Would you like to Learn French in France?

Have you thought about enrolling in a French language program in France? If so, have you considered the region of Normandy? Here are some reasons to Learn French in France and why I suggest considering studying with Alliance Française in the gorgeous city of Rouen in the Normandy region of France.

Note- if you are skimming please don’t miss the 10% discount code towards the bottom of the post.

1. Rouen is a historically and culturally rich city

Among the top reasons to learn French in France, is the opportunity to visit beautiful citiesRouen is a city that has inspired Kings, Saints and artists among others over the centuries. When Vikings settled and became Normans in the 10th century, Rouen became Normandy’s capital.  During the following centuries, great figures such as William the Conqueror and Richard the Lion Heart held court in the city. In the 13 century (1431) Joan of Arc was tragically put to death in Rouen (literally burned at the stake).

Later, the city was memorialized by writers and artists such as Gustave Flaubert ( a native of Rouen), Victor Hugo, and Monet.

What Rouen is perhaps best known for today, outside of France, is for being the city of Monet’s cathedrals (though he really just painted the one cathedral… many times and from a variety of vantage points).

This is just a taste of the history contained within the cobbled streets, beautifully restored Norman buildings, and church spires of this picturesque city!

 

2. Rouen is perfectly positioned to take day and overnight trips to other amazing destinations

Since most people have to go through Paris first before coming to Rouen, I won’t list it as a destination here. It is easy enough to schedule a night there on your way to or from Rouen. The following are some of the most popular destinations in Normandy, that I highly recommend trying to visit while based in Rouen.

Monet’s home and gardens

Monet’s former home and gardens (yes those gardens!) are in Giverny, less than an hour by train from Rouen.

Once in Giverny (take train from Rouen to Vernon) you’ll take a shuttle from the train station to Monet’s Gardens where you can enjoy the breathtaking landscape that so inspired the beloved artist.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a charming, waterfront village complete with beautifully historically restored and maintained shops and restaurants lining the tiny streets, an outstanding weekend market and that seemingly permanent romantic lighting that has captured so many famous Impressionists’ admiration and canvases.

The White Cliffs of Etretat

Known for its’ stunning white and jagged cliffs, Etretat is a must-visit destination in Normandy. The main attraction is, of course, the cliffs and you can hike along them for quite some distance enjoying the views before heading into town to enjoy a crepe and a pitcher of cider (standard Normandy-Brittany fare) or fresh mussels.

Don’t miss the spectacular views of the cliffs that can be enjoyed from the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde to the North before heading over to the cliffs to climb up and down the stairs and follow the paths along the cliffs’ edges.

How to get to Honfleur and Etretat-

I highly recommend renting a car and driving to Etretat and Honfleur from Rouen. It takes a little over an hour from Rouen to Etretat and about 45 minutes from Etretat to Honfleur.

Don’t want to drive?  Check the Alliance Francaise event schedule, they often organize trips to popular nearby destinations such as Mont St. Michel, Etretat and Giverny. Email them at contact@afrouen.org

Mont St. Michel

A floating island with a medieval monastery sitting atop, UNESCO heritage site and long-debated Brittany or Normandy territory (it sits between the two regions), Mont St. Michel has called to visitors for centuries in the past as a religious pilgrimage destination and today as one of the most visited sites in France.

Mont St. Michel is approximately 3 hours from Rouen by car. You can get a train but there isn’t a ton of time to choose from. The trip is over five hours long and you will actually switch from a train to a bus for the second half of the journey as there is no way to reach Mont St. Michel by train.

Insider tip: Most people visit Mont St. Michel during the day and this little island can get very crowded. If you opt to stay overnight you can actually stay on the island in one of a small handful of hotels, after the rest of the tourists have been ushered off at closing time.

3. Rouen is the City of ‘a hundred spires’

Rouen may not, in reality, have ‘a hundred spires’ but with thirty churches contained in this small city, one can see why Hugo made the leap. Among the most impressive of Rouen’s churches and cathedrals is, of course, the Rouen Cathedral that Monet painted from so many different angles in his cathedral series. But, there are also quite a few other architecturally stunning churches that must be visited while in Rouen.

I did not ever search out all thirty of the churches in Rouen, personally, but I happened upon at least seven while walking all over the city and ventured inside the most impressive three: Saint-Ouen abbey church, Saint-Maclou church and the Rouen Cathedral.

‘What is the difference between a church and a cathedral’ you might be wondering… ? Well, apparently the term cathedral can only be used when referring to a large church over which a bishop of the diocese presides (and typically resides). Not, just a regular church over which priests or clergy preside. Now you know. 🙂

4. Studying French in Rouen is affordable

Compared to taking a French course somewhere like Paris or Provence, choosing a French immersion course in a region like Normandy is much less expensive. Accommodation is a big piece of this.

This was one of the biggest reasons I originally opted for studying in Rouen and Normandy with Alliance Francaise. I wanted to take French courses as well as enjoy a beautiful region without breaking the bank. I found the best way to do that was to book a language immersion program in a region like Normandy (where Alliance Francaise luckily has a school!) and to book a full month in an apartment versus a shorter time in a hotel.

My total cost for the entire month of classes plus my own studio apartment located within walking distance of the school was about 1100 Euros. I would have spent double that in Paris for the same time period.

When booking your French language classes or program you are given an option of what type of accommodation you’d like-from affordable (self-catered apartment, student residence or a homestay with a French family) to more leisurely (full apartment or hotel).

5. Alliance Francaise offers courses of any length for those at any level

Alliance Francaise offers courses anywhere from one week long to six months. Opt for standard classes (with a group at a similar level to you), intensive classes, private lessons or a combination of these. There are also courses designed specifically for professionals or those who would like to combine their French courses with painting or gastronomy.

Standard courses = 15 hours a week, held M-F 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Intensive courses =  20 hours a week, held M-F 8:45-9:45 am and 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Private Lessons = book by the hour or in packages to supplement your courses and get ahead faster

Their courses cater to all levels (from absolute beginner to advanced) and the school makes an effort to offer social and cultural activities and outings (some free, some that require the purchase of a ticket) such as museum outings, food and drink samplings, bus trips to famous historic sites, etc.

Thinking of booking a course after considering these reasons to learn French in France with Alliance Francaise? Let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear about your French language learning journey.