Learn French in Nice: Social Life
All students are encouraged to make the most of their time in Nice by participating in the guided excursions and activities offered by the French language school staff. The wide range of city attractions – day or night – in the city ensures Nice is a stimulating and provocative backdrop for your experience of France and French life.
The guides will enable you to explore the better-known attractions such as the Matisse museum and the Chagall museum, and the nearby towns of Antibes and Cannes, the Isles de Lerins or the principality of Monaco. School arranged visits are accompanied by a guide, but at extra cost, students are of course welcome to explore Nice and its region on their own, and many choose to do so.
Past language students have loved discovering the less well-known activities that the Nicoise themselves enjoy, wandering through the daily flower market or exploring the hidden corners of old Nice that the average tourist never gets to see. For those who want to explore Nice’s night life there are some great pubs in old Nice. We are sure you will enjoy experiencing the Mediterranean atmosphere of this wonderful city.
On your first Monday of arrival, you can participate in a guided tour of the old town of Nice, offered free of charge and with commentary in French.
All cultural activities are offered as a complement to the learning of the French language.
The Nice school team are friendly and will energize the activities with a commentary in French, with a vocabulary and speech quickly adapted to your level. Where activities must be paid for (e.g. entrance fee to the museum, transport …) students are asked to do so by school staff when they sign up for the event.
A minimum number of students are necessary for the planned activities to take place.
Examples of weekend excursions & school guided events
A visit to Monaco
Visit the celebrated Principality, home to the Monte Carlo Casino, the Grimaldi Palace, the Oceanographic museum and the streets that become the famous F1 racetrack!
Tasting specialities of Nice
Discover the gastronomic heritage of Nice and its region.
The Theatre of Photography and Image
Home to a superb photographic collection of the city and its region.
Visit of Saint Paul de Vence
A popular trip to the famous artists’ village perched in the mountains, just an hour from Nice., coupled with a visit to the famous contemporary art showcased in Fondation Maeght.
The Phoenix Park
The botanical and zoological gardens in Nice, feature a greenhouse that hosts plants from different tropical climates.
Antibes and the Picasso Museum
Explore both the old town of Antibes and the Picasso collection in a former castle of the Grimaldi family.
Russian Orthodox Cathedral St-Nicolas
We sometimes forget the strong influence of the Russian community in the development of the city of Nice. Here is an opportunity to reconnect with history and admire the largest Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built outside of Russia.
Eze Village
A beautiful village to discover, where you can marvel at the exceptional views and enjoy a visit to perfumery.
The Palais Lascaris
A former aristocratic home dating from the early 17th century, in the heart of Old Nice … a superb illustration of the Genoese Baroque style.
L’Opéra de Nice
Throughout the year, you can attend fabulous shows at the Nice Opera. The school also offer a tour inside this monument, so you can experience life behind the scenes.
Menton
Just a few kilometers from Italy, this quiet town is famous for its gardens, the celebration of the Lemon Festival each February, the Jean Cocteau museum and the many artisan crafts (jams, soaps etc).
Museum-of-Art-Naif de Nice
Nice is home to many museums … so enjoy them!
The Naive Art Museum is not well known but is well worth discovering on a guided tour.
Matisse Museum and the Archaeological site
Explore the Matisse Museum with fellow students, located in the heart of the Roman archaeological site of Cimiez
Cuisine / The cookery class
A fun activity, where you can learn some regional dishes and practice French at the sametime!
La Fete des Mai
A day at the “local colour”, full of traditions and regional identity, to discover another side of Nice.
The cruise en voilier / The sailing trip
For those who like basking in the sun, lulled by the motion of the waves … For everyone, in fact!
L’Initiation a la petanque / Initiation bocce
In the courtyard of the institute, a fun and convivial moment, to get to know this game that, in our region, is a real SPORT!
Visiting Cannes
Discovery of this city who also lives outside its film festival, visit the old town and the island of Sainte-Marguerite, famous for imprisoning the “Man in the Iron Mask” for many years.
A walk to Cap Ferrat
Between Beaulieu-sur-Mer Villefranche-sur-Mer, enchanting scenery, a quiet ride, the magic of the French Riviera …
Le MAMAC
Museum of modern art and contemporary art, presenting a panorama of the 60s to the present day, all with a school guide… in French of course!
Wine and cheese tasting
A pleasant way to get to know a part of French cultural heritage! Culture, gluttony and gormandising… lots of fun!
Movie Night
A film IN FRENCH, to exercise your understanding, whilst having a fun time with the other students.
Evening Show
Varies depending on city events each month: opera, theatre … whatever is happening at the time!
