Trois-Pistoles

Rich in Heritage and Culture

Western University's French Immersion School is located in Trois-Pistoles, Quebec, approximately 230km from Quebec City on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River en route to the Gaspé peninsula. The town overlooks the river from a high bluff, one kilometre from the water. The long main street is lined with colourful brick and wooden houses constructed in the style of old Quebec.

The town’s main intersection is marked by the post office, the city hall, and the magnificent stone church whose triple spires serve as a landmark for river traffic. Ninety years ago, Western chose to locate its French immersion school here because of the town’s charm, intimate size, hospitality, and friendly, French-speaking milieu. These qualities still characterize Trois-Pistoles today.

Services

In Trois-Pistoles and the surrounding region, you will find all the services necessary to make your stay a pleasant experience. Shopping malls, specialized boutiques, shops selling any number of goods, health services, stalls where artisans display their works, professional services, and banking institutions all contribute to the high quality of life available in the area.

Public Transportation

There is no public transportation in Trois-Pistoles.  Although most homes are within easy walking distance of the school, most participants will rent a bicycle for their stay.  

Climate 

Trois-Pistoles is located on the south shore of St. Lawrence, and the climate is similar to that of the northern Maritimes.   As such, the weather is often variable and subject to sudden change.  It is not unusual for May and June to be wet and cool. The temperature usually varies between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius in July and August.

We recommend bringing warm clothes, rain clothes, and walking shoes.

Bienvenue!

Looking for a challenge or adventure that will change your life?

Trois-Pistoles is the perfect setting in which to hone your French language skills while broadening your perspective on the Canadian experience. Thanks to Western’s partnership with an amazing group of host families, Trois-Pistoles has been home to Canada’s longest running French immersion school since 1932.

Our unique range of degree-credit and non-credit programs offers something for everyone. And after class, you’ll delight in soaking up the rich history and culture of this charming Quebec town along with the warm hospitality of its people.

À bientôt!

Alan Shepard
President and Vice-Chancellor
Western University

The Whole Town is Your Campus

In Trois-Pistoles, French is the language of everyday life: on the streets, in shops, restaurants, and homes.

The whole town is your campus – a living language laboratory.