Lou Rutterford
French Conversation Coach &
Natural Mindfulness Guide
Cirencester, Gloucestershire
I created Funtastic French to help you find the confidence and motivation you need to express yourself in French. 🇫🇷
Believe it or not, I once dreaded French lessons at school. Grammar drills, endless verb conjugations, and tests left me feeling defeated, and my teacher told me, “French is definitely not your thing”. I believed her... at least for a while.
In 1985, I left England to work as a nanny near the French-Swiss border. I’ll never forget walking into the local post office and delivering my carefully memorised phrase: “Je voudrais deux timbres pour l’Angleterre, s’il vous plaît.” I was so proud until the girl behind the counter just stared back at me blankly, proving once again that maybe French wasn’t my thing.
After living and working in a French environment for almost 30 years, I discovered that learning French can be relaxed, fun, and confidence-boosting. When I returned to the UK in 2014, I left my corporate career behind to help others who feel like “French is not their thing” discover that it absolutely can be!
French Conversation and Coaching
To practise, build confidence, and enjoy the language
Unlock your natural ability to speak French. 🗝️
Speaking French doesn't need to feel hard or intimidating.
As your French Conversation Coach, my goal isn't to overload you with grammar, it's to help you feel confident speaking and using the language naturally.
Many of us believe that we are "not good at languages", but that simply isn't true.
With the right space and guidance, your confidence grows and your French begins to flow.
✨You don't have to be perfect to be understood.
Personalised sessions designed around you, your level, your goals, your pace.
- Break through limiting beliefs about learning.
- Build your confidence to speak without fear.
- Focus on practical, real-life communication instead of textbook perfection.
Currently priced at £35 per session
Contact me to register
A relaxed space to simply speak French ✨
These sessions are not lessons.
They are small, friendly conversation groups where we practice speaking together in a supportive environment.
From time to time, I'll send a suggested topic a few days beforehand to give you something to think about, but there's no preparation required and no pressure.
We simply show up and talk. There's no formal teaching. The magic happens through the use of the language.
✨ Ideal for learners who already know some French and want to keep it alive through regular conversation.
Currently priced at
£18 per session on a pay as you go basis
Contact me to register
Walk & Talk in nature
Gentle countryside walks to practise conversation, reconnect with nature, and build confidence
Exercise both your mind and body while breathing in the fresh air of the beautiful English countryside. 🌿
I invite small groups to join me for gentle French conversation walks in nature. As a Natural Mindfulness Guide and French Language Coach, I help you practise French in a relaxed and friendly way while exploring the countryside and noticing the world around you.
These sessions are not formal lessons. They are a calm, supportive space for anyone who already knows a little French to build confidence, enjoy conversation, and reconnect with themselves and nature. Walking side by side often makes speaking feel easier and more natural, turning language practice into a peaceful, enjoyable experience.
✨ Learning while moving has been shown to help you remember new words more effectively, and the sights and sounds of nature release serotonin, the happy hormone, leaving you feeling refreshed and calm.
If your week has been busy or stressful, why not step outside, practise your French, and let nature help you recharge? 🇫🇷🌿
Interested?
Register your interest to join a walk and experience the perfect mix of language, wellbeing, and nature connection.
Currently priced at £10 per walk
01 Overcoming Barriers
"Speaking a language should not be about perfection. It is about progress. Whether you’re starting from scratch or picking up where you left off, every small step brings you closer to speaking with confidence.
Together we will gently break down those barriers and help you feel more comfortable expressing yourself in French.
02 The Joy of Connection
“Speaking another language is more than just words, it’s a gateway to new connections, cultures, and experiences. Imagine the joy of ordering confidently at a Parisian café, chatting with locals, or discovering hidden places without a language barrier. French is not just something you learn. It is something you live.
03 Tailored to You
“No two people are the same, and neither is their journey with French. Whether you learn best through conversation, simple activities, or practical situations, I adapt each session to suit you. Speaking French should feel as natural and enjoyable as possible.
04 It's Never Too Late
“Think it’s too late to speak French with confidence? Think again! Languages can be enjoyed and explored at any stage of life. The key is finding the right approach and a relaxed environment where you feel comfortable expressing yourself.
05 Speaking with Ease
Who said speaking French has to be difficult?
I believe in creating a relaxed, enjoyable environment where conversation flows naturally. When you feel comfortable and at ease, confidence grows and speaking French becomes something you truly enjoy.
06 Calm and Natural Learning
Sometimes the best learning happens when we slow down. Whether through relaxed conversation, reflection, or a gentle walk in nature, creating a calm environment helps confidence grow and words begin to flow more naturally.
Testimonials
Lou is a skilful and enthusiastic French language teacher who creates a positive learning environment for her students. Lou’s experience in France, Switzerland and her patient teaching approach are really appreciated by adult learners in her classes. She makes the learning conversations creative, fun and builds a collaborative environment in which each of the students can develop their French language skill set.
TONY R
I always wanted to learn French and I assumed I didn’t have the brain for another language as nothing seemed to stick in long enough. Since working with Lou, we figured out what worked for me and now I’m confident enough with my language to have meetings with French colleagues and translate for the UK team.
MIKE B
French with Lou was a great experience. Each lesson was fun and engaging. Lots of speaking French and everyone took part. Plus additional resources to take home. I attended various language classes in the past and this one was one of the best.
AGNIESKA K
If you need help with your French conversation at any level, you could do no better than join Lou in her Funtastic French groups or one to ones. In no time she will help you to gain in confidence and improve your speaking and listening skills. I have no hesitation in recommending her.
FIONA F
