Tag: ACCORD

Introducing… the Sacré-Cœur

Welcome to the latest in our Introducing series, where we give you an insight into the best-known landmarks in the city and a few fascinating facts before you visit. What trip to Paris for a French course at Accord language school would be complete without sitting on the stairs in front of the Sacré-Cœur and gazing out at the fabulous views of the French capital?
Do you want to find out more about the basilica behind you? Read on!

Introducing… the Sacré-Cœur

Fast facts
Work on the Sacré-Cœur began in 1875 and went on for 39 years. Why did it take so long? Because it was funded by Parisians, private donations and parishes around the country, so it took a while to amass the funds they needed to build the basilica. World War I stopped it being consecrated immediately after completion so that had to wait until 1919. It is the second most visited church in Paris after Notre-Dame and the second highest point after the Eiffel Tower. As you may have guessed from the name, the Sacré-Cœur honours the “sacred heart” of Jesus Christ, his love for mankind and the sacrifice he made.

Size matters
The Sacré-Cœur is home to two larger-than-life features: a mosaic and a bell. Let’s take a look at the mosaic covering the apse ceiling first: it depicts Christ with his arms outstretched in a white robe. He has a gold heart (a sacred heart) and is surrounded by worshippers and angels. It’s the biggest mosaic in France and one of the biggest mosaics in the world at 475 square metres. Next up is the bell: again, it’s one of the largest in the world. It measures 3m in diameter, weighs 3 tons and a team of 28 horses were called in to haul it up to the basilica. Known as La Savoyarde, it is only rung for special occasions (Easter, Christmas etc.) and as you’d expect from something so big, you can hear it from 10km away when it tolls!

Silent night
The Sacré-Cœur doesn’t sleep when its doors close. It has hosted an uninterrupted silent prayer every night since 1885 known as the Night Adoration. Even the wars and Covid couldn’t stop it! For a small contribution, you can experience it for yourself as long as you register (48 hour advance booking advised due to limited availability). On top of that, if you join the Night Adoration for at least an hour then you can spend the night in the basilica. Once you’ve registered, you have access to the dormitory where you can sleep until a nun wakes you up to join in the night prayer. How many people can say they spent the night in one of the most famous churches in the world?!

Now you know a few interesting facts about the Sacré-Cœur, it’s time to visit it! It’s only a half hour ride on the metro or a lovely 1.5 hr walk from Accord language school after all. You can visit it for free although you need to pay to visit the crypt (3 euros) and dome (6 euros). And don’t forget that this is a place of worship where no photos are allowed… so you’ll have to buy a postcard or two!

ACCORD: 3bis rue Jean-Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 55 33 52 33

The ACCORD Paris language school is recommended by the editorial staff of PARIS MOVE

ACCORD is rated 5 stars on Tripadvisor

How to get to the ACCORD Tour Eiffel school:

  • by Métro (underground/subway)
    Nearest stations: La Motte-Picquet Grenelle (lines 6, 8 and 10) and Dupleix (line 6)
    Other stations: Ecole Militaire (line 8), Bir-Hakeim (line 6)
  • by Bus: line no. 86 (Champ de Mars), line no. 82 (bus stops: Champ de Mars – Suffren, and/or Général Detrie), line no. 42 (bus stop: Desaix and/or Champ de Mars – Suffren)

 

Introducing… Montmartre

Welcome back to the latest in our Introducing series where we give you an insight into the French capital’s best-known landmarks if it’s your first time here plus some quirky facts if you’ve been here before. This time we’re introducing you to Montmartre, one of the biggest attractions in Paris and just half an hour on the metro from Accord language school! Ready to explore?

Introducing… Montmartre

Don’t lose your head

You’ll know from your French lessons at ACCORD that Montmartre means “mountain of martyrs”. So here’s the legend behind the name: Saint Denis was the first bishop of Paris (and its patron saint). The Romans beheaded Denis and his companions Rustique and Eleuthère on the hill where the Sacré-Cœur stands but rather than drop dead, Denis picked up his severed head and delivered a sermon about repentance as he walked away!

