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Welcome to Cambridge French

French studies in Cambridge is one of the largest groupings of its kind in the country, and the French course one of the most varied. Many members of the group are leading researchers in their specialist fields.

We try to get to know as many students as possible and we make every effort to help students get the best from our courses. Enquiries should be directed in the first instance to the Section Coordinator, Esther Palmer french@mmll.cam.ac.uk, but we hope that you will find all staff working in French very approachable.

We are extremely proud of the reputation of Cambridge French which has consistently been judged outstanding in both teaching and research. As you join us, we wish you every success.

Knowledge in Paris, by Year Abroad student Shakila Khandcar, showing the salle ovale on the Richelieu site at the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris.


On these pages you can find out about:

Latest News

Choix Goncourt 2025 – Join the Reading Groups

5 November 2025

For the seventh time, the prestigious Prix Goncourt (the French equivalent of the Booker Prize) is coming to Cambridge. The University will once again take part in the Choix Goncourt UK, alongside 15 other universities across the country. To select the Cambridge choice, we will be forming student reading groups that will...

Volunteering for a Refugee Centre in Paris

3 November 2025

Presentation and Workshop 4pm–6.30pm Firas Abboud, Jennie Dorny, Immaculée Ntawuhungakaje, Marie-Sophie OliveraThe Parlour, Magdalene College, 7 November, 4–6.30pm Presentation of the CEDRE Paris-Aubervilliers refugee centrespecialisedin supporting migrant persons. Q&A (4pm–5.30pm) “Refugiés, migrant.e.s, exilé.e.s? De...

French Section Events – Michaelmas Term 2025

30 October 2025

Michaelmas Term 2025 CO-CREATING CODE: Ethics, Knowledge and Culture in the Age of AI Time: Tuesday 14 October, 4–6pm Venue: Barbara White Room, Newnham College, University of Cambridge Description: Professor Mander (MMLL) will be in conversation with Dr Tim Hearn (Department of Medical Genetics), Rev Imogen Nay (Bishop’s...

Events