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Learn French in Annecy, France

Annecy is an average-sized city (80,000 inhabitants) surrounded by mountains and renowned for the pure waters of its glacier lake, Annecy is the ideal location to combine French courses in France with tourism.

Situated 80 miles (129km) east of Lyon, Annecy has a magical setting on the shore of Lake Annecy at the foot of the Alps. It has been called the Venice of the Alps because of the web of canals that cut through its old town. Annecy is probably the best base for touring the Haute-Savoie region. Just six miles (10km) to its west is Gorges du Fier, a dramatic river gorge. A gangway takes visitors through a narrow gully that has been cut by a torrent of water over the eons; you can hear the roar of the river below. Emerging from this labyrinth, you'll be greeted by a huge expanse of boulders. The site is closed to the public between mid-October and mid-March. Visitors can also take a cruise on the ice-blue lake for which the town is famous.

The picturesque Annecy, known for its castle that dominates the town, is located at the northern top of Lake Annecy and surrounded by snow-topped mountains. The town often serves as a welcome stop before hiking or skiing activities in the nearby Mont Blanc area or travels to Swiss or Italy. The castle, with its several towers, is a reminder of the glorious structure the military fort must have had when it was constructed in the eleventh century by the Prince of Savoy. Downtown Annecy and the Lake are connected by a canal that winds through the cobbled streets with the red-roofed houses. The terraces are there, the Bridge of the Lovers, the setting sun. no wonder they call it the Venice of the North.

In the old part of the town, you can explore the inner yards of the castle as well as the old prisons dating from the Middle Ages. Modern shops have found their way to the city (and offer excellent possibilities to hire gear when you want to indulge in any sorts of water sports) as well as plenty off restaurants, cafes and big companies such as Salomon and Dassault. You can either opt for a hotel in town or for one of the holiday resorts along the lake.

The traditional Old Town festival takes place in July and is followed quite soon by the preparations for the famous Lake Festival that takes place every August. Annecy is also the location where the annual Animated Film Festival takes place.

Learn French in Annecy, France - Fees

Accommodation Fees

Our French School in Annecy, France

Our French school in Annecy, France has a commanding view of the lake, less than three kilometers from the old city of Annecy.

In the afternoon or on week-ends, you can water-ski or sail on the lake, indulge in the joys of skiing, hiking or climbing and discover a region that offers a very rich cultural heritage.

These activities serve to enrich students' classroom experience by gaining exposure to the surrounding attractions of Annecy. They provide new opportunities for students to practice the French language in various settings. Typically, a dozen activities are offered during each session, including:

• A guided tour of Annecy,
• Lecture by a professor from the University of Savoie,
• Hiking around the lake,
• Bus trip to discover the region,
• Table tennis or petanque tournament,
• Discovering local specialties in a typical Savoyard restaurant.

Our French Courses in Annecy, France

At our French language school in Annecy, France we offer; 4 programs of 11 weeks each during the academic year

• 20hrs a week - 15h lessons plus DELF/DALF preparation plus 2h outside activities.
• 17hrs a week - 15h lessons plus 2h outside activities
• 15hrs a week - 15h lessons
• 3hrs a week - DELF/DALF preparation

2 summer programs: 4 weeks (July and August) or 3 weeks (September)

• 20h a week - 15h lessons plus 5h outside activities
• 15h a week - 15h lessons

We run these French courses from:

• 5 September to 25 September 2007
• 8 October to 21 December 2007
• 7 January to 21 March 2008
• 7 April to 20 June 2008
• 2 to 29 July 2008
• 4 to 29 August 2008
• 1 to 19 September 2008
• 6 October to 19 December 2008

Activities organised by our teachers

These activities serve to enrich students' classroom experience by giving them exposure to the surrounding attractions of Annecy. They provide new opportunities for students to practice their French language in various settings.

The teacher in charge of the activity makes sure that every student actively participates in French.

During the university year, a two-hour activity is organised every week. In the summer, the number of activities is larger: 5 hours a week.

Examples of educational activities

• A guided tour of Annecy
• “Café voyages”: presentations and discussions about travelling
• A presentation of various Savoyard cheeses and wines followed by a tasting
• Mountain hike on foot or with snowshoes
• A meal to discover French gastronomy or a meal to discover regional specialities
• Practice playing a typically French game : la pétanque
• A visit to a castle, the Bell Museum or the Alpine Lake Observatory
• A film in a cinema followed by a debate in a café
• Cook and taste of a French recipe
• Cruise on lake Annecy to get a sense of the surroundings mountains and villages
• A visit to a farm where “reblochon” (cheese from Savoie) is made
• “Café actualités”: to examine some of the differences between the French and the foreign press
• Entertainment or exhibition according to the town's cultural programme
• A bicycle tour along lake Annecy with discussion of cycling in France and abroad
• A visit to a natural site in Annecy's surroundings
• A trip to Chambéry...

During the summer, in addition to the activities, a four-day bicycle journey, “la CilfaCyclette”, is organised by a teacher. The aim is to practice French while discovering the beautiful area.

2 summer programs: 4 weeks (July and August) or 3 weeks (September)

• 20h a week - 15h lessons plus 5h outside activities
• 15h a week - 15h lessons

French Courses in Annecy, France - Accommodation

RésidenceJean Monnet. Studio apartments

Within walking distance to classes. You will meet many French people in this very comfortable residence. Fully furnished: kitchenette with fridge, electric stove, microwave, bathroom with tub and outside telephone line.

For one month: from 450 euro

Résidence d'Evires. Single rooms

You will be right on the spot and able to meet French people easily. Rooms with shared bathrooms (up to 3 people), shared kitchens (bring your own utensils).

For one month: 301 euro