Leaving Certificate Preparation Course – French and Surf in Biarritz

Accommodation

Accommodation is arranged with French hosts and host families, all of whom have been hand-picked by the accommodation officer at the school. If travelling alone, students are placed with a roommate, or roommates, of the same gender. If you are travelling with a friend or family member just inform us at the time of booking and we will ensure you are placed together.

Half-board meals are included - breakfast is a light meal that students might need to help themselves to, whereas dinner is offered as a ‘sit-down’ occasion, enabling all members of the household to come together and enjoy each other’s company. Lunch isn’t provided but there are lots of eateries and shops near the school, making it easy for teenagers to purchase whatever takes their fancy on the day!

Allergies/dietary restrictions can be catered for, but a small supplement applies (no extra fee for a vegetarian diet).

Staying with a host family in Biarritz provides an authentic experience of a typical French household. You may find yourself living with a couple, a single person, or a family with children. Regardless of the family composition, you can expect a warm and friendly welcome. Your accommodation will include a shared bedroom with other students, and you will have access to the home's public areas, such as the bathroom and living area (kitchen access is not included).

Prices include accommodation from the Sunday afternoon before the course begins to the Saturday morning after the course finishes. If required, extra nights of accommodation can usually be confirmed by special request.

Host families live in Biarritz and the surrounding towns and villages (such as Anglet and Bayonne). The maximum commute for our young students attending this course is 30 minutes by public transport - a bus pass is included to make getting around as easy as possible.

Return transfers, provided by the host family, are also included from Biarritz Airport or train station.

Activities

It is impossible to avoid the surf scene while in Biarritz, and why would you want to? Our Leaving Cert Preparation course includes two exciting surf lessons per week, which are taught by trained professionals and include all necessary equipment.

The timetable of surf lessons will be confirmed on arrival in Biarritz as lesson times can vary according to weather and tidal conditions.

In addition, the school will arrange another age-appropriate activity once a week, which could be an introduction to Pelote basque, skate lessons, coastal rescue workshop, visit to Cité de l’Océan, or a visit to the aquarium.

Please note that students are not accompanied by a member of staff from the language school while taking part in activities. Pursuits such as surfing, Pelote basque, skate lessons, and the coastal rescue workshop will be supervised by the relevant instructor. Tickets to the museum or aquarium are included but students will visit the site independently.

This programme offers a high degree of independence and responsibility to young students. While school staff offer support during school hours, and host families provide guidance, when necessary, students enjoy free time in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Older teens appreciate this lower level of supervision as it allows them to organise their free time based on their individual interests. If you prefer a more structured programme with increased supervision, please inform us, and we'll gladly provide suitable recommendations.

How to get there

Biarritz is well-served by two international airports, with Biarritz Airport being just a short drive from the city centre, and San Sebastian Airport only 40 minutes away by car. Airport transfers from/to Biarritz Airport and train station are included in the cost of the programme.

Location of our school in Biarritz