Intensive French Courses

With focused, engaging lessons at language school, an Intensive French Course boosts confidence and fluency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Suitable for all ability levels, from beginners to advanced linguists.

Course structure and content

An intensive language course typically comprises 20 lessons taught on weekday mornings. Classes are taught in international groups of students all working at the same level, so students enjoy learning at the correct standard and make rapid progress. The pacy, interactive courses cover speaking and listening, reading and writing, with a focus on encouraging students to use French with fluency and confidence.

Prior to travelling students take a short online level test to place them in the appropriate class based on their CEFR language level. Read our handy guide to language levels to find out more and try a online self-assessment, or find out about a typical week at language school.

Destinations

Easily accessible from London by Eurostar, friendly and compact Lille is always a popular destination. At the other end of the scale, Paris and Lyon offer total immersion in French life and culture for more independent students. For Mediterranean sunshine, where could be better than glamorous Nice or historic Montpellier? Few French cities can match beautiful Bordeaux for charisma and charm, while the ancient city of Rouen in Normandy is safe and atmospheric.

Click here to see all our Intensive French Courses and choose the right destination for you.

Accommodation

Most students choose homestay accommodation for their Intensive Language Course for the chance to experience local life at first-hand. Carefully vetted hosts support students during their stays, which can be especially valuable for young people travelling alone for the first time. Read our guide to homestay accommodation to find out more.

Some language schools also offer residence accommodation or shared apartments, which are often popular for longer stays. Age restrictions apply. See our selection of intensive language courses with residence accommodation to choose the right destination for you.

You are of course free to arrange your own accommodation for your Intensive French Course.

Activity programmes

Many language schools offer programmes of cultural activities during the afternoons and at weekends so students can make friends and make the most of their stay in France. Typical activities include city tours, photo rallies, cookery workshops, dance classes, food tasting and sports. Longer stays may include full-day excursions to places of interest further afield.

Programmes are generally announced at the beginning of each week. Some activities may require payment of an additional fee.