French language school trips to Bordeaux
A typical school trip to Bordeaux cost per person depends on time of travel, transport, accommodation and inclusions.
Though perhaps best known for its wine, Bordeaux has much to offer students studying the French language – it's also a captivating city, with a rich history and stunning architecture. Iconic landmarks include the beautiful square, Place de la Bourse, as well as the world's largest reflecting pool, the Miroir d'Eau (also a recommended photo spot). Then there's the cobblestone streets of Bordeaux's UNESCO-recognised historic centre, where groups can admire the Girondins Monument and magnificent Cathedrale de St-Andre.
Time is well spent exploring the Les Quais riverside promenade on the banks of the Garonne, bordered by beautiful 18th century facades. If you'd like to be inspired by street art, then visit the Darwin area, in the Bastide district on Bordeaux's right bank. There are plenty of opportunities for students to try out their conversational French at Le Marche des Capucins covered market, one of the oldest markets in France, as well as chances to try local delicacies – it is, after all, known locally as ‘the belly of Bordeaux’.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
- Depart the UK and travel by air to Bordeaux
- Free time in Bordeaux
- Evening meal at accommodation / local restaurant
- Breakfast at accommodation
- Les Capucins Market
- Packed lunch
- French language lesson
- Evening meal at accommodation
- Breakfast at accommodation
- River Cruise
- Packed lunch
- French language lesson
- Depart Bordeaux for return to the UK
Famous for its UNESCO-listed historic centre, riverside architecture, vibrant markets and distinctive regional culture, Bordeaux provides an authentic environment in which students can practise French in real-world situations while gaining insight into contemporary French life.
Student Development
During their visit, students can develop:
- Speaking and listening skills
- Confidence communicating in French
- Cultural awareness and understanding
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Independence and resilience
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Confidence interacting with native speakers
- Global awareness and cultural appreciation
GCSE French
Bordeaux provides opportunities for students to:
- Practise spoken French in authentic situations
- Develop listening and comprehension skills
- Build confidence communicating with native speakers
- Apply classroom vocabulary in real-world contexts
- Explore French customs, traditions and daily life
- Develop cultural understanding through immersion
A Level French
Students can explore:
- Contemporary French society and culture
- Regional identity within southwest France
- Authentic language use and communication
- French urban life and cultural heritage
- Food culture and regional traditions
- Independent language-learning opportunities
Cultural Understanding
Students can gain insight into:
- Daily life in modern France
- French food and market culture
- Regional traditions and local identity
- Architecture and urban heritage
- The importance of language within communities
- The role of Bordeaux in French culture and history
Cross-Curricular Learning
Bordeaux also supports learning in:
- History through Bordeaux's UNESCO-listed historic centre
- Geography through urban regeneration and river environments
- Food Technology through markets and regional food traditions
- Citizenship through cultural awareness and international understanding
- Art and Design through architecture, public spaces and street art
Features
ACCOMMODATION
Located in the vibrant Saint-Jean district, in the south of the city, this hotel is an ideal base for groups looking to visit the charming city of Bordeaux. The old town is just 15 minutes walk, while the iconic La Fleche and lively Quai de Paludate are also nearby. The hotel offers comfortable, air-conditioned en suite rooms.
- Great location
- High quality, well-designed air-conditioned rooms
- Game zone
Located in the vibrant Saint-Jean district, in the south of the city, this hotel is an ideal base for groups looking to visit the charming city of Bordeaux. The old town is just 15 minutes walk, while the iconic La Fleche and lively Quai de Paludate are also nearby. The hotel offers comfortable, air-conditioned en suite rooms.
- Great location
- High quality, well-designed air-conditioned rooms
- Game zone
Excursions
Miroir d’Eau
Located between the Garonne and beautiful 18th century façades, the Mirroir d'Eau is the most-photographed site in Bordeaux and is listed as a contemporary World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
River Cruise
Enjoy the sites of Bordeaux from the river. You will learn more about Bordeaux’s history, as well as trying Bordeaux’s delicious speciality canelé pastries while on board.
Les Capucins Market
Practise your French while trying some French food delicacies at one of the oldest markets in France, Le Marche des Capucins covered market.
Botanical Gardens
A relatively recent addition to the city, build in 1997, the garden, located on the right bank of the Garonne with a backdrop of 18th century buildings of the left bank, is divided into six different sections, each featuring different collections.
Cap Sciences
A beacon of learning, innovation and creativity, this remarkable science centre delves into the wonders of science, technology, and the environment with lots of engaging hands on exhibits.
Grosse Cloche (Big Bell)
The Gross Cloche (or 'Big Bell') is one of the oldest belfries in France. It is a symbol of the city of Bordeaux and has a fascinating history.
