FRENCH STUDY GUIDE 2017 French Study Guide 2017


Taking French classes in France is not only a fun way to learn the language while enjoying the country, it is also a highly effective way of learning


Centre Linguistique Pour Étrangers (CLE), Tours Just an hour from Paris by TGV, the pretty city of Tours is the historical capital of the Touraine, a culturally-rich region dotted with the Renaissance châteaux of the Loire Valley. Tours is the ideal base to see Chenonceau, Villandry, and other castles in the playground of French royalty. The Touraine is also known as the home to the “purest” form of spoken French – a distinct advantage if you’re aspiring to learn correct pronunciation. The Centre Linguistique Pour Étrangers (CLE) is an acclaimed school founded in 1985. Not only does it boast a privileged location in Tours, but CLE is also appreciated for its small class size, averaging just five students a class (the maximum is seven). In this way, there is a lot of individual attention and the atmosphere is convivial. The average student age is 38; many are adults who enrol for the pleasure of immersing


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themselves in the French language and culture. Most students choose to stay with host families, though it’s also possible to rent an apartment in the city centre. Students rave that CLE is a fantastic place to learn French, with a high quality of instruction and the low number of students per class.


“I learned to speak French in 12 weeks,” says former student Rosalind B. “CLE is a fantastic school. I stayed with a great host family and the classes and private instruction at CLE were outstanding. I will go back next year without question!” Adds Romney R from the UK, “I was impressed with CLE from the outset. I had a prompt and friendly response to my initial enquiry and received lots of practical advice and information before travelling. There is a thorough assessment of your ability when you arrive so there was no time wasted with people having to change groups to find the correct level.”


A week of classes is divided into two types of activities. The morning consists of classic, theme-based instruction and grammar, while the afternoon ateliers allow students to practise the conversational French they learned in the morning sessions.


CLE also takes advantage of its location by organising a number of recreational activities: bike tours, châteaux visits, canoe excursions on the Loire river, wine tastings, restaurant soirées, and movie nights.


The intensive programme, with 20 hours of instruction per week, is priced at €835 for two weeks, €1,150 for three weeks, and €1,515 for four weeks. There is a €50 registration fee. 7-9 place de Châteauneuf, 37000 Tours +33 (0)2 47 64 06 19  www.cle.fr


IS Aix-en-Provence Dotted with fountains and sun-kissed squares perfect for people-watching, graceful Aix


embodies the Provençal good life. The city is also home to an award-winning language school which has welcomed over 50,000 students from 40 countries since it opened in 1972.


“Our teaching philosophy is based on communication,” explains director Anna Diaz. “Learning a language means learning to communicate in different contexts – both professional French and the language you use in everyday life. As you learn to speak, you also learn to understand, both written and oral French.” Instruction therefore encourages students to be engaged and proactive in their learning. Teachers work to instill confidence in their students in a relaxed environment. To supplement the French courses, IS organises cultural and recreational activities with partners in the region. Examples include excursions to the Pont du Gard, the famous calanques outside Marseille, Arles and


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