian culture in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.
Because every student is different, every family is different too. Some families have children or teenagers, others are retired couples or living alone. Some have pets, and many come from multicultural backgrounds themselves.
This diversity allows us to match students and families as closely as possible. We therefore encourage students to tell us as much as possible about themselves, their interests, lifestyle, dietary requirements and personal preferences, so that we can recommend the host family best suited to their profile.

Accommodation options to suit every student

ACCORD offers several host family options to accommodate different budgets and lifestyles:

  • Single room with breakfast (Bed & Breakfast)
  • Single room with breakfast and kitchen access
  • Half-board (breakfast and dinner every day)
  • Single room with breakfast and two evening meals per week
  • VIP single room with half-board (single room with en-suite shower)
  • Twin rooms for two friends travelling together (subject to availability)

The half-board option remains the most popular choice. After a day of classes and sightseeing, many students appreciate returning to a welcoming home, sharing dinner with their host family and continuing to practise French in a relaxed atmosphere.

Host family accommodation is available throughout the year.

  • Arrival: Sunday
  • Departure: Saturday
  • Additional nights are available on request (subject to availability and additional fees).

More than accommodation: a complete cultural experience

Choosing a host family means choosing complete linguistic and cultural immersion. It allows you to continue speaking French outside the classroom, understand everyday French life, discover local traditions and build relationships that often continue long after your stay has ended.
Many former ACCORD students remain in contact with their Parisian host families for years, and some even return to visit them.

Learn French the natural way

Language is learned through communication, shared experiences and daily life. A host family offers exactly that: a unique opportunity to live French rather than simply study it.
Combined with your French course at ACCORD Paris, it creates one of the most effective, and enjoyable, ways to make rapid progress while enjoying an unforgettable stay in the French capital.

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How to Take Notes in French: Tips for International Students

How to Take Notes in French: A Practical Skill Every Student Should Learn

Many students preparing to study in France focus on speaking, listening, reading and grammar. While these are essential skills, there is another ability that often receives far less attention, and yet can make a huge difference to academic success: taking notes efficiently in French.

Whether you are attending a French language course, a university lecture, a conference or a professional presentation, good note-taking allows you to capture the essential information without trying to write down every word. It helps you stay focused, organise your ideas and review your lessons more effectively afterwards. Learning how to take notes is therefore not simply a language exercise, it is an essential study skill.

Why is note-taking so important?

As a student, you’ll probably find yourself taking notes almost every day. But this skill is just as valuable in professional life.
You may need to take notes:

  • during French language classes,
  • at university lectures,
  • during seminars or conferences,
  • in business meetings,
  • during interviews,
  • while researching documents for reports, presentations or projects.

In every situation, your objective remains the same: identify the important ideas, organise the information clearly and make it easy to understand later.

Don’t write everything, write what matters

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to write every sentence they hear. Effective note-taking is not transcription.
Instead, learn to identify:

  • the main ideas,
  • key words,
  • important dates and figures,
  • definitions,
  • conclusions,
  • examples only when they are essential.

This requires active listening. Before writing something down, make sure you have understood its meaning. With practice, you will naturally learn to distinguish the essential information from supporting details.

Organise your notes from the very beginning

Well-organised notes are much easier to revise.
Before a class or lecture begins, remember to include:

  • the date,
  • the title of the lesson or presentation,
  • the speaker’s name,
  • the topic being discussed.

Leave generous margins or blank spaces so you can add explanations or corrections afterwards. Use headings, subheadings and indentation to show the relationship between ideas. A clear page makes revision much faster.

Develop your own system of abbreviations

One of the secrets of fast note-taking is learning to shorten words. Abbreviations save valuable time and allow you to keep listening instead of constantly writing.
As you continue learning French, you’ll gradually create your own personal system. The important thing is to remain consistent so that your notes are still easy to understand several days, or even several weeks, later.
Interestingly, many abbreviations used in note-taking are also common in everyday spoken French. In Paris, for example, nobody is surprised to hear words such as apéro, resto, expo or prof.

