French Immersion in Provence (France) in July 2025
La Bastide de Grignan, between Valence and Avignon
Join us in July 2025 for an all-in-French immersive experience in the beautiful South of France!
We will dive into the French language with daily intensive classes with a strong focus on conversational French, advanced grammar, and pronunciation, unlocking the essence of effective communication.
Tailored for students from B1 (Intermediate) level minimum. This immersion caters for students seeking a deeper connection with the language and culture.
Let’s not forget to explore this beautiful French region!
Indulge in entertaining French activities – from cooking classes to winery tours, castle visits, and village explorations.
Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a fantastic linguistic and cultural journey in the heart of French culture!
We have partnered with Coco and Anissa from Madame Voyage (more info on their Facebook & Instagram pages) to tailor a unique French immersion.
Madame Voyage specializes in boutique tours & retreats which are meticulously crafted to provide immersive experiences that delve into the essence of French culture, cuisine, language, and adventure.
Dates
Monday 30th June to Wednesday 9th July 2025 (10 days, 9 nights)
French Level
All activities, classes and meals in this immersion will be conducted entirely in French. No English will be used. Therefore, a B1 / Intermediate level minimum is required.
Contact us for a level assessment if you aren’t currently enrolled in one of our classes.
The Provence Region
Provence, historical and cultural region encompassing the southeastern French départements of Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and Var. It is roughly coextensive with the former province of Provence and with the present-day region of Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur.
With a population of 4.7 million, it is the third most important region in France and one of the top twenty regions of the European Union. The regional capital, Marseille, is France's second city (over 800 000 inhabitants) and most important port. With 1.6 million inhabitants, greater Marseilles is the second largest urban area in France.
While some of the emblematic icons of Provence - the lavender fields or the Mont Saint Vincent so often painted by Cézanne - are or seem specifically attached to this region, others including the olive trees, the dry rocky coastline with its scented stunted pine trees, the evening air filled with the chi-chi-chi of a thousand crickets, and even the villages and vineyards, are actually features that characterise large stretches of the Mediterranean coast and its hinterland, in both France and other countries.
Many great French writers and artists have come from or lived in Provence; Frederic Mistral is to Provence what Robert Burns is to Scotland, an iconic national poet who wrote in the local language - Provençal. Other emblematic Provencal writers include the 19th century heavyweight Alphonse Daudet, author of the classic "Lettres de mon Moulin", Marcel Pagnol, and the twentieth century novelist Jean Giono, whose works portray rural life in Provençal Alps. Since the 19th century, many artists have chosen to live in Provence, on account of the light; but Paul Cézanne, one of the greatest of the Impressionists, was actually a native of Aix en Provence.
July is a beautiful time to visit Provence. The mistral (that's the name of the wind in the South of France) blows the most at this time of the year, revealing a very pure blue sky. Temperatures in Summer reach an average of 26°C. In Provence, there is always a pleasant wind that keeps the air fresh.
Our accommodation is the perfect place to enjoy the warm days without suffering from the heat: all bedrooms are air conditioned, the trees on the propery provide all the needed shade on outside spaces, and of course let's not forget the swimming pool!
Accommodation
La Bastide de Grignan
165 chemin de Bessas - 26230 Grignan
Website
Ideally located on a short walking distance from the city centre of Grignan, La Bastide de Grignan is built on a small slope overlooking the countryside around the property. Get seduced by the tranquillity of the site and the authenticity of the team that is here for you, offering first of all a haven of peace and comfort. Nature has gifted the area : lavender, vineyards, truffled oak trees. Here you rediscover the rhythm of the land, calm and reassuring.
Christophe and Tomás have lived an international hotelier’s career and are delighted to welcome you to their hotel in a friendly environment, just steps away from one of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages in France,’ Grignan, in the heart of the Drôme Provençale, where even the 'Present' is on holiday!
The château de Grignan that you see spanning the village above the church is immersed in culture.: The"Festival de la correspondance" in honour of the Epistolary work of the Marquise de Sévigné and her daughter, spouse of Count of Grignan, happens first week of July, the "Fêtes Nocturnes": theater performances that happen all summer long on the terrasse of the Château and are performed by theatrical groups that are in vogue. With the Mont Ventoux as back drop!
