French courses by the sea

Learn languages August 28, 2013

Woman-by-the-Sea-Gaugin

from Woman by the Sea – Paul Gaugin

Looking for a destination for a French course where you can combine your language study with a relaxing stay by the Mediterranean? How about a diving course in the tranquil turquoise waters of the Caribbean? Or surrounded by the swelling Atlantic waves of the Bay of Biscay?

We have French courses all over the world, offered in partnership with acclaimed educators. Here is a selection to get your imagination going:

Biarritz, France

 

biarritz

photo: Andy Roberts

Biarritz is two cities in one. Most famous for its glitzy side, which sees celebrities and aristocrats descend from all over the world to enjoy the highlife, this is also one of Europe’s top surfing spots. The two communities live side by side, perhaps brought together by a mutual appreciation of the spectacular seaside and beautiful beaches that can be found both within and near the town. Truly a place with something for everyone.

Find out more about our French courses in Biarritz

La Rochelle, France

La Rochelle

photo: antonikon

A coastal city that has hosted everyone from the Knights Templar to German U-Boat command has plenty of history behind it. Famed throughout the years as a rebellious city, modern La Rochelle is a gorgeous place to study French. The Vieux Port and old town look much like they did when La Rochelle became a free town during the Reformation, but with the addition of some superb seafood restaurants for your enjoyment.

The nearby Atlantic coastline is superb for surfing, windsurfing and sunbathing, or you could recline on Plage des Minimes which is a short walk from the port.

Find out more about our French courses in La Rochelle

Sainte Anne, Guadeloupe

guadeloupe

photo: Raïssa B.

If you set sail south-westwards from La Rochelle and keep going for a couple of weeks, you will eventually get to the Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe. Assuming you are a good navigator. What you find when you arrive there will be pristine beaches, glorious sunshine and turquoise water that is perfect for scuba diving or just appreciating from the beach, rum in hand.  Because it’s part of France, you can use your Euros here too, which is a bonus.

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

Nice, France

nice-france

 photo: Tim Bailey

Nice la Belle is France’s fifth largest city and is believed to be one of Europe’s oldest cities, not that you would know it looking at the glitzy Mediterranean promenades and legendary beaches. Elegantly perched on the Bay of Angels, this is a stylish seaside city that has long attracted weary travellers in need of some rest and relaxation. You can eat well, enjoy an environment that has long inspired artists and bask in superb weather throughout the year. Nice? Lovely!

Find out more about our French courses in Nice, or, just along the coast, you could consider Antibes as an alternative.

Aix-en-Provence, France

Aix

impressionist painting: Paul Cézanne

So it’s 30 minutes from the sea really, but Aix-en-Provence is glorious… and that journey to the sea is through the countryside that inspired local boy Paul Cézanne. The artist’s hometown sits 30km north of bustling Marseille but couldn’t feel further from the rambunctious port city. The gentle light that shines through Cézanne’s paintings glistens in the spray of the fountains that dot the town… Aix is an inspiring place for a French course.

Find out more about our French courses in Aix-en-Provence

Join the conversation in the comments section below, or contact us to find out more about a language study trip.

By Alex Hammond

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