Why choose Lyon for your French language course?

Lyon has rich cultural heritage and is famous for its gastronomy, vineyards and more recently for its football team and art. Situated at the crossroads of the main European trade routes, close to the Mediterranean and Alpine ski resorts, Lyon is perfectly located for people wanting to explore France. It is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region and the second largest contributor to the French economy after Paris.

Lyon has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1998, specifically the areas of Saint-Jean and the Croix-Rousse. It is also known as the 'City of Light' because of its history which began on Fourvière Hill, when the city was under the Roman rule. The city was proclaimed capital of the three Gauls and it was during this period that Lyon developed in economic, politic, religious and military terms. The tradition of the City of Lights or 'Lugdunum' (its Roman name) is still present and every evening more than 100 sites across the city are lit up to show the splendour of Lyon’s architecture.

Sightseeing Highlights of your language course in Lyon

Cathédrale St-Jean
This beautiful Gothic cathedral was built between 1180 and 1480, and perfectly reflects the transition from the Romanesque to Gothic style in Europe.

Notre Dame Basilique
This massive cathedral is located at the top of the Fourvière Hill and was built in the 19th century by Bossan.

Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Museum is located in the former Abbey of the Ladies of St-Pierre in the centre of the city. It houses one of the largest art collections in France, with Ancient and Egyptian art, medieval sculpture and paintings by artists such as Manet, Monet and Picasso.

City Hall
The building originally dates from the 16th century. The interior of the City Hall is noted for its remarkable Baroque décor. Its highlights include Thomas Blachet\'s 17th century allegorical frescoes and a bell tower with three original bells from the 1675.

Climate in Lyon

Enfolded deep in the Rhone valley, Lyon is subjected to cold winds from the Alps and warm breezes from the Mediterranean. Four seasons characterise its climate: hot summers, mild autumns, cold winters and a bountiful spring. Rain is another characteristic: it may come at any time of the year.

Night life on your French language course in Lyon

There are many ways of having fun in Lyon and there are many bars and discos in the old and new part of the city.

The Albion Bar
This in a popular English pub and a good venue to listen to some jazz and blues; or if you want to see some sporting events, this bar has two big screens.

Le First Tendency
This discotheque can hold 600 people and has traditional décor. It is the most popular club in the city and has one of the largest dance floors in Lyon.

Le Fridge
One can hear a mix of old school and modern music in this place. It has an interesting décor, a fluorescent bar and armchairs. Le Fridge plays Techno, House, Hip Hop and R n B music and boasts a large dance floor.

Location of Your French Language School

Our French language school in Lyon has offered French language courses since 1999 and is located in a stylish and lively neighbourhood in the heart of the city. The school offers a harmonious and convivial environment for French language courses. It is a stone’s throw from the historical centre of Lyon on one side and the business district on the other.

Language School’s Facilities

• 14 fully-equipped classrooms
• Student’s room, equipped with PCs for the use of students
• Wi-Fi Internet connection
• Book rental point
• Video/DVD library

Guarantee of Quality

• Our French language school in Lyon is a French professional training organisation certified by the French government
• All our French language courses in Lyon have been officially certified by the CSN programme of the Swedish Government and by the main German Federal States for Bildungsurlaub (study leave)
• The school is an active member of the Groupement FLE, a professional organisation of French language schools throughout France, and fully meets the quality standards set by this organisation
• The school is a member of IALC, International Association of Language Centres) and fully meets the Quality Standards required by this organisation. It is also an exam preparation centre for the DELF and not a DELF centre

Teaching Methods

Our French language school in Lyon aims to provide a quality alternative to larger, more traditional academic institutions for French language courses.

• Active and modern teaching methods are used with materials based on practice and communication
• Well trained and motivated teachers
• Customised classes, made to measure by the teachers and the director of studies, adapted and updated each week according to the needs of the groups
• Modern pedagogical materials for all French courses supplied at no extra cost.
• Small groups of max 12 participants for faster progression in learning French
• 6 levels of French language proficiency are available all year round: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2
• from complete beginner to advanced, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

System of evaluation so that you can be placed in a group suitable for your level in French, your needs and the possibility of changing groups as soon as you’re ready to.

• French written test before coming to the school
• Oral test in French on your first day at the school
• Continuous evaluation during your French course by your teachers
• Certificate of attendance and the level of French language skills acquired by the end of your course (levels based on CEFR)

Cultural Activities

Lyon is a city culturally very active throughout the year. Regularly updated information on current events, shows, concerts, exhibitions, plays, etc. is made available to students at all times. The school also offers an organised programme of cultural activities, including:

• Guided tours of Lyon
• Cinema Club
• Outings to museums
• Food and wine tastings
• Cookery classes
• Picnics
• Concert outings

The school staff is also there to help you plan your weekend activities.

Home Stay

• Single room
• Access to the kitchen and bathroom (in agreement with “house rules”)
• Use of washing machine (minimum once per week)
• Bed linen and towels
• 1 or 2 meals (breakfast, lunch or dinner) depending on the chosen option

All host families are asked to sign a Charter of Commitment that guarantees a baseline level of service and hospitality

Studios in a student residence

• The residence is close to Lyon Bleu (10/15 minutes by bus or subway, 15 to 30 minute walk to the residence)
• The studios are fully furnished and equipped (kitchen, bathroom, TV and internet connection)

The advantage of this option is its flexibility and the fact that students retain more independence.

Flights

Lyon’s primary airport is the Saint-Exupéry International Airport, located 25km to the east of the city. It receives flights from traditional airlines as well as the low-costs ones such as EasyJet.

Trains

The main train station in Lyon is the Lyon-Part-Dieu but there is also another one, the Lyon-Perrache station which serves regional rail transport destinations. There are many services to the north (Lille, Paris) and the south (Marseille, Montpellier). The TGVs takes approximately two hours to get to Paris.

By car

Lyon is very easy to reach from Paris, just take the A8/E1 southeast to Lyon, and then the E1/A7 west to Aix-en-Provence. If you are driving to Lyon from Grenoble or the French Alps, take the A43 and you'll arrive in the northwestern part of Lyon.