Mastering French in Monaco: A Practical Guide for Expatriates

Published on January 15, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Monaco means entering a world where luxury meets the Mediterranean, where you encounter nationalities from over 140 countries in a city-state of just two square kilometers. English and Italian are very present, but French remains the official language and the key to accessing local life, business, and, more discreetly, the trust of the residents. For an expatriate, learning French in Monaco is not a plus; it’s a lever for integration.

Why French is Essential in Monaco

Monaco is officially French-speaking. About half of the residents have French as their mother tongue, and in 2021, nearly 62% of the workforce employed in the Principality were French. Other languages—Italian, English, but also Monégasque—complete the landscape, without dethroning French in administration, most businesses, and institutional life.

For an expatriate, this translates very concretely:

At the same time, the Principality remains an international crossroads: the foreign community comes from about a hundred countries, English often serves as an “interface” between varied nationalities, and many services are accessible in several languages. It is precisely this duality that traps some expatriates: it is possible to “survive” in English, but one remains confined to an expat bubble, far from the circles where real professional and personal relationships are forged.

Learning French in Monaco therefore means:

– gaining autonomy (healthcare, housing, school, procedures)

– drastically expanding your local network (colleagues, entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, neighbors)

– sending a signal of respect towards the local culture, which is very sensitive to discretion and politeness

Understanding the Monégasque Linguistic Context

French dominates, but Monaco has a richer linguistic identity than it seems.

Monégasque (Munegascu) is the historical language of the Rock, a Ligurian dialect of Genoese origin. It almost disappeared in the 1970s before becoming the subject of a genuine preservation effort: written standardization since the 1920s, teaching in schools, bilingual signage in Monaco-Ville. About 5,000 people speak it, a little more than half of the Monégasque nationals.

A few basic words show how this language is both close to and distinct from French:

French	Monégasque
Hello	Bon giurnu
Good evening	Bona sera
Please	Per pieijè
Thank you	Merçì
Goodbye	A se revede / Ciau
Yes	Sci
No	Nun

An expatriate does not need to learn Monégasque to live in Monaco, but knowing a few phrases is often perceived as a sign of curiosity and respect, especially among long-established families.

Choosing Your Method: Immersion, Structured Courses, or Hybrid Learning

Monaco and the French Riviera offer a range of solutions for learning French, from private lessons to total immersion programs. The right choice depends on your situation: workload, budget, level, professional or family goals.

Intensive and Structured Courses in Monaco

For expatriates already settled or coming specifically to study, two main types of providers stand out: local schools and organizations specialized in French as a foreign language.

Alliance Française Monaco: The Academic Reference

The Alliance Française Monaco offers French courses led by highly qualified teachers: native speakers, FLE (French as a Foreign Language) specialists, and holders of a Master’s degree in the field. Their experience within the Alliance guarantees a good understanding of the typical difficulties of non-French-speaking adults.

The course structure is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 to C2. The materials used come from recognized specialized publishers (DIDIER, CLE International for grammar, Alter Ego by Hachette), supplemented by authentic documents: press articles, literary texts, audio and video materials. This approach offers a living French, anchored in current events and culture.

The formats and prices allow for a tailored program:

Type of Course	Duration / Format	Indicative Price*
Annual administrative fees	–	€70
General French course	30 h (session)	€450
July semi-intensive course	30 h	€510
Private lesson (one-to-one)	1 h	€65
Lesson for two people	1 h	€90 (for the group)
Corporate training	1 h	€120
DELF / TCF preparation (private)	60 minutes	€70

The amounts mentioned are from information available in the report and are subject to change.

For an expatriate, the major benefit of this institution is twofold:

– a solid pedagogical framework, aligned with officially recognized levels (useful if you later consider naturalization, studies, or a certification like DELF/TCF)

– schedule flexibility allowing you to combine work and learning (evening, daytime, individual or duo formats)

Regency School of Languages: Flexibility at the Service of Businesses and Families

Located on Avenue de Fontvieille, the Regency School of Languages is a Monegasque language center deeply rooted in the local economic fabric. Accredited as a training center by FEDEM since 1997, it allows companies based in the Principality to benefit from public subsidies for language training for their employees.

– private lessons

– premium mini-groups of 3 to 4 people

– conversation workshops

– courses for children and teenagers via a Kids Club (4–17 years old)

– preparation for numerous exams (DELF, DALF, TCF, but also TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, etc.)

– courses in person in their air-conditioned classrooms, in companies, at home, or online

The languages offered go beyond French (English, Italian, German, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Dutch, Chinese…), which can be useful for mixed couples or children in bilingual school systems. For companies, the benefit is clear: securing an appropriate level of French for the sector (banking, yachting, healthcare, events) while accessing financial aid.

