Overview

The Medieval alpine town of Annecy and its region provides the backdrop for numerous learning experiences

Faverges together with La Clusaz and its neighbouring village of St Jean Sixt are the settings for our French language course. This is a charming part of the Alps that is easily accessible by coach and just 1.5 hours from Geneva airport.  The surrounding Aravais Mountains provide stunning scenery, traditional villages and numerous places to visit during your stay. The medieval town of Annecy at the head of the lake of the same name is 35kms away and offers further opportunities for visits and excursions.
For group leaders looking for a taught language element to a tour, we work with language schools in Annecy and Megeve who will come to the accommodation and deliver the language content that you require. There is a meeting room at your disposal for this.
In addition to various options for visits, it is also possible to include sporting activities such as high ropes or via ferratta, horse riding, white water sports, mountain biking, tennis, volleyball and many more for groups travelling in the period April to October. For groups wishing to travel in December to March it is also possible to combine your language course with skiing – lessons can be in French or English depending on the level of immersion required.

Accommodation

Centre Forgeassoud

3 Star

The centre is located in the village of St Jean Sixt, 5kms from La Clusaz. It is purpose built for groups and offers a high standard of accommodation for groups. Students are in rooms for 3-6 persons that are spacious and have private facilities. Teachers will be accommodated in twin or single rooms that are en-suite. Meals are full board and taken in the light and airy restaurant and comprise a buffet breakfast, hot lunch and 3-course evening dinner. A packed lunch can be provided if preferred or if the group have a visit or excursion.

The centre is extremely well equipped. There is both an indoor and a small outdoor pool, disco, volleyball, billiards, tennis court table tennis, bar and lounge that will ensure that there is plenty of alternatives for relaxation.

Chateau de Faverges

2 Star

The chateau is located in the village of Faverges to the south of Lake Annecy and is well positioned to reach the study areas. It occupies an elevated position overlooking the village and valley and dates from the 13^th century – only the tower now remains. Its chequered history includes being a military hospital in both the first and second World Wars, although it was originally built in its present form for an Italian aristocratic family!

Student rooms are multi-bedded for 3-5 persons with private facilities. Teachers will have twin/single rooms that are en-suite. Depending upon the time of year, and size of the group, meals may be taken on the sunny terrace or in a delightful dining room with vaulted ceiling. The restaurant is very good and the meals prepared area high standard and varied and usually includes a regional speciality one evening. Facilities include a spacious lounge bar area with table football and billiards, a table tennis room, classroom/meeting room and a library. Outside there is a large enclosed garden with volleyball court, boules and a small swimming pool for the use of guests during the summer.

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1

  Depart from school for a ferry/tunnel crossing,
• Day 2

  Arrive at your accommodation in time for evening meal. Afternoon language session.
  Eve: Swimming in house/in local village
• Day 3

  Morning language session. Lunch. Visit Gorges du Fier and Talloires for the adventure park and high ropes course.

  Eve: In- house
• Day 4

  Optional day trip to Chamonix.
  Eve: Bowling
• Day 5

  Morning language session. Lunch. Visit to Annecy.

  Eve: Meal out.
• Day 6

  Morning language session. Lunch. Time for some local shopping.
  Depart late afternoon for the return journey to the UK
• Day 7

  Arrive 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.

  For groups wishing to combine language with skiing, ski school will take place in the afternoons for 2 hours each day.

Excursions

CHAMONIX.

The mountaineering capital of the Alps, Chamonix is a busy winter and summer destination for visitors. Dominated by Mont Blanc and its glaciers, there is definitely a wow factor here. Studies can be combined with recreation in a variety of ways and every student will want to get close to the ice. The Aiguille du Midi cable car takes you to the closest point to Mont Blanc. From here descend to the gondola station that takes you to Helbronner in Italy over the Glacier du Géant as an optional extension of your trip. Or return to Plan d’Aigulle and walk the Balcon Nord where the whole range of valley glacier landforms can be appreciated along this easy route (best after May when all snow has melted) At the end is the Mer de Glace where there are plenty of opportunities to get up close with a glacier. Take time to visit the ice caves and sculptures before returning to Chamonix by mountain railway.

ANNECY.

Close to the shore of the lake, and overlooked by some impressive mountains, Annecy is one of the most beautiful and popular resort towns of the Alps and so can be busy in summer. Its main importance historically was in the 16^th century and now has a new role as a regional and tourist centre. The old streets and canals form the centre of the town.

LA CLUSAZ.

This village is far from the madding crowd and retains much of its alpine charm. As its only 1 hour from Geneva airport and 35 kms from Annecy it is easily accessible and provides a lovely area for activities and an extensive ski area.

GORGES DU FIER.

The Gorge is a short stretch of river which drains the Lac d’Annecy and is located where the river encounters harder rock. Evidence of much higher river discharge is evident as the water flows in a deep gorge originally created by glacial melt water from the lake. The route takes you along a suspended walkway 70m above the water.

TALLOIRES ADVENTURE PARK.

The adventure park in Talloires was the first High Wire Rope Course in the region. It offers a number of activities in the trees, a Mountain Bike Adventure course, and Orienteering course and the Forest of 5 senses thereby making this a popular choice of activity.