Famed throughout the world for its wines, Bordeaux is an elegant and distinguished city with some of the best-conserved 18th century architecture in the world. Elegant boulevards, columned buildings, cobbled streets and parks all add up to an impressive city. The long, sandy beaches of the Atlantic, the expansive pine forests of the Landes, historic villages and vineyards and the Pyrenean mountains are all within easy travelling distance of Bordeaux, making this a popular choice for students of all ages.

Our school is located in the heart of the city, in a spacious 19^th century three storey building.  It has 15 bright air-conditioned classrooms, internet access, a self-study room, lounge and garden. Classes have 5 - 10 students maximum. Each class lasts 45 minutes.  There are plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby where you can have lunch.

Minimum age is 16 years

Courses: We offer a wide range of French courses in Bordeaux. Click on one of the options below for 2009 dates and prices. Or if you are still interested in taking a course this year, click here for 2008 dates and prices.

• General, Intensive and Combination French courses
• French, Culture and Cuisine
• French and Wine Appreciation
• Teacher Refresher course
• GCSE and A-Level revision courses
• French and Work Experience

Cultural activities and excursions are offered to compliment the language learning experience and to help students get to know the region e.g. city tours, cookery classes, vineyard visits, excursions to the Pyrenees. Many of these activities are free or have a small charge payable at the school.

Accommodation is available in homestays and nearby residences, all year round. Hotels and apart hotels available on request.

Transfers: airport pick up/ drop off available on request. Please contact us for confirmation of costs.  

Public holidays: The school will close on 13 Apr, 1/8/21 May, 1 June, 14 July, 11 Nov 2009 and 20 Dec 2009 to 4 Jan 2010. There will be no classes on these days.

General, Intensive and Combination French courses

A variety of French courses are available with group and private lessons. Group classes have an average of 8-10 students per class (maximum 12 during peak season). Courses of private tuition are also available - please contact us for details.

Start dates for complete beginners: 5 Jan, 2 Feb, 2/30 Mar, 27 Apr, 25 May, 22 June, 20 Jul, 17 Aug, 14 Sept, 12 Oct, 9 Nov 2009.

All other levels can start a course on any Monday

General/ Intensive courses

Long term courses also available, please contact us for details.

Combination courses  

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French, Culture and Cuisine

This course is designed for food and culture lovers who wish to experience the pleasures of French cuisine, combining morning French lessons with afternoon activities. These include themed visits, French cuisine lessons, tutored cheese tastings and meals in typical French restaurants.

 £775 (excl. accommodation)

• Course duration: 2 weeks
• French lessons per week: 20 group
• Afternoon activities per week: 3
• Group size: 8-10 students
• Minimum level: elementary

Course dates: 20 - 31 July and 3 - 14 August 2009

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More language + food and wine course options

French and Wine Appreciation

Designed for wine lovers who wish to experience the pleasures of learning to appreciate some of the best wines in France, this week offers morning French classes in the school with afternoon Chateaux visits and wine appreciation activities, including tutored tastings of the region's better known wines, as well as up and coming names.  

£745 (excl. accommodation) 

• Course duration: 2 weeks
• French lessons per week: 20 group
• Afternoon activities per week: 3 + 2 Chateaux visits
• Group size: 8-10 students
• Minimum level: elementary

Course start dates: 22 June, 20 July, 17 Aug, 14 Sept, and 12 Oct 2009

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Teacher Refresher course

This course is designed to help teachers refresh their teaching skills, to provide useful tools and activities teaching French as a foreign language, and also to encouraging cross-cultural exchanges and the transfer of skills between teachers. This course is ideal for teachers who want to take home lots of practical ideas and modern communicative activities to use with their own students.

£550 (excl. accommodation) 

• Course duration: 2 weeks
• French lessons per week: 24 group + cultural activities and excursions
• Group size: 8-15 students
• Minimum level: advanced

Course dates: 6 -18 April, 6-17 July, 20-31 July and 3-14 Aug 2009

Caledonia is approved by the British Council to provide courses for language teachers (including teachers returning after a career break). Many teachers can apply for Comenius funding. Ask us for details.

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GCSE and A-Level Revision courses

The main purpose of these courses is to improve students' spoken French, grammatical weak points, essay planning and writing techniques in preparation for GCSE and A-Level French examinations (or equivalent). A mixture of morning and afternoon lessons will concentrate on listening activities, oral and written comprehension and communication. Cultural activities are included each week e.g. guided tour of the town, museum visit, cinema etc, and are supervised by a member of staff from the school.

1 week: £545 including accommodation (Sun to Sat) and arrival pick up

• Course duration: 1 week
• French lessons per week: 24 group
• Group size: 6 - 12 students of similar ability
• Accommodation: homestay, single room, half board (full board on weekends)

Half term start dates: 9/16 Feb and 26 Oct 2009

Easter and Summer revision courses take place in Biarritz

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French and Work Experience

Details coming soon!

Accommodation in Bordeaux

Homestay

This type of accommodation is perfect for those who want to be fully immersed in everyday French life. There may be one or several students of different nationalities per family.

*Full board on weekends

School Residence

2009 prices to be confirmed.

Hotels and apart hotels accommodation available on request.

Courses in Bordeaux:

• General, Intensive and Combination French courses
• French, Culture and Cuisine
• French and Wine Appreciation
• Teacher Refresher course
• GCSE and A-Level revision courses
• French and Work Experience

School info [top of page]

More French language course destinations