Spotlight on Virginie: Accent Français

At Accent Français in Montpellier, learning a language isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary — it’s about people. And no one embodies that spirit more than Virginie, the school’s founder and one of the driving forces behind its beloved 50+ programme.

With warmth, humour, and a deep personal connection to the students she welcomes, Virginie shares what makes this experience so special — in her own words:

“Yes, I’m over 50… well over, actually!”

When I’m surrounded by our cheerful 50+ students, I’m sometimes older than some, younger than others… They’re the same age as my friends. My age, really.

Let’s be honest: at this stage in life, learning new words can take a bit more time… But what freedom! No exams to pass, no pressure — just the joy of learning, laughing, meeting new people, and surprising yourself.”

Whether you’re rediscovering your love of French or starting from scratch, the Accent Français 50+ programme offers a uniquely enriching experience in the heart of Montpellier. Learn more about Virginie’s story — and join her and her team for an unforgettable language and cultural journey.

From My Garden to a School of 2,000 Students: The Accent Français Journey Continues with Our 50+ Programmes

In the village where I was born in the 1970s, nobody really spoke foreign languages. And yet, from a very young age, I was fascinated by the idea of “somewhere else.” I would listen to cassette tapes, rewind them again and again to understand the lyrics of The Cure and Nena – 99 Luftballons, and at eight years old, I was already dressing up as a Japanese girl without knowing anything about Japan 🙂

I couldn’t wait to finish high school, leave quickly, find something to study that was only taught in Paris at the time—why not Japanese? And maybe… try to make contacts in Tokyo…

Very soon, I put my studies on hold to go live my own adventure in Japan. I told my parents everything was under control, but in reality, I was singing Edith Piaf in bars and letting myself be swept away on a road trip across Asia instead of going back to university…

I did eventually complete my degree at INALCO in Paris before leaving again, this time with the JET Programme. In Oita, I gave talks about France and taught a little French—and without realizing it, I was building the network that would shape my future.

When I came back to France, life brought me to Montpellier, where I didn’t know a soul except my grandmother. I started giving French lessons to Japanese students, and then to other internationals I met by chance.

I joined a tiny, very homemade association where I did everything: teaching, replying to faxes—YES!!! FAXES!!!

One day, I put out a little ad looking for help. Florence arrived, freshly graduated, with her chewing gum and all her energy. She knew nothing about business, neither did I. She knew nothing about management, neither did I. She knew nothing about administration, neither did I. We knew nothing—but we learned everything along the way, and we had so much fun doing it.

So we started out teaching in the garden of the house I was living in. Our first lessons happened between two cups of coffee, with friends of friends. When autumn came, we rented a little flat. I didn’t have a penny. I borrowed a bit of money from a friend. Florence had the brilliant idea to register us on one of the very first online directories of French language schools—back when no one was really using the Internet to look for courses. That changed everything.

It was 1998, the year France won the World Cup against Brazil. We were young, we were celebrating, and we were launching Accent Français without the slightest idea that, one day, thousands of students from all over the world would come to study with us.

In the beginning, our students were our age—and then a bit younger, and a bit younger again 🙂 Luckily, adults everywhere have realized that language travel isn’t just for juniors 🙂 And today, 30 years later, 40% of our off-season students are over 50! Because our generation still wants to learn, to enjoy life, to meet other people who love travel and languages. That’s why we created this programme—and also to keep welcoming students who feel just like us.

About the 50+ Programme
At Accent Français, we offer French + Culture stays specially designed for learners aged 50 and over. You can start almost any week from mid-September to the end of October. The experience combines morning French classes in small groups with cultural activities: wine tasting, cooking workshops, guided tours of Montpellier, and excursions to Provence and the Mediterranean coast.

Whether you are an absolute beginner (with a dedicated start date) or an advanced speaker, you will find a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where everyone shares the same curiosity and love of France.

Find out more here: www.accentfrancais.com/french-courses/seniors-france