French culture and studies in a chateau in France

Take a Giant Step into the French Language . Set in C.18th Chateau de Matel, Ecole des Trois Ponts specialises in French Language Courses and Intensive French Courses for adults looking for a relaxed setting and good food in a convivial, family atmosphere. This institute is a small establishment with 20 guests.

	This page includes The Birth of Ecole des Trois Ponts History of Chateau de Matel Accommodation in the Chateau Entertainment and Sport Getting around Roanne Certificates and Reports Non-French Studying Partners and Children [ Home Page \| French Courses \| Group Courses ] [ Test Your French ]

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This page includes

The Birth of Ecole des Trois Ponts
History of Chateau de Matel
Accommodation in the Chateau
Entertainment and Sport
Getting around Roanne
Certificates and Reports
Non-French Studying Partners and Children

[ Home Page | French Courses | Group Courses ]
[ Test Your French ]

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A chateau is the very essence of France, its past and its culture 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 chateau's pool and garden and the numerous sporting and entertainment facilities located nearby. The site of Chateau de Matel 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.

Located on a site inhabited since the thirteenth century, the Chateau de Matel was bought by Jean Chezard, an aristocrat of Italian descent, in the sixteenth century. The chateau was completely renovated around 1700 as its style dates from this period. At the height of its glory the estate included twenty surrounding farms. Early this century the chateau was owned by Andre Citroen of car-making fame. Today the main building covers 900m2 (1,080 square yards) while the property comprises the chateau, outbuildings and 13 hectares (32 acres) of park and woodland.

The Chateau de Matel has been restored as it was at the end of the C19th. While rooms are comfortable, they are not luxurious. If you wish for more comfort and luxury, could we suggest you book our larges rooms.
Accommodation is offered in the Chateau in large twin rooms with private bath & toilet, twin rooms with private shower & toilet, single rooms with private shower & toilet.
As large rooms with private facilities are popular, could we suggest early booking.

Meals at the Chāteau are relaxed and convivial. Guests take all meals together in the dining room and lunch & dinner is taken with a teacher which is a pleasant way to encourage you to keep speaking French.
As French is spoken at table, a special place is set aside for complete French beginners or those taking the Cookery course in English to allow them to speak English if they wish or feel the need.
We take special care with meals as food has just as important a rōle to play as accommodation and classes in making your stay at the Chāteau a pleasant one.

Breakfast is varied & nutritious with a choice of cereals, muesli (granola), fresh fruit, plain & organic yogurt, white and organic wholegrain bread & jam with a toaster available to make toast if you wish.
Lunch is buffet style and includes a large choice of salads & vegetables as well as a hot dish. This leaves you the freedom to have lunch at table or take a tray & eat by the pool or in the garden.
Dinner is a special time in the Chāteau when the chef prepares a traditional, country-style, sit-down French dinner that includes: an entrée, main dish, cheese & dessert with lots of red & white wine to wash it down with.

And for vegetarians and guests needing special diets, just let us know before you arrive so that the chef can cater to your particular needs.

Coffee, tea, herb tea & fresh fruit are permanently available on our self-service sideboard table to give you a little more of that 'at home' feeling.

With its 13 acres (32 hectares) of parkland the chateau is an idyllic place to relax between classes, go for walks or bike-ride along the canal that run s along the foot of the chateau grounds, swim in the chateau pool. The following facilities are located near the chateau: + Six local tennis courts (we supply racquets/balls) + A 9-hole Golf Course (clubs may be hired) + nearby Etrier Equestrian Center + ice-skating rink. A city famous for its gastronomy, the agglomeration of Roanne (population: 120,000) has a large selection of restaurants, the most famous of which is Troisgros Restaurant. Classified 3-star Michelin, Troisgros is one of the top 10 restaurants in France. As Roanne borders on the Beaujolais and Burgundy wine areas, guests can make one or two-day car trips from Roanne to these areas while the Cotes Roannaises vineyards and wine cellars are located on the outskirts of Roanne.

To help you lose a few kilos before or after Chef Stephane’s meals or to keep you in shape on the days you don’t feel like riding along the canal by bicycle, we have added a new Exercise/Fitness Room at Chāteau de Mātel.

Weights, abdominal & chest exercises with instructions in how to use the machines in English and in French! No more excuses except if you’ve decided that your stay is for doing nothing but relax.

Bicycles are freely available for use by guests at Ecole des Trois Ponts. As well, a local bus to the City Center is conveniently located 5 minutes from the chateau. A parking area is available for guests arriving by car and car hire is possible with Budget,Europcar, Hertz or Avis Rent-a-Car for those wishing to make trips further afield. No automatics available. Automatics available from Avis at Lyon Satolas airport if reserved in advance. Bring your international driving license if possible. A taxi from the chateau to the city center costs about 12 € during the day and 12 - 15 € at night.

On completion of a course, guests are given an Ecole des Trois Ponts Certificate and a Course Report giving details of level at the end of the course.

Numerous courses and activities available at the chateau make for a pleasant stay for non-studying partners. Courses in Cooking are available in English, while one-time classes in French Cooking & a Wine-appreciation class in English are held regularly. As well the chateau's pool, nearby tennis courts and the closeness of the city center (population: 120,000) for shopping and browsing, offer them numerous activities. For your partner we can investigate car shows, rugby matches in France, playing with the local hockey, bridge, basketball or canoe/kayak teams...Let us know their interests and we can try and organize this for them. Roanne is close to a well-known antique car collection museum and showroom and has numerous handicraft shops and international clubs e.g. Lions/Rotary. CHILDREN love the freedom that the large park and gardens give them. Baby-sitting and French classes can be arranged for your children if desired. Ask for details.