You know more French than you think.
You just need a safe place to speak it.
Most of my students learned French years ago and convinced themselves they'd forgotten everything. They hadn't. In a warm, judgement-free space, they rediscover their French - and find they can actually hold a conversation.
Does this sound like you?
You studied French at school, in group classes, or maybe both.
You can read a menu, catch a few words in a film, maybe even conjugate a verb or two.
But when someone speaks French to you, you freeze.
You have so much to say - but in French, the words won't come out the way you want them to.
You wait until your French is "good enough" before you practice.
You're not alone. And you're not starting from zero.
I know this feeling from the inside.
When I moved from Paris to Melbourne in 2011, I spoke textbook English - perfect grammar, zero confidence. I understood almost nothing in real conversation, and I was too afraid to try.
Then I met Fred. Fred had just arrived from France with maybe 15 words of English. But he spoke anyway - imperfectly, enthusiastically, and everyone understood him. What Fred had that I didn't wasn't vocabulary. It was trust in himself.
That's what I teach.
How it works
It's not about being perfect. It's about being understood.
You speak about what matters to you
Your travels, your family, your passions. Real conversations about real things - because that's how language actually sticks.
Mistakes are part of the process
Getting the gender wrong? Doesn't matter. Accent not perfect? Nobody expects it to be. I'll help you focus on what actually makes a difference - the pronunciation patterns that cause real confusion, the moments when word choice changes your meaning. Everything else? Let it go.
Confidence builds gradually - then suddenly
Most students don't notice how far they've come until they look back. One day you realise you just had a conversation in French. A real one.
A recent example: I started a new group this term - five women in their late 60s and early 70s, all returning to French after decades away. In our first session, our opening "quoi de neuf?" lasted ten painful minutes. Five sessions later, it ran for 35 minutes. They were asking each other follow-up questions, sharing details, laughing. Nobody told them they were ready. They just were.
Find the right fit for you
One-on-one, tailored entirely to you. Your level, your goals, your pace.
Available weekdays with Sophie or one of her hand-picked teachers.
Private lessons online
Preparing for VCE French? We've got you covered too.
Conversation groups
Small groups in Carlton or online - fortnightly or weekly depending on the group. A warm, low-pressure space to practice speaking with others at a similar level.
French Book Club
Read a French book at your own pace, then discuss it online with a small group. For adults who want to enjoy French, not just study it.
All lessons are taught by Sophie or one of her hand-picked teachers - experienced, qualified native speakers who share the same warm, confidence-first approach.
What students say
"As an older beginner, Sophie has allowed me to progress at my own pace. Sophie creates a safe space to learn."
— Andrea
"I was very surprised to be able to discuss global politics in French!"
— Madeline
"At first it felt intimidating to try to express myself in French - but I find the classes are friendly, engaging and motivating."
— Kate
"I definitely noticed a big improvement in my communication skills since having regular tutoring with Sophie."
— Cheryl
Ready to find your French voice?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call. We'll talk about where you are, where you want to go, and find the best next step together. No pressure, no commitment.