Lynn

Can anyone recommend a good French language school in Paris? I've looked into some schools that offer courses by the week, and was hoping to hear about any good/bad experiences. <BR> <BR>I'm most familiar with Alliance Francaise from taking classes in the SF Bay Area, but am also interested in attending a smaller school. If this helps, I do not need a facility that specializes in teaching business travelers and I have about 2-4 weeks to spend. Your suggestions are appreciated.

Christina

Yes, I do, as I've attended two -- the Sorbonne and L'Institut Catholique, although those are both regular universities, of course, not small private language schools. Both have French classes for foreigners, though, with intensive summer programs. I have an extensive page of info on this topic on my Paris pages at www.virtualtourist.com/ChristinaW, with links to other sources and program suggestions. For smaller schools, I don't think Alliance Francaise is rated very highly; I've heard good things about L'Institut Parisien. University programs are usually only in the summer--July and/or August.

lynn

Thanks for the information -- your website was very helpful. <BR> <BR>Lynn

Jayelle

I attended a small, private French language school called Ecole de Langue Franciase pour Etrangers (E.L.F.E) about four years ago. They offer a wide variety of courses, from beginner to advanced levels, business French, one-on-one courses, etc. They keep the class sizes small (max. 6 students)so you have plenty of speaking practice. <BR> <BR>The student body is very international. My class included 2 Swiss, 2 Italians, and one Spaniard in addition to myself. They were a great group, and we had a good time in class. I think the minimum stay is 1 week, and you can start any week, so the students in your class may change somewhat from one week to the next. <BR> <BR>The school is located in a lovely townhouse in the 9th. They have a website now, at www.elfe-paris.com.

mary

in may 1996 i spent a month at alliance francaise in paris. the class size was large about 16-20. i went 4 hours daily mon-fri. most of the students were younger than i was-40. a large mix of international students. may was good for me as i got travel to other countries during all of the long weekends. i had picked up some brochures from purdue where i was taiking language classes and alliance fit my style well. to each their own. whatever you choose have fun.