About Us
Coeur de France Ecole de Langues is a private language school owned and operated by us, Marianne and Gérard Chartrand.
Since we founded Coeur de France in 1996, thousands of students from around the world have come to our school in beautiful Sancerre for the same reason: to obtain the highest quality, professional and personalized French language instruction while discovering French culture -- and to do so in a beautiful, friendly environment.
Helping others discover French language and culture through personally experiencing an authentic French way of life is our goal. We remain committed to the belief that learning is a lifelong process that should be thoroughly enjoyable!
Experience the difference!
Marianne & Gérard Chartrand
Co-founders, owners and operators of
Coeur de France Ecole de Langues
STAFF
We realize that without first-rate staff there is no school. We are proud of our staff, we value and respect them. This is why many French language teachers seek positions at Coeur de France and precisely why we have selected only the most qualified and experienced professionals among them. Marianne then personally trains each teacher in our unique approach to learning. The results are obvious: Excellent teachers who stay with Coeur de France and returning students who often request 'their' teacher!
Marianne Chartrand founded Coeur de France in 1996 with her husband Gérard. She is the pedagogical "heart" of Coeur de France -- it's Marianne who is in charge of all language instruction. A native of the Sancerre area. She was educated in Bourges and London earning advanced certification in language instruction. Marianne was a French instructor for several years in the United States. She and Gérard were married in 1993 and have 3 children. Meet Marianne...
Gérard Chartrand grew up in the United States from a family with French Canadian ancestry. Here in the French countryside, he has re-discovered his roots. Along the way, he earned a BA from Bennington College (Vermont), and an MBA from Boston College. Gérard founded Coeur de France in 1996 with his wife Marianne and is responsible for Coeur de France's administration. Meet Gérard...
Valérie Riffault, originally from Nevers (about 45 minutes south of Sancerre) lives in the Sancerre area. Educated in Nevers, Valérie has taught at Coeur de France since the beginning. She enjoys the relaxed yet professional atmosphere of Coeur de France's programs: "I'll teach grammar to a class of students in the morning and have the opportunity to taste wine with them at a local winery the same afternoon. Students and teachers get to know each other and that's rewarding for everyone." Valérie is married and has two children. Meet Valérie...
Beth Shorter-Bagot is a native New Yorker and Barnard graduate. An former dancer and actress, Beth came to France planning to stay for 6 months -- that was 17 years ago! She fell under the spell of the changing countryside, our region's gourmet delicacies and a husband from Brittany with a house in the country. Beth teaches French (and English to native French speakers). Meet Beth...