Belle Epoque glory days

Hilltop Montmartre was once a cute little village with little farms, vineyards and windmills… until the Belle Epoque when it became a magnet for the world’s best-known artists! The cost of living here was affordable and it was exempt from Paris’ wine tax making wine cheap. A lively cabaret culture flourished here and the likes of Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh moved in. If you want a taste of what life was like back then with the bohemian gang of artists, pay a visit to “Au Lapin Agile” at 22 rue des Saules. The cabaret is one of the oldest and most popular in Paris and still stages a show every evening from Tuesday to Saturday.

Place du Tertre

The local artistic legacy lives on today in Montmartre on Place du Tertre. It’s one of the most visited squares in Paris and literally full of artists selling their canvases or doing portraits on the hop. It’s no wonder that competition for a space is so fierce! First of all you have to wait about 10 years on the waiting list for a spot, then you’re allocated a tiny 3 square feet that you have to share with another artist on alternating days. Last but not least, you’re only allowed to do paintings, portraits, caricatures and silhouettes.

Climb those stairs

Montmartre is famous for its many stairways and being a hill, your calves are in for a serious workout making your way up the slopes. The stairs are great for your Instagram feed but maybe not so ideal when you’ve got the kids in tow or have limited mobility. Never fear, the tourist train is here! It sets off from Place Blanche by the Moulin Rouge every half hour and takes you to Place du Tertre in 15 minutes (it takes 30 minutes the other way). It costs 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children. So there you have it, if you want to save your pennies then take the stairs and enjoy the views, but if you want to save your energy then hop on board and enjoy the ride!

ACCORD: 3bis rue Jean-Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 55 33 52 33

The ACCORD Paris language school is recommended by the editorial staff of PARIS MOVE

ACCORD is rated 5 stars on Tripadvisor

How to get to the ACCORD Tour Eiffel school:

  • by Métro (underground/subway)
    Nearest stations: La Motte-Picquet Grenelle (lines 6, 8 and 10) and Dupleix (line 6)
    Other stations: Ecole Militaire (line 8), Bir-Hakeim (line 6)
  • by Bus: line no. 86 (Champ de Mars), line no. 82 (bus stops: Champ de Mars – Suffren, and/or Général Detrie), line no. 42 (bus stop: Desaix and/or Champ de Mars – Suffren)

With ACCORD navigating your New City: Paris!

If you’re traveling to Paris for a day, a week, a month or a year, we’re here to provide you with the navigation necessities to shift your stay into high gear. ACCORD language school wants to make sure you’re super safe coming to and from school every weekday, so let’s chat about the variety of ways to navigate the beautiful city of Paris!

With ACCORD navigating your New City: Paris! 

Taking the metro:

Since the year 1900 when the Paris metro first opened to the public, Parisians and tourists alike have transformed the metro into the most widely used public transportation system in Paris. With a station no more than 400 meters away at all times, taking the Parisian metro is a convenient and ecological way to arrive at your next destination. In order to board the train, you must follow at least one of the following steps:
– Purchase a ticket from an automated machine
– Get in line at the ticket booth to ask the employee for a Navigo Easy Card or a Navigo Décourverte Pass (Talking to the employee will provide you with a valuable opportunity to practice your French!)

Discover the best transportation strategy for your Paris journey with these insider tips! Grab a single-use t+ ticket from the automated machine for occasional metro and bus rides. Always make sure to hold on to your single use t+ ticket throughout your entire journey in the metro station in order to avoid fines! For a more convenient option, the Navigo Easy Card stores all your tickets electronically on a single card. Want unlimited metro access? Opt for the Navigo Découverte Pass, available weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Just provide a physical photo copy of your face to get it from the booth. Locals love this pass for its incredible value when used frequently.
With over 4 million daily passengers, the Paris metro promises a unique underground adventure to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture!

How to get to the ACCORD Tour Eiffel school by Métro:
Nearest stations: La Motte-Picquet Grenelle (lines 6, 8 and 10) and Dupleix (line 6)
Other stations: Ecole Militaire (line 8), Bir-Hakeim (line 6)

Biking through cobblestone streets:

Renting a bike in Paris is a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the enchanting city. To rent a bike, start by using one of the city’s public bike-sharing systems, such as Vélib’. These bikes are available at numerous stations throughout the city, with the closest station to ACCORD language school located on 11 Bd de Grenelle, 75015. Simply choose a bike, unlock it using the app or a card, and you’re ready to pedal your way through Paris. One of the major benefits of bike rentals is the freedom it offers to navigate through traffic and explore charming side streets that may be inaccessible by other means of transportation. Additionally, cycling allows you to experience the city at a leisurely pace, soaking in the captivating architecture and cultural landscapes. However, it’s essential to be cautious about traffic and pedestrian-filled areas, as Paris is a highly populated city that may be overwhelming for inexperienced cyclists. Moreover, during peak hours, bike availability might become limited, leading to potential frustrations.
Overall, renting a bike in Paris is a delightful way to experience the city’s charm and discover hidden gems, with the only downside being the need for attentiveness amidst the city’s vibrant hustle and bustle.

