Get off the beaten path and embark on a language stay in Bristol, located 200 km west of London, in the former stronghold of shipowners and explorers departing for the Caribbean. During your language stay, explore the authentic cottages of the Cotswolds, and while the weather may be unpredictable, temperatures never drop below zero!
Your stay in Bristol immerses you in the vibrant atmosphere of the 6th largest city in England, with its 416,000 inhabitants. The remnants illustrate the city's past wealth, which developed through maritime trade and voyages to the colonies of the empire. Undergoing a revitalization, Bristol relies on the redevelopment of its waterfront and its cosmopolitan character. On the agenda: walks in one of the 450 parks and gardens, and tasting local products in one of the many restaurants in the city center.
During your free time in Bristol, cross the suspension bridge overlooking the Avon River before visiting the British Empire to learn all about the city's mercantile past. Take a glimpse of Red Lodge, a 16th-century manor with period interiors. Cycle through parks and gardens for a healthy stay until you reach the old port to greet the SS Great Britain, a steamship that connected Bristol to New York in the 19th century. Satisfy your shopping cravings in a boutique in Broadmead or the chic Clifton neighborhood, and come during the summer to witness the enchanting music festivals at Aston Court and the hot air balloon festivals.
Use the public bus network during your language stay. Well-connected, it takes you around the city and to neighboring cities like Bath. Bristol has two train stations, facilitating access from London, Cardiff, and Birmingham. Note that the airport is located 10 km from the city center, with direct flights from Paris taking 1 hour and 15 minutes. The numerous restaurants offering cuisine from around the world reflect Bristol's cosmopolitanism. The harbor area, with its bars and legendary ambiance, is the perfect place to meet up with friends or new acquaintances during your language stay in Bristol.
428 100 inhabitants
Old Town, River, Port
1 hour and 15 minutes from Geneva
Bristol is a charming city located in the southwest of England, 200 kilometers from London. It is situated on the banks of the River Avon, which forms a natural boundary between the counties of Gloucestershire and Somerset. Located about 50 kilometers from Wales, the city is surrounded by limestone hills, including the Mendip Hills to the south and the Cotswolds to the northeast. The climate, classified as oceanic, often brings precipitation, especially in autumn and winter. Summers in Bristol are relatively mild, though cooler than in other parts of the country, and winters are rarely freezing, with temperatures very rarely dropping below 0°C.
Existing since the 11th century, the name Bristol is derived from an Old English word meaning "the Place of the Bridge." The Norman powers also built the most influential castle in southern England there. Its port then developed around the 12th century, facilitating maritime and, above all, commercial connections with Ireland and France. This maritime trade reached its golden age in the 17th century with the onset of transatlantic commerce. However, it declined due to factors such as competition from Liverpool, the war against Napoleon, and the end of slavery, which contributed to the reduction of port activity. The city of Bristol was also partially devastated by bombings during World War II, leaving indelible traces that can still be seen today.
Bristol showcases its commitment to the environment through its more than 450 green parks and gardens, ranging from Queen Square to the Troopers Hill Nature Reserve, and the beautiful surroundings of Grenville Smyth Park. The city's historical heritage is visible throughout its streets, with the old buildings of Christmas Street, the 6th-century villa, the steamship, and Red Lodge. Explore the contemporary art center Amolfini, located right in the middle of a quay in the former industrial port that has been beautifully transformed into a highly renowned cultural area. Bristol also hosts numerous festivals during the summer, such as the Ashton Court Music Festival, the Bristol Harbour Festival, and the Balloon Fiesta.
Perfectly connected to the rest of the country and the continent, Bristol has the Lulsgate Airport, located approximately 13 km southwest of the city center. The city is equipped with two railway stations that provide connections to destinations such as London, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Manchester. The public transportation network is efficient and covers the entire city. The cost of living in Bristol is similar to that of medium-sized French cities like Lyon or Marseille, approximately 25% lower than Geneva. This provides an opportunity to enjoy some shopping, for example, in the historic district of Broadmead, northeast of the city center.
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