Probably the most well known sporting event held in France each year is the ‘Tour de France’ bike race that is held in the summer during the month of July. This race is a grueling course across France that lasts over three weeks. If you schedule your French immersion program at the appropriate times and locations, you too can take part in the cheering. French students can congregate in Paris to cheer on the leader at the finish line near the French school. Car races are also popular events and attract enthusiasts from all over the country to the tracks.

France is the birthplace of tennis which started in the 1100's. It is know one of the most popular sports in the country. Soccer like in most parts of the world is a very popular spectator sport in France. French soccer players are some of the best in the world and among the most well known are Zidane and Papin. The France soccer program won the World Cup in 1998 lost to Italy in the World Cup finals of 2006. The French are well adept at fencing and have created some of the moves used in competition today. French sports enthusiasts in the sout of France love the sport of Rugby

Pétanque or boules is another local sport similar to bowling but on grass that utilizes balls with a hollow center. Many French also play Pelota which is much like squash.

The Summer Olympics took place in Paris, France in both 1900 and 1924. The Winter Olympics were first located in Chamonix during 1924. Grenoble and Albertville, France held the winter games in 1968 and 1992 respectively. London won out over Paris in a bid for the 2012 Summer games. Perhaps future bids will be a success for France.

The French coast is over 1800 miles long. Much of the coast lies on the Atlantic and Mediterranean where we host French schools near the beach in Biarritz, Nice, and Brest. These stunning coastlines are perfect for surfing, snorkeling and diving. The French Alps allow you to be are immersed in world class skiing and luxury resorts.