Common French abbreviations

Here are some useful abbreviations you can start using immediately:

  • bcp : beaucoup
  • déf : définition
  • ex : exemple
  • nb : nombre
  • qd : quand
  • qqch : quelque chose
  • tjs ou tjrs : toujours
  • expo : exposition
  • resto : restaurant
  • TV : télévision
  • prof : professeur
  • amphi : amphithéâtre
  • ado : adolescent
  • math : mathématiques
  • sc : sciences
  • édito : éditorial
  • appart : appartement
  • conf : conférence
  • dico : dictionnaire
  • apéro : apéritif
  • hebdo : hebdomadaire
  • fac : faculté
  • cata : catastrophe

You’ll soon discover many more as your French becomes more natural.

Practice makes note-taking easier

Like speaking French, taking notes is a skill that improves with practice. The more often you attend classes, listen to podcasts, watch presentations or participate in discussions, the more quickly you’ll learn to identify key information and write it down efficiently.
Over time, you’ll develop your own style, your own abbreviations and your own way of organising information.

Improve your written French with ACCORD Paris

At ACCORD French Language School in Paris, developing strong written communication skills is an important part of learning French. Students wishing to improve their grammar, written expression and academic writing can join the French Grammar and Writing Course. This programme combines the Morning Intensive French Course (20 h/week) with three French grammar and writing afternoon lessons (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Open to all levels, from complete beginners to advanced learners, this course helps students write more accurately, organise their ideas more effectively and gain confidence in written French.

To complement these writing skills, many students also choose to add two afternoon Oral Communication lessons on Mondays and Fridays, allowing them to improve both their spoken and written French during the same stay.

Writing well means learning more effectively

Taking notes may seem like a simple habit, but it is actually one of the most valuable academic skills you can acquire. By learning to listen actively, identify key ideas and organise information clearly, you’ll not only improve your French, you’ll also become a more confident student, whether you’re attending a language course, studying at university or working in an international environment.
Mastering note-taking is another step towards mastering French itself.

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The Best Parks in Paris to Study French Outdoors

Learning French extends far beyond the classroom

One of the greatest advantages of learning French in Paris is that the city itself becomes part of your classroom. After your morning lessons, grammar exercises and conversation practice, why not continue learning in one of Paris’s beautiful parks and gardens? Whether you want to review your notes, read a French novel, listen to a podcast or simply observe everyday conversations around you, Paris offers countless peaceful green spaces where learning feels both relaxing and inspiring.

Studying outdoors is not only enjoyable, it is also an excellent way to immerse yourself in the language while discovering another side of Paris.

Why study French outside the classroom?

Language learning doesn’t stop when your lesson ends. In fact, some of the most valuable progress happens when you begin using French naturally throughout your day.

Sitting in a park allows you to review vocabulary, practise pronunciation, write in your notebook or simply listen to the rhythm of spoken French around you. You may overhear conversations, read information panels, order a coffee from a nearby kiosk or chat with fellow students enjoying the sunshine. Changing your study environment also helps improve concentration and memory. Fresh air, natural surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere can make learning more enjoyable and productive.

Jardin du Luxembourg: A favourite among students

The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most iconic gardens in Paris and a wonderful place to study. Comfortable green chairs are scattered throughout the gardens, making it easy to find a quiet corner with a view of the fountains or flowerbeds. Bring your French grammar book, review new vocabulary or simply enjoy reading beneath the shade of the trees. The garden also offers plenty of opportunities to observe everyday Parisian life, making it an ideal place to combine study with cultural immersion.

Parc Georges-Brassens: A local favourite in the 15th arrondissement

Located in the same friendly 15th arrondissement than the ACCORD French language school, the Parc Georges-Brassens is a hidden gem that many visitors never discover.

Built on the site of former vineyards and an old slaughterhouse, the park now offers beautiful lawns, rose gardens, ponds and quiet walking paths. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for students who want to revise their French after class without the crowds found in some of the city’s more famous parks. On weekends, the nearby second-hand book market is another wonderful opportunity to browse French books and practise your reading skills.

