CAVILAM - Alliance Française

What CAVILAM - Alliance Française does

CAVILAM - Alliance Française is a non-profit French language teaching and pedagogical research institution founded in 1964 in Vichy, France, under the impulsion of the Universities of Clermont-Ferrand and the city of Vichy. Since 2012, it has operated as part of the international Alliance Française network through a convention with the Fondation Alliance française. The institution runs a multi-product portfolio across three lines: French language instruction for adult learners (intensive, super-intensive, one-to-one, Junior Sports, Programme Prestige, French and Gastronomy, French for Tourism, and university preparation), professional development for French as a Foreign Language (FLE) teachers (Certificat de capacité, Master 1/2 FLE with Université Clermont Auvergne, TV5MONDE EDU trainer certification, MOOCs and online modules via Open edX platforms), and official French language examinations (DELF, DALF, TCF, TCF IRN, TEF, DFP, CLOE, Ev@lang). The core technology stack combines in-person immersion instruction with proprietary online platforms (mooc.cavilam.com, savoir.cavilam.com, lafabrique.cavilam.com, boutique.cavilam.com) and co-developed multimedia content using authentic French media (TV5MONDE, RFI, Canal Académie) in partnership with TV5MONDE, Santillana Français, and Institut Français.

The institution operates a hybrid B2C/B2B go-to-market model. Direct-to-consumer revenue is generated through online self-enrollment at boutique.cavilam.com with credit card and bank transfer acceptance, alongside paper enrollment forms for a global audience of individual learners from over 120 nationalities. B2B channels include partnerships with Campus France for international student recruitment, Vichy Stages for teenage summer camps, education agents and international school groups, and the French CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation) system via Qualiopi certification. Teacher training monetizes via tuition for Master programs, paid certification on free MOOCs, and the 17-euro-per-module Savoir enseigner le français courses. The institution is led by General Director Grégory LASNE (succeeded Michel BOIRON in 2022), supported by a 110-person team organized across French as a Foreign Language, International Relations, Foreign Languages, Reception and Cultural, Accommodation, Computer, Accounting, and Human Resources departments. The headcount, exam throughput, and MOOC reach collectively suggest an operationally substantial nonprofit education institution, though no disclosed revenue figure is available.

Name

CAVILAM - Alliance Française

Legal name

CAVILAM – Alliance française

Website

https://cavilam.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

CAVILAM - Alliance Française is a non-profit French language teaching institution founded in 1964 in Vichy, France, affiliated with the Alliance Française network since 2012. It serves over 4,000 learners annually from 120+ nationalities through in-person immersion courses, online programs, teacher training, and official French language examinations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Language Education

NAICS

Language Schools (611630), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Teacher Training & Language Teaching Certifications (e.g., CELTA/DELTA) (EDAIAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Language Proficiency Exam Prep (CEFR, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE) (EDANACAD), Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies (EDADACAF)

Keywords

• French language education
• Teacher training programs
• Language immersion courses
• Official French examinations
• Foreign language instruction

Headquarters

HQ city

Vichy

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. French Language Tuition (In-Person): Revenue from intensive, super-intensive, and combined in-person French courses delivered at the Vichy campus. Courses are priced per week and include accommodation options. Enrollment fees of 98 euros apply.
2. Online French Courses: Revenue from online French language courses including individual one-to-one lessons. Offered through the school's online platform.
3. Teacher Training Programs: Revenue from professional development programs for French language teachers, including in-person training, themed workshops, observation stages, and certified programs. Online modules are priced at 17 euros per module.
4. French Language Examinations: Revenue from administering official French language certification exams including DELF, DALF, TCF, TCF IRN, TEF, DFP, CLOE, and Ev@lang. Exam fees range from 110 euros (TCF compulsory tests) to 198 euros (TCF full test) and 174 euros (TCF IRN).
5. Specialized and Lifestyle Programs: Revenue from niche programs combining French learning with specialized activities such as French and gastronomy (cooking workshops), French for tourism professionals, and summer sports camps for teenagers. Junior and Prestige programs are also offered.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

