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Transforming Trepidation into Triumph: My Journey from Aspiring Conversationalist to Confident French Speaker

For over 30 years, I’ve navigated the beautiful yet challenging world of the French language, evolving from a nervous beginner to a confident speaker. My journey began with a dream of fluency that was almost lost to self-doubt, but a pivotal experience as an au pair in Lyon reignited my passion for French.

At The French Room, I create a supportive and flexible environment where learners can embrace French as a means of connection rather than just an academic subject. With over 10,000 hours of teaching experience and a track record of helping nearly 1,000 students achieve their language goals, I’m dedicated to guiding you on your own path to fluency.

Here, you’ll find camaraderie among fellow learners who understand your challenges and celebrate your successes.

Join us at The French Room and discover how you can turn past efforts into real conversations, transforming trepidation into triumph as you become a confident French speaker.
And you can do it too!
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5 Star Reviews

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My Personal Path to Living the French Language

You can do the same and it's never too late to start!

My personal path to living the French langauge

I had always dreamed of speaking French. I couldn’t quite explain why, but something about the language called to me, sparking a vision of myself speaking it fluently one day. Yet, those around me—especially my teachers—doubted I had what it would take. Gradually, I began to doubt myself too, choosing instead to study Economic History at university. But that dream sat quietly in the background, never fully letting go.

In my final year of university, an incredible opportunity arose: the chance to study in France. I filled out the forms, passed all the interviews and prepared to go. But just before leaving, doubts crept in. What if going jeopardised my degree? Fear took hold, and I let that chance slip by, wondering if I’d missed my only shot at truly living and speaking French. Then, a year after graduation, a second opportunity appeared—this time as an au pair in a crèche in France. I seized it. That decision took me to Lyon, where everything changed. In Lyon, I wasn’t just studying French; I was living it, embracing the culture, and connecting with the people around me.
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Expertise, Experience and Empathy

Learn with people like you

It feels really authentic, real French with loads of useful, idiomatic and colloquial phrases! Everyone is a committed learner and really supportive of each other
Sarah Stern (UK)

Makes French part of your life

Week by week the language becomes a part of one’s everyday life. The flexibility and variety from grammar to cookery exceeds anything I could have imagined.
Nikki Herbert (UK)

French you can use in France

I’ve spent many years on and off trying to improve my French. The French Room has seen the best outcomes for the investment by far. My motivation is maintained and I’ve seen a massive difference when in France. 
NICKY brand (Australia)

Turn Your Past Efforts into Real Conversations, with People Who Get It

Everything you have done so far has value

Turn your past efforts into real conversations with people who get it

In 2010, I first began testing my approach with a live evening class of adult learners. I was overjoyed with the results. Students began to see their learning in a new light, developing a confidence and skill that reached far beyond their expectations. Watching them unlock their potential reaffirmed that my approach worked. I’ve never looked back, and 10,000 hours later, I continue to refine and share my expertise. To date, I’ve helped over 987 people realize their dream of speaking French, seeing them go from hesitant beginners to empowered speakers.

If you’ve already spent time learning French—whether in school, through an app, or in an evening class—The French Room will help you make sense of all that effort and show you how to bring it into real conversation.

Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people like you—adults who understand what it’s like to be on this journey. Together, we celebrate every success, lift each other through the challenges, and share in the excitement of real progress.

Expertise, Experience and Empathy

Be part of the community

A really enjoyable community of french speakers, with lots of opportunities to enjoy aspects of french culture in different ways, virtually and in real life.
Lisa mcnamara (UK)

Sophisticated online resources

Son site Web est sophistiqué, donc vous pouvez également trouver de nombreuses ressources en dehors de vos cours. Tout cela avec des tarifs abordables en plus !
Ekin G (United arab emirates)

Immerse yourself in French

The course offerings are plentiful from tutos, private lessons, group lessons, book club, etc. I have participated in and enjoyed them all. Ellie’s grasp of the language, her teaching style and positive encouragement makes the learning process an enjoyable experience.  I highly recommend TFR and Ellie if you are looking for an immersive, positive avenue to learn the French language.
Terri Kight (United States)

Why The French Room is A Place to Find Your Flow and Embrace Real Progress

Join for the flexibility, stay for the endless variety!

Why The French Room is a place to find your flow and embrace real progress

I started my real French journey over 30 years ago. In between, I married a French man, enjoyed a career in the French wine industry, and worked entirely in French for a glass manufacturer, a chemical company, and even did a stint at the European Union! 

My language skills often impressed others, but I realised that anyone could reach this level of fluency—if they embraced French as a means of connection rather than an academic subject.

I wanted to create a place where others could experience that shift—a space where learners could go beyond textbooks and find their own flow with the language. It’s more than a language course; it’s a warm, flexible space where people like you can move beyond setbacks and discover real progress. I know firsthand the challenges of mastering conversation skills, navigating grammar and feeling like progress doesn’t always match the effort.

The French Room is just that: a flexible, encouraging environment where you can approach French as personally and naturally as you would listening to music.  Much like listening to music—what we study and how we approach it changes with our mood, energy and time. We also need variety and to increase or reduce the tempo. You can do all of this and a lot more at The French Room. It really is personally tailored to you and your aspirations.

Why Choose The French Room?

At The French Room, we believe learning French should be effective, enjoyable, and stress-free. Here’s what sets us apart:
  • Personalised Support: Whether you’re self-studying with Bonjour Brilliance or attending live classes, Ellie is here to guide you personally.

  • Proven Success: With over 65 five-star reviews and a vibrant, supportive community, our students consistently achieve real   results.

  • Privacy and Security: Your safety and privacy are our top priorities, ensuring a 100% ad-free, secure learning environment.

  • Flexible Plans: Choose between monthly or annual subscriptions, and cancel anytime with just a few clicks.

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