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IFALPES - Institut Français des AlpesAnnecy, France

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

21 students - overall rating
14 avenue du Rhône - 74000 Annecy - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • Private garden.
  • Excellent rating of teaching quality
    4.7

    Rating: 4.7/5.0

  • Excellent rating of homestay accommodation
    4.7

    Rating: 4.7/5.0

  • Free assistance in applying to college/university programmes by a qualified consultant.
  • Free assistance in finding flats for long-term students.
  • For chain schools: Same conditions for waiving the inscription fee also apply if the student has booked at another school of the same school chain.
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 5%
18-24 years 25%
25-34 years 35%
35-50 years 20%
>50 years 15%
The average age outside summer is 4 years higher than in summer.

Location: IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes is located in the beautiful mountain Alpine city of Annecy, in the French Alps. Often referred to as "the Venice of the Alps" due to the river and canal that pass through its old town, Annecy is a breathtaking site for students and holidaymakers alike. The school is housed centrally and is within walking distance of Annecy station, restaurants, cafés and breathtaking scenes provided by Le Tiou River. Annecy Tourist Information Centre and Lake Annecy are also within a moment's walk of the school.

Methodology: The methodology of IFALPES is of a communicative approach. Teachers work on grammar, vocabulary and phonetics, whilst encouraging students to communicate in French orally and in writing, during class. The school is located within proximity of other French schools, ensuring there is ample opportunity to practise French outside the classroom, gaining as much from the learning experience in Annecy as possible.

Course selection: Course selection includes General French courses that are available to students of all levels, Exam Preparation, Junior and Instructive Training programmes for FLE (French as a foreign language) Teachers. Private tuition is also available in conjunction with another programme or independently.

Accommodation: IFALPES has multiple options for accommodation, suitable to students all year round. These options include Homestay, Shared Apartments, Studio Apartments and Student residences.

French Courses

Show details of all courses
Typical content of a language course
General Language
Intensive Course Recommended French courseMost Popular French course
26 lessons per week
|
14 students (max)
In high demand!
Offer!from
320€304€
Course Details
Standard CoursePopular French course
20 lessons per week
|
14 students (max)
Offer!from
250€238€
Course Details
Standard Combination Course
26 lessons per week
|
14 students (max)
Offer!from
540€513€
Course Details
Super-Intensive Course
40 lessons per week
|
14 students (max)
Offer!from
480€456€
Course Details
Junior
Junior Summer Programme (13 to 16 years old)
20 lessons per week
|
15 students (max)
Offer!from
535€509€
Course Details
Junior Summer Programme + Homestay (13 to 16 years old)
20 lessons per week
|
15 students (max)
Offer!from
830€810€
Includes accommodation
Course Details
Exam PreparationWhy exam preparation courses are excellent for optimum progress
DELF/DALF Exam Preparation Course Recommended French course
26 lessons per week
|
14 students (max)
Offer!from
540€513€
Course Details

Our prices for IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes include

  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
  • INCLUDED Free consultation about suitable college/university programs by a qualified consultant
  • INCLUDED Free assistance in applying to college/university programs by a qualified consultant
  • INCLUDED Free assistance in finding flats for long-term students

Videos & Photos

  • Reception at IFALPES
    Reception at IFALPES1/6
  • 2/6
  • Students mixing in the reception area
    Students mixing in the reception area3/6
  • The cafeteria
    The cafeteria4/6
  • 5/6
  • 6/6

Student opinions about IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes, Annecy

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Overall school rating of
IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes, Annecy
21 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Facilities
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Social activities
3.5 

