Ecole des Trois Ponts Omdömen 

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!!

This was my third visit in 2 years and my 4th week at L’École des Trois Ponts. I enjoyed another fabulous week there, practicing French in morning classes, at delicious meals, while hiking in the beautiful countryside 4 afternoons, and while visiting Ambierle, a Village of Character, Wednesday afternoon. Valérie and her team warmly welcomed me. along with three friends from my previous visits. I love coming to L’École each time and look forward to my next visit. My French improves each visit, but more importantly, I see old friends and make new ones from around the world. This is a very special place, where one feels not a tourist in France, but among friends. I highly recommend this wonderful school!

My husband has attended Trois Pont twice and I have 3 times, the last occurring in 2024. My friends ask me why we spend 2 weeks out of 5 in Europe at a school learning French.
Firstly, we both have a passion for the French language and recognise that the more we are immersed in it, the better we will speak it. Trois Pont provides the opportunity for immersion, not only in classes but also during the excellent meals (provided by the in-house chef), in free time and during excursions in the countryside.
In classes, we also learn more grammar, better pronunciation and listening skills under the guidance of excellent teachers. There is also the opportunity to learn from similarly motivated students, many of whom are returning participants.
However, the main thing that makes us want to return is the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the school. The owner, Valerie, sets the tone and enlists teachers who share her friendly and helpful approach. Highly recommended!

I attended Ecole des Trois Ponts for only a single week in contrast to most persons, whom I later learned sign up for 2-3 weeks. While clearly loved by attendees who repeat this year after year, it was not the best fit for me. Despite my limited comprehension of French, I sought an immersion program of French being spoken fluently by natives rather than an experience of all attendees struggling together to communicate often in a halting manner. I enjoyed visiting the more rural setting as it was quite beautiful and I loved walks into exquisite parks where I encountered natives who could only speak French, an experience which felt authentic. Being vegan I could not enjoy the structured meals with the group where both eating & learning about the varied cheeses were a main component. It was less a cultural immersion for me than I had hoped & felt more like a place where seniors from various countries come to practice speaking French on an annual basis.

The individual classes I signed up for were good but constituted more of a review of my many years of college French than a new approach. I had hoped for more focus on ‘understanding’ the spoken word via conversation, which was a limited part of the experience.

The leaders of this program were most cooperative & lovely to interact with when needed. Clearly there is a devoted group who attend these classes annually making it a rich experience for them to often reconnect year after year. There was much free time when not in class but limited accessibility unless one brought a vehicle to get around. For a self-motivated person who enjoys the slower pace & unstructured experience, this could be an excellent experience. As one who needs the stimulation of a program set within a vibrant city, providing opportunities to interact among abundant native speakers in natural encounters, this was not the best fit for me.

I first heard about L’Ecole de Trois Ponts, a few years ago, from a friend also a French student, where I live in Adelaide, South Australia…While we began to plan our trip with excitement, unfortunately my part in the journey was derailed at that time due to a medical event. My friend went on by herself and reported back to me with encouragement, her time at the school.

Unfortunately it was only this year in September 2024, that life opened this door and I was able, finally, to make the trip.

L’Ecole de Trois Ponts is located in a charming and comfortable home in Riorges, south of Paris and about an hour’s train ride from Lyon…There are separate bedrooms for each student as well as other accommodation options that can be arranged (double rooms, family stay or apartment).

It’s clear that managing a live-in language school, 7 days a week takes a range of significant skills and skilful staff…Clearly Valerie-Manager/Teacher/Tour Guide/Driver/Program Developer and Hostess has the organisational and relationship- building capacity, par excellence, with the help of her competent administrative support, Mariella.

These two, and their additional staff, work together as a solid, capable team, well able to handle the diversity of culture, personality, expectations and needs of students who come here from all over the world…

Valerie is ably supported by a range of personable, perceptive and capable staff… including, but not limited to… teachers, chef, food preparation support, cleaner and caretaker…

Many of the eleven students I met, had come to Trois Pont on multiple occasions. A British woman had made the journey each year for 17 years, for three week periods and returning students often already spoke of plans for their next visit…

Immersive language learning can be a little intense, as each of us welcomed or took on the challenge of speaking French most of each day from 8 am ( breakfast) to 9 ish in the evening.

We had a daily routine, breakfast, lunch and a delicious traditional dinner prepared by the diligent chef… together with 3 hours of French class. My teacher, Camille, taught four students. With a good sense of humour, Camille was discerning and supportive as she developed novel and traditional techniques each day to encourage language learning risks.

In the afternoon, a group of us went for randonées in the picturesque French countryside including small villages, country enterprises and farming communities.

Valerie took every opportunity to further widen our understanding of French rural living, painted by the social, cultural, historical, agricultural and geographical features. These wonderful forays into the country provided ample relaxed time to deepen new friendships in the French language and to balance tradional classes with physical activity in an astonishingly beautiful environment.

