Why learn French
in Montpellier?
Want to learn French in France, in the region everyone’s talking about? Come to Montpellier, to Accent Français or ILA! Located in southern France, in the Occitanie region—formerly the historic province of Languedoc—the city lies south of the Cévennes Mountains and just about ten kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a major transportation hub connecting northern Spain to eastern Italy.
The city was founded in the Middle Ages, and as early as the 12th century, it distinguished itself by establishing schools of law and medicine. Its medical school is the oldest continuously operating medical school in the world. Ranked among the top 10 student cities in France, it is home to two universities, several higher education institutions—notably in the fields of agronomy, chemistry, architecture, and digital technology—as well as renowned private institutions specializing in information technology and the arts.
Furthermore, for anyone looking to pursue a professional career in the region, taking French classes in Montpellier offers the ideal setting. The city is one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in southern France, thanks to its research centers and innovative companies, particularly in the biotechnology, digital technology, and renewable energy sectors.
Its commitment to environmental protection and the ecological transition is reflected in its major initiative to plant 50,000 additional trees and its achievements in the development of the “Écoville,” eco-friendly real estate, and green corridors dedicated to sustainable transportation. The express bike network project, known as “Vélolignes montpelliéraines,” which spans 235 km across the city, is nearing completion and is supported by a bike-sharing service. The tram system has become one of the city’s hallmarks, thanks to five lines that crisscross the metropolitan area. Virtually the entire historic center is a pedestrian zone. In addition, Montpellier boasts a Natura 2000 site, “Le Lez,” two natural areas of ecological, faunistic, and floristic interest, and the Jardin des Plantes adjacent to the School of Medicine.
In just a few steps, you can go from the historic Écusson district to the Antigone neighborhood, designed in the 1980s by architect Ricardo Bofill, whose neoclassical architecture is inspired by ancient Greece. A place of passage and encounter, this development reflects what makes Montpellier a city where different eras and communities come together. A city whose Mediterranean climate allows people to gather on terraces year-round—whether in the narrow streets or on the famous Place de la Comédie, dominated by the magnificent Théâtre de la Comédie.
The various French courses available in Montpellier
In Montpellier, the Groupement FLE lists two French language schools with the “Qualité FLE” certification: Accent Français and ILA. All general French programs are aligned with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Both schools emphasize a dynamic approach to learning French in France, focusing on using the language in everyday life, for short-, medium-, or long-term stays, either individually or in pre-formed groups. Some programs focus on preparing for the DELF and DALF exams or on university admission. Courses are open to adults, but special programs are available for teenagers aged 16 and older. Programs are also offered for people over 50.
Standard French Classes
This course, consisting of 20 lessons per week (equivalent to 15 hours per week), is held in the morning. It is designed for people who want to take advantage of a learning experience that allows them to make progress while still having free time in the afternoon. Depending on the situation, it is possible to supplement certain afternoons with tutoring sessions, workshops, or cooking classes.
Intensive Course
This course adds additional afternoon classes to the standard morning course, for a total of 6 to 8 lessons per week. This course is designed for people who need to learn more quickly and in greater depth—whether to prepare for an exam, for professional reasons, or because they have limited time to study French as a foreign language at our French language schools in Montpellier.
Super-Intensive Course
.This course combines the hours from the intensive course with private lessons for a total of about 30 lessons per week. It is designed for people who want to make progress in a very short time and need additional individualized instruction to address their specific needs.
French and Science Classes in Montpellier
At Accent Français, this course is designed for students, researchers, or professionals in the sciences who wish to improve their command of French while expanding their scientific knowledge. With 24 lessons per week over a 3-week period in June, it combines an intensive French course with linguistic immersion in scientific subjects.
Private French Lessons
Private lessons may consist of additional hours as part of the super-intensive group course.
Accent français offers private online French lessons at a rate of 4 lessons per week.
Training Courses for FLE Teachers in Montpellier
Accent Français offers customized training programs for teachers of French as a foreign language (FLE), teachers of non-language subjects (DNL), and teachers involved in ERASMUS projects who wish to improve their French.
French Immersion Language Study Abroad Program
Learning French in Montpellier through immersion means living there. The housing services at ILA and Accent français will guide you based on your preferences. Want to experience the French way of life with a host family? The families selected by ILA and Accent Français welcome you into their homes, with or without half-board. Prefer to be more independent? You can choose between a student residence, a tourist residence, or an apartment hotel. Whatever your preference, Accent Français or ILA is just a few minutes’ walk or tram ride away. It’s yet another opportunity to meet wonderful people along the way.
Discover our French language schools in Montpellier
In Montpellier, a quintessential college town, ILA and Accent Français are the undisputed leaders in French language instruction in France. Both were founded in 1998 and quickly established themselves as the best schools for learning French in Montpellier. At both schools, the energy of stable, experienced teams reflects the city’s vibrant and creative atmosphere. ILA and Accent français are ideally located in the city center, right next to tram stops, in facilities on a human scale, allowing for direct access to administrative and academic services.
Accent Français and ILA are regularly recognized by Study Travel Magazine’s Star Awards. ILA is a member of International House, which conducts numerous quality checks.
