Many students on the study abroad summer program in Arcachon have beach-front accomodations for the duration of their stay.
Accomodations - Study Abroad: Arcachon, France
Arcachon is a seaside resort on the Bay of Arcachon, about 25 miles southwest of Bordeaux. Classes take place in a seminar room of the Le Nautic Hotel, which overlooks the Arcachon Harbor. Arcachon is noted both for its fine sand beaches and for its oysters.
Housing
Participants will have a choice of the following enumerated housing accommodations. Housing costs are included in the program fee unless a student requests a studio apartment (no roommate), which costs an additional amount. This amount will be set based on actual expenses incurred by the program to rent the studio. in 2008, the extra fee was $700.
All housing is located within walking distance of downtown Arcachon and the classroom facilities. Accomodations include either:
- Madame Serin's private beachfront home for 16 people (5 separate apartments), or
- Furnished apartment or house for 2-6 people.
- Studio
The program will make every effort to arrange housing in accordance with the student's first choice, but certain housing is limited in quantity. Students in need of handicap-accessible housing should inform the program director, Professor Adrien Wing, at the time of application in order to assure that such housing will be procured.
Food
All housing units include kitchen facilities and limited cookware. Groceries may be somewhat expensive in Arcachon compared to the United States. Students should allocate at least $100 per week for food ($600 for the entire program); more if one eats out with any frequency.
The average price of a modest lunch or dinner at Arcachon restaurants is about $15 to $20. In addition, those interested in sampling the renowned French gourmet cuisine will have several restaurants to choose from, but at a somewhat higher cost.
Participants should remember that out-of-pocket expenses in France may fluctuate depending upon the current exchange rate between Dollars and Euros.
Transportation
Participants must arrange and pay for their own transportation. Participants may fly to Bordeaux and then take a train to Arcachon. The Bordeaux-to-Arcachon train schedule varies, but typically trains depart hourly and travel time is 35-55 minutes. Airfare directly to Paris can be relatively inexpensive, especially from consolidators (see below). The train trip from Paris to Bordeaux takes three hours via the high-speed T.G.V.
Most years, several airlines discount fares for their summer flights during February. Absent discounted fares, ticket consolidators usually have relatively inexpensive tickets for flights from Chicago to Paris via Air France or other carriers. These fares often provide greater flexibility in arranging return flights (e.g., from a European city other than Paris, or without trip-length limitations that often apply to traditional airline tickets).
Eurail passes are often useful, especially if the student expects to travel before or after the academic program. Students must purchase these passes in the United States before departure for Europe. Also, it is usually possible to purchase reduced-fare group and youth (25 and under) passes in France. These fares often include date and time restrictions.
Travel agencies are a good source of information regarding flight availability, Eurail passes, and ticket prices. In addition, reduced fares may be available when purchased directly from the airlines online, or from online ticket consolidators.
The Council Travel web site may be helpful when participants are making travel arrangements, as it caters to students traveling internationally. It sells and provides information on airline tickets, Eurail passes, hotel and hostel reservations, and international student IDs (many museums and attractions provide discounts upon presentation of the ID).
Accessibility
France, like many European countries, has not renovated many of its facilities to comply with U.S. accessibility standards. Students requiring assistance with flights should make requests directly through the airline. French trains, buses, taxis and many tourist attractions are not usually accessible. In the recent past, the program has been able to accommodate a student in a wheel chair with accessible housing and access to the classroom, and other parts of the program. Any student needing accommodation should contact Professor Wing prior to submitting the application.
Internet Access
Wireless internet access is provided by the hotel where classes are held. Internet is also available at several other locations throughout the city.
More Information
Interested in learning more about Arcachon? Information is available about the city and surrounding areas here: