French Language Summer Camp for Teenagers at Centre Mediterraneen (CMEF)
The French Language Summer Camp for teens 13 to 17 years of age takes place in Cap d’ Ail, a very small picturesque village in the Cote d’Azur. Cap D’Ail is located approximately 2 kms from Monaco and 20 minutes by local train to Nice. This area enjoys a fine climate, abundant vegetation, and a splendid geographical position.
The Centre Méditerranéen (CMEF) French Language school, established in 1952, is located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, 12 miles from Nice in the West and Italy in the East. It is a short walk from the seaside and also from Monaco. Set in a picturesque park planted with an abundance of flowers and trees, the center overlooks the Mediterranean sea. The presence of the famous artist Jean COCTEAU is especially evident in the Amphitheater which was conceived and designed by COCTEAU to reflect classical themes. The Amphitheater is an integral part of the center, providing a spiritual and artistic backdrop to the cultural and educational activities. A priceless collection of works by the great artist has been preserved here: letters, drafts, drawings, ceramics and pottery.
Since its inception, the CMEF French Language Summer Camp has welcomed more than 210,000 students from 70 different countries. It is approved as a cultural institution under article 57/1 in the official Bulletin of the Department for National Education, Youth and Sport of France.
CMEF Facilities:
The classrooms, library and sitting rooms are available to the students at all hours.
Dorm Rooms: Students stay at on-site residences (3 different buildings). 3 to 5 students to a room, all en-suite (each room has it’s own bathroom).
General French Language Summer Camp Information – Ages: 13 to 16
The CMEF welcomes teenagers (age 13 to 16) of all nationalities and combines study with sports and cultural activities. The staff consisting of administrative and cultural directors, youth leaders and teachers keep the program running smoothly.
The youth leaders live at the center with the students and help solve any problems they may have in adapting to life at the center while conscientiously overseeing all activities. Students are supervised 24 hours a day.
A health assistant is available at the center around the clock.
The French language teachers are university graduates, specializing in the teaching of French as a foreign language. Competent and dynamic, they endeavor to ensure that French is the language spoken and encourage the students to use their French language skills at all times.
Please click on the following tabs for more information:
CMEF French Language Summer Camp – Courses and Accommodations
Starting Dates 2025 – JUNIOR French Language Summer Camp Program:
All sessions start on a Sunday and end on a Saturday. Last day of program is 9 August 2025.
2, 3 or 4 week sessions: 22 June, 29 June, 6 July, or 13 July.
2 or 3 week sessions only: 20 July.
2 week session only: 27 July.
Notes: When starting dates are listed in RED, program is full.
IMPORTANT: THIS IS A VERY POPULAR PROGRAM AND FILLS UP EARLY.
PRICES 2025 – JUNIOR French Language Summer Camp:
| 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | 4 Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| $2,362.00 | $3,350.00 | $4,483.00 |
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL PROGRAMS: A USD 700.00 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. The amount of the deposit will be credited towards the final payment.
IMPORTANT – SPECIAL CANCELLATION POLICY APPLIES TO THIS PROGRAM:
Cancellation Policy:
Deposit: Once booking has been confirmed the deposit will be retained by the Centre Méditerranéen d’Études Françaises.
Program fees: No refund will be made in case of cancellation less than one month before arrival, after the start of the course or on departures made before the end of the course. Once your child is at the center no refund will be made upon cancellation of the optional afternoon course “Intensive French”.
The Centre Méditerranéen d’Études Françaises reserves the right to cancel summer program enrolment or the optional afternoon course, if the number of participants is insufficient or in case of force majeure resulting in damages to the venue (fire, flash flood). In this case the registration fees will be fully refunded (not including travel costs/expenses incurred).
