Learn French in Annecy, a picturesque town, located at the foot of the French Alps, where you will find magnificent scenery.
Our school in Annecy
Our French language school in Annecy is just 10 minutes’ walk from the city’s historic centre. When you study with us here, you’ll therefore be in easy reach of attractions like Saint-Pierre Cathedral, CITA Museum, and the Palais de l’Isle. The building itself is surrounded by shops, cafés and restaurants, and local businesses, so you can get all the amenities you need and put your newly developed French skills into practice after class. Nearby public transport services allow for easy exploration of the outer areas of the city and the local countryside.
Lessons take place in a recently renovated building that has 7 classrooms and its own private gardens. There is a student lounge with vending machines serving drinks and snacks, and a communal kitchen with a fridge and a microwave you can use if you prefer to bring your own refreshments. The school also has a resource room with rentable French-language materials including novels, textbooks, and films, and a selection of local tourist guidebooks and brochures containing information on what’s available to see and do in the area.
This school has been welcoming international students for over 30 years, so has ample experience teaching French to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The tuition offered here has Label Qualité FLE accreditation from the French Ministry of Education and approval for CSN, Erasmus+, and Bildungsurlaub funding. The school is also a member of quality-control organisations like Eaquals. These credentials demonstrate the high standard of its language courses, while its location in a beautiful and historic French town make this facility a popular choice for many of our students.
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Annecy
It’s easy to why Annecy is nicknamed ‘the Pearl of the French Alps’. This charming, picturesque city sits at the mouth of France’s largest lake, close to the Swiss border. Nestled amongst snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills, Annecy is a favourite of lovers of the outdoors and a renowned winter sports destination. Whether you like to ski, sail, hike, paraglide, mountain-bike, canoe, climb, or windsurf, this is the place to be! So what are you waiting for? Learn French in Annecy with us and discover the delights of this beautiful alpine city for yourself. With its lovely historic centre, gorgeous azure waters, wealth of shops and eateries, and proximity to some of France’s most dramatic scenery, this city offers something for everyone. What’s more, since the local population primarily speak French, Annecy is an excellent location for a language course.
People have lived in Annecy since at least the Roman times, no doubt drawn by the area’s stunning natural beauty. The city came to prominence in the Middle Ages, when it was the seat of key European courts including those of Genevois and Savoy. This cultural and political importance led to significant urban development, much of which can still be seen in the city’s colourful historic centre at the mouth of Lac d’Annecy. Its narrow, meandering streets and snaking canals have given rise to another nickname for the city: Venice of the Alps. A famous spot here is the Palais de l’Isle, a striking 12th-century castle sitting on an island between two flower-lined canals. Once a prison and now a local history museum, the Palais is one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
The Old Town is brimming with restaurants, cafés, and bistros. The ancient streets are awash with the smells of different international cuisines, and diners from around the world enjoy their meals on sun-lit terraces with spectacular views of Annecy Lake and the mountains beyond. Since the centre is home to regular food markets, the dishes served here are made from the freshest of ingredients. In the evening, the Old Town comes alive as locals join together to share stories about their day over a bottle of wine. Meanwhile, the outer areas are mostly residential and are peppered with local shops and businesses which offer great opportunities for language practice.
Undoubtedly a key reason for coming to Annecy is to experience the beautiful countryside surrounding it. Though the city is home to scenic public parks like Jardins d’Europe and Parc Charles Bosson - both lovely spots for an afternoon stroll - the best sights are found outside Annecy. To the south is the huge Massif des Bauges National Park, home of Mount Semnoz. In this magnificent area you’ll find walking trails for all abilities, idyllic villages, and breath-taking views of the Annecy basin. To the west, lush fields stretch as far as the eye can see; to the east, Aravis Range marks the entrance to the Alps. If you’re unsure how to make the most of your time in Annecy, our colleagues at the language school will be happy to help you, whether it’s recommending must-see spots or putting you in touch with local providers. One thing’s for sure: an immersive French experience in Alpine Annecy will be unlike any other!
Courses in Annecy
Available courses
The core Intensive course in Annecy consists of 20 group lessons per week in classes of no more than 15. This class size means allows you to get lots of language practice and highly personalised attention from the teacher, giving you ample opportunity to improve your French ability. Classes take place on an alternating schedule, allowing you to experience the city at all times of day. Morning lessons take place between 09:00 and 12:20 each weekday, while afternoon lessons take place between 13:30 and 16:50 each weekday; you’ll either have 3 morning classes and 2 afternoon classes each week or 2 morning classes and 3 afternoon classes. This course is available for up to 40 weeks, so you can book exactly as long as you need to get your French skills to the desired level.
