French in Chamonix, France
Chamonix is situated in the heart of the French Alps on the border of France, Switzerland and Italy. Surrounded by towering peaks and enormous glaciers, the picturesque town is adjacent to the highest mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc, and provides world class ski slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels as well as opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding throughout the summer. The population of the town is just 14,000 though this increases dramatically in both winter and summer seasons. The atmosphere is friendly and lively with a large number of bars, cafes and restaurants and a fun night life.
Our school offers the opportunity to ‘live the dream', studying French and indulging in your favourite alpine sports and activities. It is a small school with only 3 classrooms, a modern lounge with snacks/drinks available, library for literature and French films, and free Wi-Fi connection for students.
Courses are available in 4 different seasons throughout the year, for a variety of ages and levels. Please note that the course textbook is not included in the fees; this can be purchased directly at the school for approximately €20-30. Students receive a certificate upon completion of their course. Please click on one of the options below for more details:
Cultural activities and excursions are offered throughout the year to facilitate the practice of spoken French and to encourage students to discover the local area and culture, as well as socialising with other students in the school. For example: introduction course to avalanche and glacier awareness; trip through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Courmayeur in Italy; ‘Discover Chamonix' game to help students improve their knowledge of the town and its people; French film screenings at the school; visit to a vineyard by Lake Geneva; wine tastings; fondue and raclette nights; indoor climbing.
Accommodation is available in shared apartments and private studios, all year round.
Transfers: one way transfers available to/from Geneva Airport (journey time approx. 1hr 15mins); please contact us for details.
School Closure: 25 Apr, 14 Jul, 15 Aug, 1 Nov and 26 Dec 2012. The school will be closed on these public holidays and no classes will be held. Only private lessons will be rescheduled.
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SP, London - General French Course (January '10) |
The school was in a great location, conveniently located between the town and most of the student residences...The French lessons were good and so was my teacher...The activities organized were great, ski excursions along with cultural events in town... I had a fantasic time on my trip. The skiing was great, the school was great and just spending time in the town was a lot of fun. All aspects of my trip were a success.
General and Long-Term French Courses in Chamonix
These courses are designed for those who wish to learn communicative French skills, ideal for use in everyday life.
Classic Winter Course
This is the most popular course in Chamonix, for skiing and snowboarding outside of class time. Chamonix offers beautiful alpine sunshine and scenery as well as long, smooth slopes, outstanding off-piste opportunities and a fun, challenging snowpark. Please note that ski passes are not included in the course fee. Ski passes can be organised through us and discounts are applicable to students taking a course of 6+ weeks.
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Course duration: |
2-15 weeks |
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Consists of: |
20 group lessons per week |
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Class timetable: |
rotating schedule 09.00 - 12.15 or 14.30 - 17.45 |
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Lesson duration: |
45 minutes |
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Maximum class size: |
20 students |
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Minimum language level: |
beginner* |
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Minimum age: |
18 years |
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Cost: |
2 weeks £540 / 3 weeks £785 / 4 weeks £1,015 |
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10 weeks £2,250 / 13 weeks £2,550 / 15 weeks £2,750 |
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Start dates*: |
16/23/30 Jan, 6/13/20/27 Feb, 5/12/19/26 Mar |
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and 2/9/16/23/30 Apr 2012 |
*Beginners: please contact us for suitable dates
Summer Course
This season offers opportunities for mountain-biking, climbing and hiking. Chamonix is a great base for both short hikes and weekend camping adventures, climbing indoors, outdoors, on rock and on ice, long distance road biking or steep technical ascents/descents (possible to rent bikes). Other activities include paragliding, canyoning and swimming.
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Course duration: |
2-13 weeks |
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Consists of: |
20 group lessons per week |
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Class timetable: |
09.00 - 12.15 |
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Lesson duration: |
45 minutes |
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Maximum class size: |
16 students |
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Minimum language level: |
beginner* |
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Minimum age: |
18 years |
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Cost: |
2 weeks £540 / 3 weeks £785 / 4 weeks £1,015 |
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10 weeks £2,250 / 13 weeks £2,550 |
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Start dates*: |
18/25 Jun, 2/9/16/23/30 Jul, 6/13/20/27 Aug |
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and 3/10 Sep 2012 |
*Beginners: please contact us for suitable dates
Autumn Course
This is low season in Chamonix, also offering opportunities for mountain-biking, climbing and hiking.
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Course duration: |
2-7 weeks |
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Consists of: |
20 group lessons per week |
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Class timetable: |
09.00 - 12.15 |
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Lesson duration: |
45 minutes |
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Maximum class size: |
16 students |
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Minimum language level: |
beginner* |
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Minimum age: |
18 years |
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Cost: |
2 weeks £540 / 3 weeks £785 / 4 weeks £1,015 |
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Start dates*: |
17/24 Sep, 1/8/15/22/29 Oct and 5/12/19 Nov 2012 |
*Beginners: please contact us for suitable dates
December Course
This is a great month for skiing and snowboarding in Chamonix, in the lead up to Christmas, as it is generally a little quieter and more relaxed, with less queues on the slopes.
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Course duration: |
2-4 weeks |
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Consists of: |
20 group lessons per week |
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Class timetable: |
09.00 - 12.15 |
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Lesson duration: |
45 minutes |
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Maximum class size: |
16 students |
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Minimum language level: |
beginner* |
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Minimum age: |
18 years |
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Cost: |
2 weeks £540 / 3 weeks £785 / 4 weeks £1,015 |
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Start dates*: |
26 Nov and 3/10/17 Dec 2012 |
*Beginners: please contact us for suitable dates
Accommodation [bottom of page]
Individual French Course in Chamonix
One-to-one tuition is ideal for those who would like intensive learning or those who wish to focus on specific topics as lesson content can be tailored to an individual's needs.
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Course duration: |
1+ weeks |
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Consists of: |
10 individual French lessons per week |
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Class timetable: |
flexible |
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Lesson duration: |
60 minutes |
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Maximum class size: |
1 student |
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Minimum language level: |
beginner |
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Minimum age: |
18 years |
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Cost: |
1 week £550 / 2 weeks £1,100 |
2012 Start dates: Courses start on any week day, except on public holidays
Accommodation [bottom of page]
Accommodation in Chamonix
All our accommodation in Chamonix is self-catering, tends to be compact but well planned and is located within walking distance of the school, the town centre and the closest ski resort. Accommodation runs from Saturday to Saturday (1 week = 7 nights). Please note that Chamonix is a popular destination so early booking is advised due to limited accommodation availability.
Shared Apartment
Apartments are fully furnished and offer shared kitchen and bathroom facilities and a living room. Bed linen and towels are not included. The shared room option is for 4 students per apartment. The single room option is for 2 students per apartment. The following prices are per person.
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Single, self-catering |
Shared, self-catering |
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1-9 weeks |
£265 per week |
£180 per week |
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10 weeks |
£2,425 |
£1,495 |
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13 weeks |
£2,785 |
£1,750 |
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15 weeks |
£3,195 |
£1,880 |
Private Studio
This type of accommodation is ideal for those who wish to have more privacy. Studios are available for one person or a couple. Friends wishing to stay together should opt for a shared room in a shared apartment (above). Studios are fully furnished with kitchenette facilities and a bathroom. Bed linen and towels are not included.
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Single/ twin, self-catering |
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1-9 weeks |
£370 per week |
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10 weeks |
£3,420 |
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13 weeks |
£4,100 |
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15 weeks |
£4,775 |
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us by:
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Telephone: |
+44 (0) 131 621 7721 |
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Email: |
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or submit an |
French Courses in Chamonix
