The Best French Classes in Montreal (2026)

Key takeaways:

• French lessons in Montreal range from flexible online tutoring ($3-25/hour) to structured classroom programs ($400+)
• Online 1-on-1 tutoring gives you personalized lessons that fit your schedule with no commute
• French proficiency is required for most jobs and daily life in Quebec

Finding the best French classes in Montreal depends on your schedule, budget, and learning goals. Montreal is the largest French-speaking city in the Americas, and French proficiency is required for most jobs, government services, and full integration into Quebec life.

Between harsh winters, busy work schedules, and long commutes, traditional classroom learning can be challenging. This guide compares the top options in Montreal, from online tutoring to classroom programs, helping you choose what works for your situation.

Prefer to jump right in? Find your French teacher in Montreal, and get personalized lessons that fit your schedule.

The 5 Best French classes in Montreal

Best overall	italki
Best for cultural immersion & certifications	Alliance Française de Montréal
Best for international students	ILSC Montreal
Best for fast-track learning	The French School
Best for bilingual learners	EC Montreal

Where can I learn French in Montreal?

1. Italki: Best overall

italki is the leading online platform for personalized language learning. It connects you with native French-speaking tutors for personalized 1-on-1 lessons. With 15+ years in operation and over 5 million learners worldwide, the platform gives you access to 20,000+ teachers across 150 languages.

Format: Online 1-on-1 video lessons

Why it’s #1:

• Unbeatable flexibility. Schedule lessons anytime that works for you. No commuting through snowstorms or Metro delays. Learn from home, your office, or a cafe.
• Actually affordable. Lessons start at $3/hour. Most tutors charge between $4-25/hour. Pay only for the lesson time you use, no registration fees or materials costs.
• Wide variety of tutors. Choose from a variety of French tutors. Filter by price, availability, and teaching style. Watch intro videos before booking.
• Personalized to your goals. Every minute focuses on what you need.Interviewing in French, TEF exam practice, conversational fluency, or Quebec slang.
• No long-term commitment. Book one lesson at a time. Switch tutors if the fit isn’t right. Most tutors offer discounted trial lessons.
• No wasted time in group classes. You get 100% of the speaking time, not 5 minutes out of a 60-minute class.

How it works:

1. Browse French tutors in Montreal and filter by price,availability, and specialization
2. Watch introduction videos to find your match
3. Book a trial lesson (usually $3-10)  to test compatibility. 
4. Schedule regular sessions that fit your calendar
5. Focus on exactly what you need to learn

Best for: Anyone who values flexibility, personalized attention, and affordable pricing. Works for busy professionals, parents, students, and newcomers to Quebec.

Price: $3-25/hour

Location: Online (accessible anywhere in Montreal)

2. Alliance Française de Montréal: Best for cultural immersion

The Alliance Française is part of a global network of French language schools. The school follows the CEFR framework from A1 (beginner) to C2 (advanced) levels. Classes are conducted entirely in French, including beginner levels. They offer three pacing options: regular (7 weeks), accelerated (4 weeks), and intensive (2 weeks) for 28 hours of instruction.

Format: In-person group classes (online options available)

Pros:

• French-only classroom environment from day one
• Official test center for TEF, TCF, DELF, and DALF exams
• Multiple pace options to match your schedule
• Cultural events and conversation workshops for practice
• Structured curriculum following European standards

Cons:

• Fixed class schedules limit flexibility
• Group format means less individual speaking time
• Requires commuting to Centre de la francophonie
• Higher time commitment for session completion

Price: Varies by program intensity for 28-hour sessions; registration fee applies

Location: Centre de la francophonie de Montréal

Best for: Learners who need official certifications and prefer structured classroom settings

3. ILSC Montreal: Best for full immersion experience

ILSC offers general French communication programs and test preparation courses. They specialize in preparing students for TEF Canada and TEFaQ immigration tests. Students can choose different study intensities from part-time to full-time.

Format: In-person group classes

Pros:

• TEF/TEFaQ exam preparation for immigration
• Multiple study intensity options
• Cultural activity programs organized by the school
• Programs designed for Quebec integration
• Class sizes capped at 15-18 students

Cons:

• Higher costs than online options
• Fixed schedules don’t suit all work arrangements
• Large class sizes limit speaking practice time
• Requires daily commuting to downtown location

Price: Varies by program intensity; materials fees $10-15/week additional

Location: Downtown Montreal

Best for: International students and immigration candidates who need structured test preparation

4. The French School: Best for fast-track learning

Classes prioritize speaking practice over traditional grammar instruction. The school targets students who need French quickly for work or Quebec permanent residency applications.

