Study French in Montpellier, France

A Variety of Language Schools in a Southern Cultural Center

Article and photos by Christina Rebuffet-Broadus

Arch of Triumph near Peyrou Park in Montpellier.

Sea, sun, great food, and lots of fun. Sounds like a summer beach party, but these words could also describe learning French in Montpellier. In southern France, just 20 minutes from the Mediterranean coast, Montpellier prides itself as one of France's fastest-growing cities. One French student even called it "THE southern French city where the living is good." And with its 300 sunny days per year, modern transport system, and active cultural life, who's to argue?

The concentration of language schools and the dynamism of its student population make Montpellier the perfect destination apprendre le français, as the city calls itself. But as a former student at Accent Français points out, what also makes Montpellier a great place to study French is the local population's sensitivity to language learners — they will politely correct you, not automatically switch to English after hearing your accent-laden bohndjoor, and be patient as you try to use your newly learned vocabulary.

Winged Victory of Samothrace in the Antigone district of Montpellier.

Here are some of the best language schools, approved by Montpellier's Tourism Office, to help you choose among the many.

Accent Français

Accent Français prides itself on its ultra-personalized service. Arriving students get an individual interview to determine their needs, and the staff actively helps in hacking through France's red tape jungle. The school even organizes evenings with the teaching staff to build group rapport. In keeping with the times, the school has its own constantly updated Facebook page — a great way to find out what the school is all about.

On a more academic side, Accent Français groups students into small classes of three to ten but also allows one-on-one tutoring for students with specific needs. Other options include conversation, exam preparation (DELF, TEF, and CCIP), and perhaps the most gratifying—cooking. Of course, full-fledged cooking and wine classes also show students why French cuisine merits its reputation. Accent Français has also designed a special +50 Senior course for older learners, which offers exciting cultural outings each afternoon.

In the words of one former student, "the entire school exudes an atmosphere of friendly supportive caring. I still regard Accent Français as the best second language learning experience I have ever had."

As part of the school's desire to really help students, Virginie, the school's director makes a point to respond to requests within 24 hours. Accent Français has a fantastic website, but they will not send you there to look for your answer; the team will answer your questions point by point in English or French! 

Institut Linguisitique du Peyrou

The Institut Linguistique du Peyrou is open to students over 16 who wish to learn the French language and culture. It is located just minutes from Montpellier's historic center. In fact, the school takes its name from the nearby park created in honor of Louis XIV — one of the city's most pleasant promenades.

In small groups, students study at a rhythm of their choice, from standard to intense, with class sessions starting each week. There is no obligation to follow the traditional school year, and you can enroll for as short as a week (two in July and August) if you would like. You will test what you have learned during the cultural outings the school organizes in Montpellier and surrounding cities.

The ILP also offers a wide range of housing options — total immersion with a host family, conviviality of an apartment shared with other students, or an independent studio in the heart of Montpellier's Ecusson old town. But more options abound on the Institut's website.  

Institut d'Etudes Françaises Pour Etrangers (IEFE)

Part of the Université Paul Valéry, the IEFE offers semester and year-long programs in French language and civilization. In the summer, month-long intensive courses are also available, with 20 hours of studying per week. The IEFE adheres to the ADCUEFE (Association of the Heads of Academic Centers of French Studies for Foreign Students), meaning that a diploma received in Montpellier will be recognized in other ADCUEFE schools throughout France.

The summer courses also allow you to participate in an afternoon socio-cultural program, where you will learn French culture by living it. For students already enrolled in a master's or doctoral program, the IEFE proposes night classes in French to make your experience in Montpellier even more enjoyable.

The Institut d'Etudes Françaises pour Etrangers gives you the opportunity to experience university life à la française. It is quite different from American university life. Yet, the people you will meet here will help make the adjustment easy and fun. For more information, visit their website.

Institut Linguistique Adenet (ILA)

At ILA they say, "Cultural activities play an important role in learning and understanding a foreign language, as learning a foreign language is also about learning about culture and people." How better to explain this school's approach to language learning? Every week, the school offers at least four cultural excursions and does so year-round.

With anywhere from six to 10 different class levels, the ILA strives to place you in the most appropriate small groups. The institute offers a variety of programs, ranging from standard (20 lessons per week) and intensive (30 classes per week) to one-on-one or business French options. For those planning to continue studying in a French university, the ILA also prepares you for the DELF/DALF exams.

The school even offers special course and accommodation rates for long-term students staying over three months.

As for the cultural activities that the school boasts, you can only leave this school if you have really gotten to know the Montpellier region. Imagine taking a teacher-led tour of the historic city center one afternoon, then treating your taste buds to a wine and cheese sampling the next. And for a 15-25 euro fee, you can branch out into Languedoc-Roussillon region, with horseback rides in the Camargue and a picnic in the shadow of the Roman Pont du Gard.

Visit their website for more detailed courses, prices, and housing information.

Ecole Klesse

Ecole Klesse adapts to students' needs and possibilities with two-week to three-month courses starting each Monday. For professionals short on time, the school proposes intensive courses for one to four weeks, emphasizing speaking authentic, lively French. The school tailors one-on-one lessons for the precise needs of professionals in tourism, computer science, law, or economics.

For students with a particular goal in mind, Ecole Klesse is also a certified exam center for DELF/DALF preparation and French language tests of the Alliance Française, Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, University of Cambridge, and the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on Ecole Klesse's programs, consult their website.

Opera House lit up at night in Montpellier's rich linguistic and cultural center.

Christina Rebuffet-Broadus is a freelance journalist and English teacher living in Alpine France. Specializing in French culture and cuisine, she doesn't regret moving from Mississippi to mountainous Grenoble.