French Club 50+ course in Annecy
Take a French Club 50+ course in Annecy and explore the stunning “Venice of the Alps”, set on the shores of Lake Annecy
Prices & dates for Annecy
The French Alps have long been synonymous with winter sports, but outside of the snowy months this beautiful mountain range and its towns and villages offer vibrant flora and fauna, stunning scenery, opportunities for outdoor pursuits (active or relaxing!), and a very warm welcome.
Annecy is often referred to as the Venice of the Alps, thanks to the Thiou River that runs through the town centre and the network of canals that were channelled from it to aid the development of what, at the time, was a growing settlement. This labyrinth of waterways aided Annecy’s evolution, offering a vital resource for artisanal industry in medieval times, and forming part of the defensive system that made the town such a successful military stronghold. From the late 18th to mid-19th century, Annecy began to emerge as a location to enjoy, with the Romantic movement playing a pivotal role in recognising the beauty of the dramatic landscapes, picturesque bridges and winding medieval alleyways and architecture.
Today these attractive waterways entice millions of visitors to Annecy each year, all of whom come to enjoy the promenade culture, open-air cafés, and lakeside gardens, not to mention Lac d’Annecy itself, which boasts the accolade of being one of Europe’s cleanest lakes.
Whether you’re an outdoor pursuits enthusiast, or someone who prefers a slower pace of life while travelling, Annecy offers it all. There are numerous hiking trails into the surrounding hills, or hire a bike and enjoy exploring the local area on two wheels - dedicated bike tracks and paths ensure a leisurely cycle. For a different perspective, take to the water and enjoy the thrill of wakeboarding, or try paddleboarding for a more peaceful option.
If urban sightseeing is more your thing, enjoy wandering the cobbled streets and discovering the history and culture of the city. The centre of Annecy is very walkable, and with the exception of the hill leading up to Château d’Annecy, it’s also relatively flat (the view from the castle terrace is well worth it though, and there are lots of interesting stops along the way should you need to catch your breath). The compact old town, la Vieille Ville (not to be confused with Annecy-le-Vieux), is home to no less than 21 historical monuments. Visit the centre on a Tuesday, Friday or Sunday and you’ll be able to peruse the stalls of the local open-air market (tip - on Tuesday the market offers local food produce, and on Fridays and Sundays the market is bigger with stalls selling textile goods and other offerings). The market is generally open from 07:00-13:00 each day, so if you are on the morning lesson timetable it’s worth trying to visit before classes begin.
The school is just a ten-minute walk away from the market, old town and the train station. The institution has been offering French courses for over 30 years but they don’t rest on their laurels - in 2026 they moved into a new, recently renovated school building to offer their students more space and facilities. The two-storey facility combines classroom space with friendly student common areas to encourage interaction amongst course participants. The school’s primary level, which includes teaching and recreational spaces, is accessible to wheelchair users and students with reduced mobility. The school is also an official exam centre, making it a great option for anyone wanting to gain an internationally recognised qualification.
About our Club 50+ Annecy school
Our friendly French language school in Annecy is located less than a 10-minute walk from the train station and the historic centre, making it very easy to explore the picture-postcard environment both before and after classes. Recently renovated, the school building has seven bright and well- equipped classrooms, as well as a computer room with more than 20 workstations. There is also free Wi-Fi throughout the building, allowing students to work on their own devices if preferred in one of the common areas, and easily connect with loved ones back home.
Location of our school in Annecy
The Club 50+ package at our Annecy school
The 50+ language course in Annecy merges 24 informative and engaging French lessons per week with an exclusive programme of activities (lesson duration = 45 minutes). Each start date is open to a cohort of just 12 students, making it very easy for participants to get to know each other. Our partner school very proudly proclaim that students will leave Annecy with lifelong friends in addition to better French skills and a renewed enthusiasm for the language! Early booking is advised due to availability restrictions.
Students are placed into study groups according to level of French. Where possible, senior learners will have their lessons together. However, if the level of study isn’t suitable for everyone it is possible that 50+ participants will be placed in mixed-age groups with other international students. Ideally students will have at least a basic knowledge of French, but beginners are also welcome to join the course if there is enough demand. We just ask that students embarking on their French language studies contact us before making a booking to ensure we can arrange something suitable.
The school has a dedicated team of professional, native French speaking teachers who will work hard to help you develop and improve your linguistic ability. During daily lessons you will focus on your French conversation skills and also pay due attention to the construction of the language, giving you a sound knowledge of grammar and ensuring a well-rounded understanding of everything being taught. Lessons can be held in the morning or afternoon, but they will always be grouped together to maximise your time.