If you have no previous experience of French, you must start your course on a set start date - please contact us for available start dates for beginners.
If you want to get as much language practice as possible, you can attend the school’s Super Intensive course of 26 or 40 lessons. With 20 French lessons and three 1.5-hour workshops each week (for a total of 19.5 hours of instruction), the 26 lesson course offers a comprehensive learning experience. By taking an extra 20 group lessons (studying for a full day 09:00 - 16:50 with regular breaks) on the Super Intensive 40 course, you’ll be able to make very rapid and significant improvements during your time in Annecy. Morning classes are arranged by starting ability level; afternoon classes are given in mixed-ability groups. Tuition on this programme is offered at A1 - B2 levels; this course is therefore unsuitable for complete beginners or advanced students.
If you are looking for extra bespoke lessons, then you can add private tuition to the Super Intensive 26 lesson group course, which is ideal for those who feel they need extra support with their studies, or for those who want to cover specialist topics. With unlimited interaction with the teacher, the Super Intensive + Private programme allows you to achieve remarkable progress. By adding four one-on-one classes per week to the core 26-lesson Super Intensive course, you'll benefit from extra language practice through private lessons while still enjoying the social aspect of group learning. If you’re going to be taking a DELF/DALF or A Level exam, you can also use your private lessons to prepare for this test.
One of the main reasons students choose to study French in Annecy is the city's proximity to the Alps and the excellent winter sports opportunities in the area. From January to March, you can take French lessons and enjoy weekend trips to local ski resorts. This allows you to experience some of the best slopes while improving both your skiing and French skills.
While transport to and from the resorts is not included, our French school can offer advice on travel arrangements. You can bring your own skiing equipment or rent it at the resort. Skiing activities are unsupervised, but the school can recommend qualified local instructors if you're new to skiing. Please contact us if you would like further information.
On your first day, you should arrive at the school at 08:00. You will have already completed a level test prior to the start of your course; upon arrival, you will have a short oral assessment to verify the results of this test. In this way, the school can ensure that you are placed in the most appropriate group for your starting ability level, which will give you the best opportunity to improve your language skills no matter how much previous experience you have or how long you study for.
During your stay in Annecy, you’ll also be able to take part in the school’s activity programme. At the end of your course, you’ll receive a certificate of achievement which can be used to demonstrate the French ability level you have reached during your time at the school.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us today to see if we can arrange something for you!
Special courses in Annecy
Accommodation
Available accommodation
For maximum language immersion, we recommend that you stay with a local homestay host during your time in Annecy. All hosts are native French speakers, meaning you’ll be able to continue learning and using French even outside the classroom. Hosts live up to 30 minutes from the school by public transport; they offer private single or twin* bedrooms and access to the home’s communal spaces including the lounge and bathroom(s). Rooms are offered on either a breakfast-included or a half-board basis (half-board includes breakfast and dinner each day). We highly recommend the half-board option as it is not only cost-effective but also gives you guaranteed social time with your host(s) in the evening, thus maximum language exposure and a deeper insight into the French way of life. Whichever option you select, bed linens and towels will be provided by your host(s) and changed regularly; your host(s) will either do your laundry for you or let you use the home’s facilities once a week. Most hosts offer Wi-Fi access, but you should advise us at the time of booking if this a requirement for you. You will have your own key to come and go as you please, but you must respect house rules and schedules. Hosts are able to collect you on arrival at Annecy’s bus or train station for no extra charge, providing you arrive in the city between 10:00 and 20:00.
We can also offer student residence lodging in Annecy. Our school works with a range of partner residences around the city, all located up to 20 minutes by bus from the language centre. These residences offer private single bedrooms; you’ll share the bathroom and kitchen facilities with the other residents on your floor. Private bathroom access may be available on request. All residences have coin-operated laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi. Bed linens are provided but towels are not, so you should bring your own. You’ll be placed based on availability; we therefore cannot guarantee the location of your lodging.
Studio apartments may be available on request. Apartments vary in size and cost - please contact us if you would like to explore this option.
*Twin rooms are only available to students travelling together. If you select a shared room but are travelling alone, you will be swapped to a single room.
Activities
To complement your language tuition, our school offers a selection of social and cultural activities in the afternoons, evenings, and at weekends. Through these activities you will learn about French history and culture and get hands-on experience of life in Annecy. All activities are held in French so they have the added benefit of maintaining your language immersion and allowing you to put your newly developed skills into practice in real-life scenarios.
