“Civilization and culture” activities
Paris is a city rich in history and culture, and its museums are among the most famous in the world. The Louvre, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and many other iconic works, offers a fascinating dive into art history. The Musée d’Orsay, located in a former train station, showcases impressionist, post-impressionist and art nouveau collections. Finally, the Center Pompidou is renowned for its bold architecture and its collections of modern and contemporary art. By exploring these museums, FLE students can not only enrich their artistic knowledge, but also practice the French language by reading the descriptions of the works and listening to the audio guides available in several languages, including of course French.
Walks in picturesque neighborhoods
Walking through the emblematic neighborhoods of Paris is an experience not to be missed for FLE students who want to enjoy their language stay. Montmartre, with its Sacré-Cœur Basilica and bustling cobbled streets, offers panoramic views of the city from its famous mound. Le Marais, known in particular for its medieval charm, is home to trendy boutiques, art galleries and many quaint cafes. Saint-Germain-des-Prés, thanks to its historic bookstores and emblematic cafés, has long been a favorite place for lovers of literature and history. By walking through these neighborhoods, FLE students will have the opportunity to interact with locals and improve their mastery of the French language in real contexts, whether by asking for directions in the street or ordering a coffee in a local cafe.
Keep learning French out of school!
Many language schools in Paris offer French courses specially designed for FLE students. These courses offer a balanced combination of in-class learning and practical activities outside the classroom: for example, international students can participate in role-playing games, group discussions and organized cultural outings to highlight practice what they learned in class. Some schools also offer French cooking classes, neighborhood tours, or day trips to experience French culture from different perspectives. By participating in these courses, international students can improve their understanding of French language and culture while meeting other international students with similar interests.
The many cultural events
Paris is also famous for the cultural events that take place there throughout the year. While the Cannes Film Festival is the most famous of its kind, there are also many other film festivals that take place in Paris, such as the International Animated Film Festival and the Russian Film Festival. Art exhibitions are also very popular within the capital with events such as FIAC (International Contemporary Art Fair) and Nuit Blanche, which feature art installations throughout the city. Concerts and plays are also staples of the Parisian cultural scene, with shows ranging from classical music to comedy to experimental theater. By participating in these events, FLE students will have the opportunity to broaden their cultural horizons while practicing their French with other participants and meeting local artists.
Literary Cafés and linguistic meetings
The city of Paris is renowned for its lively literary cafés and informal “language meetings”. Places such as Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots and La Palette are famous for hosting famous writers and intellectuals over the years, attracting tourists keen on French culture and students alike. These cafés offer FLE students a relaxed atmosphere to practice French while enjoying a coffee or a glass of wine. In addition, many associations and groups organize linguistic meetings where participants can come together to exchange views in different languages, including French of course. These meetups are often held in cafes, bars or public spaces and provide an ideal opportunity to practice the language with locals and other international students.
Discover cooking and French gastronomy
French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its diversity and quality, and many international students want to enjoy it during their language stay. Parisian food markets offer a unique opportunity to discover local products and taste a variety of traditional dishes. The Bastille market, one of the largest markets in Paris, offers a wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats and seafood; The Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris, is a favorite place to sample dishes from around the world, as well as French specialties like crepes, quiches and ham sandwiches. By exploring these markets, FLE students will have the opportunity to practice their French by interacting with sellers and discovering new local products. Of course, the numerous restaurants and brasseries of the capital are also present to satisfy the gastronomic curiosity of students from all over the world.
Theater and cinema in French
For FLE students, attending French plays or French film screenings is an excellent way to improve your oral comprehension and vocabulary. The Théâtre de la Ville, the Théâtre du Châtelet and the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord are among the most famous theaters in Paris, and offer a varied program ranging from classical theater to contemporary dance. As for French cinema, it is celebrated in many cinemas across the city, including La Pagode cinema, Le Louxor cinema and Le Champo cinema. Additionally, film festivals such as the French Cinema Festival and the Francophone Film Festival offer screenings of contemporary French films as well as meetings with directors and actors. By attending these performances, FLE students will once again have the opportunity to hear the French language in an authentic context and to discover the richness of French cinematographic culture.
