Ecole des Trois Ponts Reviews 188

I wish I had known that there were no students at my level. It was difficult to assimilate because the majority of students were at much higher comprehension and speaking levels than I was. Therefore, they seemed impatient with me in the class. However, the school staff is very professional and well meaning. If you go, confirm ahead of time that there is a course level that will meet your needs. Meals are delicious and educational.

La directrice, Valérie, Lisa, notre professeure Monique, et toute l'équipe ont été très accueillantes, gentilles et encourageantes. Les élèves étaient très motivés et, même si j’ai passé seulement une semaine, j'ai m’amélioré en français parlé. (En fait, c’est surprenant, mais j’ai commencé de parler en français encore plus pendant mon séjour de deux semaines à Lyon après le temps à Riorges !) Les excursions du école après les cours de l'après-midi étaient très agréables et chaque jour, on a essayé des spécialités françaises et beaucoup de fromage. Si vous souhaitez améliorer votre français et appréciez les cours en petits groupes (quatre ou cinq élèves seulement), il est peut-être préférable de passer au moins deux semaines dans cette école. Merci !

This school is beloved by many as the team led by Valérie is excellent. Class sizes are small, with ample opportunities for interactions between the teacher and very motivated classmates. The afternoon excursions were pleasant and everyday, we got to try French dishes and many different cheeses. A week’s stay is just right for the “experience”, but more serious learners may find it better to stay for at least two weeks to make even more significant progress. I’m pleased to say that rather surprisingly, I started to speak much more and even interacted a fair bit with the locals (Uber rides, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, museums, shops, hotel staff, etc) throughout my two-week stay in Lyon right after my time at the school. Thank you so much.

I have been to several immersion schools, and this has been the best experience I have had. The entire team is outstanding and cares about your progress.

You’ll have a blast!

I had attended the school previously, first to accelerate spoken French as a hobby, and later on to gain confidence in daily life in French as there was a need to fulfill a work assignment in the Paris area. My most recent visit took place after years away with limited speaking opportunities. I was worried and a little embarrassed - all that melted away when I walked in the door. I was greeted like family, as were the other return guests and newer students. Everyone was encouraging and the group was delightful - comprised of adult learners from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. French classes were tailored to the needs of the group and both rigorous and fun. The professors led well prepared lessons with a mix of grammatical challenges and aural, written and video-based comprehension exercises covering interesting topics such as the life of Josephine Baker. Meals were very good, with the chef accommodating everyone’s dietary needs. The rooms are quiet and private though rather dormlike - don’t expect luxe - but students who need a recharge will find them to be a nice retreat. The local area is beautiful in the early fall, and I recommend taking walks or joining any of the planned history, gastronomy or hiking excursions. If you want to really learn, but in a relaxed environment, I highly recommend this school.

Well thought out french conversation with a culinary experience. It's difficult to find a course with both
Cooking: We enjoyed a wide range of foods, preparation and cooking -the experience was interesting and enjoyable even if I don't cook this at home. We enjoyed learning some complex cooking skills/ art. For a few complex skills I would have liked a short demonstration - it would ease the tension between learning a cooking method at the same time as speaking/ translating french.
Sophie the chef was exceptional. The meal created was part of an ongoing culinary evening, wine and cheese exploration- very enjoyable.
French: Small groups very beneficial and flexible. There was no fixed format for our group. In retrospect I would have liked a revision of all of the tenses across the week however we both came away with a better sense of practical french rather than text book and better pronunciation.
It took a week to get to know people well. Although the focus is to speak french we felt that after the evening meal active encouragement to relax and speak English would facilitate friendship and understanding of some of the french conversations!
Scallop carpaccio was the star dish!

It was an amazing experience. met so many wonderful people and enjoyed conversing only in French. (Don't feel confident with my grammar to write this review in French). but the following week visiting Paris, I only used French and it felt so good. The cooking class was also outstanding and such fun working together.

We lived on site. We ate on site. You could have 6 hours of French per day if you wanted. The classes were very small.

I loved living and learning French at Ecole des Trois Ponts. There is noticeable improvement in my French speaking and comprehension. The teachers are very skilled in teaching and leading. The classes are small so there is ample opportunity to speak. I cannot recommend this experience enough. Anyone who wants to learn French should give it a consideration.

