Learn French in Antibes, located on the beautiful Côte d’Azur and renowned for its elegance, its sandy beaches & fashionable shops.
Our school in Antibes
Our French courses in Antibes take place in a gorgeous Provençal farmhouse just 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre and the nearest beach. There are lots of shops, eateries, and local businesses in the area, giving you plenty of opportunities for language practice. When your classes have finished, you can easily and quickly get into the city centre and visit attractions like the Picasso Museum in Château Grimaldi and Fort Carré, a striking star-shaped garrison overlooking Port Vauban. A little further from the school but definitely worth a visit are Exflora park, a 12-acre public garden with lakes and interesting wildlife, and Marineland, one of the world’s largest oceanariums.
Lessons take place across two campuses. The main building sits to the northwest of the city centre and has a total of 26 classrooms, 4 of which are lovely outdoor study spaces. There is a library with a variety of multi-media resources which you can borrow to aid your studies, and a self-service restaurant where you enjoy refreshments between lessons. The language centre also has ample private gardens where you can study, socialise, or simply relax under the Mediterranean sun. Friendly reception staff are available throughout the day to help or advise on what to do during your time in Antibes. A second building is used during busy periods. This second campus is located close to the marina and has 8 classrooms.
The tuition offered by this school is well-renowned, with Label Qualité FLE accreditation from France’s Ministry of Education. Its courses are also approved by the governments of Sweden and Germany for CSN and Bildungsurlaub funding respectively. These credentials, and the school’s membership of international quality-control organisations like Eaquals, demonstrate the high standard of its teaching. Its location in a popular coastal resort makes it a popular choice for many of our French students.
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Antibes
Boasting a whopping 48 beaches across 25 km of the Côte d’Azur, Antibes is a renowned French resort and a favourite destination for French holidaymakers as well as international tourists. The city’s picturesque historic centre is full of narrow tree-lined streets, tiled courtyards, and colourful buildings with traditional shuttered windows. Home of artists’ studios and unique boutiques, it’s a lovely area with a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere. Here you can dine on a restaurant terrace, sampling fresh seafood and local delicacies like sweet and salty pissaladière as you watch life unfold before you, or perhaps spend an afternoon wandering around the shops and putting your newly developed language skills to use with the locals. With lively bars, interesting museums, lush public gardens, and a wealth of water sports opportunities, this city caters to all ages and interests. When you learn French in Antibes with us, you’ll mix sun and sea with study as you discover this charming coastal resort for yourself - what could be better?!
Antibes dates back to the 4th century BC, when Grecian sailors established a bustling trading port along the coast. Artefacts from the city’s earliest days can be seen in the Archaeological Museum, housed in an historic fort overlooking the sea. For much of its history, Antibes was a quiet fishing village - until, that is, it was discovered by the rest of Europe. Favoured by aristocracy and the elites during the 19th century, the small town transformed into the go-to holiday resort for the landed gentry. The ancient marina - today’s Port Vauban - is now the largest yachting harbour in Europe, boasting over 2,000 moorings and attracting some of the most influential people in the world. The city was also popular with successful creatives, who came to Antibes for its stunning coastline, its vibrant atmosphere, and its fresh sea air. Notable visitors include Jules Verne - who is said to have penned Around the World in Eighty Days here - Pablo Picasso - who famously lived in Château Grimaldi for several months in 1946 - and cinema stars like Charlie Chaplin and Marlene Dietrich.
The area is home to a vibrant calendar of cultural events, including July’s Jazz a Juan, a long-running music festival in the neighbouring resort of Juan-les-Pins. The festival has hosted such greats as B. B. King, Ray Charles, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Fats Waller; every time a star plays or sings, their handprints and signature are preserved on clay tiles, much like those on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which line the central boulevard that hosts the festival. A quintessentially Antibois celebration, meanwhile, is June’s Festival of Saint Peter, which honours the patron saint of fishermen and exemplifies the city’s intrinsic relationship with the sea. This celebration features a parade of brightly coloured boats along the coastline, all toting French flags and paper lanterns. Other annual events include food festivals, sports competitions, arts fairs, and historical re-enactments. Whatever your interests, there’s something for you in Antibes!
Courses in Antibes
Available courses
The core French course in Antibes is the Intensive programme, which consists of 20 group lessons per week in classes of no more than 12. This limited class size allows you to get lots of language practice and highly personalised attention from the teacher, giving you the best opportunity to improve during your stay. Classes take place in the morning between 09:00 and 12:20 each weekday, allowing you to enjoy Antibes in the afternoon.