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Organisation
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Value for money
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Shared Flat (apartment)
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (2 ratings)
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Students 18-30 years (5 ratings)
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Students 31-49 years (7 ratings)
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Students 50+ years (7 ratings)
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
62 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Teachers were very good. Great energy, and very nice array of learning tools: discussion, listening comprehension, reinforcing games. I definitely came away with improved French skills.”
Disliked
“I should have planned to stay longer. Once I started the programme I realized that one week was way too short. Next time I’ll book three at least. ”
Review details
Course: Intensive Course  - 1 week
Review date: 7. Mar. 2023 by David Chapman
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
68 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“I liked that there was a lot of conversation and that the teachers were very open. Besides, it's always nice to be together with such an international crowd.”
Disliked
“Nothing”
Review details
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 2. Aug. 2022 by Anna Frohn
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
57 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The professionalism of the teachers, the availability of the office staff and the pleasant feeling in the school”
Review details
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 6. Sep. 2021 by Shulamit Koren
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
45 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Great teachers with a nice variation, all very friendly and helpful, happy to recommend. Thank you all.”
Disliked
“Coffee is terrible. ”
Review details
Course: Intensive Course  - 4 weeks
Review date: 27. Feb. 2024 by Selami Ayhan
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
40 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Outstanding, professional, polite, helpful staff (both teaching and non-teaching).”
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: If you're looking to learn French in a learning environment where French and only French is spoken, 99% of the time, this course is for. If you're looking to learn French where you can ask questions or seek clarification in English, this course is not for you.
Course: Standard Course - 4 weeks
Review date: 5. Jun. 2020 by Dan Pagoda
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
31 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“The quality of teaching and the commitment of the entire staff is remarkable.”
Disliked
“The exact level of the students is not evaluated in advance, there was only a simple telephone conversation. The groups are therefore very heterogeneous and the learning success is sometimes slowed down.”
Review details
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 3. Aug. 2022 by Anja Trenkwalder
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
68 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Competent teachers who mostly respond to the wishes of the participants”
Disliked
“The number of participants is far too high in individual groups. 12 participants in B2! It is impossible to communicate and improve oral communication. The school did not manage to set up another group course level B2 / C1. Only a single course was offered at an exorbitant price.”
Review details
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 19. Jul. 2021 by Detlev Krüger-Sperling
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
67 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The pleasant atmosphere. Individual advice and support, if needed.”
Disliked
“None”
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Very challenging for me
Other comments In my opinion, the school is suitable for all participants, no matter what the reason for the language course.
Course: Intensive Course  - 2 weeks
Review date: 5. Sep. 2023 by Burkhard Schaarschmidt
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
48 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Great teachers who are very invested in making education fun.”
Disliked
“Nothing.”
Review details
Course: Intensive Course  - 2 weeks
Review date: 23. Sep. 2024 by Daniel Garman
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
51 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The teachers were very kind and the classes were excellent.”
Disliked
“Poor internet connection.”
Insider tip: “Group lessons are a great way to get to know people from different countries.”
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: The class hours were shorter because it was a private lesson.
Course: Standard Course - 1 week
Review date: 6. Dec. 2021 by Takuya Suehiro
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
24 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Very good and competent teachers.”
Disliked
“Unfortunately, a B2 course was only possible for half a day. For the other half of the class day, you had to switch to B1 or C1.”
Review details
Course: Super-Intensive Course [French] - 1 week
Review date: 9. Aug. 2021 by Mona Schoeffler
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
See all reviews of IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes Annecy

Ratings of IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes compared to ratings of all schools in France

 IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes AnnecyAverage of all other schools in France
Overall school rating4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Location of the school4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Facilities4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

3.8

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Social activities3.5

Rating: 3.5/5.0

3.7

Rating: 3.7/5.0

Organisation4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Quality of teaching4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Value for money4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Homestay4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Shared flat4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes

Accreditations and Quality seals
FLEPreferential Terms in Case of Visa Refusal
French teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Students should arrive at 8:00
Student gender mix
45% male / 55% female
Combine courses at different IFALPES chain schools and save
IFALPES will charge their administration fee only once on your first booking.
Combine courses at these schools: LSF (Montpellier). Just mention in the comments field of our online registration form that you have also booked classes at another school from the chain.
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes and you book here.
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoEurocard - logoAmerican Express - logoPayPal - logoCash payment - logoBank Transfer - logo
Year of school foundation
1992
Legal name/parent company
IFALPES | Tax registration ID: SIRET 38194021200065

General school facilities

  • Fridge for student use

  • Drink vending machine

  • Microwave for student use

  • Snack vending machine

  • Computer lab

  • Library

  • Movie rental

  • Copy machine

  • Printer for student use

  • Free WIFI

  • Smoking zones (outdoors)

  • Tourist information

  • Assistance with entrance ticket purchases

  • Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs

  • Assistance with organizing transportation

  • Paid parking (<500m)

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in all classrooms

    • Heating in all classrooms

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 5
    • Number of public PC workstations: 2

    Facilities for disabled students

    • Accessible Toilet

    • Wheelchair access to reception

    • Wheelchair access to classroom

Student Age / Nationality

Average number of students
In summer: 80
Throughout the year: 30
Minimum age of students
16 years
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 6
Adult courses Throughout the year: 4
Average age of students
In summer: 26 years
Throughout the year: 30 years
Read our recommendations for students in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Top student nationalities

Student Nationality Percentage of students
USA 18%
Germany 15%
Switzerland 15%
Spain 8%
England 6%
China 3%
Netherlands 2%
Brazil 1%
Japan 1%
Italy 1%
Sweden 1%
Chile 1%
Other nationalities 28%

Information for all courses offered by IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes

Lesson duration
45 minutes
School's administrative fee
80.00 €
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 60 €. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024 - 07 Jan 2024, 01 Apr 2024, 01 May 2024, 08 May 2024, 20 May 2024, 15 Aug 2024, 01 Nov 2024, 11 Nov 2024, 23 Dec 2024 - 31 Dec 2024.
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025 - 05 Jan 2025, 21 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 08 May 2025, 09 Jun 2025, 14 Jul 2025, 15 Aug 2025, 11 Nov 2025, 20 Dec 2025 - 31 Dec 2025.
If a bank holiday falls on a weekday there is no refund nor are missed lessons recuperated. This is the case for the majority of language schools.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via an online form.
Lessons needed per French language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Visa Documents

Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 90 days.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Express shipment fee (via courier)
30 €
Free shipment via regular mail
Yes
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.