Champ de Mars: Learn French with the Eiffel Tower nearby

Few places are more memorable than studying French with the Eiffel Tower rising above you. The wide lawns of the Champ de Mars, just a few minutes’ walk from the ACCORD school, attract both Parisians and visitors from around the world. It is an ideal place to review your class notes, listen to French podcasts or simply enjoy a picnic while reading in French.
Being surrounded by one of the world’s most famous landmarks also reminds you that studying abroad is about creating unforgettable memories as well as learning a language.

Parc Monceau: Elegant and Peaceful

Parc Monceau (selected photo for this article) offers a quieter atmosphere with elegant pathways, statues and beautiful trees. Less frequented by tourists than some other parks, it provides an excellent setting for focused study or conversation practice with classmates. Its calm surroundings make it especially suitable for preparing presentations, writing assignments or simply reflecting on everything you have learned during the day.

Jardin des Plantes: Learn while discovering nature

If you enjoy both science and nature, the Jardin des Plantes is an inspiring place to spend an afternoon. Botanical gardens, historic greenhouses and informative displays provide countless opportunities to encounter new French vocabulary in a meaningful context. Learning becomes effortless when words are connected to real experiences.

Parc Montsouris: A peaceful retreat

Located in southern Paris, Parc Montsouris is popular with students thanks to its spacious lawns, lake and tranquil atmosphere. It is the perfect place to review lessons before an exam or simply enjoy an afternoon reading French literature while watching local life unfold around you. Many international students find that these quiet moments of independent study significantly boost their confidence.

Make every outing part of your French immersion

Studying outdoors is about much more than opening a textbook. As you walk through the parks, read signs, listen to conversations, visit nearby cafés or ask for directions, you naturally continue practising French. Every interaction strengthens your listening skills, expands your vocabulary and increases your confidence. The more French becomes part of your daily routine, the faster your progress will be.

A city that encourages learning

One of the reasons Paris is such an exceptional place to study French is that learning happens everywhere. Museums become history lessons. Markets become vocabulary lessons. Restaurants become conversation practice. And parks become peaceful outdoor classrooms where knowledge gained in class begins to come alive. Every day offers new opportunities to improve your French while enjoying one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Learn French in Paris, and beyond the classroom

Choosing an accredited French language school in Paris gives you far more than excellent teaching. It gives you access to an entire city where every neighbourhood, every café, every museum and every park becomes part of your language-learning journey. The classroom provides the foundations, Paris provides the experience. Together, they create one of the most rewarding ways to learn French.

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How French Culture Helps You Learn the Language Faster

How French Culture Helps You Learn French Faster: The Power of Immersion in Paris

Learning a language is not only about memorising vocabulary lists or studying grammar rules. A language is a reflection of the people who speak it: their history, their traditions, their way of thinking, their humour and their daily habits.

This is why learning French in France, and especially in Paris, offers a unique advantage. By discovering French culture, interacting with French people and experiencing everyday life, students naturally develop a deeper understanding of the language and improve their skills much faster. French is not simply a subject to study. It is a living language that must be heard, spoken and experienced.

Language and culture are inseparable

Every language carries the identity of the society where it developed. French expressions, vocabulary and ways of communicating are closely connected to French culture. Understanding cultural references makes it easier to understand the meaning behind words and expressions.
For example, a conversation in French is not only about grammar. It also involves:

  • knowing how to greet someone appropriately,
  • understanding French politeness and social codes,
  • recognising humour and cultural references,
  • understanding traditions and everyday habits,
  • adapting the way you communicate depending on the situation.

When students discover French culture, they do not only learn new words, they learn how French people use the language.

