Experience Bordeaux and its region in an unforgettable 8-day immersion where you’ll discover all the city has to offer in a fantastic program of French lessons, activities and excursions.

We have partnered with France Langue, French Language School and leader in France and overseas for more than 35 years, to create a unique program for French à la Carte students and members in our next immersion to France.

Dates

Sunday 2nd July to Sunday 9th July, 2023

French Level

This immersion is open to all levels except complete Beginners.

Participants will be split into groups of levels for all classes and activities so that everyone can enjoy the experience at its fullest, with a language level appropriate to them (Franglais, français facile or all in French).

If you consider yourself a Beginner but have studied French in the past, contact us to see if this immersion would be suitable for you.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, in the South-West of France, is the country’s 9th most populated city and is known throughout the world for its unique wines. This city has so much to offer such as art, history and thanks to its exceptional urban and architectural heritage, it is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Bordeaux has also been voted the most attractive city by the French for its quality of life and has been elected the “trendiest” city to visit in 2017 by The Lonely Planet!

You might know Bordeaux for its world famous wines/vineyards and have probably heard about its famous château’s, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Mouton Rothschild and other wonders of the French gastronomy. Bordeaux is of course the international capital of wine, but it is full of well-kept secrets that you need to discover to understand the beauty and identity of this unique city.

The school and classes

Located in a superb typical townhouse of the 19th century, France Langue Bordeaux is in the heart of the historical city-centre sharing its architecture and its unique atmosphere. The school has 9 classrooms, a beautiful lounge dedicated to students relaxing between classes and a lovely private garden with trees.

Within walking distance from Place des Quinconces, the National Opera, the famous Place de la Bourse with its Mirroir d’Eau (Water Mirror) and the Quais de la Garonne, the school will bring you to everything that makes Bordeaux so noble and exciting. Settle down in the school’s private garden in the shade of a fig tree or at a terrace of the Place Gambetta to do your French homework, then enjoy your break with a delicious canelé (typical cake from Bordeaux made with rum and natural vanilla) in Sainte Catherine Street, the animated pedestrian area of the city-centre.

The program includes 12h French classes during the immersion: 3h classes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday mornings.

Participants will be placed into small groups of similar levels, taught by local teachers who will design a cultural program to improve your language skills and discover the region.

Accommodation and meals

7 nights - Single room, continental breakfast

Participants will be accommodated in the 4-star residence Adagio, located just next to Place Gambetta, a 10 minute walk to the school.

Each participant will have its own large studio (28m2), equipped with A/C, a queen size bed, telephone and television, a kitchenette, a private bathroom and free wifi.

Studios are cleaned daily.

The residence has a fitness centre, a sauna and a hammam. Reception is open 24/7.

3 lunches & 6 dinners in local restaurants are included

Programme

Guided tour of the city centre of Bordeaux

Guided tour of the Cité du vin

La Cité du Vin is a unique cultural centre dedicated to the universal, living heritage of wine. It offers a spectacular journey around the world, throughout the ages, across countless cultures and civilisations. It is an immersive, sensory and interactive permanent exhibition, with 13,350m² space split over 10 levels.

Cruise & dinner on the Garonne river

To discover the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage quays and illuminated bridges of Bordeaux, while savouring a delicious dinner on a cruise ship. Your meal, inspired by the regional products of the sunny Southwestern region of France, is prepared on-board in the boat’s own kitchen, using fresh and local products. 

Full day excursion in St Emilion, famous for its wines

Spend a day sipping French reds and whites in the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wine region. Visit one chateau to taste the region’s famous wines and wander the streets of beautiful Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

French Pastry workshop

A unique private experience in the company of a chef to learn two recipes of delicious regional pastries: Cannelés and Gâteau Basque

Exhibition at the « Bassin des lumières »

The Bassin des Lumières, largest numeric art centre in the world, is located in an ancient submarine base in Bordeaux. The centre hosts fantastic and monumental numeric exhibitions dedicated to the most famous artists in the world.  

Ballet Don Quichotte at the Opera de Bordeaux

Embark on one magical night at the majestic Opera de Bordeaux to watch an evening show — the fabulous ballet Don Quichotte by the ONB.

Full day excursion at Arcachon & the Dune du Pyla

Discover the oyster sheds that are laid in rows one next to each other in Arcachon, taste fresh Arguin Banc accompanied with baguette, butter and white wine. After a short drive from Arcachon town, reach the highest sand dune of Europe located in the small town of Pilat sur Mer. Once at the top, discover the natural beauty of the landscape and admire one of the most stunning views of the Bay and the pine forest in the back.

Price: $6,800 per person

What's included

+ Return transfers to and from Bordeaux airport

+ 7 nights’ accommodation & breakfast

+ 3 lunches and 6 dinners

+ 12hr French classes taught local teacher at France Langue School

+ Two accompanying teachers from French à la Carte

+ Excursion program as listed above

What's not included

+ Your flights to France

+ Drinks, meals, excursions not mentioned in program

+ Insurance (i.e. travel, health, loss or damage to personal property)

Price

$6,800 per person

To secure your place

+  Minimum 20 participants, maximum 40 participants

+   A non-refundable deposit of $900 will need to be paid before 8th January, 2023

+   Bookings will be ONLY confirmed upon reception of the full deposit, on a first come first served basis

+   Final payment will be due by 31st May, 2023

Cancellation Policy

If French à la Carte cancels the immersion, you will receive a full refund.

If you cancel:

-  Before May 31st, 2023: your deposit will not be refunded - unless you find a replacement, in which case an admin fee of $300 will be charged.

-  Between May 31st, 2023 and arrival date: full amount charged - unless you find a replacement, in which case only the admin fee and any admin fees charged by the providers will be charged.

Contact & more info

info@frenchalacarte.com.au

0400 141 370