Language
Learning French quickly (and cheaply)
Free and low-cost options for new arrivals.
Reviewed 27 October 2026
Options that newcomers actually use:
- OFII civic integration course - free language hours for some permit holders.
- Municipal courses - your mairie often runs cheap evening classes.
- Associations - many run conversation groups for a few euros a term.
- Alliance Française - paid, structured, recognised certificates.
Official levels since 1 January 2026: A2 for a first multi-year card, B1 for the ten-year carte de résident and B2 for naturalisation, plus a civic knowledge exam.
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