Alliance Française Monaco and Regency School: Two Complementary Profiles

Their positions for an expatriate can be summarized as follows:

Criterion	Alliance Française Monaco	Regency School of Languages
Main orientation	French as a foreign language, academic approach	Multi-language training
Certification	CEFR-aligned courses, DELF/TCF preparation	Preparation for numerous exams (DELF, TOEIC…)
Target audience	Adults, businesses, exam preparation	Businesses, families, children, students
Course locations	School, possibly online	School, home, company, online
Key advantage for expatriates	Clear curriculum, CEFR levels, expert FLE teachers	Strong connection to businesses, great flexibility

In practice, many expatriates combine several approaches over time: a general course at the Alliance to build a foundation, then targeted corporate or mini-group courses at Regency to adapt their French to their professional reality.

Total Immersion: Living with a Teacher in Monaco

For those who want to progress very quickly—for example before starting a new position, an internal transfer, or a professional deadline—immersion stays represent a formidable tool.

Home Language International (HLI): “All in French” Daily Life

Home Language International offers a radical setup in Monaco: the student lives with their teacher. The lessons are private and flow into daily practice (meals, television, outings, social encounters). The teacher is qualified (university degree or equivalent, plus a recognized teaching certificate) and their home is inspected by a local coordinator, who also monitors the student’s progress.

The strengths of this formula for an expatriate:

This option is more expensive than a classic course but, in terms of progress per day, often very competitive. It is particularly suited for:

– a manager transferred to Monaco with little available time and high language requirements

– an expatriate spouse wishing to quickly reach a level of autonomy in daily life

– teenagers joining a francophone or bilingual institution in the region

French Study Programs Near Monaco

For those who can afford to leave the Principality daily or temporarily, the French Riviera offers some gems.

Institut de Français (Villefranche-sur-Mer): Intensive Immersion 35 Minutes from Monaco

Founded in 1969 and often cited among the best French language centers in France, the Institut de Français overlooks the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer from a terraced Provencal villa. It is about 35 minutes from Monaco by car, 10 minutes from Nice, 30 minutes from the international airport.

The principle is clear: total and immediate immersion (“Immediate Immersion,” “Total Approach”) for adults. The courses last:

– 8.5 hours per day

– 5 days per week

– for 2, 3, or 4 weeks

That’s about 40 hours of class per week. Groups do not exceed 10 people, organized into eight levels, after a written, oral, and listening placement test. A typical day alternates between:

– current events discussions

– grammar and structured exercises

– language lab

– role-playing and situational practice

– lunch-discussions with teachers

The fees (for example €2,900 for 2 weeks, €5,800 for 4 weeks, including a non-refundable registration fee of about €200) include breakfasts and lunches on class days. The school can also arrange furnished apartments nearby.

For an expatriate already in Monaco, the Institut de Français is a kind of “linguistic boot camp”: in 2 to 4 weeks, you cross a threshold that many do not reach in a year of sporadic lessons.

Institut de Français

– before taking on greater professional responsibilities in French

– to prepare for a proficiency exam or entry into a francophone training program

– to break through a plateau (B1/B2) by unlocking your oral expression

Languages Abroad: A School in the Heart of Monaco

Another structured option within the Principality is offered by Languages Abroad. The school, located in central Monaco, welcomes learners aged 16 and over (13 for some youth programs) for flexible durations starting from one week. A placement test takes place on the first Monday to integrate into a suitable group (A0 to B2).

Typical course formats:

Program Type	Weekly Volume*	Target Audience
Standard	20 group lessons (4 per day)	Adults, from age 16
Intensive	26 group lessons + 3 private lessons	Motivated adults
Private	15 individual lessons per week	Custom courses
Youth Program	20 group lessons + activities and excursions	13–21 years old

Durations are indicative, based on data from the report.

The school issues a language certificate at the end of the stay and offers a 12-week DELF preparation course (with fixed start and exam dates throughout the year). Credits can be recognized by Brookhaven College, which will interest North American students.

Logistically, Languages Abroad organizes:

– homestays (accommodation + meals, selection of families interested in intercultural exchange)

– airport transfer service (about $150 USD per trip)

– insurance (about $30 USD per week)

Additional fees should be expected: $200 USD registration fee, $200 USD accommodation placement fee, plus a non-refundable deposit of about $400 USD.

