Intensive French courses in France

Ecole des Trois Ponts is a small establishment with a capacity of 20 guests. Our school specialises in French Language Courses and relaxed, provincial French Cuisine Courses for those who enjoy home cooking. We are a language institute with a family atmosphere which offers full immersion programs in the French language. Accommodation and meals are provided on site at the chateau. Lunch is buffet style, while dinner is taken together in French. French is spoken at table and with teachers. There is an English speaking table for those taking the Cooking courses and complete French beginners.

Our institute has the advantage of offering classes, accommodation and meals on the same site, the Chateau de Matel. This pleasant, quality setting allows guests to be totally immersed in the French language (14 hours a day) and favors a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Ecole des Trois Ponts is registered in France as a Further Education center.

L'Ecole des Trois Ponts est spécialisée dans l'enseignement de la langue française et de la cuisine provinciale française ceci dans le cadre agréable et calme du Chateau de Matel et dans une ambiance chaleureuse et conviviale.

Französischkurse für Erwachsene in Frankreich. Die Familienatmosphäre hilft den Gästen, sich wie zu Hause zu fühlen. Die Regel, bei Tisch nur Französisch zu sprechen, beschleunigt ihr Sprachverständnis.

René and Valérie,

I attended the French classes beginning on Aug. 5 for two weeks. My teachers were Pascal and Catherine. After leaving Roanne and the Chateau, I attended a painting workshop near M... The comparison intensified my admiration for your operation at Chateau Matel.

At the end of my first week with you I received an evaluation sheet. I never completed it for submission even though I had intended to do so after week 2. Since I returned home the other day, I have had a strong impulse to write to you to say how much I enjoyed my stay with you...

Your methods of teaching are superb. The interactive exercises helped me to find my own way within the language. Both Pascal and Catherine were excellent teachers and prepared very well for every class. The fact that the classes were small allowed each student to participate frequently. The feeling of freedom to express oneself made for exciting classes as opposed to other schools who operate with an ecoutez, repetez method. The accommodations were perfect in my view. My bed was firm and comfortable. The meals were consistently wonderful. The friendly atmosphere with everyone sharing in the conversation including the host and chef created the feeling that one was at home. I loved sitting at the French table even though I struggled with my language ability.

Your coffee machine is a marvel. That machine served almost as an icon of your generosity. It was available to everyone at all times. Having wine with dinner each night as part of the course was an extraordinary benefit.

After leaving the Chateau I conducted several transactions for train tickets and other mundane needs totally in French. I was proud of myself even though I know my limitations. I learned to take risks and did manage to make myself understood. When I teach English, I use a saying that contrast is necessary for vision. I saw your school as excellent before I left, but after experiencing another school which suffered by comparison, yours shone even brighter than it did at first. I thank you for a perfect two weeks filled with the pleasure of learning and the pleasure of good company and good food.