A1 | Beginner Level

For complete beginners

Don’t just study French.
Start living it in Paris.

Starting a new language can be intimidating. That’s why our A1 Program is designed as a structured bridge to confidence. From your very first “Bonjour” to your first real conversations in Paris.

No prior knowledge? Perfect. You are in the right place.

Is this Beginner French Course right for you?

Choosing a language school can be tricky. Our Level A1 curriculum is specific: it’s the level of discovery.

You have never studied French

Or just a few words on an app. You need structured lessons.

You want strong foundations

Understanding grammar logic, syntax, and correct pronunciation from day one.

You want daily autonomy in Paris

Shopping, ordering at a restaurant, introducing yourself to locals.

This course is NOT for you if…

  • You already understand simple French conversations.
  • You can tell stories about your past vacations (Past Tense).
  • You are looking for advanced conversation classes only.
In that case, check out our Level A2 (Elementary)!
Our Teaching Method

Why you’ll progress faster at our School

Most language schools make you take notes. At FTC Paris, we make you speak. Here are our 3 accelerators for beginners.

Micro-Groups (Max 10)

Elsewhere, classes have 20 students. Here, small groups mean you speak 3x more.

  • Intensive speaking practice
  • Immediate individual feedback

The “Field Lab”

The classroom isn’t enough. Once a week, we go out for a guided real-life scenario.

  • Ordering at a cafe
  • Shopping at the market

Quality & Connected

Learn with certified teachers. Our interactive approach makes speaking easy and natural.

  • Google Classroom Included
  • Easy Speaking Practice
CEFR Framework

By the end of Level A1, you will be able to…

According to the official descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Listening Comprehension

“I understand familiar words…”

Concrete Goals

  • • Identify a price, a time, or a phone number.
  • • Understand simple instructions.
  • • Recognize basic questions about your identity.

Toolkit (Course Focus)

Numbers (0-100) The Imperative Questions (Où, Quand, Combien)

Gare SNCF

Public Announcement

“Le train numéro 452 à destination de Lyon…”

“…partira à 14 heures 30, voie B.”

Reading Comprehension

“I understand simple texts…”

Concrete Goals

  • • Read a restaurant menu or a cafe blackboard.
  • • Understand signs or information boards.
  • • Read a simple invitation email.

Toolkit

Articles (Le, La, Un, Des) Prepositions Food Vocabulary

Le Petit Bistro

Menu du Jour

Salade de Chèvre6€
Tomates, noix, miel
Poulet Rôti12€
Avec frites maison
Speaking

“I communicate simply…”

Concrete Goals

  • • Introduce yourself (name, job).
  • • Buy something (ask price, pay).
  • • Order at a restaurant.

Toolkit

Verbs: Être, Avoir “Je voudrais…” Adjectives
Pro
Bonjour ! Qu’est-ce que je vous sers ?
Bonjour, je voudrais un café crème, s’il vous plaît.
Me
Writing

“I write short messages…”

Concrete Goals

  • • Fill out a hotel form.
  • • Write a simple text message.
  • • Send a holiday postcard.

Toolkit

Connectors (Et, Mais) Agreement Politeness
M
Maman
Coucou !
Je suis à Paris. C’est magnifique ! 🥐
Bisous !
Seen at 10:42
Oral & Written Interaction

“I can ask and answer…”

Concrete Goals

  • • Ask simple questions on familiar topics.
  • • Interact if the other person speaks slowly.
  • • Ask for or pass on personal details in writing.

Toolkit

Question Words (Qui, Quoi) “Pouvez-vous répéter ?” Contact Forms

Administrative Form

Nom :
Garcia
Nationalité :
Espagnole
Email :
maria.g@email.com
“Asking for details to complete a registration.”
Mediation (New CEFR 2021)

“I help understanding…”

Concrete Goals

  • • Convey simple information from signs or posters.
  • • Show interest using simple words & gestures.
  • • Explain a simple visual menu to someone.

Toolkit

“Regarde ça” “C’est interdit” “C’est ouvert/fermé”

DÉFENSE DE FUMER

You explain to your friend:

“No smoking here.”

See Your Progress in Motion

The A1 level follows the “L’atelier+” progression in 8 units. Here is your roadmap to autonomy.

WEEKS 1-2 (UNITS 1-2)

Discovery & Tastes

Objectives: Introducing yourself, exchanging contact details, talking about your tastes simply, and proposing an outing.

25% Completed
WEEKS 3-4 (UNITS 3-4)

City & Projects

Objectives: Asking for directions, shopping for food, and talking about your future plans.

50% Completed
WEEKS 4-5 (UNITS 5-6)

Stories & Work

Objectives: Describing fashion/looks, speaking a little bit about your job, and recounting past memories (Passé Composé).

75% Completed
WEEKS 6-8 (UNITS 7-8)

Opinions & Family

Objectives: Describing your family and home, talking about health, and finally: start giving your opinion with simple sentences.

100% A1 Level Achieved

Course Syllabus

Download the detailed PDF program to see exactly what we cover week by week.

FTC Paris’s A1 (Beginner) Syllabus

Why Choose FTC Paris?

  • Speak more fluently through guided, real-life conversations
  • Small group classes in a vibrant Paris coworking space
  • A clear program, for a strong growth
  • Designed for Beginner learners ready to go deeper
Modern Tools

Tools for your success

We use modern, effective materials designed specifically for adult learners in France.

“L’atelier+” Method

We use the “L’atelier+” textbook series (Editions Didier). It is modern, immersive, and focused on action and communication.

Paper Textbook Digital Workbook

Digital & Hybrid

Never lose a note. All whiteboard notes are saved to Google Drive. Plus, access the “Educadhoc” app for exercises on the go.

Google Drive Notes Online Exercises
The Training Center

A Premium Learning Environment

Located in the heart of **Paris La Défense**, our French school offers optimal conditions for focus and relaxation.

Prime Location in La Défense

Easy access from anywhere in Paris. Just minutes from Metro Line 1 and RER A.

Student Lounge

Free coffee, tea, and a comfortable space to relax or chat with other students.

Bright & Modern

Air-conditioned, soundproofed classrooms with natural light and interactive screens.

Upcoming Sessions & Intake Dates

Join a group that matches your target every Monday, or start a full session.

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* Dates account for French public holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your current level. If you are a complete beginner, we strongly recommend starting at the beginning of a session so you don’t get lost. If you have some basics, contact us for a quick assessment.
Forget boring lectures. At FTC Paris, expect to move and speak! Our classes are interactive: role-plays, real-life scenarios, and small groups (max 10) to ensure everyone practices.
Consistency and immersion are key. Don’t look for immediate perfection, but dare to speak. Our method gives you the essential “bricks” from the very first weeks.
You will reach the **full A1 level**. Concretely, you will be able to handle most daily life situations in France: shopping, taking transport, introducing yourself.