Format: In-person, online, or hybrid classes

Pros:

• Conversation-focused methodology
• Flexible format options (in-person, online, or hybrid)
• Programs designed for Quebec PR candidates
• Focuses on practical speaking skills
• Offers both group and private options

Cons:

• Intensive pace may not suit all learning styles
• Limited pricing information available publicly
• Smaller school with fewer resources
• One-month timeline may not be realistic for all students

Price: Contact school directly for pricing

Location: Montreal

Best for: Students with tight deadlines for Quebec PR or job requirements

5. EC Montreal: Best for bilingual learners

The school serves primarily international students who want to study French, English, or both languages. They operate a larger facility with capacity for 290 students across 23 classrooms.

Format: In-person group classes

Pros:

• Bilingual program option (French and English together)
• Offers both languages in one location
• Larger school with more resources
• Multiple program options available
• Structured curriculum for both languages

Cons:

• International student focus rather than local integration
• Group classes limit individual attention
• Higher pricing compared to online alternatives
• Requires commuting to central location

Price: Varies by program

Location: Central Montreal

Best for: International students wanting to study both English and French

If you’re looking for online French lessons for English speakers, italki offers specialized courses designed specifically for anglophone learners. These make it easier to follow lessons and ask questions in a language they understand.

How to choose the best French class for you

Your ideal French class depends on four main factors.

Learning style matters. If you need personalized attention and want to work on specific skills, online 1-on-1 tutoring gives you focused practice time. If you prefer classroom structure and peer interaction, traditional schools offer group learning environments.

Schedule flexibility makes a difference. Montreal’s winters and busy work schedules make fixed class times difficult for many people. Online tutoring lets you book lessons early morning, during lunch breaks, or late evening. Traditional classes require set times and commuting.

Budget affects your options. Online tutoring costs less than classroom programs ($400-1000+ per session). You pay only for instruction time with tutors. Classroom programs include overhead costs in their pricing.

Your goals determine the right path. Need official certifications for immigration or university? Look for schools offering TEF, TCF, or DELF exam preparation. Want conversational skills for work or French for business? Focus on speaking practice with French teachers.Need structured classroom learning? Consider group programs.

Looking for more options beyond classes? Check out our comprehensive guide to French learning resources including apps, books, podcasts, and more.

Ready to start your path to French fluency?

French opens doors in Montreal. It improves your job prospects, helps you connect with people, and makes daily life easier in Quebec.

The best French class in Montreal is the one that fits your schedule and budget. Online tutoring works for people who need flexibility and personalized attention. Classroom programs suit those who prefer structure and group learning. What matters is finding something you’ll stick with.

Learn French with personalized lessons from expert French tutors trusted by over 5 million students worldwide. No commuting, no rigid schedules, just focused lessons that work around your life. Book a trial lesson today.

FAQs

What are the best French classes in Montreal?

The best option depends on your needs. For flexibility and personalized lessons, online 1-on-1 tutoring through italki works well. For official certifications, Alliance Française de Montréal offers test preparation. ILSC Montreal serves international students needing immigration test prep.

How much do French classes cost in Montreal?

Costs vary by format. Online tutoring ranges from $3-25 per hour with no registration fees. Most tutors charge $4-25/hour. Classroom programs cost $400-1000+ for multi-week sessions (typically 28 hours), plus registration and materials fees.

Is it better to learn French online or in-person?

Online learning offers flexibility. You can schedule lessons anytime, avoid commuting in winter, and get personalized attention every minute. In-person classes provide structure, peer interaction, and face-to-face learning. Some students use both: online tutoring for conversation practice and in-person classes for structure.

How long does it take to learn French in Montreal?

With consistent practice, you can expect basic conversation in 3-6 months, conversational fluency in 1-2 years, and professional-level skills in 3-5 years. Living in Montreal helps because you practice daily. Three 30-minute sessions weekly with a tutor works better than one 3-hour weekly class.

Do I need French to live in Montreal?

Yes, for most situations. While Montreal is bilingual, French is Quebec’s official language. Most employers require French skills. Government services, healthcare, and social interactions happen in French. Without it, you’ll face limited job options and feel isolated from the francophone community. French is necessary for living and working in Montreal.