Language programme in Arcachon
Located on the ocean with sandy beaches, pine forests and balmy breezes galore, Arcachon is a popular seaside resort among French and foreign tourists alike.
The town is only 1 hour drive to Bordeaux, historic, cultural and vibrant city, renowned for its “châteaux” and worldwide famous vineyards.
Our partner school is located in the heart of the city in a busy shopping street with plenty of public transport options nearby including the train station.
School facilities include:
- Fully-equipped classrooms
- Garden
- Free WiFi
French Course
15 French lessons per week (3 lessons per day)
- Lesson length: 50 minutes
- Class size: maximum 15 students
- Placement test: first day of lessons (written test)
- Certificate of completion at the end of the stay
- Qualified native French teachers. Our partner school follows a ‘Communicative Method’ syllabus, which works to develop all four French language skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening. Special attention is paid to speaking, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Students take part in in-classroom role plays, discussions and debates, and multimedia materials are also used in the classroom.
- Language level: beginner to advanced (no complete beginners – minimum 1 year of French studies))
On top of course, you can choose among the following activity options:
1. French & Activities
- 4 afternoons of local activities per week
- 1 full-day excursion per week
Some of the many activities include:
- Guided tour of Arcachon
- Beach games
- Treasure hunt
- Sports: cycling tours, basketball, football, tennis, volleyball, beach volleyball, introduction to canoeing and horse riding…
- Outings in the area: Aqualand Park, the Pyla Dune, the city of Bordeaux, boat cruise to Cap Ferret
2. French & Surfing
- 4 afternoons of surfing per week. The French & Surfing course includes 2 weeks of French courses and an introduction to surfing coached by professional surf teachers. The school provides the surfing gear (surfboard, wetsuit), including foam boards, ideal for beginners as they are totally safe.
- 1 full-day excursion per week
3. Combined French & Surfing + Activities option
Please note this course is available for 3 or 4 week stays only.
It includes 2 weeks of French & Surfing and 1 or 2 weeks of French & Activities (as above described).
Typical day schedule (given as example and subject to potential changes):
Host family
Shared room with same-gender student from a different country and different mother-tongue, shared bathroom, full board
Travel time to the school: 15 to 30 minutes maximum by public transport. Host families usually live in small towns a short train ride from Arcachon. Your host family will drop you off and pick you up at the end of the day from the nearest train station.
Practical Information
- Full board includes breakfast and dinner “at home” and a packed lunch on days of tuition & activities (cooked lunch at home upon week-ends)
- Some students may stay in single rooms, depending on housing type and availability
- Wi-Fi is not guaranteed
- Students spend weekends with their host families. Additional fees may be charged for some activities and excursions with your host family (e.g. cinema or theme park entrance fees
- Laundry available according to the family schedule on a weekly basis
Travel
Arrival day: Sunday
Departure day: Saturday
Arrival airports or train stations:
- Nearest airport: Bordeaux-Mérignac
- Nearest train stations: Arcachon or Bordeaux
Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off (between the airport or train station of your choice and your homestay) are included. You must plan an arrival between 12:00 and 18:00 and a departure between 09:00 and 14:00.
Please note: do not make any travel arrangements until we have confirmed your enrolment in your chosen course.
Evening outings curfew rules
Students 15+ holding a valid parental authorisation will be allowed to go out in the evening until 21:00 at the latest.
All students under 15 or those 15+ not holding a valid parental authorisation will not be allowed in any case to go out outside of the activity programme schedule. This all inclusive language lessons & activity programme is organised so as to keep the students fully occupied at all times.
Visa Information
You might need a visa for this course. For more information please visit our Visa Information page.
Do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email if you require any additional information.
Dates & Prices 2024
Dates for 2024: all programmes
- 2 weeks : 30/06-13/07 ; 14/07-27/07 ; 21/07-03/08 ; 28/07-10/08
- 3 weeks : 30/06 – 20/07 ; 14/07 – 03/08 ; 28/07 – 10/08
- 4 weeks : 30/06 – 27/07 ; 14/07 – 10/08
Prices for 2024
All taxes and enrolment fees included
| Programme price including French course + option + full board Homestay | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | French & Activities | French & Surfing | French & Surfing + Activities |
| 2 weeks | € 1.745 | € 2.045 | - |
| 3 weeks | € 2.255 | - | € 2.755 |
| 4 weeks | € 2.645 | - | € 3.045 |
Prices include:
- 15 French lessons per week
- Cultural, social and sports activities and outings according to programme
- Homestay full board
- Course materials and use of the school premises
- Attendance certificate
- Transfers from and to Bordeaux airport or train station (pick-up 12:00 to 18:00, drop-off 09:00 to 14:00), or Arcachon train station.
- All school taxes and enrolment fees
Prices do not include:
- Travel to and from Arcachon
- Transportation in and around Arcachon
- Optional insurances
- Visa fees (if any)
