Why learn French
in Catalonia?
Learning French in Catalonia might seem surprising at first. And yet, yes, you can indeed learn French there—but in the French part of Catalonia, that is, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, the sunniest department in France, whose main city is Perpignan. So don’t confuse it with the autonomous province in Spain that bears the same name.
This reminds us that a long time ago, in the early Middle Ages, Catalonia was a single principality stretching on both sides of the Pyrenees. The northern part, also known as Roussillon, became part of France in the 15th century.
For 500 years, French has been spoken in this region located in the far south of France. And while Catalan is no longer the region’s main language, Catalan culture is still very much alive there, with its traditional customs, history, cuisine, and folklore.
French Catalonia offers you both the sea and the mountains at the same time: this is where the Pyrenees mountain range begins, with the Mediterranean Sea at its feet. Mount Canigou, a legendary peak for the Catalans, rises to over 2,700 meters and towers over the entire region. The soil here has reddish-brown hues that gave rise to the name “Roussillon.” Vines grow on the slopes of the lower mountains and produce high-quality wines. All the ingredients for a pleasant stay are therefore present: learning French in Catalonia can only be a pleasure. Two centers offer French courses for foreigners, and they are part of the Groupement FLE because they are high-quality schools. Between the coolness of the forests, the authenticity of the villages, and the vast panoramas bathed in the bright southern sun, don’t hesitate to come learn French in Catalonia.
The Different Types of French Classes in Catalonia
The Groupement FLE lists the best French language schools, recognized for the quality of their services and instruction. In Catalonia, two French language schools welcome you: the C.U.E.F. (University Center for French Studies) in Perpignan and the FIL (Français Immersion Loisirs). There, you’ll find courses available year-round and, above all, summer courses—a season that lasts longer in Catalonia than elsewhere.
Intensive Semester-Long Course
The semester-long course offered by the C.U.E.F. in Perpignan follows the academic calendar, with two semesters per year: the first runs from September through January, and the second from February through June. It is open to anyone interested in learning French, regardless of their level. Courses at levels A1 and A2 consist of 220 hours of French (20 hours per week). Courses at levels B1 through C2 consist of 240 hours (22 hours per week).
Preparation Courses for University-Level French Exams
As part of an intensive semester-long course, the C.U.E.F. in Perpignan offers you the opportunity to prepare for a university diploma (D.U.) in French: Intensive French D.U., French Studies D.U., and French for Academic Purposes D.U.
Intensive Summer Course
The intensive course (3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon) allows students to deepen their knowledge and, above all, to put it into practice through interaction with other students in the class. Students are grouped by proficiency level to ensure more effective instruction. When followed closely, a four-week intensive course enables students to advance one level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
French Language Immersion Program for Teens
Fil Français Immersion Loisirs specializes in language study programs for teens. This package includes classes, accommodations, and activities that complement the instruction and help students put the language into practice (a wide variety of engaging cultural and sports activities). Accommodations are shared, on the school grounds, as are meals.
French Classes for Groups
The C.U.E.F. in Perpignan and FIL Français Immersion Loisirs, our two French language schools in Catalonia, offer French immersion programs for groups. Group leaders can submit their requests, and we will propose programs that include sports or cultural activities designed to encourage the practical use of French. These group courses always offer the best rates.
How much does a French class cost in Catalonia?
Prices vary depending on the program offered by our French language centers in Catalonia. Here are two examples:
- An intensive French course at the C.U.E.F. in Perpignan costs €1,400 per semester. That covers the course alone; additional costs include housing (in a university residence or with a host family), meals, and cultural or sports activities.
- An 11-day language study program at FIL Français Immersion Loisirs costs €1,490, all-inclusive (French classes, full board, cultural and sports activities, and 24-hour supervision to ensure the safety of minors).
Our French language schools in Catalonia
The two schools in the FLE Group are very different from one another. The University Center for French Studies (C.U.E.F.) in Perpignan is a department of the University of Perpignan-Via Domitia that specializes in teaching French to non-native speakers. It offers semester-long courses and summer courses. The Français Immersion Loisirs (FIL) school specializes in organizing language camps for teens (ages 11 to 17) during school breaks. It is located near St-Laurent-de-Cerdans, in the Vallespir mountains, 50 km south of Perpignan and very close to the Spanish border.
For details about their services and rates, you can contact them directly; their teams will be happy to provide you with more information:
Experience a language immersion program in Catalonia
Learning French in Catalonia at one of the two schools in the Groupement FLE is an opportunity to discover a magnificent region during a French immersion course in France. Here, you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains at the same time, with plenty of attractions to explore.
