Learn French with Comic Books!
A playful, visual way to learn French through stories, art, and humor.
Join our in-person BD workshop this November
Too many unfamiliar words. Too much grammar. You don't know where to start, so you don't start at all.
Let's change that.
With comic books (or bandes dessinées as the French say), reading becomes fun, visual, and totally doable. You get the meaning through the story, the expressions through the characters, and the grammar almost by magic. No long paragraphs. No pressure to 'get it all.' Just immersive, exciting French in a format your brain will love. It's the most fun you'll ever have learning French, I promise 🤞🏻
Join a workshop and discover how reading in French can finally feel easy!
✅Learn grammar and vocabulary without even noticing through engaging stories
✅Build confidence in French with beautiful visuals and fun interactive activities
✅Explore French culture with iconic graphic novels
✅Designed for learners from A2 to C2
✅Fun, interactive classes online or in Edinburgh
✅Perfect for visual learners, neurodivergent thinkers & curious minds
Adult learners enjoying beginner French class in Edinburgh
Highly interactive group lessons.
Creative activities to learn French in Edinburgh
Creative activities to learn new grammar and vocabulary.
Group French conversation class for shy learners in Edinburgh
Learn French through stories !
Lebensborn book cover
Level A2 (Upper Beginner) — Lebensborn by Isabelle Maroger
What if you discovered a family secret that completely shattered your sense of identity? Lebensborn by Isabelle Maroger tells the story of a woman uncovering her origins, linked to the Nazi Lebensborn program. Between memory, trauma, and the search for identity, this graphic novel plunges us into a profound reflection on family legacy and the silences that surround it. The precise, expressive illustrations bring emotions to life, while the subtle narration weaving between past and present captivates the reader at every page. It is a poignant, powerful, and universal work that invites us to reflect on ourselves, on History, and on the weight of secrets. Dive into this graphic narrative for a unique emotional experience and discover an essential story for lovers of comics, History, and powerful human stories. This 7-week workshop combines reading, conversation, and creative activities to help you progress confidently in French, expand your vocabulary, and speak more naturally, all in a small, supportive group.
  • BD: Lebensborn by Isabelle Maroger
  • Dates: 5th Nov – 17th Dec 2025
  • Timings: Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30pm (7 weeks)
  • Location: Inlet Leith, 99 Ferry Road, Edinburgh EH6 4ET
  • £210 (+ price of the book - available at La Belle Adventure on Leith Walk with 5% off)
  • Small group (6 participants) - (Only 2 spots left)

Click for more information & save your spot

Petit Pays book cover
Level B1 / B2 (Intermediate) — Petit Pays by Gaël Faye
The graphic novel adaptation of Petit Pays brings Gaël Faye’s powerful childhood story to life through striking illustrations. Follow Gabriel, a young boy growing up in Burundi in the 1990s, as his innocent world of family, friends, and play is transformed by the outbreak of civil war and the Rwandan genocide. The combination of text and visuals makes complex emotions, cultural context, and historical events easier to understand, offering learners an immersive and engaging way to practice French, enrich your vocabulary, and reflect on themes of identity, memory, and resilience. Over 6 weeks, you’ll strengthen your French speaking, writing and comprehension skills while exploring the rich culture and emotions behind the narrative, all in a small, supportive group.
  • BD: Petit Pays by Gaël Faye
  • Dates: 10th Nov – 15th Dec 2025
  • Timings: Mondays, 6:00–8:00pm (6 weeks)
  • Location: Inlet Leith, 99 Ferry Road, Edinburgh EH6 4ET
  • Price: £180 (+ price of the book - available at La Belle Adventure on Leith Walk with 5% off)
  • Small group of 6 participants

Click for more information & save your spot

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Frequently Asked Questions

I'm not a big comic book fan. Is this for me?
Totally! Many of our learners become comic fans during the course. Comic books are approachable, funny, emotional, and perfect for language learning - even if you're a total beginner.
I'm A1/A2. Will I understand the stories?
Yes! We carefully select comics with accessible language and lots of visual support. Plus, you'll get guided reading help, vocabulary lists, and friendly support all along the way.
Do I need to be good at French already?
Not at all. You just need a little French and a lot of curiosity. We break things down in class and help you make sense of the story. Even beginners can enjoy and understand more than they think!
Are Comic Book classes just as effective as regular classes? How do they compare?
Both types of classes help you build real confidence in French, but the approach is different. In our regular classes, you get a structured progression with personalised goals, practical conversation, and targeted grammar - great if you like a clear path and consistent practice. In our Comic Book Workshops, the learning is more immersive, creative, and story-driven. You explore the language through characters, visuals, emotions and plot. The grammar and vocabulary appear in context, and the class revolves around decoding, discussing, and creating. Think of it this way: ✨ Regular classes = building your foundation 🎨 Comic Book classes = stretching your imagination and using what you know in unexpected, engaging ways They work beautifully together, and many students do both! 🥰
Why should I learn this way?
Because it's fun, effective, and it sticks. Comic books give you visual context, real dialogue, and cultural depth - so you understand and remember more, without the overwhelm. You learn naturally, just like in real life: through stories, emotions, and curiosity. Perfect for visual learners, creative minds, and anyone bored by traditional methods.
Is this method good for neurodivergent learners?
Absolutely. Many of our students have ADHD, dyslexia, or just find traditional methods hard to stick with. Comic books offer visual structure, short bursts of text, and emotional engagement, making the learning more accessible and enjoyable.
What kinds of comics will we read?
We choose award-winning or learner-friendly French-language comics with engaging stories and captivating characters, adapted to different levels. Here are some of the comic books from our previous workshops: 7 week in person workshop in Edinburgh on Aya de Yopougon (A1/A2) 8 week in person workshop in Edinburgh on La Longue Marche des Dindes (A1/A2+) 7 week online workshop on L'Arabe du Futur (B2/C1/C2) 6 week online workshop on Peau d'Homme (B2/C1/C2)
Is it mostly reading or do we speak, too?
You'll speak a lot! Every session includes guided conversation based on what we've read - characters, themes, vocabulary, your reactions. Reading is just the starting point; expression is the goal.
What if I miss a session?
We provide summaries and asynchronous activities. You can also catch up with the teacher or ask for a quick debrief in our student group.

