contact@manoirfrancais.com | +33 (0)6 59 85 31 58 · +33 (0)6 58 70 53 31

Our Tutor

Séverine Barès

Séverine Barès — professional French language tutor at Manoir Français

I grew up near Mont-de-Marsan in Les Landes in South-West France and went to Université Bordeaux III where I graduated with a “Licence” in linguistics after which I took a “Maîtrise” in teaching French as a foreign language and I’ve been teaching ever since which is more than 30 years.

After teaching experience in Paris and at the Université d’Aix en Provence, I worked for Alliance Française in Athlone in Ireland between 2000 and 2002 and then I moved to England to work for Alliance Française Devon in Exeter and Totnes from 2003 until I moved back to France in 2025.

My husband and I (and my cocker spaniel) now live near Bergerac in the Dordogne département.

I want to give learners the opportunity to learn French in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. I also love talking about food and sharing a delicious meal with students.

Testimonials

What our guests say

“Séverine is a wonderful, committed, experienced and sympathetic teacher. She taught me for ten years in England; her teaching was rigorous but also fun. One of Séverine’s strengths is managing class dynamics, so everyone has the opportunity to participate. Eleven out of 10!”

— Rachel P

“Séverine is an exceptional teacher and gets 10/10 from me. Not a single lesson went by without laughter and fun. Séverine is universally positive and brings out the best in her students. We all love her. An intensive by the Dordogne was the perfect way to spend a few days in France.”

— Maggie C

“If you’re impressed by the photos of this property – wait until you actually get here! Amazing place, relaxed vibes, beautifully furnished and equipped. Just book it – you will regret rien!”

— Alan B

“Séverine has given me the confidence to speak French at a level I had never dreamt of reaching. She is a truly exceptional teacher and makes her classes such fun that you don’t realise how much you are learning.”

— Linda F

“My only regret is that I had not met Séverine sooner. She is the best teacher I have ever had. Her skill, positivity and encouragement helped me take my French studies and language learning to another level. It was a great linguistic adventure.”

— Sally T

“Everything has been perfect. What a magnificent place, the buildings, the interiors, the garden, the swimming pool. The Manor is beautiful with exceptional beds and bedding, spacious suites and common areas all providing a perfect setting for learning French.”

— Xavier P

“Séverine is a brilliant Adult French teacher! She is skilful, meticulous, engaging and humorous. She was even able to make the subjunctive fun! She has an infectious enthusiasm and joie de vivre. I cannot honestly think of how her classes could be improved.”

— Jan S

“I’ve taken many courses in French as an adult learner with Séverine and she is the best teacher that I have ever known. She is endlessly patient and creates a great atmosphere. In every lesson I learned a lot and laughed a lot.”

— Felicity W

“Le Manoir du Bois Mignon is simply wonderful. Le Manoir is a stunning mansion, bringing together the top quality of a luxury and the warmth of a cosy family home. We highly recommend this place!”

— Peter M

“I was very fortunate to have Séverine as my teacher. She is very conscientious, always makes her lessons fun and ensures each student has equal amounts of time to contribute. I thoroughly recommend Séverine as an excellent teacher of French. It was a privilege to attend her classes.”

— Wendy G