French language immersion in France

Welcome to CLÉ — A French educational boutique founded in 1985 providing small-group language instruction to adults from around the world.

Book a course

Book an immersive stay, private lessons, or online classes.

Take an exam

Register for your civics exam and TEF / TCF at CLÉ.

Learn about CLÉ

Learn more about the school and life in Tours, France.

Anila with a student
Three students on a coach having a discussion
Anne-Sophie smiling with a student
Céline with 4 students on a tour of Chenonceau

A welcoming and professional boutique school

Since opening our centre more than 40 years ago, we have offered quality teaching and a warm welcome. Four French ministries have recognized our approach with the highest marks and the “French Foreign Language” Label of Quality.

“You’re making the effort to come and learn our language, we therefore take care to ensure you have the best stay possible with personal attention.”
Céline Sortais, the director of CLÉ
Céline Sortais
Director
School Overview

Why choose CLÉ?

Complete french immersion

  • Small group classes (max. 7 students)
  • Private classes targetting your personal needs and goals
  • Private online classes, learn from anywhere!
  • Domain-specific instruction (e.g. business, gastronomy, wine, pastry, and more)
  • Mix and match group classes with private lessons to tailor your experience at CLÉ.

Meet your goals

  • Advance your education or professional career
  • Prepare for exams such as the DELF or DALF
  • Fulfill the requirements for French or Canadian citizenship and residency programs.
  • Simply study for the love of the language!
10K+
Students Welcomed
40+
Years of experience
4 weeks
Avg. Stay length
B1
Avg. student level
98%
First try DELF success
Reviews

Hear from our students

Satisfied with their instruction and warm welcome received, many students return to CLE year after year. We’ve even began teaching children from our first students!

Diana
Examen Civique, 2026
"J'ai passé mon examen civique en mars 2026. Madame Céline SORTAIS était disponible pour tous les questions concernant l'inscription et le jour de l'examen elle était souriante, le lieux était agréable."
Fred Tridork
2025
"Fabulous classes with each student receiving individual attention. The professors create their lessons based on student goals. It’s an outstanding school well worth attending."
Heejin WU
10-week group class, 2025
"Merci de m'avoir rendu aussi heureuse chaque jour à l'école. Merci de m'avoir permis de vivre les 10 meilleures semaines de ma vie. Clé restera à toujours dans mon coeur."
David Gething
5-week group class, 2025
"J’ai eu une expérience merveilleuse chez CLÉ! Je recommande l’école à tous les étudiants de langue française. Les professeurs étaient patients, professionnels et parfaitement préparés. J’ai particulièrement apprécié les ateliers culturels et la possibilité de m’immerger dans la culture française."
Sarah Nash
2024
"Je suis allée à CLE à quatre reprises : en 2015 pendant un mois ; en 2020 pendant deux semaines (séjour écourté d’un mois en raison de la COVID) ; en avril 2024 pendant un mois ; et en octobre 2024 pendant deux semaines. Chaque expérience a été fantastique."
Mike, USA
2024
"Dear Céline, thank you for everything you did during my stay at Clé. You have a great school and you are a wonderful hostess. It's so nice to see someone so dedicated. It was fun and I think I learned a lot. Thank you also for recommending the guesthouse. It was the perfect solution for me. I'll be back."
Sarah Nash, USA
2024
"I highly recommend my school in Tours that is now doing online classes. The price is great and the teachers are fabulous. So much fun. Just finished an oral comprehension on champagne! I am doing this three days a week. One hour of video chatting and a couple of hours of homework each day. I have to say, the homework does not feel like homework. It is so engaging and fun. Check it out."
Fiona, Singapour
2023
"Thanks a lot for hosting me at Clé during my stay! And for all your hard work and care organising the activities and classes for everyone. I have learnt so much during these past few weeks. I'll keep you up to date on my progress when I pass the test. my success will be thanks to you."
Pietro Ricca
DELF / DALF package, 2020
"Expérience exceptionnelle dans une belle ville calme avec une belle promenade dans le centre et juste sur la Loire. L'école est de grande classe, personnelle et bien organisée."
Andrey, USA
2020
"I highly recommend CLE in Tours and its online classes. Homework and individual lessons are tailored to my needs, making learning fun, trustworthy and effective. All CLE instructors are amazing and extremely competent. The price is the best value for money. I really like the online format."

Ready to join us in Tours?

Treat yourself to the experience of a lifetime — there’s no better moment than now!

A group of four students sitting at a restaurant table smiling.A group of four students studying at CLÉ.A group of six students and their instructor, Emmanuelle, pointing at their home cities on a large map on the wall.A large group of students posing in front of "Le Monstre" in the Place du Grand Marché in Tours, France.
register