If you have chosen to learn French in France, then you’re in luck! As one of the most varied and beautiful countries in Europe, if not the world, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing your destination to learn.
For those who enjoy beautiful landscapes, nature, outdoor sports, or you simply enjoy life at a slightly slower pace, then the Alps, and the village of Samoëns in particular, presents what is probably the best opportunity to learn French in the Alps.
In a region of France overflowing with beauty, Samoëns offers a truly unique combination of a charming unspoilt village, a year-round local French population, and a top tourist destination with endless beauty and activities. It provides students with the chance to not only develop language skills but also gain insight into the local way of life, traditions, and customs. Conversations with instructors, fellow adventurers, and local people provide a rich cultural exchange that goes beyond formal language tuition, making the learning process more holistic and deeply rooted in the French experience.
And you can have some serious fun along the way!
Local language school, Avancée Formation, offer intensive French language courses tailored to help you significantly improve your French while enjoying our mountain paradise to the maximum. As a small language school with dedicated and local teachers, they offer small classes and personalised lessons to help you achieve your potential.
Whether you’re visiting the region alone, as a family or group of friends, they have courses carefully designed for you, allowing you to enjoy the mountains by day, and improve your French by night.
You have everything required to help take your French to new levels!
Increasingly well known as a year-round Alpine destination, Samoëns is located in the Haute Savoie region, in the heart of some of the most impressive scenery in the Alps. Less than one hour drive from Geneva airport the village is easily accessible for international visitors.
Renowned for its charm and history, Samoëns retains an authentic ambience which immerses language learners in a genuine French environment. Explore the streets, stunning local architecture, 13th century church, numerous cafes, bars, restaurants, and impressive weekly market. Go on a guided tour of the village and the botanical gardens or enjoy daily entertainment and events. Buy produce directly from a local farm and have a chat with the farmers. The village provides numerous opportunities for daily practice with locals who are known for their warm hospitality.
Samoëns isn’t the only village in the Haut-Giffre valley, with Morillon, Verchaix, Taninges and quaint Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, gateway to an incredible national park, waiting to be explored.
For many, our stunning Alpine environment is the biggest draw to the valley, and for very good reason! The headline attraction is undoubtedly the Grand Massif ski area, one of the biggest in France with 265km of pistes offering outstanding skiing for all abilities. And then there is snowshoeing, hiking, parapenting, fat biking, wellness centres, yoga classes, and so much more. Why not hire a local guide to help you explore the area, or improve your skiing and your French with some ski lessons?
Still relatively unknown to international visitors, Samoëns stands out as one of the best value resorts in the Alps. This is aided by its proximity to Geneva airport, with regular low-cost international flights and budget-friendly public transport options, as well as private transfers and car hire.
Once in the valley, you will find reasonably priced supermarkets and restaurants, in combination with a wide selection of self-catered accommodation, all offering great value for money.
As the largest provider of self-catered accommodation in the valley, Alps Accommodation can help you find your perfect property, and help you get the most from your stay. Alps Accommodation offer their guests discounted lift passes, equipment hire, ski/snowboard lessons, and well as discounts on other local activities. Get in touch!