For an expatriate already settled in Monaco, this model can serve as:

– a launch pad (a few intensive weeks upon arrival)

– a boost for a teenager in an Anglophone school system who needs to strengthen their French

– a summer solution for children or young adults coming to join a parent in the Principality

Online Courses and Apps: Advantage of Time and Flexibility

Even in a two-square-kilometer city, time remains the scarcest resource. Between travel, events, and professional obligations, many expatriates appreciate being able to “squeeze in” 30 minutes to 1 hour of French per day without leaving their office or living room.

Private Online Lessons: Maximum Personalization

International platforms like italki or Preply allow you to find a qualified French teacher, often a native speaker, used to working with expatriates, in a few clicks. You can filter profiles by:

– specialization (business French, DELF/TCF preparation, pronunciation, conversation)

– experience (sometimes 5 to 20 years of teaching)

– qualifications (Master’s in FLE, TEFL, etc.)

– schedule availability and time zone

– price (starting from a few dollars/euros per hour, with an average around $20 USD)

For a Monegasque resident, these platforms play a key role:

Many traditional schools (like Regency School) have also developed their own online course offerings with formats modeled on in-person ones, but via Zoom, Teams, or Skype.

Apps and Digital Resources: The Portable Lab

Apps alone are not enough to achieve fluency, but they are an excellent complement, especially for expatriates with busy schedules. The main types of apps are roughly divided as follows:

In an environment like Monaco, where home-work commutes are generally short but people travel a lot for business, these tools become companions on flights, trains, or in the car.

Some strategic uses for an expatriate:

– Pimsleur or Michel Thomas while driving or traveling: 30 minutes of audio per day is enough to consolidate comprehension and pronunciation.

– News In Slow French, Inner French, RFI or Radio France podcasts while exercising: develop your ear without a screen.

– Memrise/Lingvist/Anki while waiting in line or at a cafe: automate frequently used vocabulary and phrases (polite expressions, meeting language, standard sentences for banking or real estate).

– Yabla, FluentU, or series on Netflix (for example Lupin) with French subtitles to link images, dialogues, and intonation.

The key is to avoid spreading yourself too thin: choose two or three complementary tools (for example, a structured app, a podcast, and a dictionary) and stick with them for several months.

Business French in Monaco: Codes, Stakes, Training

Monaco is a business hub where some 5,000 companies coexist, very active in banking, finance, healthcare, high tech, tourism, real estate, or international trade. French is both a working language and a vehicle for many cultural codes.

Politeness and Formalism: The Foundation of Communication

Monégasque business culture borrows heavily from the French tradition:

– almost systematic use of “Mr.” or “Ms.” followed by the last name until you are invited to use first names

– use of the “vous” form in all professional interactions, including between colleagues, until the relationship has clearly shifted to using “tu”

– writing structured emails (salutation, development, polite closing formula) even for exchanges that seem brief in English

Some specific gestures can be surprising:

– the “OK” gesture (thumb and index finger forming a circle) can be interpreted as “zero,” meaning “nothing” or “worthless”

– interrupting your interlocutor can sometimes be a sign of keen interest in the discussion, not rudeness, in certain French professional contexts

Understanding these nuances is as important as knowing specialized vocabulary. Many training courses on “French business culture” or “professional communication in French” integrate these socio-pragmatic dimensions.

Specialized Training for Professional French

Several providers mentioned in the report precisely meet these needs:

The benefit of this type of training for an expatriate in Monaco is clear:

– working directly on real situations: presenting a project, participating in a meeting, negotiating a contract, leading a hybrid video conference

– integrating implicit codes: speaking turns, managing disagreement, formulating criticism, the progression from “vous” to “tu”

Combined with more general courses (Alliance Française, Regency School) and regular practice, these trainings allow you to move from “correct” French to “credible” French in decision-making spheres.

Living French Daily in Monaco

Learning French doesn’t only happen in a classroom. Monaco, despite its small size, offers a remarkable linguistic playground if you know how to use it.

Making the City a Learning Ground

Iconic locations can become open-air classrooms:

– Oceanographic Museum, Exotic Garden, Prince’s Palace, Larvotto Beach, Monte Carlo Casino, Monte Carlo Opera: so many opportunities to buy a ticket, ask a question, read exhibition signs, listen to guided tours in French.

– Grand Prix circuit: follow a guided tour in French, read local media coverage during the race, listen to driver interviews on French-speaking channels.