Leisure activities

activity possibledistance from school
Dancing3 km
Diving3 km
Golf10 km
Horse riding4 km
Ice Hockey3 km
Mountainbiking2 km
Sailing5 km
Skiing40 km
Squash5 km
Swimming3 km
Tennis3 km
Windsurfing5 km
Yoga1 km

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

- Visit of the town.
- Drinks evenings
- Group picnics.

Adults - Paid activities

- Visit of Lyon: EUR 60
- Visit of Chamonix Mont Blanc: EUR 60
- Mountain hike: EUR 40

Accommodation

Show details of all accommodations
Tip: Type of accommodation. What is best for you?
Homestay Most Popular Accommodation
Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal
In high demand!
4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0
9 ratings
from
245 €
Homestay
Single room, Breakfast
Only limited places left for the summer months!
Reserve as early as possible to get the best available homestay!
4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0
9 ratings
from
190 €
Homestay
Single room, No meals
4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0
9 ratings
from
170 €
Private Apartment City Centre
Double room, No meals
4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0
1 rating
from
300 €
Hotel Residence Studio
Double room, No meals
from
175 €
Hotel Residence Studio
Double room, No meals
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
from
213 €
Student Residence
Single room, No meals
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
from
230 €

Map  

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Other language schools in Annecy offering French courses: 

Questions and answers about IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes

  • “The difference between the standard and intensive course is the number of teaching hours. The intensive course includes 4 teaching hours with workshops more per week.”
    Robin Rebecca Pietersma, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 03, 2023
  • “We are happy to send you a sample activity programme from last summer for guidance, as schools prepare it just before the course, often at the beginning of the week. When planning the activities, e.g. weather conditions, level and age of the students as well as the duration of the program of the participants are taken into account.”
    Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - May 31, 2023
  • “The school will send us the information after booking and no later than 1-2 weeks before arrival. Yes, you can speak to the family personally before arrival and introduce yourself.”
    Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - May 31, 2023
  • “Unfortunately the minimum age for the course is 16 and accommodation is 18.”
    Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Jun 23, 2023
  • “There will definitely be other 18 or 20 year old students in the school at this period of the year.”
    Lucien, Administration from IFALPES - Oct 13, 2023
  • “In the student residence there will be other students of your age and older, but they are not necessarily IFALPES students.

    Please note that at this time of year, it is a bit difficult to have availability for short stays in student residences. But don't worry, if there is no availability, we can look for other options, such as a host family or aparthotel.    ”
    Lucien, Administration from IFALPES - Oct 13, 2023
  • “An aparthotel is an apartment hotel. So you will have your own apartment, with hotel service. This hotel does not consist of rooms, but of apartments. ”
    Robin Rebecca Pietersma, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 15, 2023

FAQ about IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes, Annecy

  • “The average age of the students throughout the year is 28 years old, but we also have older and younger students.
    The age of the students hasn't been an issue. All of the students get along well.
    ”
    Lucien, from IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes - Mar 15, 2022
  • “The minimum required age for the language courses at IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes is 16 years. The school can only offer homestay accommodation for students who are under the age of 18. Shared apartments are not available for underage students.
    ”
    Angela Ligartova, from LanguageCourse.net - Jul 28, 2022
  • “It depends on the availability of the student and the teachers. The course normally takes place between 8.30 am and 17.15 from Monday to Friday. If you can't attend the course on Fridays we'll be able to arrange private lessons on another day. ”
    Lucien, from Institut Français des Alpes - Aug 25, 2023
  • “We no longer offer a French + ski course, but we can certainly help you find the best ski options around Annecy every winter. Buses leave from Annecy bus station to the nearest ski resort.”
    Lucien, Administration from IFALPES - Oct 13, 2023
  • 100% of teachers at IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
  • The highest Nationality percentage at IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes comes from USA with a 18% representation, followed by students from Germany (15%) and Switzerland (15%).
  • Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
  • IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes offers courses from 13 years (Junior Summer Programme , 20 lessons per week) to 99. Average age is 26 during the summer and 30 for the rest of the year.

PDF brochure / price list of IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes

School Brochure
School Brochure
KLF Group 2025 General Brochure
KLF Group 2025 General Brochure
IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes Accommodation Pricelist 2024
IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes Accommodation Pricelist 2024
IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes Pricelist 2024
IFALPES - Institut Français des Alpes Pricelist 2024
IFALPES Prices 2025
IFALPES Prices 2025
Junior Summer Programme 2024
Junior Summer Programme 2024
KLF Junior Summer Camps 2025
KLF Junior Summer Camps 2025
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Rating: 4.6/5.0

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