02.24.09
Coeur de France Language School
Several years ago, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the Coeur de France Ecole de Langues in Sancerre, France. After several years of trying to study French in my spare time, I decided a more radical jumpstart might be required. I began researching different schools in France in hopes of having a short immersion experience and enjoying the countryside at the same time. I do not think we could have found a better option than this wonderful school nestled in the Loire Valley wine country.
My daughter and I stayed for a 2-week session. (They offer programs for as little as 1 week or as many as 8 weeks.) Sancerre is a hilltop town just large enough to hold your interest, but not so bustling that you are distracted from your work. As a matter of fact, Sancerre seems somewhat of an extension of the school, as the shopkeepers and restaurant staff are eager to help you work on your French and keep you immersed in the culture. (My experience in Paris seems quite the opposite, since usually the waiter’s English is far better than my French. I hate to make them suffer!)
I think the most impressive aspect for me was how our class was able to combine our small group of friends and family, all working at varying beginner levels. Marianne, our teacher and co-owner of the school, has an amazing ability to adapt to different personalities and proficiency levels. Though classes are offered for beginners to advanced students, if the proficiency levels are not too different, a family or group can study together. Coeur de France offers a free online placement test to determine these possibilities.
We were quite comfortable in the lovely apartments on the upper floor of the 16th century La Thaumassière mansion, the Coeur de France home. Every morning, we would eat breakfast in our apartment and simply walk down to the ground floor for class. Our mornings were occupied with classes, and our afternoons were filled with optional excursions. Is there a better way to learn and practice your French? For us, it was perfect! For more information visit: http://coeurdefrance.com