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 courses
- 15 French lessons per week (3 lessons per day)
- Duration of a lesson: 50 minutes
- Maximum number of students per class: 15
- Level test: on the first day of the course (written)
- Certificate of attendance at the end of the course
- The courses are taught by native French-speaking teachers who are qualified to teach French as a foreign language. The teaching method is interactive: progress in oral communication is made through role-playing, videos, discussions, the study of songs, theatrical performances, etc.
- Levels offered: elementary to advanced (no complete beginners, minimum 1 year of language study)
In addition to the morning classes, you can choose the activity option that suits you best:
- 4 afternoon activities per week
- 1 day excursion on Saturday
Examples of activities and excursions:
- Guided tour of Arcachon
- Beach games
- Treasure hunt
- Sports: bike rides, introduction to canoeing, horse riding, basketball, football, tennis, volleyball, etc.
- Organised excursions in the region: Aqualand theme park, visit to the Dune du Pyla, visit to Bordeaux, boat trip across the Bay of Arcachon to Cap Ferret, etc.
Typical timetable (given as an example and subject to change):
- 4 afternoon surf lessons per week
- 1 day excursion on Saturday
Surf lessons are adapted to the level of participants and supervised by professionals. All equipment (wetsuit, board) is loaned by the school. Boards can be chosen from a wide selection, including foam boards, known to be the best for safe and fun learning.
This package is available for 3 or 4 weeks only.
It combines the French & Surf option as described above for a duration of 2 weeks and the French & Activities option for a duration of 1 or 2 weeks.
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:
- Meals: breakfasts and dinners with the host family, packed lunches provided on course days
- At weekends, students stay with their families. If the activity or excursion proposed by the host family is not free of charge, the family may ask the student to pay a contribution
- Laundry can be done in the host family (generally once a week, depending on the family’s laundry day).
Travel
Arrival day: Sunday
Departure day: Saturday
Arrival airports or train stations:
- Airport: Bordeaux-Mérignac
- Train stations: Arcachon or Bordeaux
Transfers: you should plan to arrive between 12 noon and 6 p.m. and to leave between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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 2025
Dates 2025
The programme runs from 6/07 to 16/08 (last possible departure on 3/08).
All Activities programmes are fully booked between 6/07 and 18/07, and the surf programme is full from 06/07 to 26/07.
Prices 2025
All taxes and enrolment fees included
| Prices (French course + chosen activities + accommodation with a family, full board & transfers included) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Activities | Surfing | Surfing + Activities |
| 2 weeks | € 1.745 | € 2.095 | - |
| 3 weeks | € 2.305 | - | € 2.805 |
| 4 weeks | € 2.695 | - | € 3.095 |
Prices include:
- 15 French lessons per week
- Cultural, social and sports activities and outings according to programme
- Homestay, shared room, full board
- Course materials and use of the school premises
- Attendance certificate
- Return transfer from Bordeaux airport or Bordeaux and Arcachon train stations to accommodation (at the times provided)
- Support and supervision from the local coordinator during the stay
- Local transport costs
- All school taxes and enrolment fees
Prices do not include:
- Travel to and from Arcachon
- Optional insurances
- Visa fees (if any)
