Program Locations
Study French Abroad in France
France is the dream destination when it comes to studying French abroad. There is a certain je ne sais quoi about France that draws us in. Whether it’s the quintessential cuisine, the French arts and culture scene, or the whole French lifestyle thing we see in the films! Here’s where you can live out your dreams, studying the language and exploring la belle vie française!
The benefits of learning French in France
- Study mornings, experience all aspects of French life the rest of the day.
- Instantly apply the French you’ve learned in real life situations beyond the classroom.
- Acquire fresh French language as spoken in the country today, and learn it in context.
- Use French with your classmates as the lingua franca!
- Learn French but also play the tourist – discover everything your city has to offer through organized excursions.
- Your school’s team know the best spots, and can take you to the locations off the beaten track that only French people know!
Program Info
In-country
In-country classes are when you travel overseas to study the language in a country where the language is spoken natively.
Group Size
Course Timings
Choose where to learn French in France
We have eight incredible French locations for your studies abroad. It’s going to be hard to get it wrong, but we can help you choose if you’re not sure. Here are our top French locations:
Aix-en-Provence
- Located in the south of France
- Take a cooking & French class
- Visit Paul Cézanne’s studio where he created most of his post-impressionist artworks.
- Wander through peaceful gardens, art galleries and shops
- Be sure to visit Le Grande Marché, for a fantastique shopping experience.
Biarritz
- Located in southwestern France, on the Basque coast.
- Known as a major surfing destination, you can take a surfing and French class.
- Relax on the beach and enjoy the local seafood.
- Take in a walking or biking tour of local historic cathedrals and architecture.
Bordeaux
- Bordeaux is the world’s oldest and most prestigious wine growing area located in southwestern France
- Take a wine tasting and French class.
- Join an excursion to the Water Mirror across from the Place de la Bourse and stroll through historic architecture.
- Be sure to include a tour of any of the local chateau vineyards
- Stroll through the lovely Jardin Public in the heart of Bordeaux.
Lyon
- The capital city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region that sits on the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers.
- Sign up for cooking and French lessons
- Stroll through the Parc de la Tête d’Or, a large urban park complete with botanical gardens and zoo.
- Take in the Gallo-Roman Museum and cruise through 2,000 years of history
- Visit the Institut Lumière and discover the birthplace of cinema
Nice
- A coastal town located on the Mediterranean, known as the French Riviera
- Put your French to use by getting lost among the winding streets of old town.
- Combine your French studies with other interests and try French & Diving, French & Tennis, French & Biking, or French & Golf
- Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and bathe in the sunshine
- Take a French cooking class or just enjoy the many restaurants and cafes.
Paris
- The capital of France, known as the City of Lights.
- Spend the day touring the famous sights like the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.
- Take a French & Fashion course or French & Cooking
- Wander through the Montmartre and take in the views atop of the outdoor staircase to Sacre-Coeur Basilica
- Enjoy Paris’ many gardens: Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin de Luxembourg
Rouen
- Located in heart of Normandy in the north of France on the river Seine.
- Discover historic architecture from the medieval times of great cathedrals that Victor Hugo described ‘as the city of 100 spires’
- Learn how to make French pastries with a French & Cuisine course
- Explore the quaysides of the river Seine that is host to public parks, cars and cafés.
- Take your French further with a work internship
Montpellier
- Located in the south of France in the Occitanie region and only 10 km from the Mediterranean Sea.
- Experience thousands of tears of history, breathtaking natural landscapes and 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Combine French + yoga, French + science or French + cooking
- Experience French culture through local festivals, concerts and exhibitions
- Practice your French with classmates at the local cafe’s, bars and restaurants.
“I though the course was great. I have not studied French in 20 years and the school figured out where I belonged. Class was very fun. I brought my daughter and we had a family vacation while improving our French. I would definitely do it again.”
Cynthia
Program Info
In-country
In-country classes are when you travel overseas to study the language in a country where the language is spoken natively.
Group Size
Course Timings
Formats
Choose your course type
Each of our study abroad partner schools in France will offer a slightly different range of program formats to choose from, but these are likely to include, as a minimum:
International group classes
This is where one of the big benefits of studying French in France becomes clear – your fellow classmates will be native to other countries. The common language in and out of the classroom is French.
Your teachers in France will all have learned to teach French using the same methodology – one which lends itself to using French every moment of your time together.
That may seem daunting at first, but because your classes will be at your level of French, you really have nothing to worry about. Even if you’re a complete beginner, your Fench teacher will make you feel comfortable and confident. And then the fun starts!
Extra private French lessons in France
Whilst you will usually attend group classes, it is generally possible to add a handful – maybe 5 or 10 per week – of private French lessons where you’ll pay extra to have your own personal Spanish tutor.