If you prefer a more rigorous programme, why not add some Mini-Group lessons. By 10 additional group classes per week to your core Intensive course, you’ll get extra language practice and be able to cover more material during your stay. Your additional classes are given in ‘mini-groups’ of up to 6 students, so you can get even more personalised guidance from the tutor. You’ll focus on spoken communication, but will also cover French grammar and writing.
If you have little to no previous experience of learning French, you must start your course on an appropriate date - please contact us for available start dates for beginners.
To get the most language practice, select private tuition. As standard, you’ll have 20 one-to-one classes per week, though bespoke packages are available on request. This type of course offers unlimited interaction with the teacher and the opportunity to tailor the content of your lessons to your own needs. This makes one-to-one lessons perfect for those who feel they need extra support with their studies or for those who want to cover specialist topics. However you use these classes, you’ll find that you make unparalleled improvements!
Though a private course offers optimum conditions for development, it doesn’t offer the social experience of group classes. So why not combine the best of both with an Intensive + Private programme? By adding 4 one-to-one classes per week to your Intensive course, you’ll receive the extra language practice available in private lessons and still be able to experience the social aspect of group tuition.
If you are planning to sit a DELF/DALF exam to formally demonstrate your French skills, you can prepare for your test on a DELF Exam Prep course. This specialised programme is available for 6, 8, 12, or 16 weeks and has set start dates; feel free to contact us for further information.
If you want a family holiday that’s both exciting and rewarding, our school’s family course will be ideal for you. Children aged 8 to 17 attend specialised junior lessons in the morning and parents can either enjoy some free time or attend a standard Intensive 20 course in the morning, too. In the afternoon, you’ll be free to enjoy your time in Antibes together, though young students can register for age-appropriate afternoon activities for an extra fee if they wish. This package is available between April and October with start dates every Monday, though parents who are beginners should be sure to start their course on an appropriate date. Specialised tuition is available for 6- and 7-year-olds during the summer. Please feel free to get in touch with us for more information.
Mature students looking to combine their language lessons with an exciting social and cultural experience can select our fantastic Club 50+ course. This 2-week package consists of 20 group lessons per week plus afternoon, evening, and weekend activities that will give you an insight into the French way of life and teach you more about French history and culture. The course is only open to students over the age of 50; you must have at least A2 starting ability to be able to follow the lessons. See below for more details.
On your first day, you should arrive at the school at 09:15. After registering, you will have oral and written tests to assess your starting French ability and place you in a group that’s most suitable for that level. This methodology ensures that you have the best opportunity to improve your language skills, no matter how much previous experience you have or how long you study for. After your tests, you will have an introductory meeting followed by a guided tour of Antibes. Lessons begin the following day.
After class, you’ll 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 a bespoke package for you!
Special courses in Antibes
Accommodation
Available accommodation
The best way to maximise the benefits of your language course is to stay with a local homestay host. Hosts are all native French speakers, so you can continue learning and using French even when you’re outside the classroom. Hosts in Antibes 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). You can select a twin room even if you’re travelling alone*. If you do this, you’ll be placed with another international student of the same gender and of a similar age. Rooms are offered on either a breakfast-included or a half-board basis (half-board includes breakfast and dinner each weekday). 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. Special diets such as vegetarian and vegan can be easily accommodated; gluten- and dairy-free diets incur a small additional supplement. Bed linens are included and changed regularly; you should bring your own towels. 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 Nice Airport or Antibes train station for no extra charge.
If you’d rather be around other international students during your time in Antibes, you can book student residence lodging. This is a social option that’s great for pupils of any age. The school works with several residence complexes, all located around 20 minutes’ walk from the language centre. Residences have private single and twin air-conditioned bedrooms with private bathrooms. You can select a twin room even if you are travelling alone**. If you choose this option, you will be placed with another international student of the same gender and of a similar age. Rooms are offered on a no-meals basis, though students staying for 5 or more weeks can access the communal kitchen. All students have access to the residential facilities, which include the garden, the communal lounge, and the swimming pool. Bed linens are included and changed weekly; you should bring your own towels. A coin-operated laundry service and Wi-Fi are available in all residences. This type of accommodation incurs a security deposit of €200 to be paid on arrival; this will be returned to you on departure providing your room is left in a suitable condition. Daily city tax is payable on-site.