Each visit to this school will strengthen your language skills, create new friendships with other francophiles and intensify your understanding of traditional French culture, past and present…L’Ecole de Trois Pont, indeed is a unique and enriching engagement you will muse on for years…

Pour moi, ce fut une expérience excellente et agréable qui valait bien le long voyage depuis l'Australie.
La semaine était structurée et bien organisée, fonctionnant selon le même horaire tous les jours. Le logement était confortable et idéalement situé. La qualité de la nourriture était la même que dans n'importe quel grand restaurant... incroyable... vraiment délicieux. C'était un bon support pour l'objectif principal... pour prendre plaisir à progresser dans la langue française.
Les cours de français étaient stimulants et agréables. Ils m'ont aidé à progresser et à surmonter ma réticence et ma peur de parler. Nous avions 4 personnes dans notre classe... Je pensais que c'était parfait. J'ai bien aimé notre prof, Camille, ... Je pense qu'elle était très perspicace... Elle a compris quel contenu de la leçon serait le plus bénéfique pour la classe... Et elle nous a engagés d'une manière agréable.
Un autre point fort a été le programme de randonnée de l'après-midi dans la campagne. Et, profiter de la compagnie d'autres personnes de différents pays en classe, à l'heure des repas et pendant les randonnées a ajouté à la richesse de l'expérience
À la fin de la semaine, je me sentais en très bonne santé et en forme. J’avais été stimulé mentalement, physiquement, et socialement.
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For me it was an excellent and enjoyable experience and well worth the long trip from Australia.
The week was structured and well organised operating to the same timetable each day. The accommodation was comfortable and conveniently situated. The quality of food was the same as in any top restaurant... amazing... truly delicious. This was good support for the main purpose... to enjoy progressing in French language.
French classes were challenging and enjoyable. They helped me to progress and overcome my reluctance and fear in speaking. We had 4 persons in our class... I thought this was perfect. I liked our teacher Camille.... I think she was very perceptive... She understood what lesson content would be of most benefit to the class... and she engaged us in an enjoyable way.
Another highlight was the afternoon hiking program in the countryside. And, enjoying the company of others from different countries in class, at mealtimes and when hiking added to the richness of the experience
At the end of the week I was feeling very healthy and fit. I had been exercised mentally, physically and socially.

Upon arrival at Ecole des Trois Ponts, one hears only French being spoken by both staff and students. The expectation is to "jump right in" and do your best to speak in French no matter how limited your ability may be. All attempts are encouraged and gently corrected. One learns as much from fellow students as from the excellent Immersion sessions each day.

C'était ma troisième fois à l'école. Je l'aime beaucoup. Les cours de langue sont merveilleux et les repas sont délicieux. Être là, c'est comme être dans une famille. Tout le personnel est serviable et amical. J'y ai passé deux semaines. La première semaine, on a fait de la randonnée pendant l'après-midi. Les randonnées donnent une excellente occasion pour discuter et pour pratiquer notre français. À tous égardes, c'était une expérience merveilleuse.

Excellent program for learning French in a friendly cooperative environment. Being in an immersive program encouraged one to learn from others and to take personal risks to develop confidence and skills.
Supportive and constructive feedback .
Excellent food and living environment and additional opportunities for be involved in other activities and to extend learning opportunities.

Top top teachers, beautiful setting, small groups for learners , delicious food, a strong commitment to providing French language and culture instruction…I stayed 3 weeks and loved every day

Chaque annee a l'ecole est meilleure que l'annee precednte. J'espere venir pendant de nombreuses annees.
Barbara Turpin

Le mois dernier je suis allée à ETP pour la troisième fois. L'experience était extrêmement positif. Comme toujours, le niveau d'apprentissage était parfait et la camaraderie entre les étudiantes me plaisais beaucoup. J'ai l'intention de revenir chaque année. C'est comme un retrait tranquille pour moi, sans soucis quotidian.

C'était un bon moment. J'en profite bien.
L'equipe, la nouriture, tout va bien

Well done to Valerie and her team for another fantastic week at L'Ecole des Trois Ponts. Everything was amazing: the accommodation, the lessons, the food, the walking and the company. Definitely the best week of my year so far and I really hope I can return next year.

Le meilleur cours de français intensif que nous ayons suivi. des professeurs incroyables, des projets incroyables et une nourriture encore meilleure. Merci à Valérie et à l'équipe !

C'était une semaine inoubliable! L'équipe était chaleureuse, compétente, et sympa. J'ai beaucoup aimé les leçons, l'ambiance familiale, et les autres participants.

J'ai passé une belle semaine à l'École des Trois Ponts. Les leçons étaient utiles mais la meilleure partie de l'experience etait les excursions, quand j'avais l'occasion de pratiquer mes habilités en production orale et aussi d'écoute. L'école est un peu comme un 'summer camp'; les repas en famille, un vibe très confortable. Les chambres sont de temps en temps chaudes; il n'y a pas de AC. J'ai beaucoup aimé la variété de fromage chaque jour. Les repas étaient acceptables, mais j'ai trouvé (et les autres étudiants aussi) que j'avais souvent un peu faim. Un peu plus de nourriture serait mieux; mais il y avait un marché et un boulangerie pas loin. La directrice, Valérie, est fantastique. Mariella, qui nous a conduit pour les excursions, est vraiment sympa. C'était une semaine de véritable immersion en francais. Je le ferais encore une autre année!

Eğitim öğretim hayatlarında bulundum burası kadar can dostu birebir sorunun şahsi sorunlarıymış Gibi ilgilenen öğrenmek için tüm çabayı bizlerden daha fazla gayretle Sabırla harika bir öğrenim okulu

Une expérience d'apprentissage immersive exceptionnelle. Des professeurs très sympathiques, un cadre agréable, un hébergement de qualité et de superbes repas faits maison. J'ai apprécié une nouvelle semaine à l'Ecole des Trois Points et je suis heureuse de recommander vivement.