An unforgettable weekend on the Mediterranean coast
Hello everybody!
It’s me again, Jasmin. Since hundreds of motivated French immersion students have diligently begun their French Language Immersion stay at ILA early in July, I did not have enough time to keep you updated on my stay. Sorry!
But, great news, I have met so many great people from all over the world at ILA. The international mixture of students is excellent. Students from more than 40 countries from all over the world arrived in the past 3 weeks.
Montpellier is just great; the weather is perfect, the city vibrant and dynamic and the surrounding wonderful – the ideal location for a French Language Immersion stay. Not only can you improve your French, but you can also enjoy the many bars and cafes in the historic center and, of course, enjoy over 10 kilometers of sandy beaches on the nearby Mediterranean coast! Do not miss the wild, pink flamingoes; they are just round the corner, on the salt lagoons next to the road from Montpellier to the beaches.
The Estivales
In the summer months there is so much to do in Montpellier! Every Friday evening along the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, next to the Place de la Comédie, there are the so-called “Estivales“. These are a kind of big night market, with a lot of live music, entertainment and various local products you can taste, especially wines. For 5 € you can get to taste 2 local products with a glass of wine. You should not miss the Estivales during your French Immersion Stay in Montpellier.
The ILA Blue & White Boat Party
Last Friday however, was not spent in Montpellier since most ILA French Students were participating in the first boat party this year! Two coaches took about 100 French Language Immersion students from ILA to Palavas-les-Flots, Montpelliers beach resort.
Once we arrived at this picturesque beach village, we conquered our party boat for the night. We were welcomed on board with an aperitif, typically French style! The atmosphere was great from the beginning. People chatted, laughed and had a lot of fun. The seafood Paella was delicious! From Palavas we cruised on the Mediterranean azure blue into the beautiful sunset. The wonderful summer breeze, the smell of salty sea water and the gorgeous scenery with the sea in front and the mountains behind made this moment a magic one. The music was great and it did not take long until we all got dancing on the benches! Many photos were shot; you can see them at ILA Facebook and on Instagram. We also made a nice video, which will be published in a few days – watch out for this on the ILA blog and on our social media.
I loved this party and I look forward to the next one on the 25th of August – you still have time to join us for it. Book your French Immersion Course at ILA now and be with us on our next cruise!
Excursion to Nîmes
On Saturday, ILA French Language School organized an excursion to the Roman city of Nîmes. This UNESCO Heritage city is only about 45 minutes by bus from Montpellier and is especially known for its Roman arena and the “Maison Carré“. On the way in the bus, Audrey, a French teacher from ILA French language school, who has been part of the team for 18 years and was our guide that day, gave in an amusing way some background information on the history of Nîmes. Once there, she took us through the old town and explained everything live on site. The historic center is very beautiful, and the arena is very impressive. Then, we had 2 hours of free time to explore the city on our own. Good time for shopping souvenirs! I personally liked the Mediterranean Jardin de la Fontaine best – there were nice cafés under pine tree shade along the ponds, great to relax a bit and talk to other ILA students.
What a great weekend this was! Friday evening the wonderful boat cruise, Saturday the excursion to Nimes. I met so many nice and wonderful people; we had such a great time, so much fun! A typical ILA weekend – and there are many more like this to come! Do not miss this!
Yours Jasmin