Libraries, Media Libraries, and Cultural Resources

Even though the report mainly mentions a “French Library” outside Monaco, the idea remains valid for the Principality and its surroundings: francophone resource centers are gold mines. You generally find there:

– novels, comic books, children’s books

– CDs, DVDs, magazines, board games

– story hours in French, book clubs, film screenings

Many establishments draw inspiration from initiatives like:

– shelves by level (A2, B1, etc.) to guide learners

– book/film pairs (“ALMOST ALIKE”) to read the book and watch its adaptation

– thematic recommendations (cooking, travel, current events, thrillers, comics)

For an expatriate, dedicating an hour per week (borrowing a simple book, a DVD with subtitles, a magazine on a subject they like) maintains the language in an enjoyable way.

Language Exchange Groups and Social Life

Even if Monaco doesn’t have the density of language cafés of a large metropolis, the region (Nice, Antibes, Cannes) is very active. Many groups of the “expats & language exchange” type organize:

– conversation evenings

– informal meetups in bars or cafés

– themed activities (board games, hikes, cultural visits)

– practicing French under low pressure, alternating with English or other languages

– building connections outside the strict professional milieu, which is often the key to true integration

In parallel, youth programs (for example those of Languages Abroad in Monaco) or Kids Clubs from language schools like Regency School offer expatriate children a space to create a French-speaking network outside of school.

Building a Realistic Progression Plan

Whatever mix of resources is chosen, success relies less on the “perfect” choice than on the regularity and coherence of the whole. For a newly arrived expatriate in Monaco, a three-phase plan can serve as a guide.

Phase 1: Securing Daily Life (0–3 months)

Goal: to be able to manage everything that cannot afford errors (healthcare, housing, money, children).

Possible strategy:

At this stage, speaking French “badly but often” is more important than aiming for grammatical perfection.

Phase 2: Investing in the Professional World (3–9 months)

Goal: actively participating in meetings, writing correct emails, holding a 15 to 30-minute professional conversation.

Possible strategy:

– switching to a mode of more targeted courses: business French, DELF B1/B2 or TCF preparation, depending on your project

– taking an intensive course of one or two weeks (for example at the Institut de Français or with HLI immersion) to unlock oral fluency

– integrating intensive listening into the routine (podcasts, radio, French series)

This is also a good time to ask your French-speaking colleagues:

Phase 3: Refining and Sinking Roots (9–24 months)

Goal: to no longer be perceived as “the expat who gets by”, but as a full-fledged interlocutor.

Possible strategy:

– aiming for a certification (DELF B2 or C1 depending on your profile) with targeted support

– attending cultural activities in French: conferences, VO cinema, book or debate clubs

– building a French-speaking friendly network (neighbors, other parents, sports or cultural associations, volunteering)

At this stage, learning becomes less academic: it’s mainly about refining the understanding of implications, humor, cultural references, local and national press.

Managing Common Obstacles

Even in an environment as privileged as Monaco, learning French remains a challenge. Several typical difficulties regularly come up among expatriates.

The “Anglophone Bubble Effect”

Because English is so widespread, many end up using French only with shopkeepers, or not at all. Result: after two or three years, the level has barely evolved. The only way to avoid this pitfall is to impose a few rules:

Lack of Confidence in Speaking

Many adult expatriates quickly master comprehension and reading but don’t dare to speak, for fear of “doing it wrong.” Yet, correctness comes from practice, not from holding back. Effective strategies include:

Lack of Time

Professional and family obligations sometimes leave little room for study. It is then useful to work in “layers”:

– 10–15 minutes of vocabulary app every morning or before bed

– 20–30 minutes of French podcast or radio while exercising or walking

– 1 to 2 lessons per week (private or in mini-group), firmly blocked in the agenda

– 1 cultural outing in French per month (movie, conference, museum)

Monaco, with its short distances but a very dense schedule, lends itself well to this type of micro-session.

Conclusion: Making French an Ally of Your Monegasque Life

The Principality offers a paradoxical environment: it is entirely possible to settle and work there for a long time using mainly English… but those who take the step into French access another dimension of local life.

Resources are not lacking:

– solid academic structures like the Alliance Française Monaco or Regency School, adapted for adults, businesses, and families

– powerful immersions like Home Language International in Monaco or the Institut de Français in Villefranche-sur-Mer

– centralized programs by organizations like Languages Abroad, combining courses, accommodation, and activities

– online tutor platforms (italki, Preply) and a galaxy of apps for working on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, comprehension

1. A structured foundation: regular lessons with a qualified teacher, in person or online. 2. Daily practice: even if brief, in contact with native speakers or authentic content. 3. Progressive immersion into Monegasque life: shops, events, cultural institutions, local network.

In a country where discretion, politeness, and respect for formalities count as much as material success, speaking French is not only useful; it’s a genuine gesture of belonging. For an expatriate in Monaco, it is probably the investment with the highest return, both professionally and personally.