France summer camp guide [2024]

Instead of wasting the long vacation, summer camps offer students of all ages excellent ways to meet new friends, learn new skills and practice a broad range of sports.

Why not up your summer camp game by choosing an international camp in France - to do all this, while being immersed in a new language?

Read on for all you need to know about the best summer camps in France depending on your personal preferences. Plus, a quick look at Wise - a cheap and easy way to pay for your French summer camp experience, with mid-market rate currency exchange and low, transparent fees.

The magic of summer camp in France

If you’re looking for a summer camp which combines outdoor activities, language learning and some great cultural opportunities, France might be a natural pick.

Whether you’re thinking of a summer in Paris to learn to cook French cuisine and speak like a native, or a vacation touring the mountains, gorgeous coastline and fantastic scenery, a summer camp in France can certainly be magical.

This guide walks through some popular options so you can decide if a French summer camp is right for you.

How much do summer camps in France cost?

French summer camps have a range of price points. That means you’re likely to be able to find something to suit your budget - but it also means you’ll need to invest a bit of time in research to make sure you make the right choice.

To give a couple of examples, EF®¹ - one of the providers we’ll look at later - offers language camps starting from 2 weeks long. In Paris, the cost for this would be around 1,500 USD, depending on the type of accommodation selected.

International Language Camps®3, which offers camps for a range of ages close to Mont Blanc, has prices which run up to over 4,500 USD for a week including accommodation for the most adventurous camp for older teens.

Deciding on the best summer camp experience

Summer camps can be very specialized, or much more general, which means there’s something for everyone. Some camps have a very strong focus on language learning or specific sports for example, while others are deliberately varied, giving a breadth of opportunity instead.

There’s no single best option, so choosing one is going to take some research. We’ve got a few options below to kickstart your planning, and to help you decide what the best summer camp for you or your child will be.

What makes a summer camp stand out?

A summer camp in France is going to be a great experience - but there are lots of different options out there, so comparing them to see which leaps out for you is essential. As well as looking at the program it’s worth checking out accommodation options to see what might suit you.

You’ll find everything from homestays for immersion in the French language, to boarding houses in schools, and tented camping under the stars.

Once you’ve decided on the accommodation that will suit your needs, compare the options for activities and excursions above the core program - many camps offer trips to tourist attractions, cooking courses or extra tuition in sports for example.

Understanding the value of cultural immersion

So why bother going all the way to France when there are some excellent summer camps here in the US? For many families, cultural immersion is the answer.

Not only will a summer camp in France give you an unparalleled opportunity to learn the French language and culture, you’ll also be surrounded by other campers who’ve come from all over the world and from all walks of life.

It may only be a short period of time you’re away - but you’ll certainly learn a lot, and create memories that last a lifetime.

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Practical information for parents

Depending on the age of your child, getting prepared for summer camp in France may involve quite a bit of preparation and thinking.

Summer camp providers are familiar with the sort of questions and concerns parents all over the world have - and are always on hand to help if you’re unsure of what’s needed. Let’s look at a few key points.

Enrollment and preparation checklist

Your camp provider is likely to have their own preparation checklist to guide you - use that to get organized, as well as these pointers:

Make sure you’ve got a valid passport which has at least 6 months left to run - you won’t usually need a visa for stays of 90 days or less, but this is worth double checking based on your specific situation Arrange flights and any travel or accommodation not covered by the camp Buy travel insurance to cover the trip based on the type of activity you’ll be doing Decide on how to keep in contact - such as a local cell phone SIM or US roaming plan for your phone Open a Wise Account to manage currency conversion to EUR conveniently and make fast and easy payments for camp and other costs Connect with other campers, parents and the camp community if you have questions

Peace of mind for the parents: safety and communication

It’s worth getting a clear picture of the way the camp leaders expect communication to be managed before you sign up. This can vary depending on the camp type and the age of the child.

For peace of mind you’ll also want to get some feedback from others on the camp you’re selecting - a site like Trustpilot® can help, with live reviews and ratings from past customers.

Generally, summer camps in France are arranged to a very high standard of safety, but there’s no harm in checking the camp’s policies and processes, especially if adventure activities are involved.

What are the best summer camps in France?

Whether you want to learn French in an intensive course, travel and learn new sports and skills, or a bit of both, there’s a French summer camp out there for you.

Here are a few you might want to consider.

ATC

ATC®³ - Active Travel Camps - has adventure camps for 11 to 16 year olds, with a focus on health, wellbeing and adventure. The program covers 3 weeks during which campers move between 3 different destinations to get the fullest possible experience.

From the first week in the French Alps, to week 2 on the river and week 3 by the sea, the campers get to join a stunning range of activities, with like minded peers and friends.

International Language Camps

International Language Camps² is based at the foot of Mont Blanc close to Chamonix, and has a range of summer camps for students from 6 years old to 16.

Groups and activities are split by age group but all camps include 15 hours of language tuition a week, and sports in the afternoons.

You can also opt to add in extra classes in French or tuition in specific sports if that’s what you’re looking for.

EF

EF¹ is a global provider of language classes, courses and camps. For French, you can join a camp in Paris, Nice or Saint Raphaël, which is on the coast south of Nice.

Options include intensive courses - up to 32 classes a week - and homestay accommodation if you’re looking for a full immersion.

Or there are summer camps which have fewer hours of language lessons to leave more time for cultural experiences - in the Paris camp you can even learn French cooking.

International camp FAQs

Let’s look at a few more common questions and answers about the best summer camps in France for Americans.

What activities are available for children at summer camps in France?

Summer camps in France tend to have either an educational focus or an adventure focus - or a mix of both. Educational camps usually have French language learning as a core discipline, although other courses are also available.

High level sport camps in everything from tennis and golf, to horse riding and polo are also offered.

How does summer camp in France help with language learning?

Specific language summer camps are available if your primary focus is on learning French. These could be for general purposes, or specifically as exam preparation, and can also include homestay accommodation for full immersion.

Are summer camps in France suitable for Americans?

Yes. A summer camp in France can be an unforgettable experience for your child, and offer exposure to new activities and a wide range of people who could become friends for life.

What sets France's summer camps apart from others?

The main reason most Americans travel to France for summer camps is to learn the language.

However, there are plenty of other good reasons to go, from the opportunity to learn more about French cuisine, to the chance to hike in the Alps or surf in the Mediterranean sea.

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Use this guide to decide on the best summer camp in France for you and your child. And before you pick, why not also check out Wise?

With Wise you can pay easily in euros for summer camps in France - with the mid-market exchange rate and low conversion fees every time.

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Sources:

1. EF
2. International Language Camps
3. ATC

Sources checked on 03.12.2024