Classes
French Conversation
Practice French in a friendly atmosphere, meet new friends, and experience the local culture.
For 8 years and over 500 sessions, our conversation classes have been the signature of InSitu. Designed for international residents and visitors, these sessions are a social “melting pot” where you can build your confidence in a relaxed, supportive environment.
- When: Every Wednesday, 1.5-hour face-to-face sessions
- Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
- Small Groups: Limited to 6 participants for maximum speaking time
What To Expect?
Each session is divided into two parts to help you learn naturally and effectively:
The Discussion (1 hour)
We start with a drink and a chat. While you speak, I take detailed notes on new vocabulary, verbs, and phrases that come up, ensuring everything is captured in context.
The Debrief (30 minutes)
We review the notes together. We correct common mistakes, refine pronunciation, and clarify grammar points based on our real conversation.
The InSitu Bonus
After every class, you receive your organized session notes plus a brand-new practical guide to help you practice independently until our next meeting.
Conversation Class Schedule
Join us every Wednesday for our signature conversation sessions:
- Le Labo (Beginner): 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
- Le Bistro (Intermediate): 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM
- Le Studio (Advanced): 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
We have a 15-minute social break between each session (at 2:30 PM and 4:15 PM) to meet, mingle, and grab a drink!
Join the Community
Not sure which level fits you best? You are welcome to try two different levels to find your perfect match.
Beginner Level | Wednesday | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
“I am building my first conversations in French.”
This is your “Discovery Lab.” It’s a safe, non-judgmental space to experiment with the basics. Take your first steps in French conversation! In a relaxed and guided setting, practice what you learn in class with students who are as eager as you are to take all the small steps that lead to interacting in French.
- Goal: To put your lessons into practice and start interacting.
- Support: We use “ready-made” tools and simple questions to help you speak even with minimal French.
- Vibe: Low-pressure, supportive, and focused on effort rather than perfection.
Who is this class for?
This course is dedicated to absolute beginners & beginners in French, right from the very first basics.
What if I’m shy or nervous?
It is completely normal to feel a little shy when starting to speak a new language. We create a safe and non-judgmental space. You are never forced to speak or put on the spot. You can start by simply listening, using the ready-made answers, or even just translating a single word you need.
Our goal isn’t just to practice French; it’s to build your confidence. The small group size and the focus on shared notes mean we are all learning together, supporting one another, and focusing on effort, not perfection!
How can you join the conversation as a beginner?
This is the best part—you can participate even with minimal French! Here’s how we encourage you to jump in:
- Use what you know: Employ the words and phrases you are already familiar with. Start small!
- Ready-made tools: Use the ready-made questions and answers provided in our documents.
- Adapt and customize: Take the ready-made Q&A and make small changes (e.g., J’adore la musique → J’adore le sport / l’art / les visites / la cuisine / la nature…). Be creative!
- Experiment and get feedback: Try out your own sentences! The course is a safe space to experiment and receive constructive feedback.
- Ask Elodie! Don’t hesitate to ask for translations in the moment to quickly learn the words you need to express your ideas.
Le Bistro (Intermediate) | 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM
“I am making my French conversations more fluid.”
The “Coffee Corner” of InSitu. Here, we transition from structured learning to spontaneous chat.
- Goal: To gain ease and confidence in everyday topics.
- Support: We focus on maintaining the flow, expanding your vocabulary, and reducing common errors or “Anglicisms.”
- Vibe: Relaxed, social, and perfect for sharing stories about your life in France.
Who is this class for?
This course is dedicated to Intermediate Level speakers who have a foundation in French grammar and vocabulary but want to maximize their speaking time.
What if I still hesitate or make mistakes?
It is completely normal to hesitate or make mistakes when pushing your fluency! Our goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable taking risks and experimenting with the language.
How does it work?
This is a 100% practical, hands-on workshop focused on real-world conversation. The core of the class is conversation revolving around everyday topics according to the participants’ interests. We also talk about the city and its current events, and we exchange tips and recommendations. In short, the session is structured to give you maximum speaking time on diverse, relevant subjects.
How can you master the conversation at an Intermediate Level?
This is the level where you start connecting words and phrases into longer, more natural-sounding speech. Here’s how we encourage you to jump in:
- Embrace spontaneity: The goal is to talk freely. Don’t overthink; just use the French you know to express your ideas about the topic at hand, whether it’s travel, food, or local events.
- Share your life: Talk about your experiences, your favorite things, and your recommendations. This helps anchor the language in your personal reality.
- Discuss local events: Actively participate in discussions about the city and its current events, which helps you learn vocabulary relevant to local life and culture.
- Prioritize fluency: Focus on maintaining the flow of conversation. It’s better to speak with a few mistakes than to stop and search for the perfect word. The goal is to gain ease and confidence.
- Ask Elodie: Don’t hesitate to ask for the French for a phrase or concept you need in the moment to keep the conversation flowing naturally.
Le Studio (Advanced) | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
“I am looking for precision and finesse.”
The “Jeweler’s Studio” where we polish your French to get it as close as possible to your native language.
- Goal: To master nuances, argumentation, and complex grammar.
- Support: We use articles, videos, and news to fuel debates and presentations.
- Vibe: Dynamic and intellectually stimulating, focusing on sophistication and eloquence.
Who is this class for?
This course is dedicated to Advanced Level speakers ready to tackle complex discussions in French. It’s ideal for anyone looking to go beyond everyday conversation, engaging with prepared material, and refining their expressive abilities.
What if I’m nervous about complex topics?
It’s natural to feel challenged by specific, in-depth topics. The goal of this class is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and *bonne humeur* environment for expanding your knowledge and pushing your boundaries.
To help you prepare, documents are sent in advance by Elodie related to the chosen topic. You are encouraged to review these materials to be ready to discuss.
The focus is on effort and development, providing a space to experiment with sophisticated language and argumentation without the pressure of perfection.
How can you master the conversation at an Advanced Level?
This level is all about taking your French proficiency to a higher degree of precision and fluency. Here’s how to make the most of the class:
- Preparation is key: Use the documents sent in advance to familiarize yourself with the week’s topic, vocabulary, and potential arguments.
- Expand your lexicon: Actively work to incorporate new, complex vocabulary and idiomatic expressions into your speech.
- Strengthen your argumentation: Focus on using logical connectors, sophisticated structures, and nuanced language to clearly express and defend your points of view.
- Engage with the news: Take the opportunity during the warm-up to discuss current events, practicing your ability to react spontaneously to real-world topics.
- Experiment and refine: This is a safe space to try out complex sentence structures and receive constructive feedback to hone your rhetorical skills.