CAVILAM - Alliance Française is a French language teaching center founded in 1964 and located in Vichy, France, delivering immersive French language courses in-person at its Vichy campus and online, professional development and certification programs for French-as-a-foreign-language teachers, and official French language examinations. It serves nearly 4,000 students annually from over 120 nationalities, with weekly course start dates, and is certified by the Qualité FLE label and Qualiopi, while operating as an accredited examination center for DELF, DALF, TCF, TCF IRN, TEF, DFP, CLOE, and Ev@lang diplomas.

Product overview

CAVILAM - Alliance Française is a comprehensive French language learning institution offering a multi-product portfolio centered around three core areas: French language instruction for students of all levels and ages, professional development and certification for French as a foreign language teachers, and official French language examinations. The institution provides in-person courses at its Vichy campus including Intensive and Super Intensive French programs, one-to-one private lessons, specialized courses (French for Tourism, University Preparation, Junior Sports programs, Programme Prestige for seniors, and French & Gastronomy), as well as foreign language instruction in English, Spanish, German, and Italian. Its online offerings include MOOCs for teaching French, professional certification programs (Master 1/2 FLE, TV5MONDE Trainer Certification), and thematic courses. As an official examination center, it administers DELF/DALF, TCF, TCF-IRN, TEF, DFP professional exams, and CLOE certifications. Educational resources include the Savoirs and La Fabrique platforms, while partner programs with TV5MONDE, Santillana Français, and various French institutions support its teaching innovation mission.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CAVILAM MOOC: Online learning platform offering MOOCs for teaching French as a foreign language
• La Fabrique
• Savoir
• TV5MONDE EDU