Many activities are available free of charge, though some may incur an additional fee to cover entrance and/or transportation costs. The exact schedule changes throughout the year but may include:
- Guided walking tours
- Visits to local attractions like Château Annecy and the CITIA Museum
- Picnics in the park with your class
- Boating or pedalo trips on Lac d’Annecy
- Visits to local street markets
- Trips to cultural and historic sites in the area like Conflas fortress and Montrottier castle
- Hiking in the countryside
- Food- and wine-tasting sessions
- Half- and full-day excursions to local points of interest like Lyon, Chamonix, and Geneva
- Plus seasonal activities available in the city
How to get there
Though Annecy does have its own airport, this is used for domestic flights only so may not be accessible to all students. The closest airport which accepts external flights is Geneva International Airport; this is around a 40-minute drive from Annecy.
From here, you can either make your own way to your lodging or we can arrange an airport transfer service for you for an additional fee. If you select this service, a driver will be waiting for you when you land and will take you directly to your accommodation. If you select this service on departure as well, you will be collected from your accommodation and taken back to the airport in time for your departing flight. Transfer services are also available to/from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, which is a 1.5-hour drive from Annecy.
If you have booked homestay lodging, you have the option of being collected on arrival from Annecy’s train station or bus station by your hosts. This service is offered free of charge.
You should arrange to arrive in Annecy on the Sunday before your course starts and to depart on the Saturday after it finishes. We may be able to arrange extra nights on arrival and/or departure for you if needed.
Location of our school in Annecy
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4.0 / 5
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Student reviews & feedback
Intensive 21
Great pace and variety. I learnt a lot and greatly improved- especially speaking. I also learnt much about French life.
- M. Young
Intensive 20 + Private lessons with Host Family
The course was good, I made tremendous progress.
The host family were incredibly nice, adopting me into their family activities.
The whole experience has been very good from start to finish.
- G. Ruffle
Intensive 20 with Host Family
The school is a friendly and fun organisation and the ambiance in the school is stress-free and pleasant; so I enjoyed doing the course there. The teachers are well- qualified and caring. And I would add I am pleased to have found this school close to the Alps where my son lives.
I was very happy with the accommodation and the family I stayed with. They were very friendly, generous and helpful . The meals were ample and tasty and often included local specialities. I feel I should mention also that public transport in Annecy is very efficient (except on Sundays !)
- B. Goldstein
Intensive 20 with Host Family
I really enjoyed my month spent in Annecy. The teachers were brilliant and the lessons both enjoyable and informative.
I stayed with a host family which I really enjoyed. My host was very welcoming and really helped me to improve my spoken French.
I would really recommend this French course in Annecy and would encourage students to try and stay with a host family where possible.
- A. Kelly
Intensive 20 with Host Family
I stayed 4 weeks, 3 of which I followed the B2 course, and the last one I changed the level to a C1. I loved the fact that the courses were one day in the morning and one day in the afternoon, it surely helped to relax and experience new activities. The teachers were always ready to help and extremely loving.
My accommodation was excellent, the house I lived in was around 5 mins of walking to get to the school, and around 10 to get to the city center.
- V. Soleri
Intensive 20 with Host Family
Excellent teachers, dynamic lessons, good group sizes, good mix of grammar, reading, listening and discussions.
Lovely host family who were very welcoming and included me games after meals and outings. Very willing to talk to me and catered for my dietary needs.
- S. Oliver
Intensive 20
Excellent teachers, they were very friendly, attentive and responsive to questions during class and also if I had additional questions outside class time. Overall, high competency of the teachers, relevant content, and structure. I also appreciated the efforts of them arranging other activities outside of class. It definately added to the whole experience and not "just learning French". Great experience! I would highly recommend this language course.
- S. Szöllös
Intensive 20
It was very helpful and extremely immersive, since I could not communicate with any other language than French.
- G. Townsend
Intensive 20
Wonderful, fun and engaging teachers. Very friendly staff who helped with a variety of things to make settling into the environment easier.
- H. Thomas
The course was a perfect mix of conversation and written exercises. My two teachers were both very creative in finding entertaining yet well structured material for the course. I feel that I have improved and learned a lot. My accomodation was right in the old town center of Annecy...a perfect location!
- A. Venetikidis
I really enjoyed my time at language school. I have been left with an enthusiasm for French language and culture which I hope to continue to develop once I am back in England. The accommodation was excellent and options such as airport transfers made the trip particularly easy to manage.
- E. Hall
Course
I really enjoyed thecourse. It was far better than I had anticipated. The course tutors were excellent. The students were all a lot younger than me but they made me fell welcome and they were fun. I felt like I learnt a lot and Annecy was a beautiful place to stay.
Accommodation
I stayed with a host who was very helpful and good company. We were quite similar in age and this was helpful.
