FAQ

Can I pay with a credit card ?
Yes, select credit card payment option on the application form. Separate secure link via email will follow.

Credit cards accepted in the office at the Institut.

Are there apartments in the school?
No, the school is a luxurious Provençal villa comprised solely of classrooms, dining room, office and garden. We can help organize accommodation offsite, in the town and surrounding residential area, within a 10 – 15 minute walking distance from the school.
When can I move in ?
Move in and keys pick-up is available in Villefranche on the Sunday preceding the start of the session only, between 12 – 5pm (an absolute deadline).
If I wish to arrive a few days earlier ?
If you wish to arrive 1 or 2 days earlier, we can provide a list of recommended hotels in Villefranche and Nice.
When do I need to vacate my lodging ?
By 9am on the last Friday of the session. There can be no exceptions. You must arrange your hotel and transport reservations accordingly.
Do I need to bring my own towels and sheets ? Is the kitchen equipped ?

All apartments organized by the school are fully furnished with internet, television, cooking and kitchen utensils, refrigerator and a washing machine. Apartment cleaning, with change of towels and bed linen twice during the whole session included.

How far are the apartements and the school from Villefranche center ?
The Institut and apartments are within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bank, train station, old town and the beach.
I am a vegan / vegetarian / I have a food allergy : do you cater to special diet ?
Select menu desired on application form and indicate any allergies in the notes.
Is the school closed on legal holidays ?
The school remains open on all public holidays, except December 25 and on May 1.
What is the closed airport ?
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport – around a 30 to 45 mins drive to Villefranche.
How do I get from Nice airport to Villefranche ?
A taxi is the quickest and most convenient route. Expect around 30 – 40 minutes . 
Both cash and card payments accepted. 

Tram line 2 from Aéroport to Port Lympia. From there, take bus 15 and get off at the stop ‘Octroi’ in Villefranche. Short uphill walk towards the Institut.

Train from either Nice Saint Augustin (closest to airport) or Nice Ville (the main city centre station) to Villefranche-sur-Mer. 
Expect a gradual inclining uphill walk towards the Institut. 

Please note: public transport is heavily saturated, especially during summer months.
Do I need a car during my stay ?
A car is not really necessary on weekdays as all our apartments are within waling distance from school.

However, a car is always useful on week ends and in the evenings.There are lots of places to visit on the Riviera.
Villefranche is within a short drive of Nice, Cannes, Monaco or the hinterland.You may therefore choose to rent a car.

If a have a car, where do I park ?
There are a few spaces available along the school street, avenue Général Leclerc and around the perimeter of the garden, on allée Saint Estève and avenue Saint Estève.
Is the a daily schedule ?
Classes are from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4.45pm.
Do I need to work on my French before attending ?
A little effective work before arriving can help for beginners, such as listening exercises on fundamental verbs and everyday situation phrases. Otherwise, our own materials are handed out in due course at the right time.
What if I already speak French well ?
We offer “perfectionning” classes for students with a high level of French. For more information, please contact: [email protected]
May I have a guest in my apartment ?
Individual and higher standard bedrooms are occupied solely by students and for their exclusive use.
For studios and 1-bedroom apartments, any occupancy by an additional non student (spouse, companion, friend) must obtain prior authorization from the school.
Supplementary fee of 100 Euros for guest in studio category applies.
Is there Wi-Fi access in my apartment ? At the school ?
Free wifi access at both the school and in all apartments.
What do I need to bring for the class : a dictionary, a book ?
Notebooks and pencils are provided when needed. Books are not needed in class as our method is audiovisual.

We do have a lending library with selected novels and plays for each class level. It is always useful to bring a good dictionary with you. Your teacher can recommend one for outside purchase. The Institut has big dictionaries, in most current languagues, available in the large living room.

Do I need a computer or Ipad for the course ?
You don’t need a laptop or an Ipad during the various activities of our program;
but either can be useful for preparing presentations, discussions or any homework.
Will I receive material before the course starts?
We send our online pre-test assessment a few week before arrival to be completed online.

All materials are introduced in due time and with due process of explanation and application by the teacher (in the right place and at the right time).

Are pets allowed ?

Pets are aloud in the apartments (extra charge 300 euros) but not in class.

Are the apartments non smoking ? The school ?
All our apartments are non-smoking to ensure every one’s comfort. It is requested that, if needed, you smoke on the balcony or terrace. No smoking is allowed inside the school buildings (it’s a French law), but it is allowed during the breaks on the balconies and outside in the garden.
Is there a dress code at the school ?
At the school, casual but proper wear is requested. Evening wear is preferred for our introductory social evening on the first Friday. Certain smart restaurants and night clubs naturally have a dress code.
Are there ATMs in Villefranche ?
You will find one ATM « Crédit Agricole » located on boulevard de la Corne d’Or, and another just in front of Villefranche’s tourist office.
Are shops open on Sunday ?
On Sunday, in Villefranche you will find two small groceries stores, one boulangerie and one newsagent open until 7pm. Some restaurants might be open too.
Are there activities planned during the weekends?
The Institut organizes a few extra-curricular activities during the week. Students are free to plan their own outings on weekends.
What is your cancellation policy ?
A refund of the advance payment (less the non refundable registration fee of 200 euros) is possible if cancellation is received 15 days before the course starts. We can also credit your advance payment towards another session (provided there is space)
What happens if I miss class?
Any absence (professional, personal, illness) is neither refundable nor reschedulable. Homework can however be provided upon request to help catch-up.

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