Overview

The vibrant city of Montpellier is an ideal location for a group to immerse themselves in the language and culture of the South of France.

Montpellier is a typical university town and home of the oldest university in France. With just 250,000 inhabitants, many of whom are students, the city has a friendly, youthful atmosphere and enjoys a wide range of cultural events all year round. The historic centre has narrow, picturesque streets, elegant mansions and tree-shaded cafés. The lovely Mediterranean beaches are only a few miles away and the city has an excellent climate with over 300 days of sunshine each year.

The surrounding area of Languedoc-Rousillon and Bouches de Rhone provide numerous opportunities for visits and excursions. Students can enjoy not only the city itself but also the Camargue, Nimes, Perrier la Source, Les Baux and the magnificent Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard.

Our language school is located in a stunning 18^th century private mansion right in the heart of the city on a popular shopping street which is a pedestrian zone. The school has been totally renovated recently and provides facilities of a high standard including well-equipped classrooms with air conditioning, a student meeting room and a multi-media centre.

Accommodation

Homestay with a French family.

In close association with the language school, it’s possible for students to stay with French families and benefit from as much immersion in the language as they can. The families work regularly with the language school and welcome students from all over the world; many have long experience of working with students. It goes without saying that the families are closely vetted by both the language school and French authorities. Students from our groups are allocated in pairs and following information received from the group leader in order to achieve as much compatibility as possible.
Accommodation is in full board in twin rooms. Each day the students would meet at the language school and the rest of the group for the language session and activity of the day.

Language School Residence.
Subject to availability it is also possible for groups to stay in the Residence Clemenceau, a 10 minute walk from the language school.

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1

  Depart from school for overnight journey to France.
• Day 2

  Arrive at the accommodation in time to settle in and for dinner. Depending upon time of travel, a local visit/activity may be possible.
• Days 3-6

  Morning language session. Lunch. Afternoon activity.

  Evening activities may include bowling, ice skating, the zoo etc
• Day 7

  Morning language session. Lunch. Local afternoon activity.
  Overnight travel back to the UK
• Day 8

  Arrive back at school.

  This is a suggested itinerary only and can be of any length, combined in a variety of ways and be tailored to include the excursions and visits that you require. Any quotation will INCLUDE excursion and entry fees as stated in the itinerary. We will provide a guide price for any additional visits/activities.

Excursions

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN EACH TOUR:

• Transport to the South of France; either by executive coach and ferry crossing OR Flights.
• Airport transfers as appropriate
• Morning language sessions x 2 lessons of 55 minutes each.
• Course tailor made in consultation with group leader
• All course materials
• Stay with host families, full board and twin bed rooms for students and single rooms for teachers OR
  group accommodation in a hotel.
• Afternoon trips or activities included.
• One full day trip included.

SELECT FROM:-

Day trip from: Avignon and /or Pont du Gard, Camargue, Gorges du Tarn
Afternoon trips from: Arles guided tour, Arles antiquities, Nimes, Aigues Mortes, city of Montpellier tour or Perrier la Source.
Activities from: Ice skating, zoo, bowling, Planetarium, swimming, beach, aqua park, cinema, museum and local chateau guided tour.

EXCURSIONS AND VISITS.

THE CAMARGUE.

The delta of the River Rhone, known as the Camargue, is one of the most important wetlands in Europe. Along the outer fringes are long sandy beaches and dune complexes while behind these there are salt marshes teeming with wildlife and plants. Maintaining the balance between the natural habitats and the need for human activity such as farming and industry has meant that conflict can arise. The day can include the Camargue visitor centre, the resort of Saintes Maries de la Mer, a visit to a salt works or a boat trip on the Petit Rhone.

THE GORGES DU TARN.

Located in the Cevennes national Park, the Gorges du Tarn is a spectacular feature within the limestone massif. It may not be the longest or deepest in the world but it has an aura of its own. Here it is possible to appreciate mountain building and the action of water in creating the landscape. The villages along the gorge are frequently visited and together with the landscape form the backdrop for the day.

ARLES.

Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arles sits on a low hill where the River Rhone and a major tributary divide en route to the sea. The town dates from the 7^th century and was a major Gallo-Roman city.  The major Roman sites such as the Arena and the Theatre are unique in that they are integrated into the buildings and houses of the town rather than elsewhere such as Orange.

NIMES.

Nimes is located at the heart of southern Europe, close to the Mediterranean Sea. It’s on the border of Provence and Languedoc and is an historic city well worth a visit, not only for the antiquities but also to soak up the atmosphere of this lovely regional centre that is all things Roman and denim!

AIGUES MORTES.

Aigues-Motres or “dead waters” is a striking Medieval town sitting on the flat marshes of the Camargue. Originally a 13^th century military town with a port,it has become cut off from the sea but still looks much as it did in the Middle Ages, surrounded as it is by its wall, towers and fortified gates.

AVIGNON.

Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Avignon is ancient, full of history, life, youth and art music and activity. Visit the Palais des Papes, Pont d’Avignon, wander the narrow streets. This visit can be combined with a visit to the Magnificent Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard and/or a vineyard. An adventure park with high ropes is also possible as part of the return journey, although there is not enough time to do all the excursions in one day!