The Rebel French Teacher Behind a Boutique Micro-Empire

Bonjour, I’m Yasmine Lesire a Paris-based, Lille-born, polyglot, French teacher, entrepreneur, podcaster and creator of one of the most influential boutique French-learning ecosystems for adults worldwide.

For the past 20 years, I’ve dedicated my life to helping professionals, executives, and ambitious learners finally feel at home in French.

But my story didn’t start in a chic Parisian coworking space.
It started as a student who hated grammar, in a classroom where I felt stupid, lost, and misunderstood.
So yes, I built the school I wish I had found when I first started learning languages.

Today, it has become a micro-empire: digital courses, a premium book club, private coaching, live events in Paris, New York and Brussels, a private podcast, community memberships… and the incredible result of two decades of work, creativity, rebellion, and passion

Discover my programs

From Terrible Student to Global French Coach

People often assume I was a brilliant student.
I wasn’t. At all.

And maybe that’s why so many adults trust me.

I know what it feels like to freeze while speaking, to forget words, to feel embarrassed, to feel too old, too tired, too busy… and still want to become fluent.

I’ve lived in Belgium, Brazil, Spain and France.
I speak French, Spanish, Portuguese, English and I’ve dabbled in Hebrew, Dutch and Italian.
I’ve learned languages the messy way, the human way, the real way and I teach exactly what works because I’ve been there before.

Read my full bio

FRENCH
ENGLISH
DUTCH
PORTUGUESE
ARABIC
HEBREW

1,000+ students coached

+1M podcast downloads

20+ years of experience

Students from over 30 countries

3,200

Happy Francophones

21

Years Teaching

64

Embrassies & International Organisations

398

Companies

A Rebel Approach to Teaching

I’m not a traditional French teacher.
I don’t hide behind rules I don’t even agree with.
I don’t teach fossilised grammar that nobody uses in real life.
I don’t pretend that speaking like a native should be your goal.

I teach modern French, used French, human French, the language people actually speak in Paris, in Brussels, in Marseille, in Montréal.

I break rules when the rules are ridiculous.
I explain them when they matter.

I’m here to help you communicate, not to turn you into a walking grammar book.

With me, you won’t speak like a book.

The Voice Behind “Le Français avec Yasmine”

If you’ve found me online, chances are it’s through my podcast “le français avec Yasmine”.

1M+ downloads. 200+ episodes.
A private feed. Books of transcripts.
A community spread across 100+ countries.

My podcast started during a moment of crisis (March 2020) and turned into a global movement.

Every week, thousands of learners tune in not only to improve their French, but to understand France, French culture, French people, and everything in between.

A few fun facts about me

I live in Paris (and I’m never without coffee).

I’m obsessed with books.

I speak 4 languages fluently and learned 8 in total.

I have three cats who think they run my business.

The Boutique School I Built — All By Myself

I founded I Learn French, my boutique Paris-based school, with zero money, zero network, and zero safety net.

I grew it.
Scaled it.
Managed a team of 28 teachers.
Crashed. Pivoted. Rebuilt.
And today, I run a thriving premium ecosystem entirely on my terms.

My clients include Google, the United Nations, Toyota, OECD, Air France-KLM, and hundreds of extraordinary individuals across the world.

I work with:

C-level executives
Diplomats
High-achievers
Entrepreneurs
Passionate lifelong learners

…people who take their personal growth seriously and who want French to be part of their identity.

What I Believe About Learning French

You don’t need to be “good at languages.”
You don’t need to be gifted.
You don’t need to live in France.
You don’t need to start young.

What you need is:

regular practice
the right structure
a safe space
a teacher who understands adults
and a community that motivates you

This is what I create for my students online, offline, in Paris, in New York, in Brussels, in your earbuds, in my courses, and in the spaces I design for you.

Can I have a trial class?

No, I don’t offer trial classes not even paid ones.

La Classe Privée is a premium, tailor-made experience, not something you try on like a jacket.

But if you’re curious about the experience, I invite you to take a look at my LinkedIn recommendations and Google reviews. My students say it best.

Can I get a discount if I buy a lot of hours?

