About

English in Nice / Nice en Français is a welcoming language community in Nice where adults practise English and French in real life, meet new people, and feel more at home in the city.

A woman smiling outdoors with sunglasses and a blue headband, standing near the beach with a yellow scarf around her neck, as waves gently lap the shore.

I’m Clare Catchpole

I’m Clare Catchpole, founder of English in Nice / Nice en Français — a community for adult English and French learners in Nice who want to feel more at home in both language and life.
Originally from the UK, Nice has been my home since 2014. I teach English, play the violin, and like many of you, I’m still working on my French.

I’ve come to believe that language learning, like music, is a lifelong pursuit — and far more enjoyable when shared with friends and fellow devotees.

As seen in Riviera Buzz

I recently spoke to Riviera Buzz about my Walk & Talk project, language learning in Nice, and why conversation and connection are at the heart of everything we do.
Read the article & watch the interview ➜

Why I Started

Before the pandemic, I taught English in offices, schools, and cafés all over Nice. During lockdown, I moved my teaching online – but something essential was missing: the walking, the spontaneity, the friendly chats before and after lessons, and the joy of being out in the city. That absence is what eventually grew into this membership.

Walking & Talking in Nice

To bring that back, I launched Walk & Talk – Nice – a group for people who wanted to practise languages while exploring the city and meeting others

“Walking lets us speak freely, mingle effortlessly, and overcome shyness — not to mention language barriers.“

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More than language – it’s about belonging

I’ve met many people who struggle to practise outside the classroom — and in Nice there are many English speakers learning French who want to feel part of local life, not just visitors.

That’s why I created English in Nice / Nice en Français — a membership in Nice for English and French learners built around conversation, connection, and a genuine sense of belonging.

A collage of images featuring walk and talk groups out and about in different parts of Nice, including a group photo, scenic views, and local landmarks. Participants are smiling, some have dogs, and they engage in various social interactions.
  • “I was looking for social connection through a shared activity.
    English in Nice and Clare give me the chance to express myself and to listen in the languages of Shakespeare and Molière, in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
    My English isn’t perfect — but the exchanges with friends, the humour and the simplicity always are.
    Thank you Clare for this beautiful idea of bringing people together, in real life.”

    — Armelle, Google Review, 2025
    (view on Google)
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Is this you?

This membership is designed for adults living in Nice who want more than just language lessons.

You live in Nice and you want to:

  • Improve your English or French through real-life conversations
  • Connect with others who are also building their lives here
  • Feel part of a local community, not just a language class…

We welcome adults of all ages and nationalities — English speakers learning French, French speakers learning English. What matters most is your curiosity, your openness, and your willingness to join in.

This membership is not suitable for complete beginners, you need to already be able to converse in your target language.

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What We Do

Nice is our classroom

We learn by being out in the city — not sitting in a classroom.

There are no textbooks, exams or classrooms here. Nice itself is our learning space — explored through conversation, movement, and shared experience.

Our weekly meet-ups explore the city — combining language practice with fresh air, local stories and spontaneous conversation.

Each month members enjoy:

  • A single monthly theme to keep conversations fresh
  • A Walk & Talk and a Café catch-up (weather & mood dependent)
  • 1 immersive activity discovering local people & places
  • 1 language challenge (solo or in pairs) linked to the monthly theme
  • Exclusive resources to help prepare for meet-ups
View Full Membership Details
Collage of various scenic views in Nice, including palm trees, historic architecture, a fountain statue, and the beach under a sunny sky.
Colorful abstract design featuring layered teardrop shapes in orange, blue, and green radiating from a central point.

My Experience

I bring over 15 years of experience combining teaching, creativity, and project design

  • Over 15 years of experience teaching English, both online and in person, mainly for adults.
  • Creator of tailored learning materials designed specifically for our group’s needs and interests.
  • Former Project Manager at London’s Guildhall School & Barbican Centre — curating inclusive arts events that make learning memorable, meaningful & fun
Colorful abstract design featuring symmetrical patterns with teardrop shapes in orange, blue, and yellow.
A collage of diverse groups of people engaging in social activities around Nice, including walking along the promenade, dining at cafes, and participating in community events. The images reflect a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of language learners and locals connecting through shared experiences.

Learning, Sharing, Connecting

Fluency isn’t about speaking perfectly – it’s about feeling confident enough to speak.

Real progress happens when we use language in real situations – whether ordering a coffee or chatting with a neighbour.

This membership blends social connection, language support, and discovery so that learning feels natural, enjoyable, and energising — and so that progress becomes part of everyday life.

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My Beliefs as a Language Teacher & Learner:

  • We learn best when we feel welcome and supported
  • Fluency comes when we stop worrying about mistakes
  • We grow when we have a reason to use what we’ve learned
  • Language is something to be lived, not just learned

I’ve been fascinated by languages since childhood — from my Get By in Italian cassettes aged 8, to full immersion Hungarian in Budapest 30 years later. Teaching English has deepened my understanding of how adults learn best, and inspired me to create this membership.

Colorful abstract design featuring layered shapes in orange, blue, and green radiating outward from the center.

Ready to Join Us?

Whether you’re certain you want to join or just curious, the best next step is to visit the Membership page — you can see all the details, prices, and apply.

See Membership & Apply