COMMENTAIRES DES ETUDIANTSPart 3 Read about Jacquelyn's French studies in Biarritz

( back to part 2 Bordeaux)

My BLS French Language School Experience
in Bordeaux and Biarritz
PART 3

by Jacquelyn Atkins (Australia)

"A two hour TGV train journey from Bordeaux, Biarritz is located on the Atlantic coast and is a beautiful town that is synonymous with surf and chic!"

A similar cultural programme is provided by BLS’s other French language school in Biarritz, my second destination. A two hour TGV train journey from Bordeaux, Biarritz is located on the Atlantic coast and is a beautiful town that is synonymous with surf and chic! A sleepy fishing village until 1854 when Napoleon III’s wife, Eugénie , decided that she’d like their summer palace there; Biarritz has been a magnet to the rich and famous ever since. In 1957 les riches were joined by les surfeurs when an American surfer, filmmaker Peter Viertel, Deborah Kerr’s husband, puts the Biarritz wave on the map. This was the birth of European surfing and surfers from all over the world continue to enjoy Biarritz’s beautiful beaches and great waves which host many international surf competitions

Located ten minutes from the beach, BLS’s French school has the delightful laid-back, friendly feel that epitomises Biarritz. Staff and students alike are here to savour the great way of life that this town offers, and the relaxed energy of this school provides a fascinating contrast to the cosmopolitan, city energy of the Bordeaux school. The students are here to learn French, certainly, but their after class activities of surfing, golf and exploring the Basque culture are just as important!

Once more I joined the 20 lesson per week French course and discovered that my classmates in Biarritz had very different interests from those in Bordeaux: they were here for the beach! With my class composed of mostly Irish school students and a sprinkling of mature age students from New Zealand, Switzerland and Yemen, lessons were relaxed, fun and highly effective in improving our French. After class I was amazed to discover that grey, cool, spring days do not stop the Irish from heading straight to the beach to try to get a suntan! Me? I was happy to promenade along the magnificent rocky shoreline, enjoying the spectacular natural beauty and quirky architecture of this unique town.

 

The buildings of Biarritz reflect the diversity of the visitors over the past 150 years, with an eclectic mix of Basque, art deco, Bavarian castle, English Tudor mansion, or whatever happens to be the dream home of the owner at the time! However it is the Basque heritage that is the quintessential Biarritz. Whilst staying in Biarritz, it is essential to explore the picturesque Basque villages, hike in the magnificent Pyrenees, savour the Basque cuisine and maybe even pop over the border into Spain for an alternative cultural experience. The BLS staff are very helpful in sharing all the information required to make the most of your time in this incredible location.