Learn French at the Institut de Français on the French Riviera.

You truly begin the next day. NOTE: from the moment the introduction begins, not one word of English is spoken on school grounds, ever, not even during breaks.

Each day you'll have breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and classes throughout the day. From memory, a couple of dinners and a day tour to St Paul de Vence and beautiful Tourrettes-sur-Loup is included. You'll have one teacher and regular mixed classes on various topics of interest. Most lessons occur in classroom, plus EVERY day in the audio lab (just like high school!). Jump in here and exercise you brain. Just do it!

Plus, there’s a gathering every morning before breakfast, in the main Lounge, French news. I tried a few, but the presenters speak very fast. I suppose they are useful but I don't do news at home, so I didn't want to do it on the holiday of my lifetime! It’s not compulsory. Yay!

The meals are really quite good, so dinner was often very simple at home. Hallelujah, there is a shop called Picard’s on the Moyenne Corniche (you'll pass by it on the way down to the village) that sells the *most extraordinary* range of frozen foods ... Truly. Fine for me because, although I’m a good cook, I don’t spend a lot of time doing it, and hopefully less time cleaning up after it. There's also a supermarché, patisserie, and various speciality shops nearby.

Dining out is a real pleasure, bien sûr, because there many restaurants in Villefranche-sur-Mer which offer endless chances to eat remarkably well and also to socialise with the locals. There are several fine dining restaurants down by the harbour, but plenty of less-expensive, and equally wonderful, choices in the village itself.

For the school, you don't need any special gear. From memory they give you an exercise book but bring your favourite pen you like. I took my iPad and that came in very handy for the short presentation you will be required to do at the end of the month.

Consider booking your accommodation through the school if you can - it's much more affordable that way. It's likely to be fairly simple, but perfectly adequate. If you prefer something more upmarket, check out other accommodation options.

Bring some lightweight cardigans and comfortable walking shoes. It's hill country, whichever way you look at it. But the French aren't keen on runners in restaurants - something more chic in a shoe - but still casual - is fine. If you are interested, check out my post about Travelling Around the World with an Onboard Bag.

On evenings and weekends, you'll want meet up with new friends to explore the sights. Visit Villa Rothschild or Villa Kerylos, both within walking distance of Villefranche. I went for dinner in Italy one night (bring your passport!) and there will be heaps of other adventurous things to do.

Perhaps just relax on the beach ...

I recommend a day trip to Eze for SURE, possibly Antibes in the morning and Juan les Pins in the afternoon (next to each other), and of course, Nice if you're a shopper...a bit crowded for me!

And seriously, be prepared to walk up and down the hill. Every day. Or have lots of money, *and be able to charm a Taxi Driver into a €7 fare and to give up his position in the queue.

Unlikely.

Seriously. Up and down hills. Every day.

If you are thinking of going, good luck on your adventures, you're going to LOVE this for the rest of your life! I'm going to try and go again in the very near future. It’s already been 5 years. Too long ...

I’m proud to say that I graduated with the Certificat Mention Très Bien, the highest award.

One day, I pledge, I will return. XX