New Students

Whether you took French years ago and are looking to brush up on your language skills or you have no knowledge of the language, the French Library is your passport to French and the Francophone world!

We offer language classes for absolute beginner to advanced students as well as a variety of literature, theme courses and conversation classes. If you are unable to do a ten- or five-week class, our Intensive Week and One Day Immersion programs allow you to maximize your learning in a week or a day.

We’re sure to have something that will interest you!

Browse our adult classes

Trial Classes

If you would like to try a class before you actually register for it, or participate once in a class, you may do so by calling us one week in advance. Prices are as follows:

$30 for 1.5-hour class
$45 for 2-hour class
$60 for 3-hour class

If you decide to enroll in that class, the trial class fee will be deducted from your course registration fee.

Accelerate your journey to fluency by becoming a French Library member! For as low as $10, supplement your coursework with the full-immersion experience and enjoy discounts on our cultural events; borrowing privileges at our French-language library, the largest of its kind in New England; unlimited access to our digital newsstand, Culturethèque; and much more!

Become a member

Placement Test

A placement test is required for all new students with previous French experience. This way, we can make sure you are in the right course level. If you have no French experience—even if you don’t know what bonjour means—that’s ok! We have plenty of courses for beginning adults.

Children are always placed in courses based on their age and native language and do not necessitate a placement test. Placement tests are required for all teen courses.

The placement test has two required parts: written and oral. For the written portion of the test, you will print out and respond to prompts in writing and return to the Center via email at info@frenchlibrary.org, fax to 617.262.0611 , or in person (approx. 15 minutes). Once you have submitted the written placement test, an instructor will call you at the time that you’ve indicated on your written test. Your oral skills can also be evaluated in person at the Center but you need to call for an appointment. The oral test takes approximately five to ten minutes during which time an instructor will ask you several questions to evaluate your spoken level of French. The instructor will then advise the appropriate course level.

Please note: Oral tests are given in the order in which the written tests are received. Calls will be made Monday through Friday, between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. We will only try to call you three times at your preferred time slot mentioned on your placement test.

Take the written test (PDF)

We will be in touch for an oral language assessment over the phone

Testimonials

Josephine

Boston

These are continually the best French classes I've ever taken. The subject matter is always stimulative and appropriate for adults. The instructors are knowledgeable and able to give clear explanations of meaning in French.

Karl

Exeter, NH

At the French Library, you can immerse yourself in French art, literature, philosophy, food and culture while meeting great instructors, making friends and using an excellent library.

Katherine

Boston

I loved the experience, shifting gears after work, popping into the arts openings and wine tastings, meeting new people and learning practical language skills. Can't wait to plan a trip to France!

Practical Info

Lower Level

1. Kitchen

2. Salle Idéfix

3. Salle Astérix

4. Salle Obélix

First Floor

5. Ballroom

6. Reading Room

7. Reception

8. Gallery

Second Floor

9. La Médiathèque

Third Floor

10. Salle Alliance

11. Salle Conférence

12. Salle Lacour

13. Salle Hurst

Visit Us

53 Marlborough St. Boston, MA 02116

Hours

Monday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Library Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Thursday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Directions

Green Line - Arlington Station
Orange Line - Back Bay Station
Red Line - Charles/MGH Station
Bus lines: 9, 10, 39, 43, 55, 57

Parking

Parking is available at the Boston Common Parking Garage on Saturdays all day and on week days after 4:00 PM for $10.
Buy your discounted ticket from our receptionist.

Contact Us

617.912.0400
info@frenchlibrary.org

Accessibility

The Center is not wheelchair accessible.

Selection of Classes

Advanced Beginner Coffee Talk

Advanced Beginner

Starting 1.5 hours per week for 5 or 10 weeks

A relaxed environment for lovers of French language and culture to sharpen their speaking skills. Discuss everything from daily activities to social issues. No homework and no required textbook.

Advanced Beginner Let's Cook in French

Advanced Beginner

Starting 1.5 hours per week for 5 weeks or 10 weeks

Why not improve your French with a cooking class? Discover culture and regional specialties of France while learning to cook local recipes.

French Cinema: Short Films

Intermediate

Starting 1.5 hours per week for 5 weeks

Reach a deeper understanding of modern French society through its vibrant and dynamic film industry while practicing your language skills.

See All

The Alliance Française Method

We belong to the largest network of French language and cultural centers in the world with over 800 chapters. Our native speaking instructors benefit from the expertise of the Alliance Française for the most effective methods of French language instruction. We hold classes year round at all levels for adults and children including a summer program. There is a class to meet every need and desire!

Library

We have over 28,000 books, CDs, DVDs and magazines suitable for all ages and levels of French in our collections. The Library is open to the general public, with borrowing privileges reserved for members of the French Library.

Proficiency Exams

The French Library is an official exam center for three different proficiency exams. We offer the DELF/DALF, TEF and DAEFLE. These exams provide certificates and diplomas that testify to your level of French and can be used for applications for school or work as well as for immigration purposes.

Events

We offer a variety of events that inspire, enliven and education including art exhibitions, film screenings, cooking classes, lectures and traditional holiday celebrations, like our legendary Bastille Day Party.