Special Force Majeure Cancellation Clause due to COVID-19:
Should a language stay in our school need to be cancelled after it has been confirmed because of travel restrictions, lockdowns, halt to transportation services, proven symptoms COVID-19 in your son/daughter’s (test results required) or any other epidemic/pandemic-related adverse change or event, no cancellation fees will be applied and alternate/deferred dates for the stay will be offered. If requested, the Centre Méditerranéen d’Études Françaises will refund any paid installments (not including travel costs/expenses incurred).
French Language Summer Camp Program prices include:
Group 15— 15 French lessons per week. Language Lab available in the afternoons.
Accommodations – Students stay at on-site residences (3 different buildings). 3 to 6 students to a room, all en-suite (each room has it’s own bathroom).
Meals – Full board ( 3 meals a day). Meals are taken in a self-service restaurant.
Activity Program – Sports, cultural events and excursions arranged on a regular basis: One weekly excursion is included in the program. Crafts and recreational workshops are held in the afternoons and evenings: tie dye, weaving, masks, theater, games, drama, debates, films, concerts and table-tennis tournaments. Sports competitions are also organized. Beach outings for swimming and sports are organized almost daily.
Transfers : Airport / Train Station meet and greet services and round-trip transportation to the Center (only on program starting and end dates, at other times extra charges will apply!). Important: a surcharge of USD 120.00 will apply to arrival and departures before 9:00 AM and after 9:00 PM.
Laundry: once a week.
Important Notes:
- A 50 Euro key deposit will be required upon check-in. The deposit will be returned at the end of the program upon return of the room key.
- Pocket money for personal expenses is not included.
French Language Summer Camp – Course Description:
The compulsory French courses are 3 hours a day, from Monday to Friday. Students may choose to participate in various pedagogical activities, which are optional and free of charge, or work in the laboratory. The classes and other academic and cultural activities are designed to facilitate systematic use of the language, comprehension of everyday French life, a tangible approach to contemporary civilization, and active acquaintance with the local area.
The laboratory and library are open from 2 to 7 p.m. and offer the student the possibility of working individually to perfect his/her knowledge of the French language. A computer program is available to help to improve comprehension, spelling, vocabulary and grammar. Grammar books, novels, comics, cassettes and general information about France and the region are available in the library. A teacher is always present to welcome and advise students.
ADDITIONAL French Language Summer Camp PROGRAM OPTIONS:
The following additional options are available to those students that want to complement the Junior Classic program with a Sports Option or an Intensive French Option (additional academic content). Prices listed are in addition to the Junior Classic prices listed above. Minimum enrollment: 1 week.
INTENSIVE FRENCH OPTION: This option provides additional French lessons in the afternoon to those students that want a more intensive language learning experience. Two additional 3 hours of lessons are offered in the afternoons (3 hrs on Tuesday and 3 hrs on Thursday). Minimum enrollment: 1 week. Price 2025: USD 180.00 per week. Dates: same as regular program (see above).
ADVENTURE SPORTS OPTION: This option provides participants with the opportunity to practice adventure sports (climbing, canyon hiking, and canopy high wire). The adventure sports have now been incorporated into the regular daily activities, and students may choose to participate in any of the sports offered. Important note: a medical authorization form signed by a doctor stating that student is able to perform strenuous sports is required.
Price: Included FREE of charge!
NOTE: The following options (Tennis and Sailing) are now included as part of the regular program activities and offered at no additional charge.
TENNIS: Tennis/Paddle is now included in the price of the Junior Classic program as a regular activity!.
*Important Notes: Tennis classes are held during the week in the afternoon on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
SAILING: Sailing is now included in the price of the Junior Classic program as a regular activity.
*Important Notes: Sailing lessons are held during the week in the afternoon on Tuesday and Thursday. Kayaking is also available on Mondays.
MEETING AND TRANSFER SERVICE: (This service is included in the program price!)