Extra
I have now recommended this course to a number of people, Its good for learing but would also make a great singles holiday. I went to study but although I learnt a lot I felt like I was on holiday. I enjoyed it so much that I will be taking another course at a different location later this year. Next Time I will stay longer.
- A. Phipp
Intensive 20 + Skiing with Host Family
Very satisfied with the course, staff and additional activities. Would like to repeat the course again in the Summer....hoping to find enough time break from a work schedule. I stayed with a host family Mdme. Sylvie Sannier and her hospitality (meals, logging) exceeded my expectations. Would highly recommend for future student to stay with Mrs. Sannier and her son. She insisted on speaking French and corrected when needed..... thumbs up 100%
- L. Cech
Intensive 20
Course well structured, excellent teachers and office staff very kind and helpful. I enjoyed also the little leisures organized. I highly reccomend a French course in Annecy.
- R. Carroccetto
Intensive 20 with Host Family
This was an amazing experience. As a student i loved going to class and learn the French language in a fun and efficient way with people from all over the world. The oral comprehension was most important, which was perfect for all day use. Although there was a lack of written comprehension, we could work on this by ourselves and teachers would happily correct our written exercises. Annecy is a beautiful touristy place, with lots of activities winter and summer. I loved it and enjoyed every activity outdoors or in the restaurants! The host family was very friendly and welcoming. They gave me privacy and helped me with the French language whenever needed. Its a perfect way to practice your French and to learn local terms or vocabulary that is used during all day activities !
- S. Veranneman
Super Intensive 40 with Host Family
Excellent from beginning to end wish I had booked for longer. It was a fulfilling adventure and the other students and staff couldn't have been more helpful. My smile began on the Sunday and didn't leave my face until I returned home!! I had a wonderful five days, I am going to return when I have the time until then I shall be putting into practice all that I absorbed. Very kind hosts and comfortable accommodation.
- L. Fryer
Super Intensive 40 with Studio Apartment
I did the super intensive course which was hard going but very good, I learnt a lot and enjoyed the style of teaching in particular the use of many synonyms and the oral activities. We had a behind the scenes visit to the theatre which was excellent. My apartment was well located, clean, quiet and spacious.
- L. Taylor
Super Intensive 25 with Host Family
Course was great, class size good, entertaining and engaging teachers, I learnt a lot! Host family was lovely, and very helpful!
- L. Schofield
Intensive 20
The language course was excellent. Two different teachers therefore two different experiences. The subject material covered was interesting and cultural. Plenty of opportunity to speak despite there being 18 in the class. Lots of encouragement given and grammar points covered. Lots of listening extracts. Excursions were available to book. Other facilities such as vending machines, toilets etc were also good. I would defintely recommend this school.
- E. Murdoch
I can't stress enough how much I loved my (too short!) time in Annecy. It helped that all the students were awesome and the teachers were lovely. But my experience was really above and beyond what I expected :) M. Vidonne was an angelic landlord, my room was huge and my apartment was bang in the centre of town. I was very lucky on those fronts! I'm saving up and planning my next trip when I am free again!
- I. Fenlon
The school was very well organised and friendly. The classes had no more than 18 students in them. All the teachers I had were enthusiastic, dynamic and very approachable. There were various activities organised by the school on a weekly basis that one could choose to go on. My studio flat was in an amazing area. I walked out of my front door and I was immediately in an attractive street with boutiques, artisan bakeries, restaurants and not far from the open market. The accomodation was just a 2 minute walk from the lake. My school was just 10 minutes away. I could not have had a better apartment. I had a fantastic 3 months. The language school was superb. The accommodation was fantastic. Everything was very well organised by Apple Languages. Annecy is such a beautiful place to spend 3 months.
- J. Atkins
The course was very good, excellent teachers, interesting classes, lots of opportunity to speak. My host family was very nice, they made great dinners with typical dishes (delicious) to please me. I had many opportunities to talk with them, which always helps in correcting my French. They also took me on several trips to beautiful places. It was a wonderful opportunity, despite the short time that I was there, two weeks.
- M. Teresa Fonseca
Excellent, well structured course, I wish I could of stayed longer. The accommodation was clean & functional.
- R. Brown
The teachers were excellent, their classes exciting and fun. My host family was great, a mother of my age with an adorable 10 year old daughter and a lovely cat. I had my privacy, my meals, always a friendly word and lots of (one sided) conversation. My class mates who lived with families had all similar positive experiences.
- S. Brühl
The course was good and the teacher was brilliant. I would of struggled more if it wasn't for her kindness and patience. The accommodation was first class, as usual, this was my third trip with Apple languages, and I've always had a really nice family to stay with.