Products and services

• Intensive French Program Standard intensive French language course combining group lessons with skill development across CEFR levels, delivered at the Vichy campus and aimed at adult learners seeking structured immersion.
• Super Intensive French Program Maximum-intensity French course combining group classes with one-to-one tuition for accelerated learning outcomes, designed for learners wanting fast progress with complete beginners able to reach DELF A2 in one week.
• One-to-One French Courses Individualized private French lessons tailored to specific learning goals and pace, available both in-person and online.
• French for Tourism Professional French course focused on tourism industry vocabulary and communication skills for hospitality and service sector professionals.
• Junior Sports and French Program Combined French language and sports activities program for teenagers aged 12-16, offered during summer months with afternoon recreational activities.
• Programme Prestige (Premium Senior Program) Premium French language program designed for mature learners seeking high-quality instruction in an exclusive setting in Vichy.
• French and Gastronomy Course Combined intensive French course with cooking workshops led by a professional chef, featuring French culinary vocabulary and cultural immersion experiences.
• Preparation to University Studies in France French language preparation course designed to equip students with skills needed for French higher education admission (B2 level required).
• DELF/DALF Exam Preparation Comprehensive preparation courses for DELF (A1-B2 levels) and DALF (C1-C2 levels) official French Ministry of Education diplomas, available as part of intensive programs.
• French as a Foreign Language Certificate (Teaching) Professional certification program (Certificat de capacité) for becoming a qualified French as a foreign language teacher.
• Master 1 FLE/FLS First-year Master's degree program in French as a Foreign Language/Second Language, offered in collaboration with Université Clermont Auvergne.
• Master 2 FLE/FLS Second-year Master's degree program in French as a Foreign Language/Second Language, offered in collaboration with Université Clermont Auvergne.
• TV5MONDE Trainer Certification Certification program for becoming a TV5MONDE-approved French language trainer, with access to TV5MONDE educational resources and the TV5MONDE EDU label.
• MOOC 'Teaching French as a Foreign Language Today' Free certifying MOOC on basic principles of teaching French as a foreign language, supported by the French Institute, OIF, AUF, FIPF and UCA, with optional paid certification.
• Savoir enseigner le français (Knowing How to Teach French) Four-module online course series covering mediation, interaction, reception, and production based on European Framework language skills, produced with Santillana Français at 17 euros per module.
• MOOC 'Accompagner les étrangers primo-arrivants' Free MOOC for teaching French to newly arrived migrants, particularly in associative settings, funded by the French Ministry of the Interior.
• Coordinated Teacher Observation Program Supervised classroom observation program for FLE teachers to observe teaching practices and methodologies at the Vichy campus.
• Language Center Management Course Professional development course on operating and managing a language learning center.
• Pedagogical Coordinator Training Training program for educational coordinators and directors of language institutions.
• French Summer Camps for Teenagers Residential and day camps combining French lessons with sports and outdoor activities for students aged 12-16, run in partnership with Vichy Stages.
• Foreign Language Courses (English, Spanish, German, Italian) Year-round language courses in English, Spanish, German, and Italian offered through the school's foreign languages department.
• DELF/DALF Official Examinations Official French Ministry-certified examination center service offering DELF (A1-B2) and DALF (C1-C2) diploma examinations.
• TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) Official French language proficiency test administered on computer with immediate results, including compulsory and complete test formats.
• TCF-IRN (Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité) French language test for residency and nationality applications, aligned with French Ministry of Interior requirements, priced at 174 euros including compulsory tests.
• DFP Professional French Exams (Tourism, Hospitality) Professional French language diplomas B1/B2 levels focused on tourism and hospitality industry communication skills.
• CLOE Certification Online French language certification test available for candidates seeking professional language credentials.
• Ev@lang Diagnostic and evaluation tool for assessing French language proficiency levels.
• CPF-Enabled French Courses French language courses eligible for French Professional Training Account (Compte Personnel de Formation) funding, available to employed individuals in France.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 4000 students from over 120 nationalities enroll annually in CAVILAM's programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Alliance Française / Fondation Alliance FrançaisecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012CAVILAM joined the international Alliance Française network in 2012 through a convention with the Fondation Alliance Française. This partnership provides access to the global Alliance Française brand, network of schools, and institutional credibility in French language education worldwide.
• Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Universities of Clermont-Ferrand (now consolidated as UCA) co-founded CAVILAM in 1964. UCA remains a key academic partner, with joint programs including Master 1 and Master 2 in French as a Foreign Language (FLE/FLS).
• TV5MONDEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAVILAM collaborates closely with TV5MONDE on French language teaching materials and offers official TV5MONDE trainer and teacher certification programs. The school co-develops educational content using TV5MONDE broadcasts (TV5MONDE, RFI, Canal Académie) as teaching resources.
• Institut FrançaismajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe French Institute supports CAVILAM's MOOC 'Teaching French as a Foreign Language Today' and broader pedagogical innovation initiatives. The Institut Français is the French government's agency for international cultural and linguistic action.
• Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOIF supports CAVILAM's MOOC on teaching French as a foreign language. OIF promotes the French language and Francophone culture globally and is a key institutional partner in CAVILAM's international outreach.
• Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAUF, the global university network of the Francophonie, co-supports CAVILAM's MOOC offerings. AUF connects French-language universities worldwide and supports academic collaboration in French language education.
• Fédération Internationale des Professeurs de Français (FIPF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFIPF, the International Federation of French Teachers, co-supports CAVILAM's MOOC on teaching French as a foreign language. FIPF represents and connects French language teachers globally.
• Ministère de l'Intérieur (French Ministry of the Interior)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe French Ministry of the Interior provided funding for CAVILAM's free MOOC 'Accompagner les étrangers primo-arrivants dans leur apprentissage du français,' designed to train volunteers teaching French to newly arrived migrants in France.
• Santillana FrançaiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSantillana Français co-produces with CAVILAM the online course series 'Knowing How to Teach French' (Savoir enseigner le français), a 4-module program on European Framework communication modes. Santillana provides publishing expertise and distribution for the program.
• Campus FrancemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCampus France, the French national agency for higher education and international student promotion, partners with CAVILAM to facilitate international student recruitment and promote French language studies in France to global audiences.
• Vichy StagescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVichy Stages partners with CAVILAM to deliver summer camps combining French language lessons with sports and outdoor activities for teenagers aged 12-16. CAVILAM provides morning language instruction; Vichy Stages organizes afternoon activities.
• Ville de VichycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe municipality of Vichy co-founded CAVILAM in 1964 and remains a key local partner. Vichy provides a historic spa town setting in Auvergne that serves as an authentic French immersion environment for CAVILAM students.
• Vichy CommunautéminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVichy Communauté, the Vichy metropolitan community, is listed as a local institutional partner supporting CAVILAM's operations and its role in the region's cultural and educational ecosystem.
• ESC ClermontminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorESC Clermont Business School is listed as a partner. Collaboration likely involves student exchange, cross-promotion, or joint educational initiatives between the French language school and the business school in the Clermont-Ferrand/Vichy region.
• Fondation des Alliances FrançaisesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Fondation des Alliances Françaises (Foundation of French Alliances) is the umbrella organization of the Alliance Française network globally. CAVILAM's affiliation to the Alliance Française network runs through this foundation.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Eurocentres: Eurocentres is an international network of language schools that historically offered French language immersion in France alongside other languages. It targets broadly the same international student demographic and language immersion use case as CAVILAM.
• Accent Français: Accent Français is a French language school in Montpellier offering intensive and immersion French courses, exam preparation, and teacher training. It competes in the same in-person immersion segment for international adult learners seeking French language credentials.
• Alliance Française de Paris: Alliance Française de Paris is the flagship institution of the global Alliance Française network to which CAVILAM is affiliated. It offers French language courses, cultural programming, and the same family of official certifications (DELF/DALF), making it the most direct operational peer in terms of curriculum, brand, and customer base.
• France Langue: France Langue is a Paris-based French language school group offering intensive French courses, DELF/DALF preparation, and teacher training with multiple campuses in France. It addresses the same international student segment and is a direct commercial competitor to CAVILAM's on-campus programs.
• ILCF (Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises) – Institut Catholique de Paris: ILCF is a major French language teaching institute affiliated with the Institut Catholique de Paris, offering intensive French courses, DELF/DALF preparation, and teacher training (DAEFLE). It is one of the largest and most established French language schools in France and a direct competitor.
• IS Aix-en-Provence (ILA / IS Aix): IS Aix-en-Provence is a French language school in Provence offering intensive French programs, exam preparation, and teacher training. It is part of the same competitive set of accredited French language immersion schools in southern and central France.

