Wine and gastronomy are a privileged gateway to
learning French in France as they embody the essence of the French art of living. Indeed, discovering the pairing of food and wine, as well as sharing meals around a good bottle, not only creates a friendly atmosphere conducive to exchanges but also offers a practical approach to learning French.
Finally, exploring our terroirs is an opportunity for engaging discussions about the history and traditions of the French Riviera, allowing students to develop their intercultural skills and progress. This is also
the French way of life: speaking French over a glass of wine!
Perched at three hundred meters above sea level on the heights of Nice, the Bellet vineyard is one of the oldest wine estates in France. Learning about its history and characteristics is an opportunity to
learn French through wine.
Did you know that the origins of this wine date back to the founding of Marseille by the Phoceans?
Later, in the 18th century, a noble Savoyard family, the Barons of Bellet, developed this terroir, giving their name to the appellation. These wines, already appreciated by personalities such as Louis XIV and Thomas Jefferson, are a must-try during your stay on the French Riviera.
Our
gastronomy and wine program allows you to combine
French courses in France with the discovery of French gastronomy. Your days will be structured with
standard French courses in the morning, followed by culinary and oenological activities in the afternoon. Your program will also include cultural visits to Antibes and Nice, enriched with tastings of local specialties.
Geographical and climatic conditions are crucial for French wine.
Bellet wine requires "poudingue" (a poor soil composed of pebbles and light sand) for the proper ripening of its grapes. Add to this more than two hundred and eighty days of sunshine per year, along with the influence of sea breezes, and you get one of the best wines in the region, pairing perfectly with Mediterranean cuisine, including anchoïade, fish dishes, and citrus-based desserts.
Photo by Telemadrid
A jewel of the Bellet appellation,
Château de Crémat has dominated the hills of Nice since 1906.
How can you combine learning French with a seaside vacation? By visiting this estate! If you take a tour of the area, you won't miss this neo-medieval architectural gem, which will amaze you with its imposing tower and rococo ornaments. This exceptional wine estate, covering 12 hectares, is entirely cultivated using organic farming methods.
Inside, the vibrant colors of Nice and the “Roaring Twenties” style are beautifully highlighted. You can even admire the furniture from the suite Coco Chanel occupied at the Ritz. According to legend, the famous designer was inspired by the château’s interlaced double "C" to create the iconic logo of her luxury brand.
Not far from Antibes and easily accessible by a regional train network, Var stands out as a major wine-producing region and a prime destination for wine tourism.
Those who enjoy
French courses in France for seniors can take beautiful strolls here.
Did you know that this department is the world leader in rosé wine production?
Its territory includes more than 30,000 hectares of vineyards, three-quarters of which benefit from an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). Winemakers here cultivate numerous Mediterranean grape varieties, including Mourvèdre, which is characteristic of the Bandol region.
When discussing the topic:
French stereotypes: how to tell fact from fiction? it’s important to know that misconceptions about wine exist too. Not all rosé wines are sweet and only meant to be enjoyed in summer with barbecues and salads! These wines pair perfectly with Mediterranean specialties like bouillabaisse, tapenade, or ratatouille.
Bolder Bandol reds complement game meat and aged cheeses, while reds from Côtes de Provence go well with grilled meats. White wines are an excellent choice for seafood or goat cheese.
The program at the
Centre International d'Antibes is designed to promote language immersion, with a dedicated guide to facilitate conversations in French. Additionally, free time will allow you to explore the region independently.
On Saint Honorat Island, off the coast of Cannes, a small vineyard embodies a millennia-old winemaking tradition. Since 1990, Cistercian monks have revived this estate, which spans eight hectares. In short, an ideal place to discover for anyone looking to
learn French for adults in Antibes.
The production of these
French Riviera wines is divided between red grape varieties (Syrah, Mourvèdre, Pinot Noir) and white grape varieties (Chardonnay, Clairette, Viognier). The vines, aged between 25 and 80 years, are cultivated using an environmentally friendly approach that benefits from the sea air and a soil composed of limestone and dolomite.
This island vineyard produces two main wines (Saint-Pierre white and Saint-Honorat red) as well as a selection of artisanal liqueurs. This expertise and French tradition have been recognized at prestigious events such as the G20 and the Cannes Film Festival.