For total privacy and independence, select a studio apartment. These are based in the student residences, so you’ll have access to all the complexes’ amenities including the swimming pool, gardens, and student lounge. The self-sufficient, air-conditioned studios have their own equipped kitchenettes (fridge and hob), living spaces with a television, and private bathrooms. Double-occupancy studios are available to students travelling together. Bed linens are included and changed weekly; you should bring your own towels. A coin-operated laundry service and Wi-Fi are available in all residences. This type of accommodation incurs a security deposit of €200 to be paid on arrival; this will be returned to you on departure providing your apartment is left in a suitable condition. Daily city tax is payable on-site.
*A twin homestay room for students travelling alone is available to those under the age of 25. If you are over 25 and select this option, you will be swapped to a single homestay room. Students travelling together who are over the age of 25 can book a twin homestay room.
**A twin residence room for students travelling alone is available to those under the age of 30. If you are over 30 and select this option, you will be swapped to a single residence room. Students travelling together who are over 30 can book a twin residence room.
Activities
The school arranges a variety of social and cultural activities to complement your language tuition. These take place in the afternoons, evenings, and at weekends, and will teach you about French history and culture. 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
- French film screenings
- Group petanque games
- Conversation practice over an aperitif
- Food- and wine-tasting sessions
- Half- and full-day excursions to local points of interest such as Nice, Cannes, and Saint Paul de Vence
- Plus seasonal activities available in the city
How to get there
The closest international airport to Antibes is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is around a 25-minute drive from the city. It is a major airport so is accessible from many international destinations. Transfer services are also available to/from Antibes train station.
From either destination, you can make your own way to your lodging or we can arrange a transfer service for you for an additional fee. If you select this service, a driver will be waiting for you when you land/arrive 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/train station in time for your departing flight/train.
You should arrange to arrive in Antibes on the Sunday before your course starts and to depart on the Saturday after it finishes. If you wish to book a transfer service, you should ensure that your flight/train arrives between 06:30 and 21:00. We may be able to arrange extra nights on arrival and/or departure for you if needed.
Location of our school in Antibes
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Student reviews & feedback
Intensive 30 with Studio Apartment
The school seemed very well run, and the staff were very professional and friendly. It was also in a very nice location. Both teachers were excellent and very helpful and went out of their way to tailor the class to one's level and and to make the classes as interesting as possible.
The location of the accommodation was very good. The studio was spotless with a very nice shower room. The cooking facilities were rather cramped, which is ok for a short stay, but perhaps a bit of a problem for a longer stay.
- A. Maldonado
Intensive 20 + Mini-group with Studio Apartment
I can only say good things about this course The tutor I had (Kathy) was excellent she encouraged us to converse and gave us individual feedback with corrections of errors if necessary. I was sad when i left and next time i will definitely stay longer.
The accommodation was simple yet fully adequate and clean, the propriétaire was extremely helpful and was always available if we needed help. The whole ambiance there was welcoming and friendly.
- J. Howle
Intensive 20 with Host Family
A very worthwhile and useful course from the point of view of improving knowledge of French language, grammar, etc, but also more than that interesting and an unforgettable experience because of the wide range of students of different nationalities in the class.
Such a pleasant experience with a hostess who went out of her way to make me feel at home and spent time repeating conversations more slowly and correcting my mistakes. I learnt as much French from her as from the school.
Overall an excellent experience.
- L. Ellis
Intensive 20 + Mini-group
Course was really good. Great energy and enthusiasm from the teachers which built a really safe and encouraging atmosphere to learn in. Fahem was particularly good.
- V. Redmond
The course was excellent, especially the teacher. I would highly recommend it and will definately go back. I now feel that I have so much more confidence.
- K. Pope
Intensive 20 with Host Family
Second week was better than the first but I really liked the day we were sent into the downtown marketplace for an assignment with a partner. It was fun and made us get out of our comfort zone! I enjoyed the classes a lot and would definitely return to the Antibes school. We stayed with Dominique Negro in Antibes and she was the best hostess ever...very helpful, fantastic meals and we have made a lifetime friend! she went out of her way to help us and I am ready for her to adopt me!
- E. Crosson
Intensive 20
I enjoyed it.. good teacher , nice and friendly group.
- I. De Boer-Zoet
The language programme itself is great. The course helped me with my conversational French a lot. I like the tour that was given to us on the day of initiation.
