I arrived in beautiful Fontevraud-l’Abbaye with feelings of excitement and trepidation in equal measure as I embarked on a solo week of immersion at Parfum de France . The experience... read more exceeded all my expectations on every level. Sylvie is not only a very skilled teacher but a delightful personality and as such, a total joy to spend a week of one’s life with. The combination of lessons and interaction with French people in various settings was excellent. I enjoyed it all and would highly recommend this course as it was so much more than a method of learning and improving the French Language as it included a wonderful experience of French life and culture. Thank you Sylvie.

  Sylvie’s approach to teaching languages is fun and effective.
The lessons are tailored to my individual learning style, which gives the motivation to study and the inspiration to succeed.... read more

She intersperses the classroom setting with outings, so there is the opportunity to meet and chat with many French citizens and see the sights while learning.
We have also had lessons via Skype when I am not in France.
I genuinely look forward to each lesson!

  Sylvie adapts her teaching to your level, your interests and your wishes in a friendly and informal setting. Perfect one on one learning for maximum progress.

  Having learnt French at school 50 years ago and with only a few opportunities to use it, Sylvie's course was absolutely at the right level, but also pushing us ahead.... read more I was teamed with a Canadian lady and the whole week was instructive but also huge fun. The morning 3 hour lessons were intensive but absolutely geared to our particular needs. Conversational, idioms, pronunciation, grammar, etc. with some role-play and games. In the afternoons Sylvie took us to some beautiful local attractions in Angers and Saumur, to restaurants, degustation, wine-tasting, with more opportunity to practice French together with some charming French people.
So pleased I went. I am not fluent but I feel I can speak with more confidence now.
The gite attached to Sylvie's house was modern, clean and comfortable, and the Abbeye Fontevraud is 3 minutes away and has a fascinating history. Many excellent restaurants close by too.
Highly recommended even for somebody travelling on their own, like me.
Sylvie is such a professional.

  I have stayed with Sylvie at La Samsonelle in Fontevraud on four occasions and each one has been a real joy. Sylvie is an enthusiastic teacher who works... read more tirelessly to ensure that one gets the very best from the time with her. It is not just learning the French language - it is getting to know that area of France. She arranges so many outings and events which gives one a real sense of being part of the community. I just love going there, not just to improve my French, but because I simply enjoy being with Sylvie and feeling part of her family. I will be there again next year!! Eileen Walsh, Horsham, West Sussex

  My requirements for my week at La Samsonelle didn't quite fit with the rest of the guests. Whilst I was hoping to practise my French I was also keen... read more to get out and about and do some art. I was very grateful to Sylvie for understanding exactly what I wanted from my holiday and I enjoyed some great outings with the group, where I spoke more French than I realised I knew and with the Abbey just down the road I couldn't have wished for a more inspiring location for getting out my paints. It was a wonderful holiday which began in truly French style with the amazing Festivini entitled 'God Save the Queen' at the Abbey on the Saturday evening where all things British were well celebrated. A bizarre and very heart-warming experience!

  I spent a fantastic week with Sylvie improving my French.
Sylvie is an excellent teacher and significantly improved my very rusty French in a week. It was a fantastic experience... read more staying in her gorgeous village and she went to a great deal of effort to ensure I saw all the local sights ( I did not have a car). I enjoyed the experience meeting her friends and family and trying out my language skills. I would highly recommend Parfum de France if you wish to improve not only your language skills but also experience a little of real French life in a fantastic area with lots of tourist sights.

  We arranged to spend a week with Sylvie to improve our French and indeed both of us learned an enormous amount. Our course was tailored to meet our individual needs... read more and this worked very well. And most importantly Sylvie made it fun! She is a natural teacher and quickly identified our levels and our interests in order to make it easier for us to learn. There was a variety of different activities to keep us stimulated and the surroundings are totally beautiful. The accommodation is very comfortable.

  My journey to learn French began in earnest 6 years ago. I first tried a school in France that was just that - a school. I was in France and... read more learning but it did not provide the opportunity to engaged with the culture. At Parfum de France, Sylvie ensures that I am not just 'a student'; I am a guest! The visits to vineyards, chateaus, musical and other cultural events that Sylvie arranges (all in French) result in my learning experience becoming a true "holiday" experience as well! Sylvie arranges dinners with her French english students and other members of her community. I have met so many interesting people and made new friends I still stay in contact with. I highly recommend Parfum de France - I have spent my last three yearly vacations with Sylvie and plan to return - each time Sylvie plans an itinerary just for me with new events, sites to see and also progress in my french learning!