Looking to be full-time boarder in France? Our Boarding schools in Espalion and Masseube are waiting for you! 

You will live full-time at the school dorm (7-Day boarding school in France) with your French and international classmates and use your weekends to explore the region and do cultural activities. 

Study abroad Espalion and Masseube France
Age from 15 to 17 years old
Language French
Dates September to June
Length Academic year
Fees from 17240 EUR
Overview

Next possible start date: August 2026

Discover our permanent boarding schools in the South of France! 

Your Exchange Program in a permanent boarding school in France starts here with Nacel! Opt for a 7-day boarding school in France. 

​State-supported private schools are significantly subsidized, making them much more affordable than fully independent international private schools in France. These schools adhere to the national curriculum, and while many have a religious foundation (often Catholic), students are not required to participate in religious services.

International students have the opportunity to attend a 7-day permanent boarding schools in the South of France. 

Espalion: 
This school considers students in Grades 10 and 11.

In Grade 10, students may attend options such as:

  • "Multi-art" option (plastic art, music, and cinema)
  • Artistic exploration (art and philosophy), literature and society
  • "Micro-business experience"

Size: 370 students.
Boarding quarters (4 students per room, shared bathroom, living room): 30 students.
School Plus:

  • Various options on offer (Plastic Arts, Rugby, Handball, Outdoor sports, Horseback Riding and Dance).
  • Cultural clubs: Radio, Theatre, Cinema, Arts, a lot of thematic Wednesday afternoons and evenings at the boarding school.
  • Personalized support for each student, school time adjusted for options.
  • Opportunities to take French language lessons and to sit the DELF exam.

Minimum French level: A2
Free time allowed outside of school: not independently but with adults.

Masseube: 

We place our international students in a private Catholic school following the Lasallian educational project and offering a warm family atmosphere.

  • Size: 600 students, French and international
  • International students: strong International community
  • Boarding house: 85% of the students are boarders (shared bedrooms and bathrooms); the school offers evening activities, conferences and sport activities. 

School Plus:

  • On Campus: horse riding stables, soccer and rugby fields
  • 1h30 to 2h of daily tutoring or supervised studies
  • Dedicated counselor for international students
  • Choir
  • Outdoor activities: soccer, rugby, mountain biking, horse riding, crossfit, climbing, table tennis, golf, basketball, boxing, etc.
  • Music lessons: piano, guitar, or drum (150€/term)

What should I expect of my school year in France?

French secondary education is divided into two schools:

  •  the “collège” for the first four years directly following primary school (Grades 6-9)
  • the “lycée” for the next three years.

    Completion of secondary studies leads to the “baccalauréat”. The school’s director makes the decision regarding grade and placement level for international students, taking into account the school’s organization, the student’s transcripts and their French level. All students attend general classes such as French, History, Foreign Language (usually English, then German or Spanish), Sports, etc..

    Study abroad in a permanent boarding school in Espalion!

    This program is pretty unique. It allows you to live at school with your classmates full time, during weekdays and weekends. This is what we call "permanent boarding" or "7-Day boarding" in France 

    During the weekends, the dorm staff arranges a great variety of programming, including:

    • sports activities,
    • cultural activities,
    • visits and excursions locally and in the region including full days in Rodez, Albi, Montpellier or Toulouse
    • ski trips.

    The weekends are organized as such:

    • 1 weekend/2 in Espalion (study time, free time, local supervised leisure and activity time)
    • 1 weekend/2 excursions to Rodez (discovery, free time, and activities)
    • 1 weekend per term with an overnight in Toulouse, Montpellier, and outdoor challenge
    • 3 weekends (without overnight) skiing in the mountains (activities, accommodation, board, supervision, and transportation are included in the package)

    Apply now to study in a 7-day boarding school in France! 

    Rather looking for an exchange program in France in host families? Or a program in a different location? Look at our page dedicated to student exchange in France. 
    Discover our 7-day English-speaking boarding school in Paris.

    Learn more about the French High School System: 

    • Accommodation

    Exchange students live at the boarding quarters with their school friends during the week (Monday to Friday) and the weekends, with full board (7 day boarding).

    During school holidays, students may fly back home or may be hosted by a host family, with full board.

    Fees

    Permanent boarding school in France (7-Day Boarding) 2026

    *Price in EUR per participant.

    Not included Application fees (65 euros)

    School Year Abroad in France 2026/2027

    School Trimester :

    • August 25th 2026 to December 19th 2026 (with orientation/ soft landing camp)
    • February 27th 2027 to June 12th 2027 (no orientation)

    School semester :

    • August 25th 2026 to January 16th 2027 (with orientation/ soft landingcamp)
    • January 17th 2027 to June 12th 2027 (no orientation)

    School academic year:

    • August 25th 2026 to June 12th 2027 (with orientation/ soft landing camp)
    • January 17th 2027 to December 18th 2027 (no orientation and no accommodation during the summer break)

    Optional School start French prep course:August 16th to 28th 2026
    Orientation/Soft Landing camp :August 25th to 28th 2026

    💰 What's Included in the Price?

    • Administration fees
    • School registration and tuition fees (including school lunches)
    • Boarding school accommodation on weekdays and weekends (full time boarding except holidays)
    • Weekend sport activities, excursions and transportation included,
    • French as a foreign language classes included
    • Support, assistance and 24/7 Hotline during the whole program

    🚫 What's Not Included?

    • Round-trip international airfare
    • Travel insurance (luggage loss, flight delay etc.)
    • Visa, passport and medical exam fees
    • Extra activities such as sports, excursions, etc. organized by the school or others, extra language courses
    • Half term holidays' homestay accommodation (per 2 weeks): 600 EUR
    • Domestic transfer on departure day
    • Personal expenses and spending money
    • Mandatory fees to be added to program prices:

    Mandatory fees to be added

    • Meet&Greet + Orientation: 500 EUR
    • Supervised transfer on arrival to school/host family: 300 EUR
    • Insurance: 450 EUR
    • School books: 120 EUR (Espalion), 465 EUR (Masseube)

    Hi Margaux ! Just wanted to say thank you - Victoria had a wonderful experience on her exchange - it’s been really worthwhile.  Kind regards!

    Katherine (all)

    Eligibility

    Exchange students must be interviewed in their home country before being accepted into this permanent boarding school in France.
    A minimum of two years of French study and good academic results are required to study in France.

    If you speak no or very little French, we advise you to consider a French international school in Paris area: Notre-Dame International High School. Inquire now: https://www.ndihs.com