Learn French in Nice, France 

This beautiful city on the French Riviera is centrally located on the Mediterranean coast of the south of France.  Steeped in Greek and Roman history and with an impressive range of cultural festivals, galleries and museums, this city of 350,000 inhabitants enjoys a mild climate all year round.  The old town of Nice is famous for its cobbled alleyways, restaurants, street cafes and colourful markets and within easy access of the city are some of the most picturesque countryside areas of the Provence region.  

Our school is located in the very heart of the city, just a few minutes' walk from the sea and a well-known pedestrian shopping area with bars, restaurants and cafes.  The Belle Epoque mansion housing the school has its own garden, nine classrooms on three floors, a library and computer room with internet access for all students.  There are also hot and cold drinks machines.  A second centre operates in the summer months, a charming place with similar facilities just 15 minutes by bus from the city centre.

Courses are available all year round for a variety of ages and levels.  Please click on one of the options below for more details:

• General, Intensive and Combination French Courses
• Individual French Courses
• French + Sailing
• French + Diving
• French Teacher Refresher Course
• French Exam Revision Course
• Young at Heart Course

Cultural activities and excursions are offered to enhance the language learning experience and to help students discover the region.  All activities are conducted in French, taking into account the different levels of those attending.  There are guided excursions to Cannes, Monaco, Saint Paul de Vence and Grasse.  Other activities and visits include French film screenings, themed nights, quiz nights, seminars, debates, theatre outings, wine + cheese tastings, guided visits of museums, beach volleyball competitions and the opportunity to try the local sport pétanque.  Many of these activities are free or have a small charge payable at the school.

Accommodation is available all year round, in homestays, shared apartments with French hosts and student apartments.  There is also accommodation in studio apartments and hotels, available upon request.

Transfers: one way or return transfers from/to Nice Airport are available; prices upon request.  If you book homestay accommodation with your course, your arrival transfer is included free of charge (Sunday arrivals only).

School Closure: 1 Jan, 9 Apr, 1/17/28 May, 15 Aug, 1 Nov 2012.  The school will be closed on these public holidays and no classes will be held.  Missed group classes are replaced by a free-of-charge excursion.  Private lessons will be rescheduled.  The school will also close on 23 Dec 2012 for the festive period and re-open on 6 Jan 2013.

General, Intensive and Combination French Courses in Nice

A variety of French courses are available with group and individual lessons (which can be tailored to suit your needs).  All lessons are taught in French only and teachers discourage the use of any other language in the classroom.  Course fees include a placement test, student card, orientation tour of Nice, course materials and certificate.  Some homework is usually given during the courses.  Long term courses are also available for 5+ weeks - please contact us for details.

General French Course

Intensive French Course

Combination French Course

2012 Start dates:

*Beginners can only start courses on these dates.  Please note that the Intensive Course is not suitable for beginners.

#Maximum 2-week course for this start date.

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Individual French Courses in Nice

Individual tuition is ideal for those who are looking for intensive learning or those who wish to focus on specific topics, as lesson content can be tailored to an individual's needs. This type of course can either be one-to-one with the teacher, or two students of the same level together with a teacher (please contact us for two-to-one tuition prices).  Course fees include a placement test, student card, course materials and certificate.

One-to-one Tuition

2012 Start dates:  Courses start on any Monday, except on days which are public holidays or during the festive period when the school is closed.

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French + Sailing in Nice

During July and August, students can take a sailing course in addition to their French course.  The 2-week course covers both theory and practice and instruction is given in French (as much as possible), by fully qualified monitors.  Course fees include a language placement test, student card, course materials and certificate, as well as equipment hire and insurance for sailing.

2012 Start dates: 2*/9/16*/23/30* July and 6/13/20/27 August 2012

*suitable for complete beginners of French

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French + Diving in Nice

From May to October, students can take a diving course in addition to their French course.  The 2-week course includes both theory and practice and instruction is given in French (as much as possible), by fully qualified PADI Gold Palm monitors.  Course fees include a language placement test, student card, course materials and certificate, as well as equipment hire and insurance for diving.  At the end of the diving course, students are awarded the PADI 1st Level certificate.

2012 Start Dates

*Suitable for complete beginners of French

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French Teacher Refresher Course in Nice 

This course is designed for teachers of French with an advanced language level who would like to refresh their grammar, methodology, pronunciation and classroom strategy, as well as broadening their knowledge of Spanish culture.  It also offers the opportunity to exchange views and ideas with classroom colleagues from other countries.  Course fees include a language placement test, course materials and certificate, use of school facilities including internet, plus some cultural activities and excursions.

2012 Start Dates: 23 July 2012

Caledonia is approved by the British Council to provide courses for language teachers, including teachers returning after a career break. Click here for more Teacher Refresher course options and Comenius funding.

Combination courses are also eligible for Comenius funding and are ideal for teachers who do not have an advanced level in the language, as well as offering more flexible start dates.

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French Exam Revision Course in Nice

The main purpose of this course is to improve pupils' spoken French, grammatical weak points, essay planning and writing techniques in preparation for A-Level French examinations or equivalent.  Morning lessons focus on general grammar and vocabulary through listening activities, oral and written comprehension and communication.  Afternoon lessons are devoted to writing techniques and text analysis.  This also forms the homework which is expected to be completed each evening, before class the next day.  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.  Course fees include a language placement test, course materials and certificate, use of school facilities including internet.

February Half-Term and Easter Courses*

 *only 1-week course available on these dates

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Young at Heart Course in Nice

This course is designed for mature students aged 50+ years.  Language learning focuses on communication and the use of practical, everyday French, as well as integrating topics covered in the cultural programme for each afternoon.  This is combined with an extensive programme of cultural activities and social events.  Course fees include a placement test, course materials and certificate, culture + social programme, and use of school facilities including internet.

2012 Start dates: 13 Feb*, 14 May, 3 Sept, 22 Oct, 12/26 Nov 2012

*The activity programme during the February course incorporates Carnival events

The culture and social programme includes the following: a guided visit of the old town on the first day; excursions to local towns/villages (e.g. Beaulieu + Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Cagnes sur Mer, Entrevaux and Villefranche sur Mer); museum visits; local cuisine and wine tasting; a concert, dance evening and dinner out with the school staff.  All activities are guided in French.

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Accommodation in Nice

Accommodation runs from Sunday to Saturday (1 week = 6 nights).

Homestay

This type of accommodation is perfect for those who wish to be fully immersed in everyday French life.

Shared Apartment with French Host

This type of accommodation is ideal for those who wish to have more independence, though would still like the opportunity to live with natives in order to practise speaking French outside of the classroom.  This is self-catering accommodation, with shared kitchen facilities, bathroom, etc.  Bed linen is included but students are required to take their own towels.

Student Apartment

This is shared accommodation, with other students studying at the school; a fun option for younger students, only 5-10 minutes' walk from the school.  There are 6-8 students per flat, in either single or shared rooms, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Minimum stay is 2 weeks.

Studio apartments and hotel accommodation are also available upon request.

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If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us by:

French Courses in Nice  

• General, Intensive and Combination French Courses
• Individual French Courses
• French + Sailing
• French + Diving
• French Teacher Refresher Course
• French Exam Revision Course
• Young at Heart Course

More French language course destinations