Montpellier dates back to the 13th century and is today one of the largest cultural cities in France. The high-speed TGV trains provide daily service to and from Paris in about 3.5 hours. Its southern location near the Mediterranean Sea, in an area lined with seaports and endless stretches of sandy beaches, offers and abundance of sunshine 300 days of the year on average. The city pedestrian center is lined with the quaint, narrow streets, fountains, open squares, and numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants – all of which are very typical of southern France. Renowned academically, Montpellier caters to a younger population of students during the year and attracts European tourists in the summer. Montpellier also prides itself in the great number of music, dance, and theater festivals it hosts all summer long.

The program is open to students from around the world and includes 15 hours of instruction per week. Classes are held at an accredited language institute within a short walk from the center of town.

The faculty is made up of native French professors experienced in teaching French as a Foreign Language. All classes are taught in French. Class size varies from 6-12 participants and tends to attract a younger age range of students. Groups are set up by level (Beginner to Advanced), determined by proficiency evaluations given the first day of the program. A two-week minimum is required during the summer months June, July and August. One-week courses are available starting every Monday the rest of the year.

The institute is equipped with a computer laboratory with internet access and CD Rom tutorials. A monthly schedule of afternoon activities and supplemental classes is available from the institute at final registration in France. Students may sign up and pay for the activities of their choice once in France. Additional services are also available at the Office du Tourisme in town.

> Go to the registration form

Note: We require 3-5 weeks to complete your registration so be sure to return your Registration Form as soon as you have set your travel dates. Health/travel insurance must be provided by each participant.

Available housing includes your choice of a private room with shared bath in the home of a local resident (with daily breakfast or daily breakfast and dinner meal plans), a hotel with continental breakfast, or a fully furnished apartment. Accommodations may be arranged for more than one person. Linens and bath towels are provided with all options. Please indicate your housing preference on your Registration Form and specify if it is for more than one person.

Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary with fluctuating exchange rates.

A monthly schedule of activities and excursions is arranged by the institute and will require an extra fee. Program participants sign up for the activities of their choice once in France. Ask for a complete list of options at final registration. In addition to the excursions organized by the institute, the Office du Tourisme offers a wide variety of guided tours and events. Activities range from a walking tour of the city or a visit to the Musée Fabre, to bus tours to one of the wine vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussillon region or private Chateaux of the Herault.

Regularly scheduled departures from the Gare Routière will take you to see the wild horses of the Carmargues, the flocks of pink flamingos along the Etangs of Palavas, or to the fortified mediaeval city of Aigues-Mortes. You may also take a short train ride north of Montpellier to visit the Roman Coliseum in Nimes or the Pope’s Palace in Avignon. Of course, if you prefer to simply relax at the beach, there are several buses that will take you to any of the stretches of sandy beaches between Palavas and la Grande Motte. Wherever your passion lies, you will find just the right place in and around Montpellier to make your Learning Vacation an experience you will want to repeat!