
French Immersion Homestay At Teacher’s Near Carcassone
€1500 Per Week
- 15 hours of French tuition with me
- Student's apartment
- 2 per day (B+D)
- 2 guided tours with conversation
- 1 to 4 traveling together

Amenities/Features
Sleeping Arrangements
2 queen bed
Types of Courses Offered: French conversation, French Grammar, Professional French...
Meet Eliane - your French tutor, language buddy & host In France
Bonjour et bienvenue chez nous ! My name is Eliane, and I live in a typical small French town located only 5 minutes away from Carcassonne and its airport. French is my mother tongue, but I’m also fluent in English. Before I became a French immersion teacher, I worked in a law firm, so I’m familiar with that world as well. I live with my husband Benjamin and our lovely daughter Elena: we have a cozy house in Pezens, a picturesque and lively small town next to Carcassonne. The village of Pezens benefits a privileged living environment between the Canal du Midi and the garrigue. Let’s not forget our dog: Okami – meaning “wolf” (loup) in Japanese (since he’s an akita, we gave him a Japanese name). He is super friendly and really sweet: my students love him and he’s always ready to help them practice there French. I love interacting with people and talk about French culture and history too, since my region “Le pays Cathare” is rich in it. It’s not only famous for the medieval city of Carcassonne, but for so much more. I will take you to visit Carcassonne, and its ramparts but also we can stroll through several of the most beautiful villages in France or go on an adventure in the caves and chasms around. There is certainly no lack of activities in the Aude region. I also love to paint and cook. Come visit us and experience a true immersion in French language and culture. We are casual people, live in a cozy house and love having guests over: our motto is: « faites comme chez vous ! » (Our home is your home).

Getting To Our House
Pezens is only at one our drive from Toulouse airport, and I can arrange to have you pick up if needed. If you take the train, I recommend Carcassonne (it's only 5 minutes away from Pezens) and I will be at the station waiting for you.
Car Rental
Since our house is located so close to a city, you don’t need to rent a car although we recommend you do if you wish to be more independent and enjoy all there is to do in this beautiful region of France. Should you not rent a car, I’ll be happy to drive you around, that’s why I ask for a 80 Euros gas fee (a full tank), maybe more should we decide on doing several longer excursions. And there are a lot of cycling trails around Pezens (you can go to Carcassonne by bike, it will only take you 20 minutes). Pick up at Toulouse airport can also be arranged.
Wifi
There is good Wifi and cell reception throughout the house and in your bungalow.
Smoking
You are welcome to smoke regular cigarettes outside should you wish to, but please don’t smoke inside.
Diets
I love to cook and I cook all sorts of food: typical French cuisine of course, but also gourmet ethnic food. I enjoy picking up fresh produce at the farm in season. With your guidance, I will also be happy to adapt my cooking to your specific diet: I’m always eager to learn new recipes.
Pets
Because we have a dog, unfortunately, we cannot accept your pet.
Typical French Immersion Program
A One Week (7 Days, 6 Nights) Residential French Course Includes But Is Not Limited To:
- Fifteen (15) hours tuition – 3h a day x 5 days
- Accommodation in your private bungalow
- Two meals a day: breakfast and lunch with me
- Two outings a week of cultural/touristic tours, or activities (like painting, cooking, shopping, cinema… anything according to your preferences) during which you’ll practice your French with me
- Preferred arrival on Sunday, departure on Saturday
Please note that entries to museums are not included.
The Fee For One Person For One Week Is 1500 Euros.
Additional Guests
You could come alone or we could host up to 3 family members/friends, staying in the bungalow with an extra single bed. For one additional guest, the price per week is:
- Euros 450 in half board, without lessons.
- Euros 850 in half board with shared lessons and excursions.
My program is really flexible: I can offer more or less lessons, go for longer excursions, cook three meals a day… Contact me, and we’ll put together a program to best fit your French goals, interests and make the most of your immersion stay with us!
