The A1 level is for beginners taking their first steps in French. At the end of this level, you will be able to understand and communicate in simple social situations: you will be able to exchange information and express your concrete needs in everyday situations (getting to know each other, filling in a registration form, asking for directions, ordering in a restaurant, shopping, organizing an outing with friends, etc.).

At the end of this level, you will be able to carry out simple everyday tasks (looking for an apartment, going to the pharmacy or the doctor, asking about the menu in a restaurant, talking about your past experiences, answering an invitation, etc.). You can also use the most common forms of politeness and expressions.

At this level that you are comfortable in French, as long as the social situation is familiar or common, but you can manage in unexpected situations of everyday life (solve an unexpected problem in a restaurant, during a trip, etc.). You will be able to take part in a discussion and give your opinion on familiar subjects or in your area of interest. To enroll in a Bachelor's program at the University of Lausanne you need to have reached level B1.

At the end of level B2, you will be able to communicate with ease and efficiency, both orally and in writing, in such a way that the conversation does not involve any hesitation or confusion for either you or for the person you are speaking to. You are able to discuss concrete as well as abstract topics for example you are able to argue and defend your opinion on current affairs. You can also present the advantages and disadvantages of different possibilities while nuancing your remarks. Your command of the language allows you to correct your own mistakes.

At level C1, you have now acquired all the basics of French and are working on perfecting your skills. At the end of this level, you will be able to hold a conversation easily and without hesitation. Your speech is clear and well constructed, even on complex subjects. You have mastered a wide range of vocabulary, which allows you to refine your observations. You can understand long and demanding texts, including literary and academic texts. To enroll in a Master's program at the University of Lausanne you need to have reached level C1.

At the end of this level, you will be able to express yourself with a high degree of accuracy and fluency. You are able to use French in an academic or more advanced professional setting. You can read long and demanding literary or academic texts.

Acquire the skills to understand and communicate in French, from a very basic level (A1) to an advanced level (B2).

At the end of an intensive course, the participant will be able to:

Young people, at least 16 years old and non-French speaking adults wishing to start or continue learning French and discovering French-speaking culture in a sustained and rapid way.

For level A1 (beginner): knowledge of reading and writing with the Latin alphabet. For levels A2, B1 and B2: to have passed the previous level exam offered by the Richelieu Institute or to have acquired an equivalent level. An online evaluation is strongly recommended at the time of registration. If necessary, the Richelieu Institute reserves the right to redirect a participant to a level more appropriate for his/her skills.

Between 5 and 12 participants If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the Richelieu Institute reserves the right not to open the course and to propose an alternative solution.

Experienced teachers qualified in teaching French as a foreign language, the teachers of the Richelieu Institute teach only their native language.

A1, A2, B1 and B2

200 class periods are spread over 10 weeks, 20 periods per week (1 period : 50 minutes)

Monday to Friday, from 8:20 am to 12:00 pm

Possibility to start every Monday for a shorter duration. For complete beginners, it is strongly advised to start the first week. Ideally this course is complemented by the cultural and discussion workshops organized by the Richelieu Institute.

To be defined with your teacher

To be defined with your teacher

Young people at least 16 years old and non-French speaking adults wishing to start or continue learning French and discovering French-speaking culture in a targeted and personal way.

No prerequisites

Private courses: 1 participant
Semi-private courses: 2 or 3 participants
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the Richelieu Institute reserves the right not to open the course and to propose an alternative solution.

Experienced teachers qualified in teaching French as a foreign language, the teachers of the Richelieu Institute teach only their native language.

A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2

Private lessons : CHF 100.00 / 50 minutes or CHF 120.00 / 60 minutes
Semi-private courses, 2 participants : CHF 60.00 / 50 minutes per person
Semi-private courses, 3 participants : CHF 50.00 / 50 minutes per person
Flat rate for travel (to be agreed)

OFFER pack 10 + 1 : for each pack of 10 lessons, you get an 11th lesson for free !

Ideally these courses are complemented by the cultural and discussion workshops organized by the Richelieu Institute.

The Institut Richelieu offers a range of excursions during the term: visits to museums, boat trips, city tours, discussion workshops, etc. All of these activities allow you to practise your language skills while having fun.
All of these activities will give you the chance to practise your language skills while having fun: a great opportunity to discover the culture and make new friends during your stay in Lausanne!

Check the notice board regularly and discover our beautiful region!

Take part in our conversation workshops!
You will gain confidence to express yourself more freely and intuitively in French. Improve your pronunciation and enrich your vocabulary.
Plus, you'll meet people from all over the world! The limited number of participants ensures that everyone gets a maximum amount of time to speak.
It's the perfect complement to your language courses!