PRACTICAL INFORMATION

How to get to Biarritz

Being such a popular tourist destination, Biarritz is easily accessed from many parts of Europe making it an enticing location to learn French in France.

• By plane to Biarritz Airport

An increasing number of cities have direct flights to Biarritz Airport with low cost and regular airlines.
Aéroport de Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne is located just 2km from the town centre.

• By plane to Bordeaux Merignac Airport

There are also direct flights with low cost and regular airlines to Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport witch is 180km from Biarritz.

• By plane to San Sebastian Airport

San Sebastian Airport in Spain is located close to the French borderline, only 50 km from Biarritz.

• By train

There are also direct, 5 hours, high-speed TGV trains which run regularly from Paris Montparnasse station to Biarritz or Bayonne train station.

• By car

France’s extensive motorway system makes driving to Biarritz easy from all over France and northern Spain. Biarritz is served by A10 autoroute.

• Transfer from Airport, train station to Biarritz:
  • “Escapade Biarritz” transfer (on request)  See price list
  • By Bus: 45 minutes, more information on:  http://www.bus-stab.com/

Escapade Biarritz School

• Escapade Biarritz
  20 avenue Victor Hugo
  64200 Biarritz

• First day at school
  On the first day of classes, you are expected at the school at 8h45.

• School Furniture
  • A reception area
  • 6 air conditioned classroom
  • WiFi access
  • A lounge
  • Teachers have their own furniture. They can also use our teaching aid: TV, DVD, and Cyber space.

• French Level Test:
  • Upon arrival the first day at Escapade Biarritz you will be tested for your level of French.
  • This is meant to place you in the most appropriate class according to your current knowledge of French.
  • You will have a written test followed by an oral test.
  • Our director of studies is then in charge of the repartition of the students in the various classes according to the Levels set by the European norm.
  • You will be given your level and class on the second day of school.

• Orientation
•  On your first day at Escapade Biarritz our staff will give you a short orientation about the school, the schedule, the classes, the various activities, excursions and events organized by the school (some are included in your package).
• Feel free to ask our staff for any questions or additional information you may need.

Activities and Excursions

• Some activities and excursions are included in your package, other are optional.

• Depending on the package and programme you signed up for the activities and excursions included are not the same. Ask our staff if you have any question.

• As a minimum you will always have 1 welcome party, 1 half day excursion and 1 evening activity included each week.

• If you wish to participate in other activities or excursions organized by the school, have a look at the schedule and sign up with our staff for those you are interested in.

• If you are interested in specific activities or in the various packages we offer, ask our staff, they will be delighted to help.
   

Accommodation

•  If you have booked accommodation with Escapade Biarritz, you will be provided you accommodation details (host family information, residence address…) at least 2 weeks prior to arrival as long as full payment has been received.

•  If you are staying with a host family, please do contact them prior to arrival in order to introduce yourself and reconfirm with them your arrival date and time.

• If you have chosen homestay over residence/apartment, please remember that you are considered as a member of the family and that you will be expected to make efforts to adapt to your host family life and culture.

• If any issue arises regarding your accommodation, please talk to our staff at the school.

Visa Information

• You can find information concerning the procedures for a visa application, wheter a visa is needed : www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
• Contact us for more information. 

Insurance

• Fell free to subscribe a Medical insurance.

Bank Holidays

Escapade Biarritz is closed on bank holidays.

• Fête Nationale: 07.14.10
• Assomption: 08.15.10

Weather

Due to it’s situation facing the Atlantic Ocean and by the Pyrenees mountains, Biarritz is very open to the winds. It benefits from quite mild winters (average of 9 degrees) and comfortably hot summers (average of 21 degrees). In summer there is often sunshine, but it does rain regularly in Biarritz, rainfalls can be quite short except during the winter storms.

Price index

• 2€ – 3€ for an espresso
• 3€ – 4€ for a soda
• 5€ for a sandwich
• 15€ for a middle-range restaurant
• 8€ for a movie ticket
• 8€ – 10€ for a drink in a club