As a French teacher at French As You Like It, one of the most preferred language schools in the heart of Paris, I’ve worked with students of all levels and learning styles.
One thing that always makes a difference is choosing the right French language learning book.
These books are essential tools for building vocabulary, mastering grammar, and immersing yourself in the language.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best French learning books available to buy today.
Best French Language Learning Books
Here are some of the best French language learning books I recommend everyone –
- “Easy French Step-by-Step” by Myrna Bell Rochester
- “Practice Makes Perfect: Basic French” by Eliane Kurbegov
- “Grammaire Progressive du Français” – CLE International
- “Vite et Bien” – Didier
- “L’Expression Française Écrite et Orale” by Jean-Jacques Chevallier
- “Le Nouvel Edito” – Didier
1. “Easy French Step-by-Step” by Myrna Bell Rocheste
If you are one of the English-speaking learners, this book is undoubtedly going to be a classic choice.
It builds gradually, starting with basic grammar and everyday vocabulary.
What I appreciate most is how it introduces grammar concepts in a logical order.
It also includes plenty of reading comprehension exercises.
These are some of the Key Features of the book:
- Clear grammar explanations
- Focus on essential verbs and structures
- Reading sections to build context
2. “Practice Makes Perfect: Basic French” by Eliane Kurbegov
If you prefer a workbook-style approach with lots of practice drills, this is going to be the best one.
This book is great for building foundational skills through repetition and active recall.
This book is ideal for Self-learners and those who like structured exercises
3. “Grammaire Progressive du Français” – CLE International
This is a staple in many French classrooms—including ours at French As You Like It. It combines grammar explanations with short dialogues and context-driven exercises.
These are the reasons why we recommend it to our students –
- Comes in levels (Beginner to Advanced)
- Includes answer keys and audio support
- Culturally relevant examples
The Grammaire Progressive series works especially well when paired with conversation classes.
At our school, we often use these books alongside personalised speaking sessions.
4. “Vite et Bien” – Didier
“Vite et Bien” is perfect for intermediate learners who want to enhance both listening and reading skills. It uses real-life scenarios—like going to the pharmacy or renting an apartment—making it practical and engaging.
This book is truly suitable for expats and travellers preparing for life in a French-speaking country
5. “L’Expression Française Écrite et Orale” by Jean-Jacques Chevallier
At the advanced level, fluency is about nuance. This book digs into idiomatic expressions, formal writing, and oral presentation—perfect for university students or professionals.
Highlights:
- In-depth focus on argumentation and style
- Prepares learners for DALF and TEF exams
- Recommended for business or academic French
6. “Le Nouvel Edito” – Didier
A modern textbook designed for advanced learners, often used in universities. It incorporates authentic texts from French newspapers and radio, making it ideal for learners who want to stay culturally connected.
Topics include: Society, politics, environment, and media
Bonus: Vocabulary and Verb Books for All Levels
- “501 French Verbs” by Christopher Kendris – A must-have for mastering French verb conjugations
- “Mots et Contexte” – Hachette FLE – A thematic vocabulary builder useful for intermediate and advanced learners
How to Choose the Right Book for Your Learning Style
Every learner is different when it comes to learning French. You can be a visual learner, an auditory learner, or a Grammar-focused learner, etc.
Here are a few tips I give my students at French As You Like It:
- Visual learners: Choose books with plenty of images, charts, and colours (like Grammaire Progressive)
- Auditory learners: Look for resources that include CDs or downloadable audio (like Vite et Bien)
- Grammar-focused learners: Opt for books that structure content logically and progressively (Easy French Step-by-Step is a strong choice)
- Cultural enthusiasts: Pick books that include authentic texts and real-world scenarios (Le Nouvel Edito, Mots et Contexte)
Learn French in Paris with Personalised Lessons
Books are powerful, but they work best when combined with real-life practice. At French As You Like It, we offer tailor-made private lessons that adapt to your level, pace, and interests.
Whether you’re reading Grammaire Progressive or tackling Le Monde articles, we’ll help you bring your book learning to life through conversation, roleplay, and immersive activities.
Interested in learning French in Paris? Contact us today to learn about our affordable courses.