On the Côte Vermeille, Collioure has a very long history, as evidenced by the picturesque little town that clusters around a bay protected by ramparts dating back to the reign of King Louis XIV. The houses of Collioure, painted in bright colors and gleaming in the sun, have inspired painters, notably Henri Matisse, who created a style known as “Fauvism ”—a name coined by a journalist who, upon visiting the first exhibition, claimed he felt as though he were among wild beasts. But far from frightening visitors, many painters joined this artistic movement, including Jacques Derain and even Picasso.
Port-Vendres is a large, modern port that has traditionally focused on trade with North African countries. It specializes in importing tropical fruits. But it is also a fishing port for sardines and anchovies, one of the region’s specialties. The Catalan coastline also offers numerous beaches, such as Argelès-sur-Mer, which attract thousands of vacationers every year—especially those who love the outdoors and camping, even at times of the year when it’s already cold and gray in other regions of France. In Catalonia, people love to walk barefoot or wear espadrilles, Salvador Dalí’s favorite shoes. This brilliant surrealist artist, in fact, immortalized the Perpignan train station in a famous painting. The city of Perpignan is a typical southern town—lively and colorful. Among other sights, you can visit the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, a stunning medieval castle.
Just a short distance away, the Pyrenees are a paradise for nature lovers and those who appreciate wild landscapes, such as the Vallespir, where herds still head up to summer pastures at high altitudes and are raised using traditional methods to preserve the environment. The mountains are home to remarkable structures such as Fort Libéria in Villefranche-de-Conflent, built in the 17th century by Vauban to protect the kingdom’s border, as well as natural wonders like the “organs” of Ille-sur-Têt, fairy chimneys sculpted from clay and sand.
And if you come to learn French in Catalonia, you’ll also be able to enjoy many sports—but especially “the” favorite sport of the entire southwestern region of France: rugby. Taking a French language immersion course in Catalonia is an unforgettable experience.
Contact our French language schools in Catalonia
58 Avenue Paul Alduy 66100 Perpignan
FIL – Français Immersion Loisirs
Lô Noell 66260 Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans
FAQ
👉 The C.U.E.F. in Perpignan and FIL Français Immersion Loisirs have been awarded the FLE Quality Label: personalized service, qualified instructors, reasonable prices, and varied cultural programs. That is why they are part of the FLE Group.
👉 The semester-long course at the C.U.E.F. in Perpignan costs 1,400 €.
The language study program with full board costs €1,490 for 11 days.
Other options are available. We invite you to contact the C.U.E.F. in Perpignan or FIL Français Immersion Loisirs directly, depending on the course you are looking for. Our centers will be happy to provide you with detailed information, with no obligation on your part.
👉 The program offered by FIL Français Immersion Loisirs includes full-board accommodations. At the C.U.E.F. in Perpignan, there are two options: either in a student residence or with a host family.
👉It depends on your starting level and your goals. After two semesters at the C.U.E.F. in Perpignan, you’ll be ready to take university courses. A two-week summer course helps you practice your speaking and writing skills at a certain level.
To learn more about the proficiency levels for learning French as a foreign language, see our guide based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
This table, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), indicates the approximate minimum number of hours required to reach a given level. This information is purely indicative and depends on numerous factors related to language learning.
👉 The C.U.E.F. in Perpignan offers preparatory courses for university degrees: the University Diploma (D.U.) in Intensive French, the University Diploma (D.U.) in French Studies, and the University Diploma (D.U.) in French for Academic Purposes. There is also a preparation program for the “D.U. Passerelle,” designed for university students in exile to enable them to pursue higher education. FIL (French Immersion for Leisure) can incorporate specific exam preparation into a group course: organizers should contact the center for more information. Even if you are not preparing for an exam, you will receive a certificate of completion.
👉 The two most convenient modes of transportation are:
- either by plane, arriving at Barcelona International Airport, then taking the bus to Perpignan (about a 3-hour trip);
- or the TGV, which arrives directly at the Perpignan train station. There are several daily departures. The trip takes 5 hours and 15 minutes to 6 hours from Paris, or about 4 hours and 30 minutes from Lyon, depending on the TGV you choose.
👉No, if you are a citizen of a European Union member country, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Iceland. Yes for all other nationalities. The type of visa depends on the length of your stay, your status, and your overall purpose. See the special section on this topic.
