Our range of French courses
All the courses at the Richelieu Institute meet the requirements of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). They support your progress by allowing you to work on the four essential areas of language learning: speaking and writing and comprehension.
Thanks to a dynamic method, which favors real world materials and stimulating and varied activities, our french courses prepare you for everyday and professional communication. They offer a real opportunity to better understand French-speaking culture (Lausanne is the capital of the canton of Vaud), and are an important step towards integration into the French-speaking Swiss society and in the international french speaking community.
Three types of courses are available: group, private or semi-private (2 or 3 participants). Developed by the experts of the Council of Europe, the CEFR is a common basis for the development of programs and objectives for language teaching, as well as for their evaluation and certification.
6. DELF / DALF
Terms 2024
Our French courses are organised by trimester.
Download the detailed timetable for full details (prices, dates, discounts, timetables)!
Levels
The Richelieu Institute offers French courses for all levels of proficiency within the CEFR: group courses : from A1 to B2 ; private and semi-private courses : from A1 to C2.
There are six levels, each of which builds on the previous level and offers more complex activities to promote both the learning of the language and knowledge of the French-speaking culture.
For group courses, at the end of a level, an exam is offered to certify your skills and allow you to join the following level.
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.
Intensive courses
To learn French quickly and efficiently, there is nothing better than an intensive course! Daily practice of the language allows you to develop your oral and written comprehension as well as your speaking skills. Thanks to entertaining and varied activities, you will gain confidence and ease in communicating in French. You will also discover different aspects of French-speaking culture in the Swiss context, directly in the heart of Lausanne.
The perfect solution, to practice French on a daily basis!
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.
« What is well conceived is clearly stated, the words to say it come easily. »
Nicolas Boileau
Evening courses
Do you want to learn French in parallel with your work? You only have a few hours a week to devote to your French learning?
Our evening courses were made for you: you will be amazed by your progres with classes just two evenings per week!
Acquire the skills to understand and communicate in French, from a very basic level (A1) to an advanced level (B2).
At the end of a general 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 parallel with their professional or daily activities.
For level A1.1 (beginner): knowledge of reading and writing with the Latin alphabet.
For the other levels A2, B1 and B2: to have acquired the previous 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 4 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.
A1.1, A1.2, A2.1, A2.2, B1.1, B1.2, B2.1 and B2.2
44 class periods are spread over 11 weeks, 2 x 2 periods a week (1 period : 50 minutes)
Monday and Wednesday, from 6:30 to 8:15 pm
Possibility of starting every Monday for a shorter period. 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.
« If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart. »
Nelson Mandela
Specialized courses
Do you want to learn French in parallel with your work or during your stay as an au pair?
Do you have only a few hours a week to devote to learning French?
Do you want to give yourself the best chance of passing a French exam?
Our specialized courses allow you to quickly reach your goals.
« The only normal way to begin speaking in a new language is to begin speaking badly »
Greg & Angela Thomson
Semi-intensive courses
With this course, you will learn French in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere two afternoons a week. You will acquire solid skills to communicate effectively and reach your goals quickly.
Acquire the skills to understand and communicate in French, from a very basic level (A1) to an advanced level (B2).
At the end of a semi-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 parallel with their professional or daily activities.
For level A1.1 (beginner): knowledge of reading and writing with the Latin alphabet. For the other levels: acquired the previous 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 suited to his/her skills.
Between 4 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.
A1.1, A1.2, A2.1, A2.2, B1.1, B1.2, B2.1 and B2.2
88 class periods are spread over 11 weeks, 2 x 4 periods per week (1 period : 50 minutes)
Monday and Wednesday, from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Possibility of starting every Monday for a shorter period. For complete beginners (A1.1), it is strongly recommended to start the first week. Ideally this course is complemented by the cultural and discussion workshops organized by the Richelieu Institute.
Ideally this course is complemented by the cultural and discussion workshops organized by the Richelieu Institute.
