10 Ways to Learn French for Free in Brussels

Brussels, the heart of Europe, is a true linguistic melting pot. Walking through the city, you’ll hear conversations in French, Dutch, English, Arabic, and countless other languages, reflecting the 184 nationalities that call Brussels home. From the street art of the Marolles to Tintin murals, and the lively conversations at flea markets, opportunities to learn French for free in Brussels are everywhere—you just need to know where to look.

Here’s how you can immerse yourself in the French language without spending a cent.

1. Participate in Free French Courses in Brussels

If you’re settling in Brussels or simply looking to improve your French, you can take free structured French courses offered by various organizations.

Where to enroll in free French classes

BAPA Bxl – Free French courses as part of the integration process for newcomers.
Actiris – Free language courses for registered job seekers
Lire et Écrire – Free literacy and language courses for adults

These programs not only teach French but also help you integrate into Belgian society.

2. Practice at Language Exchange Meetups

Interacting with native French speakers is one of the best ways to learn French for free in Brussels.

Where to find language exchanges

✦ Meetup.com – Join French-English conversation groups

✦ Tandem.net – Find a local language partner

✦ Brussels Couchsurfing Hangouts – Expats and locals meet to exchange languages

Regularly meeting French speakers will help you gain fluency quickly.

3. Explore Free Online French Learning Platforms

For those who like structured learning, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) provide free, high-quality French courses.

Best free French MOOCs

FUN-MOOC (France Université Numérique) – Courses from French universities
Brulingua – Free online language learning for Brussels residents
Coursera – Free French lessons from Université de Paris

You can combine these online courses with in-person practice for faster learning or with a one-to-one online.

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4. Discover Brussels’ Culture in French

Brussels’ rich cultural scene offers free ways to learn French through art, museums, and cinema.

Where to immerse yourself in French culture for free

Magritte Museum (First Wednesday of the month) – Discover Belgium’s surrealist artist
Maison de la Francité – Free French conversation workshops and cultural events
CINEMATEK Free Screenings – Watch classic French films

Bonus: Explore the World of Tintin

Brussels is the birthplace of Tintin, created by Belgian artist Hergé. To learn French through comics, visit:

Comics Art Museum (Musée de la BD) – A fun way to practice reading French
Read Tintin comics in French – You can borrow them at the Bibliothèque Royale de Belgique

5. Go Bargaining at the Marolles Flea Market

A great way to practice French in a real-life situation is to haggle at the famous flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle in the Marolles district. In French is called “le marché aux puces”.

Useful French phrases for bargaining (marchander en français)

“Combien ça coûte ?” – How much does it cost?
“C’est un peu cher, vous pouvez baisser le prix ?” – It’s a bit expensive, can you lower the price?
“Je prends deux, vous pouvez faire un prix ?” – I’m taking two, can you make a deal?

This is an interactive way to improve your French and experience local culture at the same time.

6. Listen to Belgian French Radio and Podcasts

Tuning into French-language radio and podcasts will help you improve pronunciation and comprehension naturally.

Best free radio stations and podcasts

RTBF La Première – Belgian news and discussions ()
BXFM – A Brussels-based French-language radio station
Feel Good French Podcast – Great for intermediate and advanced learners

Simply listening to French daily will boost your understanding effortlessly. You can listen to the podcasts while going to work or while cooking if that makes things easier for you.

7. Volunteer in Francophone Communities

Volunteering is an excellent way to practice French in a professional setting.

Where to volunteer in Brussels

Serve the City Brussels – Engage in community activities in French
Réseau des Écoles de Devoirs – Help children with homework in French
Oxfam Belgique – Volunteer in French-speaking charity shops

This allows you to practice French while giving back to the community. It’s a great win-win!

8. Take a Street Art Walking Tour in French

Brussels is famous for its comic book murals and street art. Many of these tours offer free or donation-based experiences.

Where to take a free street art tour

Street Art Brussels – Explore murals and graffiti
Guided Free Walking Tours – Join a tour in French

Walking tours allow you to learn new vocabulary while exploring the city.

9. Change Your Daily Life into a French Learning Experience

Small daily habits will accelerate your learning process. Keep in mind that big progresses start with small steps.

Easy ways to immerse yourself in French

Change your phone and social media to French
Write your grocery list in French
Think in French throughout the day

These small changes will help your brain get used to the language faster.

10. Plan a Quick French Immersion Trip

Brussels’ location makes it easy to hop on a train for a weekend trip to another French-speaking city.

Best destinations for a language immersion weekend

Lille – Just 1 hour by train, perfect for a quick taste of northern French culture
Paris – 1.5 hours away, offering a deep dive into the French language and lifestyle

Even spending a weekend surrounded by native French speakers will make a huge difference in your learning progress.

Final Thoughts: The Best Ways to Learn French for Free in Brussels

Brussels is one of the best cities in Europe to learn French for free, thanks to its multicultural environment, local resources, and access to nearby Francophone cities. Whether you’re bargaining in the Marolles flea market, reading Tintin comics, or joining a language exchange, daily exposure is the key to fluency.

With so many free ways to learn French in Brussels, the only thing left to do is start practicing! Which method will you try first? I hope you enjoyed my tips. À bientôt,

❤︎ Déborah

Author & Native French Teacher

Who’s behind the Feel Good French blog? She’s French, trilingual and passionate about 1001 things… It’s Déborah! French teacher for over 10 years, your editor has lived all over the world. Readers be warned: her taste for travel, languages and interculturality is highly contagious.