Others

• Open edX (edX.org): Open edX is the open-source MOOC and online course platform that CAVILAM uses to host its MOOCs and online teacher training. While edX is an infrastructure provider rather than a competitor, it represents the broader MOOC ecosystem in which CAVILAM's online French teaching courses compete for global teacher learner attention.
• TV5MONDE EDU: TV5MONDE is a global French-language broadcaster and a core strategic partner of CAVILAM. It also offers its own free French learning resources and teacher materials online, making it adjacent — both a partner and a partial substitute in the free digital French learning space.

Broad incumbents

• France Éducation International (ex-CIEP): France Éducation International is the French government agency that oversees the DELF, DALF, TCF, and EV@lang certifications. CAVILAM is one of its accredited examination centers, but France Éducation International operates as the national policy and certification authority at a much broader scale.
• Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - DEFLE: The Université Sorbonne Nouvelle's Department of French as a Foreign Language (DEFLE) is a major university-affiliated French language program offering semester and summer courses, plus university preparation tracks. It overlaps with CAVILAM's university preparation and intensive French offerings from a higher-education institutional perspective.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cavilamvichy
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CAVILAMVICHY
• Facebookfacebook.com/cavilamofficiel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cavilamvichy
• Instagraminstagram.com/cavilamvichy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CAVILAM - Alliance Française