Learn French in Québec City
Québec City is the capital of Québec and one of the most French-speaking cities in North America. Far fewer people switch to English here than in Montréal, so newcomers who learn French settle in much faster.
French in Québec City
Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Québec City is the seat of the National Assembly and the political heart of French-speaking Québec. The city had about 549,500 residents in the 2021 census. Under the Charter of the French language, French is the official language of Québec, and in the capital it is also the language of almost every street conversation, shop and workplace. English is understood in tourist areas such as Old Québec, whose historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but beyond the walls it is much less common than in Montréal. That makes Québec City a demanding but rewarding place to live in French.
Why people in Québec City learn French
For immigrants, French is close to essential in Québec City. Most jobs in government, health care, education and services are in French, and Québec's selection programmes ask for proof of French through tests such as the TEFAQ or TCF Québec. The provincial government offers free French courses through Francisation Québec. Université Laval runs a French immersion pathway for non-francophone students. And for anyone moving here with family, French is how you will talk with neighbours, teachers and doctors, and how you will enjoy the Carnaval in winter and the Festival d'été in summer.
The French you'll hear
Québec City French has a strong, clear Québec accent, and you will hear it almost everywhere you go. Listen for typical Québec words such as une tuque for a winter hat, une fin de semaine for a weekend, magasiner for going shopping and le dîner for lunch. The ferry to Lévis is le traversier. Locals are used to visitors and will often slow down if you ask, so do not be shy about it.
- N'oublie pas ta tuque, il fait froid.Don't forget your hat, it's cold.
- Le traversier pour Lévis part à quelle heure ?What time does the ferry to Lévis leave?
- On se voit au Carnaval en fin de semaine ?See you at the Carnaval this weekend?
- Je cherche un logement près de l'Université Laval.I'm looking for housing near Université Laval.
- On dîne ensemble ce midi ?Shall we have lunch together today?
French exams in Québec City
Just across the river, the Cégep de Lévis became an approved TEF centre in 2024 and offers the TEF Canada and the TEFAQ, the version recognised by Québec's immigration ministry. Québec accepts several French tests in its programmes, including the TEF, TEFAQ, TCF Canada, TCF Québec, DELF and DALF. If you need a TCF version, check the France Éducation international centre list, as sessions may be held in Montréal or elsewhere.
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 Québec City or anywhere else. These topics are the most useful here:
Questions about learning French in Québec City
Can I get by in Québec City with English?
In Old Québec and hotels, often yes. For work, renting, health care and school, French is expected almost everywhere, more so than in Montréal. Newcomers who arrive with at least A2 or B1 French tend to settle faster. French Ultimate is an online course, so you can start before you move.
Which French test do I need to immigrate to Québec?
Québec's programmes accept the TEF, TEFAQ, TCF Canada, TCF Québec, DELF and DALF, with minimum scores that differ by programme. The Cégep de Lévis offers the TEF Canada and TEFAQ near Québec City. Check quebec.ca for current requirements before booking, since thresholds and programmes change.
Does French Ultimate have a school in Québec City?
No. French Ultimate is entirely online and has no teachers, partners or events in Québec City. It teaches standard French with a unit on Québec French, and you can combine it with free Francisation Québec courses or Université Laval programmes, which are run independently of us.
Learn French from Québec City, 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