Let’s take a walk:

Walking through the streets of Paris is truly a feeling unlike any other. You’re able to hear the laughter of locals, the smell of fresh buttery croissants, and most importantly—walking around Paris gives you the unique opportunity to slowly soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful city. Some of the most picturesque spots in Paris are Montmartre and the Wall of Love in the 18e, the Champs-Élysées in the 8e, the Parc du Champ de Mars in the 7e (and only a 5 minute walk from school!), the ‘Quartier Latin’, the ‘Quartier du Marais’ and the Picasso museum, and many more…

Cruising down the street in bus or a car:

Whether you feel stranded in the middle of the night or you’re looking to travel to your next destination with a view of Paris from the comfort of a car seat, it is important to know your rideshare and bus transportation options. Choose from popular rideshare apps like Uber, FreeNow, or Bolt for a comfy ride any time, anywhere in the city. They’re convenient, often cheaper than regular taxis, and available 24/7. However, if you want a scenic adventure, hop on the bus! With metro tickets or a Navigo Découverte Pass in hand, you’re all set to ride. Just wait at the bus station, and the bus will whisk you away. Remember to enter through the front, tap your pass or ticket, and you’re good to go. Beware of fines for fare evasion! Most buses operate Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 12:30 am, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore Paris like a pro!

Navigating your New City: Paris!

ACCORD language school wants to make sure you arrive safe and on time for class, so be sure to follow all the guidelines necessary when navigating your way around the beautiful streets of Paris!

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Choose your Paris Passlib’ with ACCORD

ACCORD Accredited French Language School, member of the Paris Tourist Office, allows its students to benefit from many advantages during their stay in the capital, such as the Paris Passlib’.

Take a French language course at ACCORD and discover Paris!

Recommended by the ACCORD French language school, the Paris Passlib’ is the 100% customizable citypass for taking walks, visiting museums and monuments, renting a bike, taking part in unusual activities… Treat yourself to an “à la carte” discovery of Paris with the Paris Passlib’!

Choose your Paris Passlib’ with ACCORD

The Paris Passlib’, a practical solution to optimize your stay!

In a single purchase, you guarantee admission to the main museums and great monuments of Paris and Ile-de-France, you access unmissable excursions to admire the whole of Paris, or you experience the capital like real Parisians! Eiffel Tower, wine & cheese tasting, bike rental or thematic guided tours, there is something for everyone!
The Paris Passlib’ is available in 4 formulas. Information and prices HERE

The Paris Passlib’, a good plan that suits you!

A real good plan, the Paris Passlib’ can be adjusted according to your tastes and allows you to have a discount of around 15% on the activities offered!
– Flexibility: you activate your pass as soon as you wish, and you benefit from a validity period of one year from the first use.
– Flexibility: in case of unforeseen circumstances, it is possible to modify or cancel your visit or your activity up to 48 hours before the start of it.

Presentation video of the Pass’:

ACCORD, member of the Paris Tourist Office

Visits recommended by ACCORD:

Paris in 12 essentials
Visit the 12 unmissable heritage monuments of Paris, which contribute to the cultural influence of the capital.

50 Parisian must-sees… in one weekend
Our suggestions for museums, monuments, squares, unmissable districts… to visit in Paris for a weekend.

6 essential guided tours in Paris
Behind the scenes, historical visits… Discover the treasures of Paris in the company of an expert.

Choose your Paris Passlib’ with ACCORD Paris. To discover all the monuments and museums to visit, here is the official website of the Paris Tourist Office.

On this website you will also find practical information to organize your trip and your stay in Paris: hotels and accommodation, monuments to visit, restaurants, etc.

