Exterior view of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) building in downtown Toronto

5 Great Ways To Learn French in Ontario (GTA)

If you have a thirst to learn French and are living in Ontario, especially in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), this is the right place to get started! Montreal is not the only French mecca in Canada where you can get a first-hand experience to soak in the French language.

There are many ways to learn French if you live in the GTA. Here are 5 great ways to achieve just that.

1. French festivals

Bastille Day picture

(Image credit: ca.france.fr)

One of the best ways to get into the language learning experience is to take part in the culture itself. In this case, hit the French festivals in town!

Bastille Day is one of them, celebrated as a national holiday in France. It happens on July 14th every year and on this date back in 1789, the Bastille was stormed in France.

Toronto Bastille Day is exciting and you get to hear lots of French songs, fireworks, dancing, eating and drinking. The ambience is nothing short of exquisite. You get to have fun and also learn new things about the culture and language while at it.

2. Francophone bookstores

French bookstores in Toronto

(Image credit: thestar.com)

It is one thing to read a book online, but it’s not the same as holding one and going through the pages. The GTA doesn’t fall short when it comes to French bookstores as there are many. Children’s French Book Corner is one of them. Located in Toronto, the place represents around 200 French publishers, found in both Europe and Canada.

With a collection of graphic novels, grammar books, workbooks, etc., there is something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for! Grab your kids and go on a French book hunt adventure. Who knows you might fight something of your liking.

3. French Schools:

French schools in Toronto

(Image credit: protemgl.com)

Calling Toronto multicultural would be an understatement. You will always come across diverse cultural influences in the form of art, food, clothing, etc. If you are in the mood to learn some French, you are covered in that respect too. One of the branches of the renowned French learning institutions resides in Toronto to serve your needs.

Alliance Francaise is located in multiple places in the GTA, whether that be in Oakville, Markham, North York, Mississauga, and so on. You get the traditional learning experience and also get the opportunity to converse in French with other people there.

If you fancy learning French online, then TUMU Learning is the place to be. With a broad range of services available, convenience and fun are at your fingertips.

Book a free consultation with us!

4. Restaurants

French restaurant in GTA

(Image credit: expatica.com)

Yes, that’s right. Restaurants! Like they say. A way to learn French is to check out French cuisine. There is no shortage of French restaurants to make it happen. Whether it is the fresh dishes of Le Baratin, or the Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie for the desserts, cocktails, etc., there is something for everyone.

Rather than just remaining exclusive to textbook learning, the best route to embrace the learning experience is by being exposed to all things French, literally!

You get to learn French cuisine words and also get to have good food at the same time!

5. French Art

Exterior view of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

(Image credit: ellisdon.com)

The power of art brings a whole different meaning in relation to learning French. AGO (The Art Gallery of Ontario) has a wide range of French Art that needs to be given attention. One of 19th-century French impressionist painter Gustave Caillebotte pieces, Blue Irises, Garden at Petit Gennevilliers is housed at the gallery, including many more.

Take your kids and visit the gallery to be engulfed in beautiful art, while learning about their history, along with cool French art trivia! 

About the author

Rohan Khanna

Rohan Khanna is a writer/content creator, who also happens to be a Potterhead. He has a penchant for art, history, and culture and is also a part time artist.  Figuring out life one step at a time, he manages to adhere to health and fitness, while going through the trials and tribulations. 

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