Arcachon Bay & Le Dune du Pilat
About an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, you'll find the incredible ecosystem of Arcachon Bay – renowned for its unique shaped basin, marine life and oyster farming. Nearby is Europe’s tallest sand dune, the Dune du Pilat, which is over 100m tall and provides a wide range of educational opportunities.
Musee des Beaux Arts
One of the leading art museums in France, the Musee des Beaux Arts in Bordeaux includes famous works by Rubens, Delacrois, Goya and Courbet of different styles such as Baroque, Romanticism, Impressionish and Realism.
Les Bassins des Lumières
Based in the old submarine base in Bordeaux, this historic monument has been transformed into a digital art space offering immersive 360 degree art experiences. Exhibitions are temporary, having included well-known artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Klimt.
Street Art Walking Tour
Bordeaux is home to a thriving Street Art scene that has everything from large-scale murals on building facades to smaller, more subtle pieces scattered throughout the city. Key areas include the Darwin Ecosystem in the Bastide district, and the Chartrons District. Gain an insight into the work of the artists and the cultural context behind the murals.
Cite du Vin
This interactive museum teaches the history and culture of wine, covering the science and economical significance of wine production. It also explores art, literature, and gastronomy associated with wine.
Miroir d’Eau
Located between the Garonne and beautiful 18th century façades, the Mirroir d'Eau is the most-photographed site in Bordeaux and is listed as a contemporary World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
River Cruise
Enjoy the sites of Bordeaux from the river. You will learn more about Bordeaux’s history, as well as trying Bordeaux’s delicious speciality canelé pastries while on board.
Les Capucins Market
Practise your French while trying some French food delicacies at one of the oldest markets in France, Le Marche des Capucins covered market.
Botanical Gardens
A relatively recent addition to the city, build in 1997, the garden, located on the right bank of the Garonne with a backdrop of 18th century buildings of the left bank, is divided into six different sections, each featuring different collections.
Cap Sciences
A beacon of learning, innovation and creativity, this remarkable science centre delves into the wonders of science, technology, and the environment with lots of engaging hands on exhibits.
Grosse Cloche (Big Bell)
The Gross Cloche (or 'Big Bell') is one of the oldest belfries in France. It is a symbol of the city of Bordeaux and has a fascinating history.
Arcachon Bay & Le Dune du Pilat
About an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, you'll find the incredible ecosystem of Arcachon Bay – renowned for its unique shaped basin, marine life and oyster farming. Nearby is Europe’s tallest sand dune, the Dune du Pilat, which is over 100m tall and provides a wide range of educational opportunities.
Musee des Beaux Arts
One of the leading art museums in France, the Musee des Beaux Arts in Bordeaux includes famous works by Rubens, Delacrois, Goya and Courbet of different styles such as Baroque, Romanticism, Impressionish and Realism.
Les Bassins des Lumières
Based in the old submarine base in Bordeaux, this historic monument has been transformed into a digital art space offering immersive 360 degree art experiences. Exhibitions are temporary, having included well-known artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Klimt.
Street Art Walking Tour
Bordeaux is home to a thriving Street Art scene that has everything from large-scale murals on building facades to smaller, more subtle pieces scattered throughout the city. Key areas include the Darwin Ecosystem in the Bastide district, and the Chartrons District. Gain an insight into the work of the artists and the cultural context behind the murals.
Cite du Vin
This interactive museum teaches the history and culture of wine, covering the science and economical significance of wine production. It also explores art, literature, and gastronomy associated with wine.
Trip details
All Equity packages are tailor-made to suit the needs of our groups. Here are our standard package inclusions:
- Return travel by air or coach (air packages include overseas airport transfer. Coach to UK airport from school is available as an optional extra)
- All security charges, airport and local taxes
- 1 free staff place for every 10 full paying passengers by air OR 1 free staff place for every 8 full paying passengers by coach
- Half-board accommodation
- Excursions
- Full use of your coach during your trip (this applies to coach groups only and is subject to EU drivers hours regulations)
- 24-hour emergency service support
- All travel documentation, luggage labels and resort information
- Lunches
- Meals en-route. While travelling to and from your destination you need to consider meals. These are not included in the package prices
- Air passenger duty. Any paying passengers over the age of 16 at time of travel will be charged a small tax fee
- Tourist tax
- Damage deposit
Prices are subject to change based on intended dates of travel and final numbers, the Equity team are here to offer you advice and guidance from start to finish, ensuring your school trip runs smoothly and is a great success.
Travel by: Air
Nearest airport: Bordeaux Airport (BOD)
Transfer time from airport: 30 mins
Best times to travel: Feb-Jun, Sep-Oct
Suggested tour length: 3 days, 2 nights / 4 days, 3 nights (if travelling by coach, please allow additional time for travel)
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