Why learn French in Bordeaux?
A language stay in Bordeaux takes you to a city whose historic centre, the 'Port of the Moon', is listed by UNESCO. Pale stone façades line the curving Garonne, and the long riverside quays have been turned into a promenade for walkers, cyclists and skaters. Modern trams glide through a largely pedestrian centre, and a large university keeps the city young and lively.
Bordeaux suits students preparing for higher education in France, adults interested in food, wine and culture, and teenagers who want a safe city with plenty to do. Choose general, intensive or exam preparation courses. A placement test on arrival places you in the right class from your very first morning.
- Accredited partner schools in central Bordeaux
- Host family or student residence - both vetted and close to your school
- Placement test on arrival so you join the right class
- Insurance and transfer from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport organised
Your stay at a glance
Bordeaux highlights
Make the most of your time beyond the classroom: the places worth seeing, and the city at its best.
The events that bring Bordeaux to life
From major festivals to once-a-year traditions, these are the moments that give the city its own rhythm.
Carnaval des Deux Rives
February or March
Bordeaux's biggest carnival, with a costumed parade crossing both banks of the Garonne.
Escales du Livre
Spring
A free literature festival with author talks, readings and workshops on the right bank.
Bordeaux Christmas Market
December
Wooden chalets fill the city centre with crafts, mulled wine and festive treats.
Frequently asked questions
Bordeaux blends elegant architecture, a relaxed pace of life and a strong student presence. The centre is easy to explore on foot or by tram, and the Atlantic beaches and vineyards are within easy reach at weekends. A language stay in Bordeaux is ideal if you want to learn French in a beautiful, manageable city.
No particular level is required. Our partner schools in Bordeaux run French courses for complete beginners through to advanced speakers. A placement test on your first day puts you in the right group, and your teachers adapt the pace as you progress.
Yes. Many of our partner schools offer preparation for the DELF and DALF, the official French diplomas, and some also prepare you for the TCF. French universities often ask for one of these, so tell us your plans and we'll suggest a suitable course length.
It can be. Staying with a vetted host family means French at breakfast and dinner, while a student residence offers more independence. We look for accommodation close to your school or on a convenient tram line, and confirm every detail from Brussels before you leave.
Bordeaux has a mild oceanic climate. Summers are warm and sunny, perfect for combining lessons with trips to the coast, while winters are cool and often damp. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant, and September brings the grape harvest to the surrounding vineyards.
Yes. Bordeaux is a safe, welcoming city, and summer programmes for teenagers usually include supervision, activities and excursions. A host family provides a reassuring base. Minimum ages vary by school and some courses are for adults only, so contact us and we'll help you choose the right option.