Rooms
Chambre Classique
18m2, all equipped with A/C
Comfortable rooms with view on the woods or the hôtel private parking
Queen-size bed (180x200cm) or 2 single beds possible
Ensuite shower and separate toilet
Towels, toiletries, hairdryer provided
TV in the bedroom
Fee and unlimited WIFI access
Chambre Elegance -- supplement $650
18m2, all equipped with A/C
Comfortable room with view on the garden and the swimming pool
Queen-size bed (180x200cm) or 2 single beds possible
Outdoor space with chairs to relax and enjoy the view, have a drink and chat (en français!) while listening to the birds and ciccadas
Ensuite bathroom with large shower and separate toilet
Towels, toiletries, hairdryer provided
TV in the bedroom
Fee and unlimited WIFI access
Language Classes
This immersion includes six French classes. The primary goal of the classes is to master the language through conversation, grammar and the discovery of the vibrant culture of Provence.
Each lesson will be using authentic documents for an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Classes will be conducted by a French à la Carte teacher and will take place in the morning.
Programme
Please note this a sample itinerary.
Day 1: Monday 30th June – Arrival in Marseille
- Arrival in Marseille (not included): make your own way to a local hotel. Check in and enjoy free time in the afternoon. We recommend that you book at the same hotel at the FALC teacher, to make it easier to leave together to the train station the next morning -- but that is not mandatory.
- Dinner in Marseille (not included): choose whether you want to relax in your hotel room, have dinner by yourself or join the FALC teacher in a local restaurant.
Day 2: Tuesday, July 1st – Transfer to Grignan & Champagne Reception
- Transfer to Provence: After breakfast, you will all take the same train from Marseille St Charles to Pierrelatte (2 hours). Then you will be transferred from Pierrelatte Station to La Bastide Grignan
- Welcome & Champagne: Upon arrival, settle into your private room and enjoy a glass of champagne to kick off your stay.
- Dinner at the Bastide: Enjoy a two course dinner with wine.
Day 3: Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 – First Class & Visit of Grignan
- Morning: French Class
- Lunch in Grignan (not included)
- Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Grignan
- Dinner at the Bastide
Day 4: Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 – French Classes & Visit to Local Villages
- Morning: French Class
- Lunch at the Bastide
- Afternoon: Explore Provençal Villages: Discover the charm of villages such as Séguret and Richerenches, wandering their streets and enjoying local culture.
- Visit of Chateau de Suze La Rousse: Guided Tour of this medieval castle surrounded by vineyards and now home to a wine school, with breathtaking views of the region.
- Dinner at the Bastide
Day 5: Friday, July 4th, 2025 – Free day
- Morning: French Class
- Lunch at the Bastide
- Free Afternoon: Explore the area on a stroll with your teacher, play French games, or even do your homework!
- Dinner out in a local restaurant (not included)
Day 6: Saturday, July 5th, 2025 – Truffle Farm Visit & Vineyard Tour
- Full-day Excursion
- Truffle Farm Visit: Visit a family-owned truffle farm and enjoy a guided tour followed by a truffle lunch!
- Visit Local Vineyards : Continue with a tour of local vineyards, sampling wines and enjoying cheese platters.
- Dinner at the Bastide
Day 7: Sunday, July 6th, 2025 – Lavender Workshop
- Morning:French Class
- Lunch at the Bastide
- Afternoon: Lavender Workshop: Discover the uses and benefits of lavender in a hands-on workshop.
- Dinner at the Bastide
Day 8: Monday, July 7th, 2025 – Visit a Local Distillery & Cooking Class
- Morning French Class
- Lunch at the Bastide
- Afternoon: Visit a Local Distillery: Sample regional syrups and spirits during this guided distillery tour.
- Cooking Class: Participate in a fun and creative cooking class, learning to prepare a traditional local menu.
- Dinner (your creation) at the Bastide
Day 9: Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 – Relaxing Day
- Morning: French Class
- Lunch at the Bastide
- Free afternoon: Make the most of your last day at the Bastide! Those who want can walk with the leader to Grignan for a last minute shopping session
- Farewell Dinner at the Bastide: final dinner with local wines to celebrate the end of an unforgettable stay.
