Coeur de France Ecole de Langues is a family-owned business run by Marianne and Gérard Chartrand. Founded in 1996, Coeur de France continues to welcome students from all over the world. No matter where they come from, they all come to Coeur de France in beautiful Sancerre for the same reason: to obtain quality, professional French language instruction while discovering French culture -- and to do so in a beautiful, friendly environment.

Helping others discover French language and culture through experiencing an authentic French way of life is our goal. We remain committed to the belief that learning is a lifelong process for everyone and it should be enjoyable!

Experience the difference!

Marianne & Gérard Chartrand

Coeur de France Ecole de Langues

STAFF

We realize that without first-rate staff everything else is meaningless. We are proud of our staff and respect them. This is why many French language teachers seek positions at Coeur de France and precisely why we select only the most qualified and experienced professionals among them. We further train them in our unique approach to learning and value them as part of the Coeur de France family. The results are obvious: Excellent teachers who stay with Coeur de France.

Marianne Chartrand 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 San Diego, California. She and Gérard were married in 1993 and have 3 children. Meet Marianne...

Gérard Chartrand grew up in the USA from a family with French Canadian ancestry. Here in the French countryside, he's re-discovered his roots. Along the way, he earned a BA from Bennington College (Vermont), and an MBA from Boston College. Gérard is responsible for Coeur de France's administration. Meet Gérard...

A native of the Sancerre area, Carine Crochet studied at the University of Cork, Ireland and earned advanced degrees in language instruction at the University of Clermont-Ferrand, France. In addition to her native French, Carine speaks fluent English and German -- and has a passion for fine wines. Meet Carine...

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...