Join the Conversation: Why adults are coming together to learn French at Fleming in 2026

If you stroll by Artemis Chartier’s evening Conversational French classes at Fleming College’s Frost Campus in Lindsay, you can often hear her students laughing, chatting, and even singing in French — sometimes as the aromas of French pastries waft and sounds of delicate guitar arpeggios carry down the halls.

Artemis is a dedicated French language instructor, a Part III French Specialist, and citizen of both Canada and France, with over 35 years of experience in keeping French lively and relevant for her high school Core French, French immersion, and Fleming College students.

“No matter the age,” she observes, “everyone learns better when lessons are well-prepared, colourful, and fun.”

Why Conversational French

For Artemis, French is a living, breathing means of communication — not just an academic subject. She believes learning French does more than expand your mind; it expands your heart.

By learning and mastering French, you unlock a world of connection, whether building friendships or expanding your business in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Switzerland, Belgium, The Ivory Coast, or dozens of other Francophone regions of the world.

“Mastering French throws open the gate to world travel, cultural adventures, and human connections,” she explains.

The benefits of learning French aren’t just for personal or professional skill development; there’s a biological advantage. A high-profile international study recently published in the journal Natural Aging finds that learning more than one language prevents premature brain aging.

With so many reasons to embrace a second language — from expanded conversations to long-term brain health — the only question left is: where should you begin?”

Explore our course levels to find your perfect fit.

Fleming College’s Continuing Education program offers three distinct levels of Conversational French evening courses to meet you where you are.

• LEVEL 1 (LANG 030)
  Perfect for people starting their French language journey.
  • The focus: Practical language you need for French social gatherings and travel.
  • What you’ll learn: How to introduce yourself, order food, and navigate airports, train stations, and hotels with confidence.
  • The experience: Using adult-engaging slides, games, and music, you’ll master the building blocks of present and future verb tenses, and useful phrases.

• LEVEL 2 (LANG 036)
  For individuals with a basic grasp of French ready to move into storytelling.
  • The focus: Move beyond the basics into the art of conversation and business.
  • What you’ll learn: A deeper look at grammar, including the conditionnel and imparfait tenses — essential for polite conversation and professional transactions.
  • The experience: This course is enriched with inspiring readings and French humour to keep the atmosphere light and students smiling as they learn.

• Level 3 (LANG 047)
  Designed for experienced students ready to dive into French culture.
  • The focus: Refine extensive vocabulary through persuasive speaking and debating challenges.
  • What you’ll learn: Advanced nuances like plus-que-parfait and subjonctif to handle complex communication.
  • The experience: You’ll engage with compelling articles and topics tailored specifically to the interests of the students in the room.

“It’s an absolute privilege to guide a class that is eager to learn French for the love of the language,” says Artemis. “Their energy inspires me to prepare exciting lessons adapted to every skill level. By integrating sensory-rich methods — visuals, audio, and movement — students can lay French foundations quickly and build the confidence that comes with their success. They will feel proud of their progress.”

Regardless of which level students choose, Artemis says, “I hope students will have a successful language-learning and a heart-warming experience. The night school courses might even add sparkle to these long, dark evenings in the Northern hemisphere!”

Courses start the week of January 19, secure your spot today!

Conversational French: Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3

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