The food was great and the family were very helpful. I would definitely recommend staying with a family if you want to practice your conversation skills.
- D. Custerson
The course was good with very professional teachers. I think it' s an experience to do if you want to improve and speak a language properly.
- S. Imparato
The staff at the language school were very welcoming and provided good quality teaching.
- K. Mulcahy
The instructors were very good, very nice, and we had a nice group of people in our class. The family was great and I was treated extremely nicely by them. They were a great help with assisting my French practice. I loved Annecy, the course, and all the nice people I met. It was a fantastic experience, I wish I could have stayed longer!
- C. Ceporius
The course was excellent, as were the teachers who encouraged me and kept me going. The 2 week course was the hardest thing I have done in my life but was an unforgettable experience.
- G. Reed
I found the school excellent, as far as services, teachers and extra were concerned. I enjoyed every hour I spent there. I found a wonderful family, friendly and very cooperative. Now I can say I have more friends in France and I'd very much like to keep in contact with them.
- E. Golderer
I had interesting lessons, with friendly and supportive teaching staff. My accommodation was with a very friendly host family, who were welcoming and generous.
- J. Jermy
I thought the programme was well structured with emphasis given to the 4 aspects of reading, writing, listening and speaking. I stayed with a host family and they were very friendly and helpful throughout. The food was of a good standard. I very much enjoyed my experience in Annecy and would definitely consider returning to the same school next year.
- A. Harrison
I loved it so much, and wished I'd booked longer! I felt very sad leaving and now I want to do a month in October!
- C. Poole
The course was pretty good to refresh my french grammar and the accommodation was super, I got wireless LAN access and the welcome was very hearty.
- D. Müller
I have enjoyed having the chance to practice my French and the opportunity to meet new people. The grammar was very useful and the teachers were friendly.
- M. Drummond
I enjoyed the couse very much and realise now that 2 weeks only was not nearly enough. My teachers were excellent, very professional and very friendly. And of course the setting on the lake is beautiful: it helps to be taking courses in such close proximity to the lake and the mountains. My accommodation was very comfortable. My host family was very welcoming and had hosted many students so they were very organised and knew how to 'organise' me so I knew exactly what was provded and expected of me. I liked and enjoyed my family and would happily stay with them again. Annecy is lovely and its people are are extremely friendly.
- R. Douglas
I had a wonderful experience in Annecy. The course was exactly what I wanted and needed. The staff were helpful, extremely well-prepared, and very professional. Great experience! I learnt as much French from my host as from the class. Sylvie was friendly, helpful, and I could walk to class from her apartment. I only wish that I could have stayed longer. I was older than a lot of the students, but that made no difference whatsoever. It was a great experience.
- D. Murray
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Annecy, the staff at the school were very helpful and overall my classes were suitable for my level of french. The family with whom i stayed were very welcoming and made me feel very much at home.
- G. Nicol
The teachers were good and made sure I knew what was going on and that any work was corrected before I left. I felt I was placed in the right level and what I learnt was helpful and relevant. Although I was only on the course for one week I felt that I got a lot out of it.
- L. Reimer
The course was well structured and progressed at a good rate. The atmosphere was relaxed, and there was a good mix of learning activities. It included many aspects of French culture, geography, etc. which was great. The staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly.
- J. Gilbert
I was very pleased with the quality of the course, the teachers were excellent and the course content was useful and interesting. It greatly helped to improve my french. My host family were kind and welcoming and the accommodation was clean and comfortable.
- T. Rogers
I found that although only there for two short weeks, I learnt more in those two weeks in France than I would have in three months in the UK. The classes were very helpful for grammer etc. and being able to practice conversation in the school and in the town after class was invaluable. My accomadation was excellent and the family welcoming and helpful.
- K. Shaw
School statistics
Nationality (%)
Central american (7)
Eastern european (3)
German (15)
Japanese (3)
Middle eastern (1)
North american (17)
Scandinavian (2)
Spanish (8)
Swiss (10)
Uk and ireland (7)
Average Student Numbers
Average ages (June - Aug)
Student stories on our blog
Annecy: France’s exciting outdoor capital
As the Pearl of the French Alps, Annecy is arguably one of the most diverse destinations in all of France – and maybe even in Europe. Nestled between majestic mountains and the gentle shores of Lac d’Annecy, this charming place is the perfect base for mountain lovers and water sports enthusiasts. With its stunning Old Town full of historic sights, quaint cafés, and lovely townhouses, history buffs and romantics are sure to get their fix as well. If none of these pique your interest, the huge number of exciting annual events the city hosts surely will. It's impossible to be bored here! Read more...Prices for Annecy
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