Paris: a real-life classroom for learning French

A classroom provides essential foundations: grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and communication skills. But outside the classroom, Paris becomes an extraordinary learning environment.
Every day offers countless opportunities to practise French naturally:

  • ordering a coffee in a Parisian café,
  • shopping at a local market,
  • asking questions in a bakery or a shop,
  • visiting museums and historical monuments,
  • listening to conversations in the streets,
  • speaking with French people in everyday situations.

These experiences transform theoretical knowledge into practical communication. Students quickly realise that the French they learn in class becomes much easier to remember when they use it in real-life situations.

Discovering French food improves your vocabulary

Food is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover French culture.
French gastronomy introduces students to a completely new vocabulary:

  • ingredients,
  • regional specialities,
  • cooking techniques,
  • restaurant expressions,
  • traditional French dishes.

A visit to a bakery, a traditional market, a café or a French restaurant becomes a language lesson. Ordering a croissant, asking about a local cheese or discussing a menu encourages students to communicate naturally while discovering an essential part of French culture.

Art and history bring French language to life

France has a unique cultural heritage, and Paris is one of the world’s greatest cultural capitals. Museums, exhibitions, theatres, cinemas and historical sites allow students to discover the references that appear throughout French society.
Visiting places such as museums, monuments or neighbourhoods creates opportunities to:

  • learn new vocabulary,
  • practise listening skills,
  • ask questions,
  • express opinions,
  • understand French perspectives.

Culture makes the language more meaningful and memorable.

Everyday conversations are the key to progress

One of the greatest advantages of studying French in France is the opportunity to communicate every day.
Even simple interactions contribute to improvement:

  • saying hello to neighbours,
  • chatting with shopkeepers,
  • ordering food,
  • asking for directions,
  • making new friends.

These small conversations build confidence and help students overcome the fear of making mistakes.

Language learning is not about speaking perfectly from the first day. It is about communicating, experimenting and gradually becoming more comfortable.

Understanding French society helps you communicate better

French communication has its own characteristics. French people may place great importance on:

  • clarity of expression,
  • discussion and debate,
  • precision of vocabulary,
  • politeness and social interaction.

Understanding these cultural aspects helps students communicate more naturally.
Students who understand French culture will not only speak French correctly, but they will also understand how to use French appropriately.

Why cultural immersion makes learning faster

Scientific studies on language learning consistently show that immersion encourages faster progress because learners are exposed to the language more frequently and in more varied contexts.
When students live in France, French becomes part of their daily routine:

  • they hear it every day,
  • they read it everywhere,
  • they use it in real situations,
  • they connect words with experiences.

This creates stronger memories and makes learning more effective.
A word learned from a textbook can be forgotten. A word connected to a personal experience in Paris is much more likely to stay.

Learning French at an accredited French language school in Paris

Choosing an accredited French language school allows students to combine high-quality French language courses with cultural immersion.
ACCORD teachers do not only teach grammar and vocabulary. They also help students understand French culture, communication habits and everyday life.
Through classroom French lessons, cultural activities and opportunities to explore Paris, students develop both their linguistic skills and their confidence. 

French culture: the secret ingredient to learning faster

French culture is not an additional element of learning the language, it is one of the reasons why the language exists.
By discovering French traditions, meeting French people, exploring Paris and experiencing everyday life, students create a deeper connection with the language.
They stop seeing French as a collection of rules and start experiencing it as a way of communicating, thinking and connecting with others. This is why learning French in France is such a powerful experience.

The language is everywhere. The culture surrounds you. Every conversation becomes a lesson. And every day in Paris becomes an opportunity to improve your French.

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How to Improve Your French Writing

How to Improve Your French Writing: Practical Tips and a Grammar Course in Paris

Speaking French is often the first goal for students learning the language. Being able to order a coffee, ask for directions or have a conversation with parisians is exciting and rewarding. However, writing in French is another challenge altogether.
French grammar is renowned for its complexity. Verb conjugations, gender agreement, spelling, sentence structure, silent letters and punctuation all require precision. Even students who communicate comfortably in spoken French often discover that writing accurately demands additional practice and guidance. The good news is that writing well in French is a skill that anyone can develop with the right methods, regular practice and expert teaching.