Day 10: Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 – Departure
- Breakfast at the Domaine: Say goodbye to Provence with a relaxed breakfast.
- Transfer back to Pierrelatte Station, then to the train of your choice (either Marseille or Lyon)
Price
AU$7,795 per person - Individual Room
AU$6,595 per person - Shared Room
Supplement Chambre Confort: $300
Supplement Chambre Supérieur: $550
Deposit to secure your booking: $1,200
Bookings are on a first come first serve basis. We will reserve your spot once we receive payment of the deposit.
Minimum 12, maximum 15 participants.
What's included
- Get Together before the trip in Sydney to meet accompanying FALC teacher and participants
- Train ticket from Marseille to Pierrelatte Station (by FALC)
- Transfer from Pierrelatte Station to Domaine Mejeonnes
- 8 nights of accommodation at Domaine Les Méjeonnes, with a private room for each participant.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included daily, accompanied by local wines (one lunch and one dinner will be out in a restaurant).
- Upon arrival, enjoy a glass of champagne to kick off your stay.
- Daily classes in a dedicated room at the Domaine, every morning for 3.5 hours, with gourmet breaks.
- A guided tour in French of Château de Suze-la-Rousse, a medieval castle surrounded by vineyards, now housing a wine school and offering stunning views of the region.
- Explore typical Provençal villages such as Séguret, Richerenches, and Grignan.
- Visit a family-owned truffle farm with a guide, followed by a truffle tasting on site.
- Visit local vineyards with wine tastings and cheese platters.
- Participate in a lavender workshop, discovering its many uses and benefits.
- Enjoy a cooking class, a creative and delicious activity centered around a local menu.
- Visit a local distillery, with tastings of regional syrups and spirits.
- Transportation during activities are included.
- Surprise gifts upon arrival to make the experience even more memorable.
- Includes a FALC teacher as well as a Madame Voyage host to ensure complete linguistic immersion.
What's not included
- Your night of accommodation in Marseille (we will give you recommendations)
- Your dinner in Marseille (we will give you recommendations)
- The lunch and the dinner out in a restaurant
- Travel Insurance
- Airfares
Payment schedule
- A non-refundable deposit of $1,200 is required to secure your booking. Bookings will ONLY be confirmed upon reception of the full deposit, on a first come, first served basis.
- The final payment of the remainder is due by the 1st of March 2025.
Terms & Conditions
I Our responsibility
It is our responsibility to ensure that tour activities have been organised as stated in the program. It is also our right to alter the itinerary, if necessary, in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Any extra costs resulting from these alterations will not be our responsibility.
No responsibility will be accepted for any delays occurring during the tour. It is at our discretion to stop any person from participating in any of the activities should they not have the required level of fitness or mobility on any particular day.
II Cancellation
By the organisers: If the tour needs to be cancelled, due to member of the group cancelling and resulting numbers being below the minimum number of 12 participants, after the 8th of January, no deposit will be refunded to any participant who made the late cancellation. Other participants deposits will be refunded.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be made in writing to French à la Carte
- If a cancellation occurs earlier than 90 days prior departure, the deposit payment will be retained.
- No refunds are available if cancellation occurs after March 1st.
III Responsibility of participants
It is the responsibility of the participant to organise and pay for all travel documents, i.e. passports, visas, tickets, insurance, departure tax. All participants need travel insurance. The participants will be responsible for any injury, sickness, loss, or damage that might occur.
If any participant wishes to alter the itinerary in any way, all resulting costs and organisation will be his/her responsibility. It is the responsibility of the participant to be at the point of pick-up as specified and at the time specified. If this is not possible it is the participant's responsibility to rejoin the tour at his/her own expense.
IV Organization
The organization of the course, the activities on the schedule and the itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to act of God, local circumstances and weather.
We contract with a range of third parties and individuals. To the best of our knowledge, the different third parties who will assist us during the course are qualified to perform the duties they are contracted to perform. French à la Carte will not be held liable for injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may occur due to the behaviour of these third parties.
Contact & more info
0400 141 370
info@frenchalacarte.com.au