General French Course
Learn French through immersion in the heart of Tours
The General French course is designed to develop all of your language skills in an international environment. Whether you want to learn French for your studies, your career, or just for fun, this program allows you to progress at your own pace while fully immersing yourself in the French language and culture.
Taught every morning by teachers certified in French as a Foreign Language (FLE), the French classes combine listening comprehension, speaking, interaction, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation to help students develop a well-rounded command of the language.
Audience
Ages 16 and up
Class Size
Maximum 13 students per class
Levels
6 levels from beginner to advanced
Duration
between 1 and 48 weeks
Why choose a general French course?
The General French course helps students develop all the essential skills needed to communicate fluently in French.
Through a communicative teaching approach, you’ll improve your comprehension and expression—both spoken and written—while expanding your vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Mornings are set aside for classes. Afternoons are free for exploring Tours and the Loire Valley, participating in activities organized by the Institute, or practicing French in real-life situations.
The Group French Course Syllabus
The group French course consists of 15 hours of general French per week, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., with a 20-minute break mid-morning.
The program follows the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and alternates between written and oral skills to develop comprehensive proficiency in the language.
The courses cover, among other things:
- oral and written comprehension;
- oral and written expression;
- grammar and vocabulary;
- pronunciation and phonetics;
- communication skills in everyday situations.
Regular assessments allow you to track your progress throughout your training.
Sample schedule:
A French language school with a proven teaching approach
For over 100 years, the Institut de Touraine has been helping students from all over the world learn French.
Classes are taught by instructors who specialize in French as a Foreign Language, in groups of students at similar proficiency levels, which encourages discussion and participation from everyone.
The Institute’s teaching methodology emphasizes an active and communicative approach, enabling learners to use French in real-life situations and make progress with confidence.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Placement Test Before Your Arrival
Enrollment is open year-round (specific dates for complete beginners)
Stays ranging from 1 to 48 weeks
Certificate of Completion issued at the end of the program
Who are the French courses at the Institut de Touraine intended for?
The general French course is designed for international students, adults, professionals, and prospective university students who wish to learn French in France. Courses are available at all levels, from absolute beginner to advanced.
What level of French do I need to take a group course?
No minimum level is required. Institut de Touraine welcomes both beginners and advanced learners. A level test is carried out before the start of the course to ensure that each student is placed in the right group.
Can I start French lessons at any time of the year?
Several dates are offered throughout the year. Depending on your level and desired duration, the Institut de Touraine team will guide you towards the most suitable formula.
Can the courses be used to prepare for the DELF or DALF exams?
Yes, French courses can help you prepare for official Exams such as DELF or DALF. Linguistic immersion and pedagogical support enable you to make effective progress towards these certifications.
How long do you have to stay to improve your French?
Progress depends on starting level and individual goals. A stay of just a few weeks will already enable you to become more fluent, while a longer program will promote lasting progress in comprehension and expression.
Why learn French in Tours rather than Paris?
Tours offers an ideal setting for a language stay: a city on a human scale, a safe environment and a cost of living that’s often more affordable. Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, it offers an authentic immersion in French culture.