French Club 50+ course in Paris
Prices & dates for Paris
Paris is a city that appears on most people’s ‘must visit’ lists. A city that oozes je ne sais quois, visitors flock to Paris in all seasons to enjoy the history, culture, and wonderful gastronomy (perhaps we do know ‘what’ after all!). The capital is known fondly as the City of Light, but do you know why? Most would assume it’s due to the magnificent landmarks and bridges being illuminated each night, but the moniker actually comes from the fact that Paris was one of the first cities to introduce wide-spread street lighting, around the time of the mid-17th century. The city was also a favourite destination of the Enlightenment, an intellectual movement that became popular in western Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Why not emulate the likes of Francis Bacon and Benjamin Franklin and develop your own new ideas and theories over a glass of wine or a coffee in one of the city’s many cafés or bars!
Paris is a city to explore on foot, allowing the visitor to marvel at historic architecture, saunter along beautiful narrow streets, and people watch as they go. Prenez le temps de flâner et s'imprégner de l'atmosphère means take the time to wander around and just soak up the atmosphere - fantastic advice in our opinion! Of course, walking isn’t always possible - the city has 20 districts (or arrondissements), each with its own unique character - so when further distances need to be covered, turn to the fantastic public transport system, which consists of a wide-reaching network of underground trains (the metro), buses and trams.
Our French Club 50+ course is held at the ‘Paris’ school, which is located in the 8th-arrondissement. This is known as the Europe district and is one of the liveliest and most cultural sections of the city. Many theatres (Opéra Garnier, Casino de Paris, Théâtre Mogador, Le Moulin Rouge to name just a few) can be found in this area, and there are also many restaurants, bars, bakeries, shops, bookstores and sports facilities within easy walking distance of the school. Saint-Lazare station is just a five-minute walk away, and it is possible to connect with many public transport options (metro lines 2, 3, 13 and RER E).
At the end of the street is Place Clichy, the centre of the Pigalle district. Continue to the Sacré-Coeur through the alleys of the Butte Montmartre, where you might also come across Amélie Poulain - fans of this whimsical movie will enjoy spotting various locations that were used for filming. The famous Parc Monceau, Musée de la Vie Romantique and various department stores are all located within a 15-minute walk of the school.
About our Club 50+ Paris school
Our fantastic language school in Paris is part of a well-known chain of schools that has been teaching French for over 40 years, and now welcomes over 8000 students of all different nationalities annually!
Although located in the heart of the bustling Europe district, our school provides a tranquil haven in which to foster and improve linguistic skill, and is equipped with everything needed for an enjoyable and productive French course. The large school building boasts bright and airy classrooms equipped with modern equipment, and student common areas conducive to making new friends and forging international connections. Being fully ERP-compliant (Établissement Recevant du Public), the school is wheelchair friendly, with an elevator able to transport students to all five floors.
Student comfort and confidence is at the heart of our friendly school in Paris, and all course participants are assigned a student advisor and provided with a well-being space where they can discuss any aspect of their stay. Add in air-conditioning for when the inner-city temperatures rise and you have the perfect setting for a successful French language programme!
During breaks students have access to an interior courtyard, or the rooftop terrace that offers beautiful views of Paris and the Haussmannian architecture of the nearby buildings. There is also a kitchen corner, with a microwave for heating simple meals, and a selection of drinks available (tea, coffee and hot chocolate). These communal spaces are ideal spots to meet fellow students and recharge and refresh during your school day.
For students who wish to continue their studies outside of the classroom the school has a library providing access to a wide range of French language materials, and there are also two soundproof private booths that provide an optimal environment for quiet and focussed revision. Course participants have access to all teaching materials used via the online learning platform, meaning you’re only ever the tap of a screen away from improving your French language knowledge!
We know that our well-established partner school offers top notch French tuition, but you don’t just need to take our word for it. Recognition by leading international organisations quantify the quality of the programme, and the school proudly boasts accreditation from IALC (International Association of Language Centres), and the Qualité Français Langue Etrangère label for their high standard of teaching and student services. Furthermore, they are part of the Erasmus+ organisation, and also partner with various entities such as Atout France, ALTO, FIPF (International Federation of French Teachers), and CCIP (Paris Chamber of Commerce).
Location of our school in Paris
The Club 50+ French course in Paris
The French course for students aged 50 years and over in Paris combines 20 total immersion language lessons with an exclusive programme of activities and excursions. This specially-curated option is available to language learners who have at least level A2 according to the Common European Framework. Participants will be placed into small groups (maximum 12-14 students) according to their level of French. The school endeavour to make groups of students aged 50 years and over but this can only be arranged when there are at least five classmates of the same level. In cases where the minimum number isn’t met, 50+ students will be placed in a mixed-age class with students of the same ability. However, the activity programme will always be exclusive to senior students.
Your native French speaking teacher will create a dynamic and amenable learning environment, encouraging all class members to engage in interesting conversations tailored to the group’s interests and life experiences. You will receive 20 x 45-minute classroom-based lessons each week, enabling you to develop and improve existing skills in speaking, listening, writing, reading and listening. Our Parisian Club 50+ French course is sure to help you achieve a well-rounded proficiency in the language!