Contact our French language schools in Montpellier
33 Grand Rue Jean Moulin 34000 Montpellier
170 Rue de Rhodes 34000 Montpellier
How much does a French class cost in Montpellier?
For a French language course in Montpellier, the price falls within the average range charged by schools in the Groupement FLE. Expect to pay between 260 and 280 euros per week for a standard course, and between 350 and 380 euros for an intensive course. These rates are discounted for stays of 5 weeks or more. If you’re doing a language immersion program, don’t forget to add the cost of housing. For homestay accommodation, the price starts at 160 to 200 euros per week and varies depending on whether you choose half-board.
What can you do during a language study trip to Montpellier?
Montpellier is a bustling place! It’s no coincidence that the city has become a hub for popular TV series broadcast on national networks, and that a film studio has been set up there. Animation and special effects companies, as well as film schools, have set up shop in the area, attracting French and international students interested in pursuing careers in the film industry. While taking French classes in Montpellier, you’ll have the chance to visit filming locations at the city’s most iconic sites. You’ll admire the beautifully preserved historical heritage of the Écusson—the medieval historic center—including Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Tour des Pins, the medieval mikveh, and the Château de la Mogère. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can make your way to the modern Antigone district with its monumental architecture, as well as to Port Marianne, which also bears the hallmarks of contemporary urban planning.
Is your credit card calling your name? East of Montpellier, the walkways winding through the shops, restaurants, and entertainment areas of the Odysseum open-air shopping center will have you hooked. Want to get a glimpse of Montpellier’s future? Go see the progress being made in the Cambacérès District, located right next to downtown, where major corporate headquarters, digital service sector companies, shops, and community spaces are taking root amid green spaces. Need a moment of respite after so many contrasts and dazzling sights? Take a break at the Musée Fabre, which will amaze you with its wealth of classical and contemporary works. Grab a ticket to one of the shows scheduled at the Corum, which serves as a convention center, opera house, and exhibition center all in one.
Does the sea call to you? In the summer, go relax in the shade of the dunes on the beaches of Espiguette in Le Grau-du-Roi. Just a little hungry or really hungry? Try the local culinary specialties: cagarolettes, cod brandade, or fougasse with fritons, which you can wash down with a glass of Pic Saint-Loup. For something sweet, treat yourself to Montpellier grisettes, escalettes, or oreillettes. In the evening, the night is yours. With nearly 300 bars scattered throughout the city, you’re spoiled for choice: traditional pubs, tapas bars, innovative cocktail bars, themed venues, and spots with live performances—sometimes featuring a hilarious marching band parading through the streets. You’ll see for yourself why Montpellier’s nightlife helps make it one of the most festive cities in France. But don’t forget: classes start tomorrow morning at Accent Français and ILA, and you’ve got to be on time!
FAQ
👉 At Accent Français and ILA, you’ll be welcomed year-round by experienced and approachable staff who are ready to meet your needs, whether it’s regarding classes or housing if you’re coming for an immersion program. When you walk through the doors of these schools, you’ll immediately find yourself in a warm and attentive atmosphere. At Accent Français and ILA, a friendly environment combined with academic rigor allows you to make progress under the best possible conditions.
👉 Which French course will you choose, and for how long? Will you need housing in Montpellier, and if so, what kind? For a one-week course, you can find a course starting at 260 euros and homestay housing starting at 160 euros. Check with the schools to get a price quote based on your specific needs. Remember that the price decreases if you stay for more than 5 weeks.
👉 Single or double room, homestay with or without meals, student residence, or hotel-style residence? Let us know what you’re looking for, and the housing services at ILA and Accent Français will provide you with suitable options.
👉 Are you good at languages? Do you already speak a language other than your own? How long do you plan to study French in Montpellier? What is your current level, and what level do you want to reach? The time required will depend on your answers to these questions. Keep in mind that the more class hours you take per week, the faster you’ll progress.
If you would like to refer to a guide, please see the chart we have created based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
👉 Whether you’re preparing for the DELF, DALF, TCF, or college admission, ILA and Accent Français will gently prepare you as part of the general language course program or through specialized additional in-person sessions, sometimes with the help of an online platform offered by Accent Français. Please also ask for information if you’re interested in the Abitur, A-Level, AS-Level, GCSE, ESABAC, or Bachibac exams. Six lessons per week in small groups can be added to the standard course.
👉If you’re coming by train, there are two stations serving Montpellier: Montpellier Saint-Roch Station in the city center, and the Montpellier Sud-de-France TGV station. You’re 3 hours and 15 minutes from Paris, 2 hours and 10 minutes from Toulouse, and 3 hours from Barcelona. FlixBus and BlablaCar offer regular service to Montpellier at an affordable price. Whether you’re coming from Paris, the United Kingdom, Greece, Turkey, Italy, or Spain, you can fly into Montpellier Méditerranée Airport.
👉 No visa is required if you are a citizen of a European Union member country or of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Iceland! For citizens of other countries, a visa must be applied for through the French consular authorities. Be prepared to specify the purpose and duration of your stay in France. For more information, see the special section on this topic.
