Your French home away from home, French immersion courses in France

Ecole des Trois Ponts is a small establishment with a capacity of 15 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 villa. Lunch is buffet style, while dinner is taken together in French. French is spoken at table and with teachers.

Our institute has the advantage of offering classes, accommodation and meals on the same site, the Villa Beaulieu. This pleasant, quality setting allows guests to be totally immersed in the French language (14 hours a day) and favors a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Villa Beaulieu is a house with caractere and thus an ideal setting for our guests to completely immerse themselves in the French language and culture. At Ecole des Trois Ponts we maintain a high-standard of teaching in small-group classes taught by professional teachers. Between classes we would like guests to be able to relax by making the most of the villa lounche  and garden and the numerous sporting and entertainment facilities located nearby. The site of Villa Beaulieu is an attractive one because of its closeness to the center of Roanne, a medium-sized city. The friendliness of the people of Roanne means they love to take time to talk; a rare quality in big cities like Paris or Lyon.

Comments from our guests :

René and Valérie,

I attended the French classes beginning on Aug. 5 for two weeks.  After leaving Roanne and the school, I attended a painting workshop near M...  The comparison intensified my admiration for your operation at "Ecole des Trois Ponts".

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  teachers were excellent 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 school 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.

Gratefully, Cathleen Mc