French language course in Biarritz with surfing

Would you like to go on a language course that combines your passion for surfing with French lessons? This trip to THE European surfing capital, Biarritz, is perfect for you!

This course is aimed at young people aged 15 to 17 who want to improve their French whilst surfing at one of the best spots in the world.

Located on the Atlantic coast near the Spanish border, Biarritz is undoubtedly the most chic seaside resort in the Basque Country. It boasts a 4 km-long coastline, featuring small coves and magnificent sandy beaches, all popular with surfers from around the world.

Highlights

  • The ideal holiday for surfing enthusiasts of all levels
  • Biarritz, one of the most prestigious seaside resorts on the Atlantic coast
  • French lessons, surf lessons, activities, excursions and accommodation – everything is included!

Our partner school in Biarritz is a friendly, family-run school that offers personalised attention to each student and a teaching method tailored to young people.

In spring and summer, it organises supervised stays for 15-17 year olds, including French and surf lessons, an activities programme, and accommodation with a host family.

French lessons

  • 20 French lessons per week
  • 1 lesson = 45 minutes
  • Maximum number of students per class: 14
  • Placement test on the first day of the course
  • Certificate of attendance at the end of the course
  • Teachers are qualified to teach their native language to non-native speakers
  • Level: A2 to C1

French lessons take place at the Collège Immaculée Conception, located a 15-minute walk from the beach and the town centre.

Teachers incorporate surfing into their lessons to help students understand the surfing sessions and discuss local sporting events.

Surfing will enable young people to communicate and discuss a shared interest in French, and will contribute to group dynamics, cohesion and solidarity.

Surfing lessons

  • 4 surfing sessions of 1½ hours per week
  • The young people are divided into small groups of up to 8 students
  • Each group is supervised by a surf instructor qualified with a State Surf Instructor Certificate or a BPJEPS (Professional Certificate in Youth, Popular Education and Sport) with a specialisation in surfing
  • Equipment is provided by the surf school
  • A swimming test at the start of the stay

Timetables will vary depending on the tides and weather conditions. In the event of conditions being too poor to allow surfing, cancelled sessions will be rescheduled by the provider or replaced with multi-sport sessions.

Activities and visits

A variety of activities and visits/excursions are organised alongside the surfing sessions:

  • 1 half-day and 1 full-day excursion
  • 4 cultural and social activities (beach volleyball, laser tag, bowling, a visit to Bayonne, etc.)
  • 1 evening activity (e.g. a picnic on the beach)

All host families are carefully selected by the school locally and live within a maximum 30-minute journey by public transport from the school.

  • Accommodation is available in shared rooms with half-board in the spring and full board during the summer
  • Where possible, the school does not place two students who speak the same language with the same host family
  • Breakfast and dinner are taken with the host family
  • Lunch is provided as a packed lunch (summer)

Emergency number, on-site travel and curfew

Each participant is given a 24-hour emergency number to ensure round-the-clock support and assistance. A curfew is in place from 11.00 pm on weekdays and 1.00 am at weekends, ensuring safety and compliance with the rules.

Students generally use public transport to travel between their host families, classrooms and activity venues, which helps to foster independence and group cohesion. Bus tickets are not included in the price, but the group leaders will help everyone to buy them on the first day.

Travel

Arrival day: Sunday
Departure day: Saturday

Please plan to arrive and depart between 12:00 and 18:00. A surcharge may apply for arrivals at the host family’s home before 12:00 (please contact us).

Arrival station or airports:

Return transfers included for arrivals/departures at Biarritz station or airport. This service is included in the price of your stay, but a surcharge may apply for arrivals after 11.00 pm. If the school does not receive your travel details at least two weeks in advance, the transfer will not be arranged.

The host family will welcome the student on arrival and see them off when they leave.

Please contact us for arrivals/departures at other locations.

Note: do not book your travel tickets until we have confirmed your stay.

Visa information

Do you need a visa to take part in this programme? For more information on this, please visit our Visa Information page.

Please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone if you require further information.

Dates & Prices 2026

Dates 2026

  • Spring: 29 March (1 or 2 weeks), 5 April (1 week)
  • Summer: 21 June to 15 August

Courses start on Mondays (arrival on Sunday, departure on Saturday).

Prices for 2026

All taxes and registration fees included

WPCS 42.0.3
Tuition, homestay, surfing, activities & tranfers
DurationSpringSummer
1 week€ 950€ 1.195
2 weeks€ 1.590€ 2.275
3 weeks-€ 3.410
4 weeks-€ 4.540
Extra week-€ 1.120

The above rates include:

  • Lessons as described
  • Homestay accommodation, shared room
  • Half-board in spring and full board during the summer
  • Teaching materials
  • Surfing sessions and other activities and excursions as described
  • Return transfer between Biarritz airport or train station and the host family
  • Supervision and assistance 24 hours a day
  • All school taxes and administrative fees

Not included:

  • Travel to and from Biarritz
  • Local travel card (allow €13 to €15 per week)
  • Any visa fees
  • Optional insurance

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