top of page

"In the heart of the French Pyrenees"

This program offers complete immersion in the French language and culture to students who wish to improve their level of French intensively, quickly and effectively on the basis of intensive lessons and activities at the heart of French habits.

Classes will take place in  Bagnères-de-Bigorre, in the Hautes-Pyrénées, here is a little presentation that is worth a look!

About Bagnères-de-Bigorre

 

​​Bagnères-de-Bigorre is located in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées at an altitude of 550m at the foot of the  Pic du Midi , as well as the mythical  Cols d'Aspin , and  Tourmalet (Tour de France) . The Grand Tourmalet offers more than 100 km of slopes, which makes it the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees .

Discovering the waters of the hot springs, the Romans built the first spa around the city, "Vicus Aquensis" (the city of springs), which spans at least half of the present city.​ Bagnères and its architecture characteristic of spa towns is surrounded by a  preserved and lush environment. She stays  the first spa town  of the department and welcomes more than 8,000 visitors each year.

​​​

Bagnères-de-Bigorre is 20 minutes from  Lourdes, 1h30 of  Toulouse , 2 hours from  Biarritz and 2h15 from the Spanish border.

​Activities

The activities are diverse and numerous, among a wide range, you will find:

Mountain activities : via ferrata, mountain biking, hiking, trail, skiing ...

Water sports : kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing ...

Aerial activities : paragliding, tree climbing ...

- Underground activities : canyoning, caving ...

- Cultural activities : marble museum, Escaladieu abbey, the road to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle ...

Other : golf, yoga, pottery, photography, soap making ...

And much more!

The  accommodation

We offer four types of accommodation for which there is always the "linguistic immersion" aspect highlighted through exchanges during dinners, shared activities or simply during activities of daily life at your host's. Here are two examples of possible homestay accommodation:

 

At Gilles & Michèle's

An entire floor for yourself in a typical house in the city center - an ideal formula for an optimal immersion :)

A homestay bedroom in the city center to enjoy city's activities - an optimal option to meet locals and have everything nearby

If you want another type of accommodation, you can have a look at the Bagnères-de-Bigorre tourism office or on Airbnb.

Our mindset

Typical schedule

  Here is a typical schedule for a 20h program (it remains flexible) :

​   

For a custom quotation, please contact us and we will respond to your request within 24h.

   

Typical schedule for a 20h immersion.png
Accomodation

See What Our Former Students Say

 

Choosing an immersive language program is a significant decision, and we understand you want assurance it's the right fit. That's why we encourage you to read testimonials from our former students. They offer authentic insights into their experiences living in the Pyrenees and how their French skills flourished. You can also speak with one of our ambassadors, a former student eager to share their experience. Discover their stories and see what awaits you!

Immersion Kathy & Fran - best way to learn french

I attended a 4 week immersion with Idiomarts in March 2024. This was my second immersion studying with Prisca. The first time I attended with a friend and this second time I came on my own. Both experiences were extremely positive. Prisca puts in a lot of work in advance of the immersion to understand the learner's needs, goals and interests, and to create a program customized to suit the student. In my case, the program consisted of a mix of classroom time and activities . Activities included downhill skiing in beautiful spring conditions, hiking, aquafit classes at the community pool, an inn to inn cycling excursion with Prisca, a trip to Pau and visit to the Musee des Beaux-Arts, and participation in local group activities where we discussed subjects ranging from art to agriculture over some wine. Prisca arranged for me to stay with a delightful local couple who kindly included me in activities with their family and friends, helped me with my French, and made me feel very welcome and at home. I found people in Bagneres de Bigorre in general to be friendly, welcoming and supportive of my efforts to learn the language. For example, staff and other patrons at cafes in Bagneres de Bigorre happily helped me out with my homework and debated among themselves the finer points of French grammar. Staff at the local pool went out of their way to help me buy a bathing cap from a vending machine when I arrived without one and explain the system in the change room. The lady I stayed with last year invited me in for a cup of tea, and chat. The librarian at the local library took time to me to pick out a book to read that was suitable for my level. The atmosphere in the community is relaxed, and friendly. In terms of the instruction, Prisca is a patient and thoughtful teacher, and she explains difficult concepts in as clear and simple a way as possible. She gave me a manageable list of concrete things to work on after my return home, which is proving to be very useful. On the way home, I spent a few days in rural Quebec and despite the different accents, I found I was able to understand and communicate with people in French more easily than previously. I have definitely gained confidence and fluency in speaking and my comprehension has improved. I would recommend Prisca and Idiomarts to anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in French language and culture, and to take their French to the next level.

Frances Gallop - Toronto, Canada

« If you talk to a man in a language he understands, you are talking to his head.
If you talk to him in his language, you talk to his heart »
Nelson Mandela

bottom of page