Learn French in Monaco
In Monaco, French is the official language of the state, and the language of the Principality's administration and public schools. Residents from some 140 nationalities share it with the many people who commute in from France and Italy.
French in Monaco
Article 8 of Monaco's 1962 Constitution makes French the official language of the state. It is the language of the government, the courts and the public schools, where a 2007 law makes mastery of French a fundamental aim. The Principality also protects its own language, Monégasque, which is taught in schools alongside French. Monaco's 2023 census counted 38,367 residents, from 141 nationalities. For the first time Monégasques were the largest group, at about 24%, followed by French and Italian nationals. Italian and English are widely heard in shops and offices, but French remains the shared language of public life.
Why people in Monaco learn French
Many people working in Monaco's banks, yacht services, hotels and family offices deal with clients in English, but French is the language of contracts, residence formalities and local suppliers. Parents with children in Monaco's state schools need it to follow homework and talk with teachers. Many people who work in Monaco live in neighbouring French towns such as Beausoleil, Cap-d'Ail or Menton, where French is the language of home, shopping and healthcare. And for anyone hoping to build a long-term life in the Principality, French makes local friendships and community life far easier.
The French you'll hear
Monaco's French sounds like the French of the nearby Riviera, with the warm southern accent you also hear in Nice. Vowels are pronounced fully, so words like demain or pain can sound longer than in Paris. Italian is never far away and often slips into conversation. You may see Monégasque on street signs in the old town on the Rocher, and hear it at local festivals, but everyday exchanges happen in standard French.
- Je travaille à Monaco mais j'habite à Menton.I work in Monaco but I live in Menton.
- Quel bus monte au Rocher ?Which bus goes up to the Rock?
- Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous, s'il vous plaît.I'd like to make an appointment, please.
- Le bateau est amarré au port Hercule.The boat is moored at Port Hercule.
- Vous parlez italien ou français ?Do you speak Italian or French?
French exams in Monaco
The International School of Monaco describes itself as the first and only accredited DELF centre in the Principality, and it opens its DELF sessions to external adult candidates at levels A1 to B2. For the DALF, or for TCF versions such as TCF Canada, you would normally look to accredited centres in nearby France. Check France Éducation international's centre finder for current options along the Riviera.
Check dates and fees with the exam centre directly; they change every session.
Where to start in the course
French Ultimate is an online course, so you can follow it from Monaco or anywhere else. These topics are the most useful here:
Questions about learning French in Monaco
Is English enough to work in Monaco?
In many international roles English gets you started, but French is the official language and is used for contracts, administration and dealing with local suppliers and staff. Most people who settle in Monaco find French essential within a year or two. French Ultimate is online, so you can learn around long or irregular hours.
Do I need to learn Monégasque?
No. Monégasque is a heritage language taught in schools and used in some traditions and signage, but daily life, work and administration run in French. Learning standard French is what you need. If you are curious, you will spot Monégasque street names in the old town.
Can I take French Ultimate classes in Monaco?
French Ultimate has no school, teachers or events in Monaco. It is a fully online course from A1 to C2, with video lessons, speaking practice and DELF mock exams. When you are ready, you can register for the DELF with the International School of Monaco, which accepts external candidates.
Learn French from Monaco, at your own pace
Animated video lessons that stop for your answers, speaking practice, graded stories and DELF/DALF mock exams, from A1 to C2. Start with the free placement test to see where you are.
Take the placement test