Learn French in France: Aquitaine

Bordeaux

The capital of the Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is an attractive, vibrant and historic city and a great language holiday destination.

The oldest part of Bordeaux has been classified as a UNESCO ‘outstanding urban and architectural ensemble’ of the 18th century, and in the last decade especially there has been much restoration of the old buildings and boulevards, which has lead to a boom in tourism.

Highlights for visitors include:

• The Palais de la Bourse, a grand building that the River Garonne.

• The Palais Rohan, a historic building that is now used as the town hall.

• The Grand Theatre, Europe’s oldest wooden-framed theatre.

Bordeaux is perhaps most associated with wine-growing though, and is, in fact, home to the world’s main wine fair, Vinexpo. The city is surrounded by vineyards and wineries where you can sample the region’s best offerings…and even take a wine tasting course if you like.

As a university city, Bordeaux has a wealth of entertainment options and a lively atmosphere. Whether you want relaxed restaurant dining or lively bars and nightclubs, Bordeaux has plenty for you to choose from.

Courses available Bordeaux include General, Individual, Combined, and Intensive French. Classes are offered at a variety of levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. Also available is a French & Wine course. Both schools in Bordeaux are centrally located, and provide comfortable and affordable accommodation options. The school in Place de Quinconces especially offers small class sizes for more intensive learning.

Biarritz image

Where Bordeaux is large, historic, and academic, Biarritz is small, chic and fun-filled. Known as Europe’s premier surf spot, it attracts amateur and experienced surfers from all over the world.

Despite its down-to-earth surfer vibe, it has also long enjoyed a reputation as a chic and up-market city and has therefore also attracts the rich and famous during peak season. Biarritz is actually home to one of the best-known and biggest casinos in France, which offers a great playground for anyone wanting to splash some cash!

Aside from the beaches, the shops and the bars, Biarritz’s tourist highlights include:

• The Musée de la Mer, which houses an impressive salt-water aquarium and rich natural history collections.

• The Asiatica Museum, where you can take in a fantastic collection of Asian art primarily from India, Nepal, Tibet, and China.

• The Museum of Chocolate, which explains its history and manufacture – definitely one not to be missed!

La Rocher de la Vierge – a statue of the Virgin Mary which commemorates the safe return of local fishermen thought to be lost in one of the thundering Atlantic storms. Walking out to the rock will give you a great view of the crashing Atlantic waves, and looking back, to the city of Biarritz itself.

Situated in the heart of the Basque country, just over the Spanish border, Biarritz is a city that is especially proud of its Basque heritage and identity, and the white and red costumes associated with this part of the world will be seen everywhere – especially in August as the nearby (and suitably lively!) Fête de Bayonne takes place.

In peak season especially, Biarritz can be somewhat pricey compared to other French cities, but most who have visited would say it’s worth it. Bear in mind also that are plenty of budget accommodation options to be found, and that the city’s relatively small size means that there’s no need to fork out for buses or taxis.

The school in Biarritz offers a range of French courses at several different levels. It also offers a great activity programme, including surf lessons, kayaking and walking, and is conveniently located close to the beach and the city centre.

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