French for 50+ in Rouen
After a morning of French lessons, spend the afternoon learning to make macarons, exploring a neighbourhood of half-timbered houses or seeing the cathedral that Claude Monet painted again and again. Our French for 50+ programme at French in Normandy IH Rouen gives you one or two weeks to improve your French and discover the city with other travellers aged 50 and over.
French lessons in the morning
You’ll have 15 hours of French lessons each week, from Monday to Friday. We welcome all levels and use a placement test to find the right class for you. Morning lessons may bring together adults of different ages. In the afternoon, you’ll join the 50+ group for four cultural activities each week, included in the programme fee.
The lessons focus on communicating in French, so you can put what you learn to use the same day. Order lunch at a café, ask a shopkeeper about a local speciality or compare notes with classmates after a museum visit. Small conversations like these are part of what makes studying French in France so rewarding.
See Rouen through Monet’s eyes
At the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen, you can explore paintings, sculpture and decorative arts spanning centuries. The Impressionist collection is a particular highlight, with works by artists including Monet and Alfred Sisley. Look for Monet’s painting of Rouen Cathedral under grey skies, one of a series in which he returned to the same façade as the light changed. Then walk over to the cathedral and see what the light is doing to the stone that afternoon. Explore the museum’s Monet paintings.
Make macarons with Faites-le vous-même
A pastry workshop with Faites-le vous-même brings French practice into the kitchen. Making macarons gives you a reason to listen closely, follow a recipe and pick up words you can use again, from fouetter (to whisk) to garnir (to fill). There’s time to chat as you work and a good excuse to compare how everyone’s macarons turned out.
The activity schedule varies by session. Other examples from our programme include a guided tour of Rouen, a visit to the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, a Seine cruise or an excursion to Giverny or Honfleur.
Get to know Rouen on foot
Start at Notre-Dame Cathedral and follow the Rue du Gros-Horloge beneath its gilded clock. From there, continue to the Place du Vieux-Marché, where the modern church of Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc stands alongside the old square’s half-timbered buildings. Leave time for a café stop or a browse in the shops. A familiar route can feel quite different once you’ve had a chance to learn its history and try out your French along the way. Discover the Gros-Horloge.
For the late 2026 sessions, Rouen’s Christmas market adds another reason to linger in the city centre. From 25 November to 27 December 2026, decorated chalets fill the square in front of the cathedral. Browse the stalls after class and practise a few words of French as you shop for gifts or sample something seasonal. See the Rouen Christmas market details.
What our students say
“Such nice teachers and friendly people. It was so great, even the second time, and we will book it again and again. It couldn’t be better.”
Kristen, Germany
“The instructors were fantastic! Clear, creative, and caring. Rouen is very fun to explore. There are an abundance of things to see and do in this quaint city.”
Beth, UK
Plan your French language course in Rouen
Choose a one- or two-week stay and ask us about a homestay with a local host, a studio or premium residence, or a partner hotel. A homestay gives you another chance to speak French over meals, while a residence offers space to settle in and make your own plans.
Places are still available for the sessions starting 30 November and 7 December 2026. If you’re planning ahead, the 2027 brochure lists spring and autumn session dates and prices.
Explore French for 50+ and enquire about a place or download the 2027 programme brochure.