Learn French In France – Your French immersion Program in Pezens, Occitanie
Pezens is a charming little town next to Carcassonne and some of the most beautiful villages in France, halfway between Toulouse and Narbonne, in the Aude region of France. “L'Aude” is a Department rich in many ways, especially for its numerous castles, gorgeous and authentic villages, and its wonderful natural sites with breathtaking landscapes. We can visit Carcassonne, a beautiful city with, among other things, its impressive medieval city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the "modern" city called the Bastide St Louis (with its small restaurants and shops) and The Canal du Midi. If you are interested in history, in "Le Pays Cathare" there is everything you need in terms of medieval castles and villages. If you lean towards hiking, I could take you to do some in several impressive natural sites. For longer outings, we could go to Toulouse, or we could head to the Mediterranean and the beautiful city of Narbonne. Let me know what interests you: there is plenty to do around here.
More about Eliane and the region
View Eliane's articles on French Today's blog.
Your French Immersion Homestay Accommodations in Pezens, Occitanie
Our house is in the small village of Pezens. We live in a beautiful house from the 70s, which has been entirely renovated. It’s warm and cozy, very comfortable and carefully decorated. We also enjoy a large private garden with a swimming pool. The student apartment is located on the ground floor of our house and gives direct access to the garden and swimming pool. All they have to do is open the veranda (furnished for the greatest comfort of our dear students) where we can do our lessons on sunny days.
Your Private Apartment In Our House
Your private apartment is sunny and really comfortable and opens up to both on the front of the house and on the garden with swimming pool. You’ll enjoy two large bedrooms with king size beds, a comfortable sitting area in the veranda, a table with chairs, a small kitchen and a bathroom with a walk-in shower, a sink and a separate toilet. The kitchen area is small but functional – anyway, I do most of the cooking and there are plenty of left overs and restaurants in Carcassonne.

Contact Eliane - your French tutor, language buddy & host
French Immersion in Pezens, Occitanie
NOTE: All immersion teachers/hosts are completely independent of French Today. All communication, transactions and contracts will be exclusively done between you and the immersion teacher/host.
Reviews (58)
Vicky :
My friend Barbara and I just spent a week with Éliane in the immersion program. It was a dream come true. For me, being in France, staying with a French family, being able to ask questions about culture as well as vocabulary and grammar–that’s exactly what I wanted. Éliane is a wonderful hostess. Her husband and daughter are also charming and friendly. And Éliane is also an excellent cook! She prepared delicious food which was also very French.We went together to Limousis Caves and it was fascinating. Even though I didn’t understand everything the guide said, I understood enough, and Éliane was there to clarify. It was a beautiful place to visit. I like to see natural beauty. We also went to the vineyard of Château de Pennautier (the Lorgeril family) for a visit and tasting. It was a pleasant excursion. We loved the wine and the conversation with the guide.Barbara and I visited Carcassonne twice. Once to the city center, but it was a Monday and there wasn’t much open. On Friday, we went to the medieval city. Our days visiting Carcassonne were lovely. We had rented a car and it was quite easy to get around (thanks to Google Maps) and to find parking.Because Barbara is a pilot, she and I went to the Musée Aeroscopia in Toulouse as well, about an hour’s drive away. It was worth the visit. We could go inside airplanes and learn of French aviation history. That night, we had reservations at a Michelin-starred restaurant, “PY-r”. It was a true gastronomic experience.There was a small supermarket near us. We walked there for fresh vegetables. There was also a boulangerie where we bought baguettes. We also took a few walks in Pezens. It was peaceful to be in the countryside and see vineyards and fields of other crops (wheat?) and a small river or stream. We also walked through an old cemetery–very interesting how families are buried together in a plot.Our accommodations were perfect. We each had our own room. We shared a bathroom but the toilet was in a separate area from the sink and shower so it worked well. The small kitchenette was good for our needs. We preferred to eat bread, cheese, pâté, tomatoes and wine on the terrace for dinner. We were in heaven. Really.Éliane is a good teacher. She is practical and helpful. She is also insightful. She knew what we had to work on and she knew the common mistakes of American English speakers. I had studied in France as a student (oo la la, that was too many years ago! ) and I had kept up with my French as best I could, but I forgot a lot of vocabulary and especially grammar. I make a lot of mistakes. My goal is for people to understand me, even if I prefer to speak perfectly like a Frenchwoman! I am a perfectionist and it was difficult for me to realize how bad my French had become. But it was good for me to keep talking anyway. I learned a lot. I am trying to put all this into practice. I was intrigued to learn how many of his students return each year or so. Maybe I can do that too?–Vicky Dobbs, Texas, USA
Barbara :
Avec une chère amie, j’ai passé une semaine en programme d’immersion chez Éliane et sa famille. Tout était vraiment sympa ! La maison est bien adaptée : nous avions le rez-de-chaussée entier pour nous, avec deux chambres, une petite kitchenette, et une jolie véranda qui donne sur la piscine. Les leçons de français chaque matin étaient très agréables : ni trop facile ni trop difficile. Éliane s’est très bien adaptée à notre niveau de français. Elle nous a beaucoup aidées à mieux comprendre quelques points de grammaire, et elle nous a donné de bons exercices pour les pratiquer. Les repas qu’elle nous a préparés étaient vraiment délicieux. Nous avons fait deux excursions avec Éliane (un tour de la grotte de Limousis, et une dégustation de vins) qui étaient très agréables et intéressantes. Les trois après-midi où nous n’avions pas d’excursions avec elle, nous en avons profité pour visiter quelques endroits dans la région. Tout s’est très bien passé !
