Learn French in Bordeaux: Social Life
With its elegant architecture, active arts scene and a busy nightlife, Bordeaux is a stimulating and authentically French environment for your experience of France and French life. The college arranges a variety of leisure activities to assist students become familiar with Bordeaux, the local region and the French culture.
The college guides will ensure you see some of the better-known attractions such as the Modern Art Museum, Arcachon Bay and the Dune du Pyla (the highest sand dune in Europe), St Emilion vineyard and old Bordeaux. Every two weekends (in winter, once every 4 weekends) they offer a full-day excursion. In addition, the college arranges cheese and/or wine tastings, college parties and evenings out in local restaurants and cookery lessons (at additional cost).
Many students make their own plans to explore the city. The heart of which is located between Place Gambetta and the Garonne River. The Musee d’Aquitaine chronicles the history of Bordeaux and its region for the last 25,000 years. The Modern Art Museum exhibits 21st century work and established names, such as Jackson Pollock. The main shopping area is east of Place Gambetta, along the pedestrianised Rue Porte Dijeaux. A “must see” is the Galerie Bordelaise, a 19th century shopping arcade, which makes you feel you have stepped back in time. There are plenty of luxury shops around Cours Georges Clemenceau; Louis Vuitton Cartier, Hermes and Charles Jourdan, to name a few. Alternatively, why not sample the colour and sounds of the markets in Bordeaux: St Michel, Colbert, Capucins, Le Bouscat.
For those who want to explore Bordeaux’s nightlife we recommend the cafes and restaurants of Place de la Victoire, the Place de Parlement or the Rue de Parlement Sainte Catherine. Why not sample the various night clubs along Quai de Paludate.
A sample of a Week’s cultural programme:
Monday: Tour of central Bordeaux
Tuesday: Free time
Wednesday: Arranged by the college: Visit to a traditional workshop specialising in restoration of painting and to the old part of Bordeaux
Thursday: Free time to shop in Bordeaux
Friday: Free time
Saturday: Arranged by the college: e.g.a trip to Arcachon Bay & the Dune du Pyla
Sunday: Free time