After several years of teaching abroad, Isabelle and Hervé Aubert returned to France in 1985 to start CLE in Tours. They wanted to create an environment ensuring students would have the most favorable conditions to achieve their goal of learning French.
They succeeded in providing a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere with their attention to each student’s specific needs. To accelerate the learning process there are never more than 7 students per class – an average of 4 during winter and 6 at the beginning of the summer. CLE will quickly feel like home and create a positive working atmosphere for your needs. In September 1989, CLE was in the New York Times.
Today, CLE is operated and directed by Céline. It is her goal to make sure your stay is as pleasant as possible. She oversees your registration, courses, and your accommodations in Tours (if you use accommodation options available). She is always available to help with any issues you may come across, plus Céline is an excellent guide for your outings and can advise you on countless activities throughout the region!
While you study a new language in a foreign country, we pledge to do everything possible to ensure your stay is comfortable, educational and entertaining.
Our courses are taught by highly qualified teachers, specialized in the teaching of French to foreigners. Students appreciate their competence, dynamism and enthusiasm that helps make learning a pleasure. They also value their professionalism.
You have one teacher in the morning, two or more depending on the formula chosen in the afternoon, all of whom will guide and advise you to achieve your goals.
Reduced due to the health crisis, our permanent team now consists of five teachers. More instructors, equally qualified and competent, join our team during the high season or when some of our permanent teachers are on holiday.
Meet our team!
The school overlooks a very beautiful pedestrian square. From the windows of CLE, you can admire the Charlemagne tower, an 11th and 14th century monument and the Basilica of Saint Martin. The school is located in the most picturesque and lively area of the city where you can find many restaurants and cafés with their terraces in the shade of medieval houses.
CLE occupies a beautifully renovated late 18th century building. You will study in one of the seven spacious, comfortable classrooms, and during the summer months you can relax on our rooftop terrace. A warm, multicultural atmosphere will encourage your participation in all aspects of the school’s life.
In addition to your studies, you have at your disposal, free of charge of course :
French as a Foreign Language Quality label
After a 2 and a half day audit in April 2019, CLE has again obtained « le label qualité FLE » (French as a Foreign Language Quality certification) given by 4 ministries (the Ministry for Higher Education and Research, the Ministry of Culture and Communication, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
We are proud to have been awarded 3 stars, the highest rating for each of the areas covered:
CLE is a member of the Groupement FLE, an association of French language schools that meet quality requirements based on criteria, concrete commitments and controls defined in a reference system to which the member schools adhere. The Groupement FLE is the first professional organisation in France which, as early as 1999, established a code of ethics for member schools of French as a foreign language (FLE).
CLE has been named the best French language school in France for 2019 thanks to the excellent reviews left online by students.
Because of the Covid-19 situation, Education Stars Awards were not able to give awards in 2020 nor in 2021.
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