Why Is Writing in French So Challenging?

French is one of the world’s most elegant languages, but also one of its most demanding when it comes to writing.
Students frequently encounter difficulties with:

  • verb tenses and conjugations,
  • masculine and feminine agreement,
  • singular and plural forms,
  • spelling and accents,
  • sentence construction,
  • prepositions,
  • formal and informal writing styles,
  • punctuation and written conventions.

Unlike speaking, writing gives you time to think, but it also requires greater accuracy. Every sentence becomes an opportunity to apply grammar rules correctly while expressing your ideas clearly.

The Best Ways to Improve Your French Writing

Improving your written French does not happen overnight. It comes from combining several effective learning strategies.

Read Every Day
Reading newspapers, novels, blogs and magazines in French exposes you to authentic sentence structures, vocabulary and grammar used by native speakers. The more you read, the more naturally correct writing patterns become familiar.
The advantage of reading texts in French is that you can read them multiple times, without time constraints. You need to be able to dedicate time to reading texts in French in order to better understand and then assimilate what you are learning.

Write Regularly
Practice is essential. Keep a journal, write emails, describe your day or summarise articles you’ve read. The objective is not perfection but consistency. The more you write, the more confident you become.
To make writing enjoyable, we recommend that students at the ACCORD Paris school keep a “travel journal,” noting down each day what they have seen, read, watched, and learned.

Learn Grammar in Context
Grammar is much easier to remember when it is applied in meaningful situations. Rather than memorising isolated rules, students benefit from using grammar while writing emails, descriptions, essays or everyday texts.

Learn French Grammar and Writing in Paris

One of the most effective ways to improve your written French is through an intensive language immersion programme. Studying in Paris allows you to combine structured grammar lessons with everyday exposure to authentic French, making your progress faster and more natural.
At a Parisian accredited French language school such as ACCORD, students benefit from a programme specifically designed to strengthen both grammar knowledge and writing skills.

The ACCORD French Grammar and Writing Course

The French Grammar and Writing Course has been designed for students who wish to improve the accuracy, clarity and confidence of their written French. The programme combines the school’s Intensive French Course every morning with specialised writing and grammar workshops in the afternoons.

Morning: Intensive French Course
Students attend the Intensive French Course for 20 hours per week, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Morning classes focus on developing all language skills:

  • speaking
  • listening
  • reading
  • writing
  • vocabulary
  • grammar
  • pronunciation

Lessons follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and are adapted to each student’s level.

Afternoon: French Grammar and Writing
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, students attend dedicated Grammar and Written French classes. These workshops focus specifically on improving written accuracy and helping students master French grammar through practical exercises and guided writing activities.
Students progressively develop greater confidence in writing French correctly while enriching their vocabulary and improving sentence structure.
The course is open to all levels, from complete beginners to advanced learners, and is available to adult students aged 16 and over.

Improve Your Speaking Skills Too
Many students wish to improve both their written and spoken French during their stay. For this reason, ACCORD also recommends adding two French Oral Communication lessons held on Monday and Friday afternoons, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
These conversation-focused classes provide additional opportunities to practise speaking naturally, improve pronunciation, gain fluency and build confidence in real-life communication, all for a very modest additional fee. Combining Grammar and Writing classes with Oral Communication workshops creates a balanced programme that develops every aspect of your French.

Learn to Write with Confidence

Writing well in French opens many doors. Whether you are preparing for university studies, advancing your career, sitting an official French examination or simply wishing to communicate more accurately, strong writing skills will make a lasting difference.
Grammar is not simply a collection of rules, it is the foundation that allows you to express your ideas clearly and elegantly. With expert teachers, structured lessons and complete immersion in Paris, improving your written French becomes both effective and enjoyable.

If your goal is to write French with greater accuracy and confidence while continuing to develop your overall language skills, an intensive French Grammar and Writing Course in Paris is one of the best investments you can make in your learning journey.

Contact ACCORD Paris