France | Bordeaux | Intensive French Course
Intensive Language Course
This course runs Monday to Friday throughout the year with accommodation from Sunday to Saturday. Students can travel for a week, two weeks or longer. We are able to tailor packages to suit your requirements and the time you have available.
Courses are available for all abilities from complete beginners to those with advanced French. Courses for complete beginners start on the following dates: 27/01/25, 28/04/25, 28/07/25 and 08/09/25. All other courses (for students with at least a basic level French) start every Monday of the year.
You may also be interested in pairing a language course with a work experience placement by enrolling on our popular Work and Study courses.
The course in Bordeaux is only available for students over 17 years of age. For Students 16 years old you may wish to consider this course in another destination; Montpellier, Nice, Paris, Rouen.
Location
Bordeaux, in the South-West of France, is famous throughout the world for its unique wines. However, delve deeper into this city’s UNESCO World Heritage listed urban and architectural heritage and you will find that it has so much more to offer. With a huge variety of squares, parks, cafes, monuments, museums and art galleries, Bordeaux is the perfect destination to study French.
Located in a superb town house typical of the 19th century, the language school in Bordeaux is in the heart of the historic city centre with its breathtaking architecture and unique atmosphere. The school has 6 well equipped and spacious classrooms, free WiFi and a kitchenette. The school is centrally located and easily accessible via public transport. Bordeaux landmarks such as the Grand Théâtre and the Monument aux Girondins are all within walking distance. You can reach Place de Quinconces, Place Gambetta and Place de la Bourse with their bustling cafés and shops are all within a 15 minute walk. Bordeaux is a destination with something for everyone.
Language Course
The core course comprises 20 lessons which concentrate on learning and actively using French. The tuition is very much practice oriented. You will participate in group sessions alongside other students of a similar level, with lessons focused on improving all aspects of the language; speaking listening, reading and writing. There are four 45 minute lessons per day and these take place during the morning. This course is designed for students who wish to learn or improve their French, meet new people and have some free time to participate in French culture and life in Bordeaux. The core course of 20 lessons also combines very well with a work experience option in our Work and Study package.
For students who want a more intensive experience, it is possible to add an extra 10 group lessons (for an additional cost).
There is also an option of 6 1:1 classes throughout the week (for an additional cost), the content of which will be decided by you in advance. We will ask you before you travel what you would like to cover with your tutor during these individual sessions, for example grammar, a specific thematic topic, conversation or pronunciation.
You will be given a written assessment before you travel and a speaking assessment on the first morning before lessons in order to place you in the group most suited to your ability level. Classes have an international flavour and a lively feel because they are grouped by ability not nationality or age.
Optional Social and Cultural Programme
The school offers a range of activities during the week, such as a film club, meal out at a local restaurant, cultural tour of the city and an excursion to one of the many local vineyards. Some of the activities incur an extra cost (payable on the week of your stay directly to the school) however some are free. All activities are optional.
Accommodation
For students wanting to completely immerse themselves in the French language and culture we recommend that you stay with one of our carefully selected French hosts. They will not only introduce you to the French way of life and help you practise the French language but will also give you a taste of local and delicious regional specialities. Host Accommodation is situated within 45 minutes’ total journey time to the school and provide half board (breakfast & evening meal) from the Sunday before your course starts to the Saturday after it finishes. Subject to availability, an extra day on one side of your trip may be available on request to accommodate flight dates. A surcharge is payable for any extra nights.
You can read more about what it means to stay with a host in our Host Accommodation Guide.
Centrally located residence accommodation with a private bathroom and kitchen is available for students aged 18+.
Transfers
The school is easily accessible via Bordeaux’s excellent transport system and we are happy to provide details on request. We can also arrange private transfers for you from Bordeaux’s airport or train stations for a supplement.
Availability
Language courses
Monday–Friday all year (closed over Christmas)
Accommodation
Sunday–Saturday
School closures 2025
| Month | Closures |
|---|---|
| April | 21st |
| May | 1st, 8th |
| June | 9th |
| July | 14th |
| August | 15th |
| November | 1st, 11th |
A discount of £30 is offered for any days where the school is closed. Naturally there is no shortage of ways to spend a day in Bordeaux exploring the sights, galleries, museums (many with free entry) and shops.
Insurance
Travel and Medical Insurance is available as an optional extra with this package. For more details please see our Insurance page.
Included in this Package
- This course runs Monday to Friday with accommodation from Sunday to Saturday.
- 20 Core French lessons per week
- 10 Extra group lessons (optional)
- 6 1:1 lessons (optional)
- Individualised follow up of homework / tasks / performance to ensure the best progression
- Welcome meeting and snacks
- Guided tour of the area
- Accommodation (optional)
- Social & Cultural Programme (optional)
- Course Certificate
- 24/7 Emergency support from UK office
- Travel and Medical Insurance (optional)
Longer Stays
Students are welcome to book into the school for any number of weeks. Many students will travel to the school for a longer duration (12 weeks+), even starting from limited or no level in the language. We have prices for 1 – 4 weeks on our website. We are able to arrange any duration of stay at the language school. Contact us if you would like a package that we have not listed.