Je te remercie ! 😊
Barbara
My week with Eliane was wonderful! She quickly ascertained what type of learner I was, and structured the lessons to my learning style. This both relaxed and motivated me throughout the week. I now have the tools I need to progress from a ‘beginner’ to the next level.
Eliane and I had 3 fun outings during the week, to the Cite of Carcassone, wine tasting and visiting a local market.
The student accommodation on the ground floor of her home is perfect, with everything you need for privacy, quiet study time and relaxation.
I hope to return for 2 weeks next year to further my learning adventure.
Merci beaucoup to Eliane, Benjamin and Elena for inviting me into you home for the week. It was a great experience!
I just left Eliane, with whom I stayed for 2 weeks. Eliane was very generous in every way – the lessons, the meals, the excursions.
When Eliane picked me up at the train Station in Carcassonne (which was very convenient for me), I felt very welcomed.
The accomodation was very confortable. I liked the room, and I was able to arrange it for my convenience. There was plenty of storage for clothes and Eliane provided all the clothes hangers I needed. I had everything I needed to feel at home.
The lessons were very thoughtfully planned and presented. Eliane took into account my level of French and my interests.
Les repas étaient délicieux et préparés avec amour !
Everything was perfect ! I had the best of both worlds – the careful attention when it was needed, and also I enjoyed provacy and independence.
Merci Eliane et Benjamin pour ce merveilleux séjour !
I spent a week with Eliane at the end of April. Eliane and her partner Benjamin are warm, friendly and relaxed. I felt at home as soon as I arrived.
Eliane structured the classes innovatively based on the level of my French and the subjects that I am interested in, for example, visiting the local market to learn the produce vocabulary and translating some of the information I heard from the audio guide into French to her while we visited the Cite de Carcassonne.
She was also generous with her time and went the extra mile to make sure I had a great experience in the region.
I had the whole ground floor of the house to myself and had access to the beautiful veranda and garden. It is a great place to relax and chill.
Thanks a lot Eliane, Benjamin and adorable Elena for a great week!
I spent a week with Eliane in April and it was fantastic. It was just the push I needed to fill the gaps and holes I was having in progressing my French. Eliane is a great teacher and her family are very welcoming. The accommodations were excellent and the area is beautiful – I had a great time and look forward to doing it again!
I recently had the privilege of attending Eliane’s in-person French immersion class. The experience was truly fantastic and exceeded all of my expectations.
Firstly, Eliane was an amazing cook and provided my husband and me with delicious breakfasts and lunches throughout our week-long stay. This added an extra layer of cultural immersion and helped us to truly experience French cuisine in an authentic way. While enjoying our meals, her infant daughter brought us a lot of joy. She was a real delight to have around.
Aside from the culinary delights, the class itself was well-structured and informative. Eliane took a truly personalized approach with me. She was able to assess my individual needs and tailor the class accordingly. She utilized a variety of teaching techniques and methods, including videos (to train my ear), grammar lessons, and cultural excursions to help me learn and absorb as much as possible. This allowed me to progress at my own pace and really focus on the
areas I needed to improve upon.
Overall, I would highly recommend this class to anyone looking to improve their language skills and gain a deeper understanding of French culture. Eliane is very patient, kind, and sympathetic to the struggles of a French language learner. Her expertise, passion, and culinary skills truly make this experience one of a
kind.
