More and more people are turning to language stays as a popular alternative to conventional language courses in this country - and not without reason. Language stays are much more exciting and educational than traditional school lessons, and not just in terms of language. France is an excellent place to go for a language study trip and to learn French. The country is bursting with beauty and is world-famous for its excellent cuisine. Many are tempted to explore the land of love, such as the dream beaches on the Atlantic or the Mediterranean, the Alps, big cities like Paris or Lyon, Bordeaux and much more. Hundreds of different language schools leave nothing to be desired.
There are many different destinations for language study trips in France. Should it be the world-famous capital Paris? With its shopping streets, bars and discos? Very close to Paris is the Palace of Versailles, which captivated people even in the days of Louis XIV. Many have fallen for the charm of this cosmopolitan city.
If you prefer a more leisurely pace, head to the Atlantic coast. With its fine sandy coasts, the impressive dune of Pilat, flat cycle paths and numerous leisure activities. The city of Bordeaux, which is famous for its wine, is also located there.
Or would you prefer a language study trip to the Mediterranean in the south of France? Picturesque cities such as Nice or Marseilles crown the fantastic rocky beaches. The Côte d'Azur or St. Tropez are a magnet for celebrities. The Mediterranean coast offers everything your heart desires. Other interesting cities are: Lyon, Toulouse, Nantes, Rennes, Cannes and Strasbourg.
As France is our neighboring country to the west, the journey is manageable. Flights to Paris cost around 200 francs and take an hour. The Côte d'Azur can also be reached in the same time and flights cost around 100 francs. All in all, it can be said that France can be reached in a short time and at fair prices, making it ideal for short language stays of a week or more. However, language trips lasting several months in a fixed class at a language school are also possible.
During your language study trip to France, there's also plenty to enjoy
The whole year is ideal for language courses in cities. For southern cities, however, spring or fall is the best time, as it gets very hot there in summer. However, if you want to combine it with a beach vacation, the same travel times apply as on the Mediterranean coast. The months between June and September are the most suitable for language stays on the Atlantic coast. For the Mediterranean coast, the months from May to October are the best time for a language study trip. But even in the winter months, the climate along the coast tends to be mild.
Language schools can be found all over the country. Intensive courses consist of 20 to 35 lessons per week. There are also standard courses with fewer than 20 lessons per week for those who prefer to have more time to themselves. The wide range of language courses on offer does not make it easy to decide. It therefore makes sense to concentrate on one region. If you want to explore this region extensively, it is worth allowing at least three weeks for the language course.
However, as there are also many language schools in the individual regions, you should compare as many language courses as possible and then choose according to your needs. Either way, there is something for every taste.
As France is part of the European Union, the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons applies. Swiss nationals therefore only need a valid passport or identity card. You should nevertheless note that, as in Switzerland, you must always carry an identity card for identification purposes in France. This means that not much can stand in the way of your language study trip.
France is considered to be very stable. However, demonstrations are relatively frequent in the major cities. This can lead to riots. Occasional strikes can cause disruptions and delays to travel. However, the risk of terrorist attacks should also be emphasized, especially in Paris and Marseilles. You should always keep an eye on wallets and valuables, as pickpockets are often lurking. However, it is safe to say that you can live safely in France.
It is clear that language schools cost money. Compared to more distant regions, France is relatively cheap. Depending on the intensity of the language course, a week costs from CHF 300 for one week to CHF 3500 for 12 weeks. You should carefully consider which language course meets your expectations. There are also courses that include a diploma exam at the end.