In addition to general lessons, there will be specialised workshops such as culture and civilisation, or grammar focus.
The Club 50+ programme in Annecy has start dates in spring, summer and autumn and it’s possible to choose between a one-week stay or two weeks.
Available accommodation in Annecy
As the programme includes several meals out with the chaperone and fellow participants many students opt to book the package that includes accommodation at a local 3-star hotel, located right in the heart of Annecy’s historic centre (and about a five-minute walk from the school). Rooms have a private bathroom and breakfast is included. Prices are based on single room occupancy, but shared rooms can be arranged by special request for friends and/or family member travelling together.
For students who wish to complete their immersive experience by living with a local, we also offer homestay accommodation on a bed and breakfast or half-board basis. In this case you will have your own bedroom but will typically share the bathroom with the host and any other family members. It isn’t usually possible to use the kitchen to prepare your own meals, therefore students should expect to eat out at lunch and dinner if choosing the bed and breakfast option. It is also important to mention that there is no reduction in the half-board accommodation fee when meals are missed as a result of eating out in the evening (the 50+ programme includes two dinners at a restaurant with the chaperone and fellow students per week). Bed linen and towels are provided and changed regularly. Some hosts live within walking distance of the school, others live a short journey away by public transport. All homestay homes offer wireless internet access.
If you’d prefer to stay in a student residence, our school works with several accommodation partners around the city. In most cases the residences are located 20 minutes by bus from the school. All residences have private single bedrooms and access to shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities. A private bathroom may be available at extra cost. All residences have coin-operated laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi. Bed linens are provided but towels are not so remember to pack your own.
For complete independence, studio apartments may be available on request. Apartments vary in size and cost - please contact us
As standard, all accommodation options are arranged from the Sunday before the course begins to the Saturday after the course finishes (6 nights for a one-week course and 13 nights for a two week course). An extra night on arrival and/or departure can usually be arranged at extra cost.
Participants are also welcome to book the course only with us and arrange their own accommodation separately.
Typical Club 50+ activities in Annecy
One of the unique aspects of this 50+ course in Annecy is the dedicated chaperone that is on hand to guide you in your learning journey, and accompany you on the activities and excursions that are included as part of the programme. Local to the area, your guide will become a new friend, sharing insight into daily life in Annecy, as well as tips to help you discover the quieter and less touristic parts of the Alpine city.
Typical activities include a cruise on Lake Annecy, guided tours of the old town and castles, and visits to local museums or sites of interest. The 50+ programme in Annecy leans heavily into the local gastronomic scene as well, with the schedule including two lunches and two dinners per week at a local bistro or restaurant for all members of the group. During these fun and social meals out you will be able to sample rich Savoyard specialities such as tartiflette, fondue, raclette, and delicious local wines - fans of crisp whites and light reds will be thoroughly satisfied!
At the weekend there will be a full day excursion into the Alps or to a nearby city. This excursion is included in the cost of the two-week programme. Students staying for one week only have the option to book the excursion at extra cost (in which case we would recommend they book an extra night of accommodation at the end of their stay).
Is this the right programme for you?
If you want to broaden your horizons, improve your French, learn about local culture, and increase your friendship group - all in a beautiful Alpine paradise - our French 50+ course in Annecy is for you!
The personal assistance of the dedicated chaperone makes this programme truly special, ensuring all members of the small and friendly group enjoy their stay and truly get to know the location and the language.
The carefully curated activity programme will present the best of Annecy to you, while dynamic French lessons will ensure your make as much progress as possible in the time available to you.
If the set start dates aren’t suitable for you please contact us contact us to enquire about our other courses in Annecy as we are sure to be able to propose an alternative. We regularly arrange for senior students to join our mixed-age language programme.
How to travel to Annecy for your Club 50+ programme
Most students who travel by plane fly to Geneva International Airport; which is around a 40-minute drive from Annecy. Students can arrange travel between the airport and Annecy independently, or we can arrange an airport transfer service for you for an additional fee. This is a private driver service so you will be greeted at the airport according to your flight details and taken directly to your accommodation.
Transfer services are also available to/from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, which is a 1.5-hour journey away.
You should arrange to arrive in Annecy on the Sunday before your course starts. Accommodation is included until the Saturday after the course finishes, but if you plan to stay for one week and would like to join the full day weekend excursion, you might like to consider booking an extra night on departure.
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Company Number: 08311373
