It’s no secret that the quickest and easiest way to learn a new language is by immersing yourself in it. Students looking to study French in Lyon will be pleased to find a number of excellent French language schools offering a wide range of courses.
Students studying French at Lyon Bleu (Photo: www.lyon-bleu.fr/)
Home to one of the country’s leading universities, Lyon has a reputation for learning. As France’s third-largest city, students have a myriad of cultural attractions, restaurants and bars at their fingertips too. Geographically speaking, the city couldn’t be better located, slap-bang in the middle of the country with each of the 13 regions (and dialects) within easy reach. Add to this affordable living costs and Unesco-recognised good looks, and it isn’t difficult to see why it’s a top choice for those looking to learn French. There are dozens of institutions to choose from, each offering a wide range of courses. We’ve rounded up three of the best language schools to learn French in Lyon based on course, price, location and student feedback.
Institut Lyonnais
Founded in 1984, the Institut Lyonnais is one of the most esteemed French language schools in Lyon. The school offers a variety of different french courses, ranging from Complete Beginner (A1.1) to Superior (C2.2). The week-long courses with 15–20 hours of tuition time from €200 are a good option for those looking to refresh their language skills or get an introduction to the language. Those looking for more structure should try the Super Intensive courses, offering 20 hours of tuition and an option to take an accredited exam at the end of the course. Students eligible for a residence permit can benefit from the school’s accommodation offering, which includes student accommodation or an option to rent a room from a family.
39 Rue Père Chevrier. 69007
Alliance Française de Lyon
Lyon’s oldest language school is also one of the most prestigious – since 2013 the school has been affiliated to the French Federation for Unesco. Every year the school welcomes around 2,300 students from 150 different nationalities, so they know what they’re talking about. There’s a wide range of courses on offer, from general french classes to specific courses dedicated to grammar and writing. The school itself is picturesque too, offering 17 spacious classrooms, a lobby, terrace and garden in the heart of the 3rd district, just 300 metres from the banks of the Rhone. Throughout the year, the school organizes events and cultural activities such as games, film clubs and parties.
11 Rue Pierre Bourdan, 69003
Lyon Bleu International
Lyon Bleu International also boasts a “French as a Foreign Language’ accreditation, offering a huge variety of courses and programs which students can mix and match. There are general french-speaking courses, as well as ‘French and Culture’ programmes and ‘French for French Teachers’. You’ll need to take an online written test and an oral test before arrival, which avoids wasting time by finding the right level of instruction from the start. Numbers are limited to groups of 12 to guarantee the best quality of teaching too. For those looking to study at a French university, the school also offers a ‘Pathways Program’ in Business Administration, Communication, Tourism, IT, Art and Sustainability.
82 Rue Duguesclin, 69006.