French Immersion in the Hunter Valley in October 2024

Join us for a French 3-day immersion in the Hunter Valley, at the unique and cosy H Boutique Hotel. Immerse yourself in French with students of similar level and teachers from French à la Carte.

The programme includes a mix of small group lessons, activities and meals, all in French. It’s the perfect opportunity to practice your French “for real”, with friends, while having fun at the same time!

The theme of this immersion is: Become a "real" French critic. We all know that the French love to criticize everything around them, so if you want to improve your French language, you'll have to absorb a bit of their attitude too!


Each lesson and activity will be designed to let the food, wine and art critic out of you, en français. You'll have lots of opportunities to develop your conversational French to express your opinions, feelings and tastes in an honest and polite manner, like a professional critic would.

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Dates

Accommodation

H Boutique Hotel
770 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320

The Brokenback Ranges of the iconic Hunter Valley are the breathtaking backdrop to the stylish H Boutique Hotel, a modern accommodation in the heart of the Pokolbin Food and Wine region. The hotel has recently finished an extensive renovation of their villas and common areas. They now have a beautiful new dining room and offer hot & continental breakfast to our groups.

Each guest will stay in their own King Studio Villa. 

All villas feature an area with contemporary furnishings and a cosy gas fireplace; air conditioning, ceiling fans and block-out blinds guarantee your stay will be as restful as possible. Amazing natural light floods the apartment from floor to ceiling windows. An outdoor patio area is also provided for you, complete with outdoor setting to provide the ideal spot for daydreaming, reading, eating or wine tasting out in the fresh Hunter Valley air.

Please note the H Boutique does not offer in-room Internet or house phones.

Possibility to share accommodation for couples. 

Programme

This program is indicative and may change slightly.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Classes, Levels & Activities

Groups & Levels

Each class will be taught by a FALC teacher on a variety of activities and topics. The main goal is to improve comprehension and conversational French, to immerse yourself in the language and « force » yourself to use as much French as possible throughout the day. All in a pleasant atmosphere, of course!

Participants will be split into 3 groups:

Elementary French: en franglais!
For students of level A1.3 to A2.2, who have started their French journey recently and only have acquired the very basics.
Lessons will be in franglais, with a mix of grammar and improving basic conversations in French.


Intermediate French: Français Facile
For students of level A2.3 to B1.2
Speaking in English will be tolerated when necessary, but limited to essential questions and information.
The goal is to dive into French and interact in French as much as possible, even if it is slow and tiring! Our teachers are amazingly patient and will help everyone feel comfortable throughout the stay.

Advanced French: All in French
For students of level B2 and above
Participants are expected to speak French at all times during the lessons. English is not allowed!

If you are not sure of your level, please contact us at info@frenchalacarte.com.au.

French Classes

Each day French à la Carte teachers teach a French lesson tailored to the participants level, focusing on improving conversational French and fluency in speaking and comprehension. Each lesson may include some grammar, aural comprehension, writing and of course speaking. Participants are split into small groups to work in collaborative tasks together. Topics can vary, but are always connected to an aspect of French culture.

Paint N Wine in French

Sip, swirl and brush your way through this in house private wine tasting experience. While you taste seven rare, back vintage or museum wines, your Stay n' Sip host will guide you through a fun and interactive painting session, providing step-by-step instructions to create your very own wall worthy piece. No painting experience is necessary – your host will help you bring your vision to life!

Our professional wine host Pierre Toumanoff is passionate about sharing his wine knowledge and you can expect to experience his fun, approachable and educational style. Learn all about the wines selected not only for their exceptional quality but also to punctuate the story of the Hunter Valley's rich history and our hero grape varieties.

And for the non drinkers in our group, not to worry, our host can provide a tasting experience for them using a sophisticated non alcoholic option.

Meals

Dinner & Lunch by Monkeyplace Catering

Ben and his amazing team have concocted tailored French-themed meals for our groups for three years and have never disappointed us. The food is simply amazing and the service impeccable. They come to the hotel and take care of everything on-site, so that all we need to do is sit and relax, without having to worry about transport.


Dinner on Day 1 is a 3-course meal.
Lunch on Day 2 is a light lunch made of salads, quiches and fruit platter.
Drinks are not included.

Dinner at Mount Broke Restaurant

Mount Broke Restaurant & Bar offers stunning views from the cellar door, accompanied by delicious blackboard lunch menu options.

Their French Chef Julie Chevallier and Sous Chef Romane Garnier will tailor a delicious 3-course French-themed meal, just for our groups.

Price

Deposit to secure your booking: $500
Bookings are on a first come first serve basis. We will reserve your spot once we receive payment of the deposit.

Including

Excluding

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More info

Email us at info@frenchalacarte.com.au or call us at 0400 141 370 for further details about this immersion.

Cancellation Policy

Full payment is required by September 15th.