Study French in France: Discover schools, prices, and best seasons
Find out here what are the alternatives to study French in France, if there are scholarships available and what is the best season to do so.
If learning French effectively while experiencing cultural immersion is on your list of goals, there’s no better place to do it than in France. Studying the language in its country of origin gives you a real advantage—not just in mastering grammar and vocabulary, but also in using it naturally in everyday situations. Whether you dream of soaking up French culture in the streets of Paris or in vibrant cities like Lyon or Montpellier, we’re here to guide you through the courses available to study French in France.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the cost of French courses in France, available scholarships to help fund your experience, and which agencies can guide you through the process. Keep reading to learn more.

How much does it cost to study French in France?
The costs of French courses in France will vary according to the city, the school and the total duration of the course, but here we want to show you an average of the expenses to consider:
Concept | Approximate price |
Intensive course (1 month) | $680-1,700 |
Semester course | $3,400-5,700 |
Annual course | $6,800-11,300 |
Study material | $56-170 |
Accommodation (monthly) | $450-1,020 |
Food (monthly) | $280-450 |
Public transportation (monthly) | $35-90 |
Leisure and miscellaneous expenses (monthly) | $225-450 |
We recommend you to read our guide for foreign students in France, you will learn important steps and tips for your experience.
Stay connected in France with Holafly
To make the most of your time studying in France, it’s important to stay connected—whether you’re exploring the country, keeping up with your studies, or staying in touch with loved ones. That’s why we recommend Holafly’s eSIM. It offers unlimited data, great customer support, and competitive pricing. If you’re planning to stay in France for an extended period, Holafly Plans is a great option too—it also comes with unlimited data and lets you use your phone as a hotspot for other devices.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

How to get scholarships to study French in France
One of the best ways to study French in France is by taking advantage of the scholarships offered by educational institutions and government programs. They often cover not only tuition fees but also accommodation and living expenses.
Here is a detailed description of some of the options:
Eiffel Scholarships:
These are scholarships of excellence awarded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, aimed at high-level foreign students.
- Coverage: They cover tuition, accommodation and living expenses.
- More information: Detailed information can be found on the Campus France website (https://www.campusfrance.org/en/).
Linguistic scholarships from the French Embassy:
These are scholarships that finance French language courses in France.
- Coverage: They cover tuition fees and, in some cases, room and board.
- More information: You can find detailed information on the website of the French Embassy in your country. If you’re from Colombia, the Francés Sin Límite program might be a great opportunity for you.
Best schools to study French in France
If you’re looking for top-quality schools to learn French in France, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit your budget, preferences, and learning goals. Here are some of the best French language schools and what they specialize in.
France Langue – With accommodation
Location and reputation
France Langue is one of the most well-known French language schools in the country, with campuses in Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, and Lyon. It holds quality accreditations like the FLE (Français Langue Étrangère) and has earned recognition for its innovative approach to teaching French.
Courses, levels and duration
They offer both intensive and standard courses for all levels, from beginner (A1) to advanced (C2). There are also specialized programs available, such as Business French and preparation for DELF/DALF exams. Course durations range from one week to a full year.
Accommodation and services
Students can choose to stay in student residences, host families, or shared apartments. Accommodation typically includes Wi-Fi, cleaning services, and in some cases, meals.
Price range
- Intensive courses (20 hours/week): 250 – 400 euros ($280-460) per week
- Accommodation in residence: 500 – 900 euros ($570-1,020) per month
LSF Montpellier – For adults
Location and reputation
LSF Montpellier is a great choice for adult learners looking for a more laid-back, less touristy setting than Paris. The school has earned awards for its personalized teaching approach and specializes in programs for students over 30.
Courses, levels and duration
Its courses range from A1 to C1, with standard, intensive and personalized options. It also offers conversation workshops and cultural courses.
Age range
The school is designed for adults 30 years and over, although there are programs for 18-29 year olds in the summer.
Price range
- Standard courses (15 hours/week): 200 – 350 euros ($230-400) per week
- Intensive courses (25 hours/week): 350 – 500 euros ($400-570) per week
Alliance Française Paris – No accommodation
Location and reputation
The Alliance Française in Paris is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world for learning French. Founded in 1883, it’s renowned for its excellence in language instruction and its strong ties to the French Ministry of Education.
Courses, levels and duration
It offers programs for all levels, from intensive courses to evening classes for those with work commitments. The school also provides preparation for the DELF and DALF exams.
Price range
- Standard courses (20 hours/week): 250 – 400 euros ($280-460) per week
- Evening courses (6 hours/week): 150 – 250 euros ($170-280) per month
How to study French in France and work at the same time?
You can study and work in France, but there are certain requirements:
- If you have a student visa for courses of more than 3 months, you can work up to 20 hours per week.
- If you are a citizen of the European Union, you can work without restrictions while studying.
- The most common jobs for students are in cafés, restaurants, stores, call centers or as language assistants.
To find a job, you can search portals such as Indeed, Welcome to the Jungle or Pôle Emploi, or ask directly in cafés and stores.

Best seasons to study French in France
Each season has its pros and cons when it comes to studying French in France, so we’ll break them down for you to help you choose the one that best fits your goals and preferences.
- Summer (from June to August): This is the most popular time of year, with many schools and universities offering intensive courses. It’s perfect if you want to combine studying with sightseeing and outdoor activities—however prices tend to be higher and there are more tourists.
- Autumn (September to November): With fewer tourists and pleasant weather, this season is a great choice if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience and more affordable rates for both accommodation and courses.
- Winter (December to February): If you don’t mind the cold, winter is a great time to take advantage of lower prices and smaller crowds. It’s also the perfect season to explore Christmas markets and experience the holiday spirit in France.
- Spring (March to May): With mild weather, fewer tourists than in summer, and plenty of outdoor activities, this season is one of the best times to study in France—plus, it’s more budget-friendly than summer.
Popular agencies for studying French in France
If you’d rather plan your trip with expert guidance, these agencies can help you find the right course, arrange your accommodation, and even assist with your student visa application.
EF Education First
About the agency
EF is one of the most well-known global agencies for studying languages abroad. In France, it offers courses in Paris and Nice, with programs available for learners of all ages.
Services
- French courses from 2 weeks to 1 year.
- Accommodation options with host families or in student residences.
- Assistance with visa procedures (if required).
- Cultural activities and excursions.
StudyTravel Network
About the agency
Specializing in language courses, StudyTravel works with accredited schools in several cities in France, such as Paris, Lyon and Montpellier.
Services
- Standard and intensive French courses.
- Combined study and work programs.
- Accommodation in host families or residences.
- Advice on enrollment and job search for students.
Frequently asked questions about where to study French in France
The price varies according to the city and the school. On average, an intensive course costs between 600 and 1,500 euros ($680-1,700) per month, while a yearly course can cost between 6,000 and 10,000 euros ($6,800-11,300).
Paris is the most popular choice, but cities such as Lyon, Montpellier, Nice and Bordeaux also offer excellent schools and a more affordable cost of living.
Yes, if you have a student visa you can work up to 20 hours per week. The most common jobs for students include cafés, restaurants and stores.
If you’re a citizen of the EU, you won’t need a visa. However, if you’re planning to take a course longer than three months, most international students will need to apply for a student visa.
To avoid roaming charges, you can use a Holafly eSIM with unlimited data in France. You’ll have internet access from day one—no need to worry about buying a physical SIM card.