« The man who knows no other language, unless he is a genius, is necessarily deficient in his ideas. »
Victor Hugo
Au pair courses
During your stay as an au pair, you will benefit from optimal support in learning French thanks to our specially designed courses, two afternoons a week. With regular and entertaining practice, you will quickly develop your skills to communicate effectively in everyday life. An excellent way to combine fun and learning in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere!
Acquire skills to understand and communicate in French at an elementary level (A1-A2).
At the end an au pair course, the participant will be able to:
Young non-French speaking au pairs at least 16 years old who wish to start or continue learning French and discovering French-speaking culture.
For level A1.1 (beginners): knowledge of reading and writing with the Latin alphabet. For the other levels: to have acquired the previous 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 suited to his/her skills.
Between 4 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.
A1.1, A1.2, A1.3, A2.1, A2.2, A2.3, B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B2.1, B2.2, B2.3
44 class periods are spread over 11 weeks, 2 x 2 periods a week (1 period : 50 minutes)
Monday and Thursday, from 2:00 pm to 3:45 pm
Possibility of starting every Monday for a shorter period. For complete beginners (A1.1), it is strongly recommended to start the first week. Ideally this course is complemented by the cultural and discussion workshops organized by the Richelieu Institute.
« To have another language is to possess a second soul. »
Charlemagne
DELF/DALF preparation courses
Preparing for an exam doesn’t have to mean stress and anxiety! This time it will be different! With our preparation courses, you will be stacking the odds in your favor and can be assured that you are optimally prepared.
In a friendly and caring environment, your teacher will guide you step by step and help you organise a winning strategy, so you can reach your goals. You will take part in practice tests and benefit from personalized advice: always an essential step towards success!
Give participants the techniques and tools necessary to take the DELF/DALF exam, an official French language exam recognized around the world.
At the end of a DELF/DALF preparation course, the participant will be able to:
Young people at least 16 years old and non-French speaking adults wishing to prepare for a DELF/DALF exam
Have acquired the level of the chosen exam (an online evaluation is strongly recommended) or have passed the Richelieu Institute exam for the chosen level. To be registered in a course of the level of the chosen exam with the Richelieu Institute (the second part of the module for the two-part courses).
Between 4 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.
B2 and C1
36 class periods are spread over 6 weeks, 2 x 3 periods per week (1 period : 50 minutes)
From 08.08.2023 to 14.09.2023
From 10.10.2023 to 16.11.2023
Tuesday and Thursday, from 1:30 pm to 4:15 pm
Ideally this course is complemented by the cultural and discussion workshops organized by the Richelieu Institute.
« Alone we go faster, together we go further. »
African proverb
Private & Semi-private courses
The perfect option to benefit from coaching that is 100% in line with your needs!
You want to learn French at your own pace? Would you like a customized course? Perfectly adapted to your schedule and your needs, our private (1 participant) and semi-private (2 or 3 participants) courses are ideal to allow you to progress rapidly and in a targeted manner.
Together with your teacher, you will establish a personalized strategy to reach your goals.
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.
« Languages can make you feel at home anywhere. »
Edmund de Waal
Online courses
Do you want to learn French comfortably at home or in between work, and you can’t come to Lausanne to take a French course? The Richelieu Institute offers you online courses to learn and progress at your own pace with an experienced teacher. Requires a good internet connection and up-to-date computer software.
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 online 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
On request
Cultural activities
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!
Price list
PRICE CUT FROM SEPTEMBER 2023!
Our prices include all taxes:
– no booking fees
– no registration fees
– books included for intensive courses
A deposit of CHF 400 is required to guarantee your enrolment (except for private or semi-private courses).
CHF 3'890.-
10 weeks of 20 hours | 220 periods
Discounts from the 2nd quarter
CHF 2000.-
10 weeks of 8 hours | 80 periods
CHF 980.-
10 weeks of 4 hours | 40 periods
Discounts from the 3rd quarter
CHF 720.-
6 weeks of 6 hours | 36 periods
CHF 385.-
1 week of 20 hours
CHF 200.-
1 week of 8 hours
CHF 95.-
1 week of 4 hours