My week at l’Ecole des Trois Ponts exceeded my expectations.
Valérie and the team have created a welcoming oasis in a beautiful old home that offers opportunities for privacy and communal activities.
Camille and the other instructors created custom lesson plans based on each group’s interests and level. Classes were rigorous but a lot of fun, and the History excursions Lisa organized in the area offered extended learning opportunities.
The meals en famille were delightful, and allowed everyone to get to know students and staff from different groups.
I look forward to a return visit!

It was clear from the first moment that I arrived that the team was warm, welcoming, and enthusiastic about teaching -- even for a beginner like me. While the whole team was great, I was especially pleased to have Valerie as our teacher -- she is amazing, patient, fun, kind, and very supportive.

The atmosphere was great - like a family where everyone likes each other. The language lessons were both good and creative. I loved weaving the reading of a short story across the week. Valerie, thanks for your gracious management and excellent leadership.

An amazing time again. I learn so much at this wonderful School, not only in the classroom, but during the fantastic meals and from my contemporaries. Undoubtedly the best place in France to study the language. See my Blog posts on the Trois Ponts site for more details.

The tea Ching was very good but the accommodations were disappointing

I can’t say enough great stuff about Ecole des Trois Ponts. The director, Valerie, and her team of instructors and admin and fabulous chef made my one week stay superlative. The French instruction was serious and interesting. The immersion philosophy indispensable. Valerie and her team exude a warm professionalism. Everything worked and they made it fun. The food prepared by an in-house chef far exceeded anything I expected and was delicious every lunch and dinner. The afternoon hikes, led by native Valerie, were gorgeous. The atmosphere was also conducive to a fun time with the other students/guests. Thank you Valerie and team.

This was my 5th time attending Ecole des Trois Ponts and it was one of the best! Excellent teaching, food, and organization of countryside walks! This school is best for those who want true immersion 24/7--you eat all your meals together, in French, and the activiites you might consider are a wonderful additional experience to practise your French. Everyone (students included) were very welcoming no matter what your level. Am already thinking about when I'll visit again.

I attended l'école des trois ponts for 4 weeks in 2024 and now again for 3 weeks starting in late April 2025. Each time, my stay at the school was a wonderful experience. All my fellow students were native English speakers, but everyone came with the intention of trying to speak only French ALL the time, no matter their level of command of the language. I am retired but only began my study of French ~15 years ago. So it is challenging. But if one has had some French - high school long ago or some introductory classes at a community college like me - then I think one will gain a lot from the total immersion experience that the school offers. (If you have no prior exposure to the language, it will be hard.) The instructors are very sensitive to the capabilities of each student and adjust their classes to help each one benefit; the emphasis is on oral expression and comprehension. The school is small - max 15 students. Each student has a room, small but adequate with a bathroom. Lunch and evening meals are prepared by an excellent chef.

This is a school that I have attended many times. The passion for helping students learn French language and culture is top notch. Because of the school’s good reputation you will also find yourself among a lively and intelligent group of fellow travelers. I recommend the hiking, history and pastry courses as well as the intensive French course.

It was a wonderful first time experience to be immersed in French language for a week at this school. A very small school but with very good teachers and staff, and we were very well taken care of for both the classes and stay at the premises. Valerie was indeed a professional and she was the best French teacher I ever had. She corrects mistakes and explains why in details, which made my understanding of the language deeper. The school was very friendly and fun too! I would definitely go back, next time with two-week programme! Thank you so much, Valerie!

I spent a week at L’Ecole des Trois Ponts and it was excellent. The professors are all fantastic and Valerie, the Directrice, is very warm and encouraging. The school welcomes all levels and places students based on their ability. I think the maximum number of students in each class is 5 or 6 so very personalized in an intimate setting. The chef, Stéfane, prepared delicious lunches and dinners daily. I highly recommend this school. Immersion is the way to improve your French and this school is absolutely the best.

Ecole des Trois Ponts is my "go-to" French school away from home. It is a chance to be in a place where French is spoken, and I am not judged for making mistakes. I have been going here for many years, and it is a special experience each time. I think of it as my retreat. My French has improved each time, so now I don't sound like a tourist!!