How to save money on adult learning courses in France

Whether you fancy trying your hand at something crafty, want to improve your language skills or need professional development for work, courses can sometimes be costly. We take a look at how to save when it comes to lifelong learning in France. 

Language classes

Language classes appeal to many people who have moved to France. The interior ministry recommends the French First Steps app, aimed at complete beginners, and the MOOC Travailler en France, aimed at people at A2 level and above. 

A MOOC – massive open online course – is a free online distance-learning programme. 

The next Travailler en France course starts on April 30, and you can sign up here.

The course focuses on work-based scenarios, including job-hunting and interviews. It is based on vocabulary from five different sectors: personal and business services, construction, healthcare, IT, and hospitality and catering.

France Université Numérique

The France Université Numérique (FUN) platform offers over 300 free MOOCs from various higher education institutions across France. While the majority are in French, some are taught in English. 

Courses available at the time of writing included Vivre en France (levels A1 and B1), a language course to help people adapt to living in France; Science and entrepreneurship: the fundamentals; and Agroecology: an introduction. 

Classes begin at different times of the year, so it is worth checking what is coming up. 

Compte Personnel de Formation

The Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) was set up in 2019 to help workers pay for additional training. 

Credits are worth up to €500 per year (up to a maximum in your account of €5,000), to be spent exclusively on training courses to improve skills for your current job or to learn new skills.

You can check your eligibility, sign up, and log in to your CPF account at the website. In some cases, your employer may grant you days off to do the training, or allow sessions to take place during your working day.

Freelance and self-employed workers can also benefit from the CPF on a pro-rata basis, in the same way as employees. 

However, they are limited in what training they can undertake, with most courses available to them relating to management or business skills, or furthering skills in their current trade.

In the case of employees, the CPF is essentially funded by employer’s contributions. Self-employed and freelance workers are required to pay a contribution à la formation professionnelle (CFP) to Urssaf to benefit.

Note that on April 1, 2026, the mandatory flat-rate contribution for CPF courses rose from €100 to €150. Jobseekers and those whose training is co-funded by their employer remain exempt. 

Connexion reader Tracey Morgan said she used her CPF to get Validation des acquis de l’expérience (VAE), a French programme that transforms real-life experience into a recognised qualification.

“As a breeder of the critically endangered Baudet du Poitou donkey since 2018, I am retraining to acquire farming status,” she said.

Accueil des Villes Françaises

Accueil des Villes Françaises (AVF) has over 250 local branches that welcome newcomers to towns and cities across France and offer a host of activities, often run by current members.

It’s a chance to meet new people, but also learn new skills. The fee is low at €35 per year, with an occasional additional charge for some activities. 

Classes depend on the interests and passions of local members, but can range from language and first aid, to drawing and painting. 

Look out for other local associations that are focused on your interests. For example, local history groups are a fun and low-cost way to discover more about the heritage on your doorstep.

Public lectures

The Collège de France in Paris offers free public lectures on everything from science to literature and philosophy. Attendees do not need to sign up in advance, but are advised to arrive 30 minutes before the lecture starts. Upcoming lectures can be seen here.

Also in Paris is the Ecole du Louvre which, aside from its more structured degree programmes for people who want to pursue museum and heritage work, offers a wide range of courses that anyone can take part in. Some are held in person, some online, and prices start from €60. 

For online learning, Art Explora Academy is a free platform offering 11 art history courses of less than an hour. 

Complete all 11 and you will receive a certificate validated by the Sorbonne University. 

Local libraries 

As well as lending books, many libraries offer courses and workshops, often at a low price or for free. Look out for regular conversation groups, ideal for practising your French, digital skills workshops, and history and literature talks. 

On a national scale, the Bibliothèque nationale de France has millions of free resources available online.

YouTube 

Online video platforms such as YouTube can be a trove of information and learning experiences. 

From language practice to learning practical DIY skills, and even recorded lectures, you can often find something that aligns with your interests.