Intensive French Language Course in Montpellier, South of France

Who this French language course for?

Our Intensive Course for adults is ideal for students who want to strengthen their command of all aspects of the French language. This immersion program in Montpellier welcomes learners from A1 beginner to C2 advanced levels.

The Intensive Course is the ideal option for learners who want to make rapid progress and fully focus on their French studies. In addition to the Standard Course, it includes three extra afternoon sessions dedicated to oral communication and interactive learning. You’ll strengthen your speaking and listening skills while still enjoying two free afternoons each week to explore Montpellier and take part in cultural or social activities.

This course is also perfect for students who appreciate very small class sizes. While the Standard Course is limited to 10 participants, the Intensive Course welcomes a maximum of 8 students per group — creating a dynamic and supportive environment that encourages communication, active participation, and real progress in spoken French.

Whether you aim to pursue higher education, work internationally, or boost your career, mastering French through full immersion is an invaluable asset that opens new academic, professional, and personal opportunities worldwide.

The benefits of this French course

The Intensive French Course for adults is a full language immersion program designed to help you make rapid progress and put your learning into practice through active communication. This residential French course in Montpellier is perfect for students who wish to boost their confidence and fluency while discovering French culture in an authentic way.

During your stay at ILA, you will:

• Practice and speak French with ease and confidence
• Improve fluency through real-life communication
• Manage everyday situations effortlessly in France
• Strengthen your grammar and overall language accuracy
• Expand your vocabulary and master pronunciation
• Experience French culture firsthand and explore life in France 

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Standard and Intensive Course?

The Standard course provides 20 × 45-minute lessons per week, usually in the mornings from 09:00 to 12:15, Monday to Friday. It focuses on all four CECR skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking – while also including interactive and reading tasks across a range of topics.

The Intensive course includes everything in the Standard course, plus 10 additional lessons per week, typically in the afternoons from 13:15 to 15:30, Tuesday to Thursday. These extra lessons place greater emphasis on oral expression, helping you apply what you’ve learned, build confidence, and accelerate your progress.

In short, the Standard course is ideal if you want a solid, balanced programme, while the Intensive course is perfect if you want to maximise practice and boost your speaking skills in a shorter period of time.

What activities are included in the intensive course?

In addition to the Standard Course of 20 lessons per week (usually in the morning), the Intensive French Course includes 8 extra sessions focused on oral communication.

These lively afternoon classes help you put your French into practice through interactive activities such as role plays, fun language games, presentations on chosen topics, debates, and listening exercises using authentic French radio and TV programs.

At ILA, each learning activity is built around specific language abilities, described through “can-do” statements that link classroom learning to everyday communication. This hands-on approach highlights real progress — focusing on what you can confidently do in French, rather than simply what you’ve studied.

This dynamic approach not only improves your speaking and listening skills but also builds confidence and spontaneity when communicating in real-life situations.

Do I need to buy an extra book for the Intensive Course?

No, you don’t need to buy any additional books! All materials are provided by ILA. The extra afternoon lessons focus on speaking and listening, so teachers use a variety of authentic resources — like articles, videos, songs, or short radio and TV clips — instead of a separate textbook. Everything you need to participate fully in class is included in your course.

What are the Intensive Course hours ?

The Intensive Course includes the Standard Course of 20 lessons per week, usually held from 9:00 to 12:15. In addition, you’ll have 8 extra afternoon lessons focused on oral communication, scheduled three times a week — typically on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 13:15 to 15:30.

These extra sessions are designed to help you practice speaking and listening in a lively, interactive environment.

How big are the classes?

At ILA, we keep our classes small to ensure plenty of personal attention and interaction.

In the Standard Course, there are a maximum of 10 students per class, allowing for active participation and individual support from your teacher.

In the additional afternoon lessons of the Intensive Course, groups are even smaller — maximum 8 students — to make conversation easier and give everyone more opportunities to speak.

This small-group setting creates a friendly, motivating atmosphere where you can really build confidence and fluency in French.

Can beginners take part in the Intensive Course?

Yes, absolutely! The Intensive French Course is open to all levels — from complete beginners (A1) to advanced learners (C2).

If you’re a beginner, our teachers will guide you step by step, helping you build a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation while encouraging you to start speaking from day one. The additional afternoon lessons focus on simple oral activities that help you gain confidence and use French in real-life situations right from the start.

Our small class sizes and supportive environment make it easy for beginners to participate, ask questions, and make fast progress in a relaxed, motivating atmosphere.

When can I start the Intensive Course?

You can start the Intensive Course on any Monday, all year round (except for complete beginners, who have specific start dates).

If you’re a beginner, your course will begin on one of the scheduled beginner start dates listed in our calendar. This ensures that everyone in your group starts at the same level and progresses together.

For all other levels, placement is flexible — you can join any Monday after taking our online placement test and an oral assessment on your first day at school. This allows us to place you in a class that best matches your current level and learning goals.