To start at the beginning:

François Collet was born in Paris in 1948. His father was French and although his mother was born in Paris her parents were English, so she was not only bilingual but also had an inbred love of England. This she passed on to François.

After his education at the Science Université in Paris, English Literature (1st) at the Sorbonne, and the completion of his military service he decided to move to England permanently.

In 1998 François and Linda created a ‘French Club’, held once a month on a Saturday morning - hence the name: ‘Samedi Matin’. After just a few months there were around 200 members, many of whom were already François’ students. Excursions were planned to France for week-ends etc. and intensive french courses held at Linda and François’ home, but always the question was asked: ’Why don’t you start your own school in France?’

Eventually consideration had to be given to how ‘Maman’ (François’ mother) would be cared for in the future. This, plus Linda’s love of France, the language and the culture, and François’ desire to return to his ‘roots’, led them to look for the ‘perfect house’ in early 2001. They found ‘Le Poyenval’* at Easter and eventually moved in September. ‘Maman’ moved in to join them in November 2001.

Although the school was opened in October 2001 there was a lot of work to be carried out to the house and grounds. Bathrooms were added to all the bedrooms and three of the out buildings were converted to gîtes. A fourth outbuilding, a huge barn, was renovated to house the art gallery, studio and library. In 2003 François and Linda decided that a swimming pool was a must and this was installed for the summer of 2004, together with a 'boules piste'. The huge greenhouse, which was in a state of disrepair, has now been renovated and makes a lovely outdoor eating area.

Although François and Linda have almost finished the renovations they will continue to improve and decorate the house. Maman passed away at Easter 2007 having spent a tranquil 6 years at Le Poyenval, meeting hundreds of students and guests, and this kept her lively and active to the end.

François - his teaching
experience and the
background to Le Poyenval

*Linda explains:

(Le Poyenval did not have a name when we bought it. Our little cottage in the north of France is in an area called ‘Le Petit Poyenval’. When the Maire of that village came to stay with us in England he presented us with a large sign (in typical french blue and white style) of ‘Le Poyenval’ and said that when we found a property big enough we should put the sign outside - hence the name.)