Parlez-vous français? Learn French in Canada's capital

Ottawa is a breathtaking city with a fusion of interesting cultures and customs. One characteristic of this area is that many of the signs, businesses and restaurants offer their services in both French and English. While visitors who travel to Canada can easily get by without knowing French, visiting Ottawa may be a wonderful opportunity to learn this beautiful language. Fortunately, there are several French schools available throughout the city for those who would like to learn a few phrases, or would like to have a longer stay and become bilingual.

To gain a quick grasp on basic and useful French, travellers can take a private lesson at the Estrie International school. Although this institution focuses on business interactions, they offer guests one-on-one sessions or can instruct a group of travellers together, reports the business's website. If students would like to continue learning French after they leave Ottawa, this school offers online options for distance learning that should help vacationers keep up with and practice French.

DB Linguistics can help those who may already know a little French and would like to brush up their skills before venturing out into the city. This establishment provides lessons 'a la carte,' so travellers can focus on specific grammar issues or vocabulary they may wish to know. Those who aren't sure what their level of French is can take the school's free online assessment test before going to Ottawa as well.

After learning a little bit of the language, travellers who wish to educate themselves on some local colloquialisms can stop by the Ottawa Public Library and join the weekly French conversation group. According to the organization's website, this method of learning is free to the public and can give guests a chance to speak with locals and other learners in a relaxed setting, which can help travellers gain confidence when using their French while touring Ottawa.

Most of these schools are located centrally, so travellers can try out their new found language skills right away at some of the shops and attractions downtown. The adventurous can even take tours of Ottawa in French or see a French film. To truly immerse into the culture and style of Ottawa, travellers can have a blast learning some fun French words to use while enjoying the city sights.