Five hot destinations to learn French this summer

French is one of the world’s most important languages. Spoken in much of Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, it has a music and flow unlike any other language, even its close Romance relatives. It is a key language of business and trade, one of the European Union’s main working languages and, most importantly of all, essential if you want to chat up a French-speaking hottie on the beach.

What’s more, speaking and understanding French opens up a whole world of literature, cinema and music that offers a stylish counterpoint to the prevailing Anglo-Saxon culture. Whether you know already know some French and would like to practise or you are a complete beginner, we have an option that is just right for you.

Here are five top destinations to learn French in the summertime:

Nice, France

Photo: Quantz

Nice is a city with a fascinating history, dating back to the first humans in Europe. But the locals don’t dwell on the past… when the Mediterranean is glistening and the beach is just a short walk away, why would they?

Nice is a capital of glamour and leisure on the Côte d’Azur and a superb place to learn French in France. The months from April until November see very little rainfall and average temperatures well into the twenties and often higher. The beach is a place to see and be seen, but is mainly just a great place to enjoy the sunshine!

Local cuisine is an interesting mix of southern and northern European; when ships came from the north to pick up olive oil, they would deposit dried fish and other “exotic” ingredients that found their way into the local diet.

Find out more about our French courses in Nice, France

Lyon, France

The gourmet capital of France is especially divine in the summer months. Day after day of glorious sunshine, temperatures in the mid-twenties and fantastic food at every turn make for a tempting place to come and learn French. You’ll be in good company: Lyon is home to over 100,000 students, many of whom stick about over the summer to work and enjoy the good life in the sunshine.

Relax on the banks of the Rhône, enjoy delicious Beaujolais wines and sample some “silk workers’ brains” as a dip. Don’t worry… “Cervelle de canut” is just a cheesy local delicacy which probably got its name from the opinion of the wealthy locals towards their workers!

Find out more about our French courses in Lyon, France

Montreux, Switzerland

Montreux, at the eastern end of Lake Geneva, is an inspirational place. The tranquillity of the Swiss Alps and the deep blues of the lake create an atmosphere that has soothed and motivated creative minds for centuries, including Nabokov, Byron and Keith Richards, who wrote the Rolling Stones’ “Angie” in the nearby hills.

During the Jazz Festival in July, the peace is shattered by one of the world’s iconic music events, where top names come and rock out by the lake. Indeed, Deep Purple’s legendary riff-a-thon “Smoke on the Water” was written after a Frank Zappa fan accidentally burned down one of the local casinos during the festival.

The combination of lake, mountains and valleys creates a lovely microclimate, which local winegrowers take full advantage of. The view over the vineyards to the lake and the French Alps is truly spectacular.

Find our more about our French courses in Montreux, Switzerland

Montpellier, France

Photo: Alexander Baranov

300 days of sunshine every year, a beautiful city centre and laid-back outlook make Montpellier an attractive destination for students of all kinds. During university term time, around a quarter of Montpellier’s population are students, so visitors find an excellent array of entertainment just begging to be enjoyed.

The streets around the Écusson quarter, where you can still find some of the old city walls, are perfect for exploring when the sun has dipped a little, or you can hop on the tram and gawp at the 17^th-century mansions that dot the city.

For centuries, Montpellier attracted visitors looking for a healthy booster. If you want to enjoy the warm air and give your French a healthy boost, Montpellier is a great place to do it!

Find out more about out French courses in Montpellier, France

Sainte Anne, Guadeloupe

Photo: oo_x

Bored with Europe? Want to combine a French course with a stay in paradise? Sainte Anne in Guadeloupe might just be the destination you’re looking for. The palms lean lazily over the immaculate white sand of the unspoilt beaches. The turquoise water of the Caribbean rolls gently against the shore as you take in one of the world’s most astounding natural environments.

You can dive, snorkel, explore the tropical forests or just set up on a sun lounger and work your way around the finer points of the French subjunctive!

Find out more about our French courses in Sainte Anne, Guadeloupe

To discover other destinations that we offer, have a look at our full French listings here.