Learn French in Lyon with the DEFI method

To support French language learning, the Alliance Française de Lyon uses two complementary collections published by Éditions Maison des Langues:

• Défi actuel for levels A1 and A2,
• Défi for levels B1 and B2.

These textbooks are available in a hybrid edition, offering access to videos, tutorials, pronunciation exercises and additional resources to enrich the learning experience. For Défi actuel, a paper and virtual exercise book offers numerous practical exercises to practise all language skills.

To facilitate course monitoring and access to digital resources, the Alliance Française de Lyon uses Apolearn, an online educational tool that centralises course materials, exercises and videos for a more interactive and comprehensive experience.

The Défi method, rooted in the action-oriented approach, stimulates learners’ curiosity by placing culture at the heart of the learning process. It offers:

• Current topics and authentic documents to spark interest
• A central focus on interculturality to strengthen student involvement
• Guided and reassuring progression, adaptable to different contexts
• An action-oriented approach with micro-tasks preparing students for a ‘final challenge’ at the end of each module
• Progressive work on grammar and vocabulary, supported by mind maps and a variety of vocabulary activities

This structured and dynamic method makes learning enjoyable, practical and effective.

Thanks to its experienced teaching team, the Alliance Française de Lyon ensures smooth educational continuity between levels. The courses develop all skills, including comprehension, expression and interaction, in a supportive and stimulating environment.

The Alliance Française de Lyon offers several options tailored to all learner profiles:

• Morning immersion course (80 hours/month): total immersion and rapid progress.
• Intensive evening course (32 hours/month): fast-paced for students and professionals.
• Extensive evening classes (20 hours/month): regular and friendly pace.
• Français 360 online classes (20 hours/month): flexibility with the same teaching quality.

All these options follow the communicative methodology and use the Défi actuel and Défi textbooks, guaranteeing consistent and stimulating progress from level A1 to B2.

Fabien Girard, our educational coordinator for the past six years, explains that the choice of the new version of Défi was motivated by the satisfaction of the team that has been working with this textbook since 2019.

“During the initial trials with the current Défi, teachers found it easy and intuitive to use, with up-to-date and relevant topics, as well as a language approach that is firmly focused on speaking: an aspect that is particularly appreciated by learners. Furthermore, the textbook is not limited to French culture: it highlights the diversity of the French-speaking world through authentic documents from different countries, which is in line with the spirit of openness of the Alliance Française de Lyon.“

For Fabien, the use of the action-oriented approach is clear and consistent and promotes oral production and interaction. ‘The emphasis is on speaking and real communication. The activities focus on real speaking, listening comprehension and spontaneity, which is well suited to the adult audience we have at our institution, who are looking to improve their use of the language in everyday and/or professional life,’ he says. The progression is fluid and easy. Teachers also consider the pace of progression in grammar, vocabulary and communication skills to be accessible and consistent.

FLE and ecology as an innovative method

The Alliance Française in Lyon, in addition to the new textbook and the Apolearn tool, also offers an innovative and unique approach to teaching FLE through the ‘Français au sens propre’ project.

‘Committed to eco-responsibility, our school incorporates the Le français au sens propre programme into its courses. These are educational files addressing various ecological themes. These files are worked on in class and enable French teaching to become a vehicle for eco-responsible values,’ explains Fabien.

Steady progress in your skills

The Alliance Française de Lyon offers a rigorous learning programme thanks to an experienced team of teachers who guide and support each learner in their progress.

“Our teachers use a textbook in which each unit introduces new linguistic and pragmatic content that builds on what has been learned previously. Each session is structured around clear and precise objectives, which are presented in the introduction to guide the learning process. The activities offered, particularly the final tasks, allow learners to mobilise and consolidate what they have learned in authentic situations. This approach ensures consistent progression between levels A1, A2 and beyond, promoting a smooth and motivating increase in competence,” says Fabien.

Students thus develop directly applicable skills, enabling them to respond effectively to the practical needs of their daily lives, both personal and professional.

Teaching tip

For a better learning experience, Fabien recommends:

“Dare to speak, even if everything isn’t perfect! We learn from our mistakes! Every time you speak is an opportunity to improve. We encourage you to take action, interact with each other and discover the French language through authentic situations: make the most of it. Be curious, the French-speaking world and Lyon’s culture are open to you. Listen, repeat and share with others. Feel free to talk to your teachers in class and outside of class; French is as much about living it as it is about learning it.“