The Club 50+ programme takes place in the spring (usually in May) for one or two weeks. This is the perfect time to explore Paris, as the city comes into bloom and many festivals take place.
Available accommodation in Paris
The Club 50+ programme in Paris can be offered as a package including accommodation, or you can book the course only with us and arrange somewhere to stay separately.
In Paris we offer accommodation with local hosts and host families on a bed and breakfast or half-board basis, or self-catering accommodation in a student residence (studio apartment). For students who prefer a higher level of comfort, we can arrange accommodation in 3- or 4-star aparthotels by special request.
Homestay (Host Family)
For a complete immersion experience choose to stay with a local French person or family. You will be welcomed into a typical Parisian household (usually an apartment), which could be home to a single person who lives alone, a couple, or a more traditional family with children. Regardless of the make up of the family, you can be sure of a friendly greeting and lots of opportunity to practise and perfect your French conversation skills! For guaranteed contact with your host, choose half-board accommodation, which includes breakfast and dinner. In the evening you will be provided with a home-cooked meal and will sit down to eat with your homestay members - the ideal time to discuss your day and ‘live’ Parisian culture in an informal and relaxed setting!
If you prefer to do your own thing at meal times, choose bed and breakfast accommodation. Breakfast in France is typically a light meal that consists of tea, coffee and hot chocolate, bread/toast, condiments and/or cereal. In the evening between 18:30 and 20:30, you will be able to use the kitchen to prepare/heat up your own a simple meal if you would rather not eat out. If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, you must mention these at the time of booking. Please note that some special dietary requirements are subject to a surcharge.
You will use public transport to travel from your accommodation to the school each day, with the average journey taking around 25-30 minutes (maximum 40 minutes). We will send you information on the best route to take prior to travel.
Bed linen and towels are provided and changed weekly. In most cases, you will share the bathroom with the family members and any other students who might be staying in the home. A private bathroom can sometimes be arranged for a supplement, although availability is limited. Wi-Fi is included.
As standard, arrival should be between 17:00 and 20:00 on the Sunday before the course begins, and departure should be before midday on the Saturday after the course finishes. An early/late check-in or check-out might be possible for a small fee.
Studio Apartment in Student Residence
This is a great option for students who want private accommodation in a guaranteed location. The student residence is located 35-minutes from the school by public transport, and just five metro stops away from the Champs-Elysée. It is situated in Puteaux, in the northern part of the business district of La Défense.
Your room will have a double bed, private shower room and basic kitchen facilities (fridge, hob, sink, microwave and cutlery and crockery). Bed linen and towels are provided, and there is also free Wi-Fi.
The residence is home to local students, as well as short term visitors to Paris for business and pleasure, meaning there are lots of possibilities for meeting French speakers and international guests alike. The shared amenities at the residence, like the gym, restaurant, bar and lounge areas, facilitate natural and friendly exchanges.
Check-in is from 14:00 on the Sunday before the course begins, and by 10:00 on the Saturday after the course finishes.
Available Club 50+ activities in Paris
The included afternoon cultural programme is what sets this special course apart from the regular offering. Throughout the week you will be accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable school representative, who will show you the delights of Paris. Four weekly activities are arranged alongside your total immersion French language lessons, with the schedule including visits to museums and exhibitions, a river cruise on the Seine, and walking tours of beautiful and culturally interesting parts of the city. You will also enjoy an evening show, although this won’t be accompanied by a member of school staff. Using public transport to get around when necessary, these wide-ranging activities will help you form bonds with your fellow classmates and get to know a side of Paris that can only be discovered under the guidance of a dedicated Parisian.
Sample 1-week activity programme:
• Accompanied visit to the Louis Vuitton Foundation
• Accompanied river cruise
• Guided tour of Montmartre
• Evening performance at Théâtre du Palais Royal
Our friendly team in Paris will be on hand to provide advice on visits and excursions that can be arranged independently, and 50+ students will also be welcome to join any regular activities the school are arranging for students attending their general language classes.
Is this the right programme for you?
Our general, year-round French courses are available to students of all ages and offer flexibility in terms of start date and duration. However, if you are over 50 and desire a programme that includes a little ‘extra’ in the form of social interaction and cultural activities, our Club 50+ programme in Paris could be just what you are looking for!
The programme is suitable for you if:
• You are over the age of 50
• You have at least an elementary level of French (high school equivalent or above)
• You want to discover Paris in the company of likeminded individuals
• You want a mix of classroom based learning and the opportunity to ‘live’ the language
The programme is not suitable if:
• You have never studied any French before
• You are not yet 50
If you need any advice as to whether this programme is the best fit for you, please contact us and we will be happy to help!
How to arrive in Paris for your Club 50+ programme
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is France’s largest international airport so there is no shortage of flights to and from here, whether you are travelling short haul or long haul. Paris Orly Airport is also nearby and offers another option. There are many public transport options to and from both flight hubs to the centre of Paris, or we can arrange a private airport transfer for you if you would prefer a direct journey to your accommodation.
You should plan to arrive on the Sunday before your course begins and depart on the Saturday after it ends. If you need extra nights on either side, we may be able to arrange these for you.
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Company Number: 08311373