Choose your Paris Passlib’ with ACCORD.
Where to get your Pass:

Main office – City Hall
29, rue de Rivoli Paris 4th – RER: Châtelet Les Halles (lines A and B) – Metro: Hôtel de Ville (line 1) or Châtelet (line 4) – Velib’: stations n°4016, 4103, 4017, 4018 – Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last admission at 5.50 p.m.). Half-price theater tickets: Tuesday-Saturday, 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m.

To get to the ACCORD school 3bis rue Jean-Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris, it’s very simple:

– by Metro:
The nearest metro stations are: La Motte-Picquet Grenelle (lines 6, 8 and 10) and Dupleix (line 6)
Two other stations are also near the school: Ecole Militaire (line 8), Bir-Hakeim (line 6)
– by bus :
line no. 86 (stop: Champ de Mars)
line no. 82 (stops: Champ de Mars – Suffren, and/or General Detrie)
line no. 42 (stop: Desaix and/or Champ de Mars – Suffren)

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Intern Abroad in France, in Paris, with ACCORD

Internship in Paris – Intern Abroad in France

Full-Time Internship Abroad

Doing an Intern Abroad in France, in Paris at ACCORD language School, is the best way to experience the Parisian way of life and culture, taking the necessary time to appreciate all of its charm, have fun living like a Parisian while building your CV/resume and greatly improving your French language skills.

Internship in Paris – Build your global and practical experience in Paris

With ACCORD Paris you can supplement your intensive French language course with an internship outside the classroom or a full-time internship in the French capital.

Internship in Paris – Invest in international work and living experience

At ACCORD Paris you can be offered a full-time internship or a part-time internship whilst following a French language course at our ACCORD. Build your CV/resume, gain a great professional experience and improve your French language skills for just the cost of your accommodation and board in Paris as you will not have to pay for your internship abroad or your language course! ACCORD language school will take care of that.

Intern Abroad in France – Live and work in France!

Develop your career prospects through an experience in a company dealing with more than 25 countries all year round. As you know it, internship placements abroad build highly desirable critical skills for employment and make you more attractive to potential employers after you have graduated.

Before you apply for an Intern Abroad in France, in Paris – Before contacting us for your internship program, please read the three internships offered by ACCORD language school and select the one you would like to apply for:

Internship in Paris – offer n°1
You have a very good level of French: you can ask for a full-time internship at the famous ACCORD language school, in the marketing and sales office, in the Head of Studies office or in the Exam office. You can also be offered an internship in the ACCORD Schools Group’s Marketing Department, under the supervision of the ACCORD Schools Group marketing manager.

Internship in Paris – offer n°2
You have a good level of French: you can ask for a part-time internship at ACCORD language school, in the marketing and sales office or in the Exam office. After a test of your level of French you will be either placed in an intensive morning course and you will do your internship in the afternoons, or you will be placed in afternoon classes and you will do your internship in the morning.

Internship in Paris – offer n°3
You are a false beginner or low intermediate in French: you will have to follow an intensive French course for a few weeks before starting your internship, and then you will be able to do a part-time internship as described in point 2.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to be tested on line so that we can confirm you if you are eligible to apply to one of the 3 offers and find out if you need to book for an intensive course before starting your internship at ACCORD.

Don’t hesitate and apply now for an Intern Abroad in France! This is a great opportunity for all of you out there and we look forward to welcoming many of you, bright and enthusiastic students.

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Homestay accommodation with ACCORD Paris

Homestay accommodation with ACCORD Paris

Homestay has always been the most popular choice of accommodation for our students at ACCORD Paris. Our partners have more than 400 friendly and caring host families, who not only enjoy welcoming our students as if they were members of their own families but also love talking about the students’ countries and cultures and sharing experiences.

All our host families are located within Paris ‘intra muros’. No family is located in the suburbs, except if a student asks for a specific location, for example Boulogne, Neuilly, Montreuil, Vincennes, Colombes, etc.
Some families host just one student, others host two or more, but never from the same nationality or speaking language (for example no Australian student will be hosted with an American or English student in the same family at the same time).

Homestay accommodation in Paris

The host families are used to welcoming foreign students and, therefore, know how to help them familiarise themselves with the Parisian way of life and culture.

Some of our host families are from mixed backgrounds and may have had a similar experience, when they were younger, to that of our students arriving in Paris. Some have young children or teenagers living at home, some have pets, some are retired or live alone, some are vegetarian. This is why we always recommend our students to give us as much key information about themselves and what they are looking for in a host family so we can match their profile as closely as possible to the family they will be staying with whilst studying with us at ACCORD Paris.

