I do not have much experience with language schools in Paris.

But two years ago, when I had a three week holiday in Paris I organized six private lessons (twice a week two hours) at Eurocentres ( http://www.eurocentres.com/ec/en/languages...is-General.html ) a school operated by a swiss foundation. I had the lessons with M. Daniel Moriot the Academic manager. It was quite intense. I was very happy with it.

Thank you Sam for letting me know about Accord.

I went to Accord for several weeks four years ago. They were ok for a class-type setting. But with 10-15 people in each class, it's not a good environment for a beginner since you spend most of the time listening to other beginners make mistakes.

One of the oldest one and mosrt reliable one is the Alliance Francaise, which is affiliated with the University of Paris. They have a large selection of courses, ranging all the way to total immersion courses. Rates depend on your selection.
They are located at 101 blvd Raspail (between the Metro stations Sevres Baylone and N.D de Champs (closer to the 2nd one).

BP Chuck

I have been doing some research on language schools recently and found out about the following:

1. Accord Ecole de Langues
Accord

2. L'Institut Catholique
Paris Anglo
(Go to main page then look under study-language schools.)

The other big school around is the Alliance Francaise: http://www.alliancefr.org/

Otherwise, there are tons of smaller schools that advertise in FUSAC. Some of them probably have smaller, more intensive classes. Though check them out carefully.

If you're not sure where to get a copy of FUSAC, check here: http://www.fusac.org/en/lieux_categories.php

At this point, I usually tell people that group classes are a really slow way to learn French, especially for beginners. I have heard of settings with three or so students that work ok. But more than that and it tends to be you listening to a lot of other people make mistakes.

I usually suggest tutors, who work in the range of 35-40 Euros for a 90 minute session. I would plan on studying for about twice the time you're with the tutor-eg. 3 hours of prep for a 90 minute session.

There are tutors in FUSAC, and we're using two at the moment-email me if you would like their names.

Hey all --

I'm in Paris for 6 months and I would like to learn French. Can anyone suggest a place that offers classes? I am a total beginner and my girlfriend (who would like to take classes as well) has a few years of high school French. I think I would prefer a immersion style course that is fairly intensive, but not so intensive that I don't have time for anything else

The Sorbonne offers classes (see http://www.fle.fr/sorbonne/ang/2004/summercourse-2004.htm) but they are quite expensive, approaching 1000 euro. Anyone have any other suggestions that are not as expensive?

cheers,
shooz