Just like the private French classes we offer at ILI, you’ll be able to use that private time to boost your learning, focus on a troublesome area of language, or prepare for a specific event or situation which can’t be covered easily in a group context.
French + activity & combination courses
Some schools have packaged together their French courses with popular activities, so that each week you take part in activities around your chosen theme, for example:
- French Language and Culture programs for over 50s
- French Language, Culture & Cuisine
- French + Surfing
- French + Business French
If you’re not sure which option is best for you, please contact us and we can discuss this with you.
Package options
We’ll help you with the whole package – everything you need to think about to get you from where you are now, to sitting in a sunny classroom somewhere in France, learning French!
We know it can seem like a big leap, which is why we help you with all the moving parts:
Airport transfer (additional fee)
The school can provide a customized airport transfer service for your convenience, ensuring a smooth journey from your arrival at the airport.
Should you require it, they can also arrange transportation back to the airport on the day of your departure.
Accommodations
They’ll advise you on the most popular accommodation options in each location, and they will do everything we can to support any special requirements you have.
Our colleagues in each school will then have you complete their forms to book you into the accommodation of your choice. It’s really that easy. Before you leave for France, they’ll be in touch with all the contact details you need, along with clear instructions on how to find your accommodation, and travel between the accommodation and the school.
Excursions
One thing is certain, there will always be plenty to do when you’re studying French abroad in France. Sure, you’ll have your French lessons each day from Monday to Friday, but that won’t generally take up the whole day, unless you book a very intensive French course.
Most afternoons your chosen French school in France will put on activities and excursions for you. Many will be low-key social activities in and around the school, such as city walking tours, film nights and trips to a local bar or restaurant. However there will also be the opportunities to sign up to extra paid excursions – to visit local art galleries and museums, a palace or castle, or other famous monument during the week.
Then at weekends, there will frequently be full-day excursions to neighboring cities to consider, maybe a trip to a big soccer match, an exhilarating concert, moving piece of theatre,… you get the idea!
And of course, if all that sounds like too much, these activities are optional. You can kick back, go find a beach or a quiet cafe, and watch the world go by.
If you require a different course duration or a different class time to usual, please get in touch and we’ll tell you what’s possible and provide you with a quote.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re certain that you’ll have plenty of questions ahead of booking a French in France language program with us, and that’s why we’re here to help.
Here are some of the questions we get asked the most. Please use the form below to get in touch, and we’ll be right back to you.
Selected FAQs
Yes. Many of our partners offer Language + Activity type of courses. Here are some example courses: Spanish and cooking; French and wine tasting; Italian and fashion; Portuguese and surfing and many more combinations.
Some of our partner schools have campuses in different ciites and allow students to spend part of their time in one location and continue their studies in another one as they follow the same curriculum.
We are accredited by the International Association of Language Centres (IALC) and have created great partnerships with other small language schools around the world.
We have sent students to a number of schools and in exchange we receive a commission on the student’s tuition for the recommendation at no extra cost to you. We put this money towards our Free English Program for Immigrants and Refugees. This helps close the gap on funding we receive from the state of Massachusetts and what the program actually costs to run.
Most of our partner schools have a minimum of one week requirement for their language travel program so you can go for a week or more!
Yes. Many of our partner schools offer language classes for younger kids as well so there could be opportunities to plan a family language travel experience depending on your destination.
Most of our partners offer homestay, shared or studio apartments options.
View all our Frequently Asked Questions >
Still got an unanswered question?
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch with us.
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Ready to get started with a French program abroad?
Registering your interest for a Study Abroad program with ILI couldn’t be easier! Simply follow the steps below to get started:
- Complete our online inquiry form.
- We’ll be in touch to discuss your needs and get to know you.
- We’ll send you a range of options and prices.
- You book your chosen program!
Still not sure?
Not a problem! If you are searching for more information you can:
- View our frequently asked questions
- Get in touch and ask us a question
Other ways to learn French
Group French lessons in Northampton, USA or online
Our Group French lessons take place in our lovely school in downtown Northampton, Massachusetts. The days and times depend on your level.
Private French Lessons
Our Private French lessons online or in-person allow you to shape your learning around your busy life. You choose the times, days and topics, we’ll do the rest!
French in Canada
Québec, Canada is an excellent choice for a language travel experience. Close and affordable with many adventurous attractions and activities.
The ILI Promise
At ILI, we believe that all our actions should stem from grace and loving kindness.
- We operate as an equal opportunity organization.
- We nurture relationships beyond the classroom.
- We are committed to providing the highest quality language instruction and teacher training.
- We promote intercultural understanding and celebrates the diversity in our local communities.
- We works collaboratively to build and sustain the communities we serve.
- We believe in life-changing teaching and learning.