Next possible start dates: August 2025. Apply now!
Study at a French boarding school in the Loire Valley
Your Exchange Program at Loire Valley boarding schools with Nacel!
We place international students in French boarding schools of the Loire Valley:
- Nantes (3 schools)
- Cholet (1 school)
Exchange students live at the boarding house of the schools from Monday to Friday and with a nice French host family during weekends and school holidays. Enjoy your stay in a French boarding school in the Loire Valley!
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.
What should you expect of a private boarding school?
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..
Private boarding schools in France only offer 5-day boarding option. Exchange students are hosted in host families for weekends and holidays.
There is a strong community spirit in these schools and students are involved in many international projects. Discover our schools!
Graduation from a boarding school in France is only possible after at least two years of study (Grade 11 and 12).
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.