No. I don’t offer discounts.

The quality, attention, and precision you receive are the same whether you take 20 hours or 200. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, La Classe Privée isn’t for you and that’s okay.

Where can I learn more about you and your approach before booking?

I completely understand working with someone privately is a commitment.

If you’d like to get a deeper sense of my teaching style, my values, and how I work with clients, you can explore my content here:

My Books – I’ve published several books based on my podcast transcripts, packed with real, useful, high-level French. You can find them on Amazon or directly on my website.

My Podcast – Le Français avec Yasmine is one of the top podcasts for adult French learners. With over 100 episodes, it’s your perfect companion if you want to learn with honesty, context, and a bit of personality. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Instagram – I share behind the scenes, student wins, language tips, and unfiltered truths about learning French as an adult. You’ll also find reels, lives, and my very real opinions there: @ilearnfrench

Linkedin – you’ll find my whole curriculum and career on my Linkedin profile.

These platforms are a great way to experience my voice and energy before you book your private French class online or in person.

When do the classes take place?

Private sessions are scheduled Monday to Sunday, including select weekend slots, because I know your calendar isn’t always 9 to 5.

You’ll book your sessions directly via Calendly, where you have instant access to my live availability. For online classes, the calendar automatically adjusts to your time zone, and once you book, you’ll receive a Zoom link instantly, no back-and-forth, no confusion.

For in-person classes in Paris, bookings are made in Paris time, even if you’re accessing the calendar from abroad. You can also specify the address where you’d like to meet (within Paris intramuros), and I’ll confirm the location.

Everything is designed to be smooth, flexible, and crystal clear, so you can focus on your French, not logistics.

What rhythm do you recommend based on level?

Here’s a tailored guide based on your current level — and your goals:

🟠 Complete Beginner
3 to 4 hours/week for at least 3 months
At this stage, your brain needs frequent, structured exposure to start recognizing patterns and sounds. Regularity is key no shortcuts here. If you’re not ready to commit, it’s better to wait.

🟡 A2 – B1
2 to 3 hours/week minimum
This is where most learners either give up… or level up. You’re building the core of your French sentence structure, grammar foundations, and everyday fluency. High achievers keep showing up. At this stage, discipline beats talent.

🟢 B2
1 hour/week + active reinforcement between sessions
You’re finally autonomous. Grammar is (mostly) behind you. This is where you shift from “studying French” to living in French. You need consistency and intelligent feedback not more content.

🔵 C1 – C2
2 hours/month minimum
You’ve done the work. Now it’s about finesse: tone, nuance, confidence, and authenticity. We work on leadership-level French, natural expression, and sounding like yourself just en français.

Where do the private classes take place?

Online via Zoom
Or in person in central Paris (Paris intramuros)
You choose. The experience stays premium either way.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel or reschedule a session up to 48 hours in advance.
After that, the session is considered due no exceptions.

Do you provide invoices or quotes for companies?

Yes. I work with professionals, executives, and international organizations.
Professional invoices and quotes are available upon request

How long does it take to reach the next level?

It depends on your starting point, your rhythm, and your consistency.
But here’s what I can promise: if you show up and follow the plan, you will see real progress.

Most students notice a significant shift in 3 to 6 months.

Will I have homework?

Yes but not the boring kind.
You’ll receive custom assignments tailored to your goals: writing tasks, voice recordings, real-world materials, and vocabulary reinforcement.
And yes, I correct everything with notes, voice feedback, and recommendations.

What material do you use?

Only what’s relevant to you.
That might include articles, podcasts, pitch decks, internal reports, emails, or industry-specific content.
No generic textbook. No “fill in the blanks.” Only what helps you grow.

If You’re Here, You’re in the Right Place

You’re here because you want more from French.
More than Duolingo green dots.
More than memorising lists.
More than the same old exercises.

You want meaning.
Clarity.
Real progress.
A teacher who sees you.
A community who supports you.
A system that respects your brain, your time, and your life.

Welcome to my world.
Bienvenue dans le vôtre.

Let’s build your French together powerfully, beautifully, rebelliously.

Yasmine