- L. Samuels
Course was really interesting and varied, teachers were great! Accommodation was lovely and spacious, really nice place to stay.
- A. McLuckie
Good teachers and a friendly atmosphere.
- P. Sommers
The course was really good, with lots of useful things to be developed once back home. The teachers were really excellent! The host family accommodation was perfect as well, the French food was delicious and the family was really nice with me. Simply perfect.
- P. Alessandra
I spent two incredible weeks in Antibes, the course was great, the size of the classes was just perfect. I spent my two weeks in the résidence. I loved the atmosphere there: young people coming together form all other the world and I have made a lot of friends!
- B. Linbrunner
The course was great..Our teacher Kathy was excellent and i learnt so much.
- S. Keating
The course was excellent, well structured and varied with engaged and skilled teachers. Our accommodation was excellent, we stayed with a warm and interested host mother who cooked excellent food.
- M. Sohlberg
My instructors in Antibes were excellent a provided a safe and fun learning atmosphere. I loved my little studio appartement, very private and convienient. I hope to return next year.
- D. Kiriluk
Course tutors were of the highest standard and this opinion is informed by experience in relation to language courses attended elsewhere. Complete satisfaction with the accommodation provided.
- F. Daly
I really enjoyed my courses, the instructors were super. It was so worth my time spent there. I enjoyed the stuio apparetement and it's privacy. I hope I can use it again next spring.
- D. Kiriluk
My teacher was very good, simply the best language teacher that I have ever met. Fun and you learn a great deal. The hotel was superb.
- A. Taylor
The teachers were very nice and well educated.
- M. Wassén Kjellberg
The course was really enjoyable, but I also felt I improved my grammar, and became move confident in my speaking. The intensive course was great, as it meant I could practise what I learnt in the mornings in my afternoon classes. The residence where I stayed was really fun, as there were always people around to socialise with! I loved the pool and the room was nice. I had so much fun and loved the setting, in the south of France. It is so livey during the day and at night, with some fantastic beaches, I made a number of day trips to gorgeous towns and the weather is always amazing!
- L. Williams
The course was very good and my teacher was especially good. I feel that i learnt a lot and I have more confidence in french. The classes were well structured and we were always kept busy.
- N. Feggetter
My teacher was fantastic.
- A. Burrows
The teachers are very energetic, committed and prepare lessons well. They try to teach each student to his/her own level. My host was excellent, as I was the only guest of a lady who was roughly my own age. We had much in common and spoke at length on various topics - health, politics, family relationships etc. Even though I had only paid for breakfast, on the evening of my arrival, she had prepared me a dinner. The transfer from the airport was smoother than one could imagine.
- R. Harries
My course was very good. I was put in my correct level right away and the theatchers were very dedicated and friendly. My apartment was big with a nice view over the sea.
- Y. Magnusson
The school was very well run. The private lessons were excellent. All the staff were very professional and knowledgable.
- E. Clark
The class group was small enough in order to be productive. The teacher used modern and efficient methods of learning. The school also has a good reputation for teaching French to foreigners. Excellent host family. A villa with a swimming pool. Large rooms and food quite good.
- S. Ruggeri
I took the super-intensive course and entered not knowing any french, within a few weeks I was confident having conversations in french. I was very impressed by how quickly I learned and how helpful the course was. My accommodation at a student residence was perfect for me, since I was also looking to have a summer vacation. However, for people who really want to get the most french learning out of the experience, living in a host family is probably better.
- R. Kaplan
I had a very nice vacation, amusing, relaxing and proficuos. The residence was really nice, a very good accomodation.
- C. Spiga
The course was exactly what I was looking for. The teacher was dynamic and the content was well covered. She encouraged us to use what we had studied in conversations and debates. I stayed with a host family. They were incredible and genuinely enjoyed having foreign students. The host family definitely enhanced my experience.
- N. Czaczkowski
School statistics
Nationality (%)
Austria (1.75)
Gb (7.24)
Germany (25.70)
Italy (7.64)
Norway (2.47)
Russia (6.92)
Spain (4.53)
Sweden (3.74)
Swiss (14.80)
Usa (4.77)
Average Student Numbers
Average ages (June - Aug)
Student stories on our blog
My language course: Learning the lingo in Antibes!
I took part in a French language course in Antibes, France, a couple of years ago. It was a truly amazing experience! Read on to find out about my time at the school! To find out more about Antibes in general, check out my other article here :) Read more...Prices for Antibes
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