On the first and last day of each course the center organizes a meeting and a transfer service for groups and individuals. Students can be met at the NICE AIRPORT. A guide from the CMEF will be at the arrival point, just beyond the customs area. He will display a card: “Centre Mediterraneen, Cap-d’Ail CMEF.” Students will be driven (or taken by taxi) to Cap-d’Ail which is 20 km from the Nice Airport. Students can also be met at the railway station in MONACO. To make use of these meeting points, please supply all details about the train (arrival time, departure time, town of departure, train number). The guide will have a “Centre Mediterraneen, Cap-d’Ail CMEF” sign, and will wait at the end of the appropriate platform. In case a student does not make immediate contact with the guide, he or she should wait at the end of the arrival platform and not leave there. This is most important given the vast number of passengers who pass through Monaco station in July and August. Students will be driven to Cap-d’Ail (2 km from Monaco).
On the return journey students will be escorted by a guide from the CMEF. By plane: The guide will accompany students to the airport, see them checked in correctly and stay with them until they enter the departure lounge. By train: The guide will accompany students to the station and ensure that the students are on the right train.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Prices are subject to change due to fluctuating foreign currency rates.
Activity Program – CMEF offers sports, cultural events and excursions on a regular basis: One weekly excursion is included in the program. Crafts and recreational workshops are held in the afternoons and evenings: tie dye, weaving, masks, theater, games, drama, debates, films, concerts and table-tennis tournaments. Sports competitions are also organized. Beach outings for swimming and sports are organized almost daily.
EXAMPLE OF WEEKLY PROGRAM
(Program may differ each week, to be used as a sample only!)
| Morning: 8h45-12h15 | Afternoon: 14h00-18h00 (according to choice) | Evening: 20h30-23h30 (according to choice) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | WELCOME: All day long At Nice airport. At Monaco railway station. Or at the Centre. | 14:00 Mala beach or Marquet Beach 15:30 Games at la Grande Terrase | 19:15: Meeting at the big terrace. Presentation and barbecue. 20:15 Crêpes and Disco. |
| Monday | French evaluation test (Written and oral) At the amphitheatre. Or courses | Villefranche : Beach and old town tour Plage Marquet : Beach volley or Kayak, sunbathing 18h30: Get your pocket money | Post card workshops Volley Ball tournament Cooking: Croque Monsieur |
| Tuesday | Courses 08h45 – 10h15 : General French 10h45 – 12h15 : Creative expression workshops | Nice: Modern Art Museum and shopping Monaco : Harbour's swimming-pool | Cocteau's painting workshops Badminton tournament Cooking: Pizza |
| Wednesday | Courses | Menton : Old town and beach Marquet's Beach: Tennis or Catamaran swimming 18h30: Get your pocket money | Monaco “by night” Fireworks |
| Thursday | Courses | Monaco « Larvotto's Beach »: Snorkelling Monaco « Le Rocher »: the Palace, the Cathedral and the Oceanographical Museum | Initiation at the "local folk dance" Basket tournament Cooking: fruits salad |
| Friday | Courses Certificates delivery at the amphitheatre | Monaco: Buoy tour and swimming Eze: Visit of the village and of the Fragonard's perfume factory 18h30: Get your pocket money | International party "Gaufres" and music |
| Saturday | Daily excursion 09h00-18h00 Antibes: Old town and Picasso's Museum Juan Les Pins: beach | Cinema French movies on big screen Chess tournament |
What former students have said about this program:
“I had a blast! I loved every counselor and the kids were great. The activities were fun (loved the disco and the night activities!). The whole atmosphere was so rich and full of excitement. I met my best friends here!!!”
Mackenzie M – 16 years old.
“One of the funnest (sic) experiences in my life”. “So much happened I couldn’t begin to place it into one paragraph!”
Jake S. – 14 years old.
“The CMEF study abroad program opens doors to meet other nationalities. There is an equal balance between the language classes and time for activities in the afternoon or at night. Thank you for an amazing summer for the second year in a row!”
Sophia and Celine, Los Angeles – 16 years old.