Homestay accommodation

ACCORD and its partners offer a variety of accommodation options to suit every student’s budget: single rooms with bed & breakfast (B&B), room only (without breakfast), half-board (breakfast and evening meal every day), room with breakfast and access to the kitchen or with only 2 dinners per week. Twin rooms are available on request, and for two students/ friends coming to ACCORD for the same duration (arriving and leaving on the same day and at the same time).
Arrivals are on Sundays, departures on Saturdays, but additional nights are possible on request, at an additional fee.

The most popular option is the half-board one, with breakfast and dinner every day of the week and during the week-end. It allows you to go out sightseeing and come back to relax or do some homework, and to enjoy a home cooked meal shared with your host family, you will very quickly consider as your “second” family. Staying with a host family is one of the best way to continue practising your French outside the classroom and within a convivial home atmosphere!

Homestay accommodation with ACCORD Paris

You might like to stay with one of our host families but feel you would prefer your own bathroom facilities? This option is offered as “VIP host family” as it is quite rare to find apartments in Paris which have two bathrooms. You will pay a little extra for this but for some students who like their own private space, it is well worth it.

Whichever option you choose you have the full support of the ACCORD accommodation team who will always help you understand that perhaps things are a little different to what you are used to (French breakfast is for example very different from a German or English ones).

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ACCORD French Business Course

Book your ACCORD French Business Course in Paris

There can be no denying the importance of the French language in the business world market. French is an official language at the EU, European Parliament, UN, UNESCO, NATO, and French is a key language for French-multinational companies working in Europe, Canada, Africa and many other countries.

At ACCORD, our French business course in mini group is the ideal programme to suit the specific requirements for your job, your company and your professional sector.

Before your arrival at ACCORD Paris, you will be given a test to assess your level and you will be asked which topics and subjects you need to focus on during your French Business French lessons, so that our teachers can design the lessons around your needs.

Following an ACCORD Business French course will allow you to develop your vocabulary and oral communication in French for your business as well as in a social environment (at lunch, listening to the news on the radio or TV, etc.), giving you the opportunity to be more successful in your international and French business environment.

Our French Business Course can integrate your exact needs, for example learning the French terminology to use in your business. The ACCORD Business French lessons in mini group are customised to the students’ professional needs and requirements and as there are never more than 3 students in the Business French afternoon classes, the lessons are perfectly designed to suit you and your classmates who will be of the same level of French as you.

ACCORD French Business Course training format:

– The ACCORD Paris Business French course in mini group includes the morning General French Course A of 20 hours/week (course from 9:00 to 13:00) and four afternoon lessons dedicated to Business French in a class of maximum 3 students per class.

– The Business French afternoon lessons are dedicated to the students’ needs. The Business French teachers design the afternoon course to meet the students’ exact requirements. For example, building language skills and confidence in public speaking and presentations in French, developing negotiations, debating and leadership skills, gaining a better understanding of French working culture, etc.

– Quality guarantee: the Business French lessons in mini-group with a maximum of 3 students per class are open even if you are the only person of your level in those Business French lessons. You will get the Business French lessons you booked (12 hours per week) without any additional fee to pay even if you are on your own.

– It is also possible to book the afternoon Business French lessons in mini group without the morning course A, as indicated HERE

– Our recommendation: During your stay at ACCORD you can also ask to add one to one lessons for an additional fee.

– No hidden fees! Course Fees include level testing, teaching materials and end of course certificate.

Why choose ACCORD Paris?

– Over 30 years’ experience in teaching Business French (1988-2023). Founded in 1988, ACCORD Paris is one of the leading schools in France for teaching French to foreign students and business people as well as diplomats, lawyers, teachers of French…

– High quality French language courses in Paris: ACCORD Paris is a French language school accredited by the official “Qualité FLE”, ACCORD is registered as a Private Institute of Higher Education at the Academy of Paris and is also a member of SOUFFLE and CAMPUS FRANCE. Thanks to the French school accreditations obtained by ACCORD Paris, students are safe in the knowledge that they follow a quality French course in a school which also provides quality services that match their expectations.

– You will learn to communicate confidently with French-speaking colleagues and clients.

Find us also under: French language courses in France