Here's what our students have to say:

Having a central text to work through was rewarding, I could feel my vocabulary developing throughout the course. Also with the small class sizes I was surprised how quickly we could cover things and try speaking. I had a pretty easy time remembering what I learned and think I learned a lot in a small time! It was a lot of fun! I've never taken such a small language class before and was surprised how quickly we made progress. Having a comic to read also made it feel partly like a book club which I think worked well. It's satisfying to have learned French and read a book at the same time!
Alexandre, A1+, Edinburgh Alexandre, A1+, Edinburgh
The workshop helped me in my reading comprehension, filling in basic gaps in my knowledge, building confidence. A really fun way to learn French. Intensive, high quality tuition !
Francis, A1+, Edinburgh Francis, A1+, Edinburgh
Speaking and expressing/ defending my opinions on the spot has always been challenging for me, but the workshop helped me work on that by providing many opportunities to speak and participate in the oral activities.
Jivanti, B2, Mumbai Jivanti, B2, Mumbai
The activities were designed perfectly which made the reading easy and comprehensible. The best part was the interaction based on the imaginary scenarios with the Readermates! I would definitely recommend attending one workshop as it is an enjoyable experience and also an amazing discovery along with some interesting activities. Waiting for another one!
Aakanksha, C1, Mumbai Aakanksha, C1, Mumbai
Jahnavi's classes had always intrigued me because they seemed so different from the others I have experienced. One of my goals for this year was to enrol in one of her workshops and I managed to do it last month. The comic book atelier was unlike anything I have done, Jahnavi is so well planned and creative, I thoroughly enjoyed and looked forward to the sessions. She met me where I was in my French learning journey and helped me move further and have fun while doing it. In her classes, she has conceived an open, creative and safe space- it was so refreshing. If you're thinking of starting your French learning journey or to progress in it, Jahnavi is your 'go to' for all things French.
Revathy, B2, India Revathy, B2, India
I did a conversation workshop in French based on Comic books by Jahnavi, it was an amazing experience which really really helped me rekindle my passion for French and practice, get myself corrected and refine my tongue.. I recommend her because of her authentic, innovative content that she brings to the table and is quite refreshing, work just won't feel like work! Thank you so much!
Medha, C1, India Medha, C1, India
The atelier bande dessinée workshops organized by Jahnavi are always creative, fun and full of energy! I couldn't be happier to be a part of them, especially with the opportunity to improve both my writing and speaking skills. Each session is thoughtfully designed to help us develop a wide range of skills, focusing on the nuances of the language along with interesting stories from the comics. The topics are always relevant, offering a deeper insight into the language and communication. Jahnavi creates a learning environment that's both inspiring and supportive and her support makes learning French so much easier.
Jiv, C1, India Jiv, C1, India
The atelier bande dessinée workshops organized by Jahnavi are always creative, fun and full of energy! I couldn't be happier to be a part of them, especially with the opportunity to improve both my writing and speaking skills. Each session is thoughtfully designed to help us develop a wide range of skills, focusing on the nuances of the language along with interesting stories from the comics. The topics are always relevant, offering a deeper insight into the language and communication. Jahnavi creates a learning environment that's both inspiring and supportive and her support makes learning French so much easier.
Sara, B1, Edinburgh Sara, B1, Edinburgh
The atelier bande dessinée workshops organized by Jahnavi are always creative, fun and full of energy! I couldn't be happier to be a part of them, especially with the opportunity to improve both my writing and speaking skills. Each session is thoughtfully designed to help us develop a wide range of skills, focusing on the nuances of the language along with interesting stories from the comics. The topics are always relevant, offering a deeper insight into the language and communication. Jahnavi creates a learning environment that's both inspiring and supportive and her support makes learning French so much easier.
Melina, A1+, Edinburgh Melina, A1+, Edinburgh
The atelier bande dessinée workshops organized by Jahnavi are always creative, fun and full of energy! I couldn't be happier to be a part of them, especially with the opportunity to improve both my writing and speaking skills. Each session is thoughtfully designed to help us develop a wide range of skills, focusing on the nuances of the language along with interesting stories from the comics. The topics are always relevant, offering a deeper insight into the language and communication. Jahnavi creates a learning environment that's both inspiring and supportive and her support makes learning French so much easier.
Dasha, B1, Edinburgh Melina, A1+, Edinburgh
Not sure if the workshop is right for you?
Book a free discovery call with me where we can discuss your goals in French and I can answer all your questions.
Book a Discovery Call