Thank you for the wonderful week!!
If you’re reading this then you’re 80% of the way to your French Immersion course! Naturally I was somewhat nervous, but I needn’t have been. Maybe you’re worried about just travelling through France to Carcassonne knowing little, if any, French? Again, don’t be. I’m just A2 level French (just above absolute beginner) and had no problems whatsoever. If you’re thinking of travelling at all by train I strongly recommend downloading the SNCF Connect App (France’s state owned railway company). It’s all in English, really easy to book trains, upgrade seats, even organise a taxi waiting for you (and they’ll wait if your train should be late). At Toulouse and Carcassonne it isn’t necessary as there’re always taxis. The App even shows you which carriage your seat’s in, and your train ticket is a QR code on the App. The only word you need to recognise is ‘Voie’ which effectively meant platform. All the taxis I took were easy, fairly priced and the drivers all friendly.
As to the Immersion course itself all I can say is Éliane has the perfect balance of being professional in her teaching, tailoring what she teaches on what and how you want to learn, and putting you at total ease due to her genuine warmth of personality and friendliness. Éliane was always happy to run me the 10 minutes into Carcassonne, or collect me anytime, or help in any way she could, along with the two organised afternoons too. Benjamin, Éliane’s partner, was also very warm and friendly, and their young daughter Elena is the absolute definition of a Sweetie-pie!
Éliane’s cooking was superb and fully accommodated my gluten-free diet. We had lessons and breakfast and lunch in their lounge upstairs, which is a lovely, light and comfortable room to be in.
The bedroom downstairs was warm and comfy, a separate good shower room and sink, and there’s a little kitchenette too.
So I recommend taking the next small step by sending Éliane an email and telling her what you would like from your immersion holiday—it’s all easier than you think!
I had a wonderful week « chez Eliane ». Through lots of conversations my confidence has improved tremendously. We studied some grammar as well, but the real emphasis was on talking which was just what I needed. Over and above that it was a really enjoyable week with Eliane, Benjamin and the adorable Elena, who were fantastic hosts. This region of France has plenty to see and do, and of course the climate is very agreeable at this time of year. And yes they have wine, lots and lots of wine….
C’était vraiment une semaine formidable, merci beaucoup pour tout. Je vais discuter avec ma femme et je veux revenir l’année prochaine.
Je suis chez nous après un voyage incroyable. De temps en temps j’arrête et réfléchis. C’était une expérience inoubliable. Merci encore pour notre semaine ensemble.
My week with Eliane, Elena, Benjamin and Okami surpassed my expectations for a total immersion experience. From the first emails and lasting through the entire week, Eliane conveyed genuine “joie de vivre” and a convivial approach to all aspects of this both delightful and challenging (which I sought) week. Eliane’s course design was robust, tailored to my specific needs, and the experiences, both guided and individual, provided rich opportunities to enhance the French language with culture, history, gastronomy, and current events.
My friend Lauren, and I went to study with Eliane after several years of studying French in the USA and we learned so much in one week! My husband came with us, but did not take lessons during the week. During our lessons, Steve took short walks around the town or appreciated a quite time in the garden.
We appreciated the structure of the program and Eliane truly listened to us and created lessons to improve the skills we asked for help with and she used subjects according to our interests! (Like for example, wine and couples therapy! 🤣)
We liked her style of teaching also! Eliane is very particular about grammar and pronunciation. We liked her way of stopping us for corrections. (We liked that she explained what a French person hears when we pronounce words incorrectly! 🤣)
Eliane also had many simple rules for memorizing common points of grammar!
Finally, we loved her dog, Okami! He was like a therapist for us! If we felt nervous, etc he would always show up for a cuddle! What a sweet dog!
Thank you to Eliane for a wonderful week!
Our French version of our review for Eliane :
Mon amie Lauren et moi, on est allés étudier avec Eliane après plusieurs années d’étude de français aux Etats-Unis et on a appris beaucoup en une semaine!
Mon mari est venu avec nous, mais n’a pas pris de cours durant la semaine. Pendant nos leçons, Steve faisait des petits tours dans la ville ou se reposait tranquillement dans le jardin.
On a apprécié la structure de son programme. Eliane nous a vraiment écouté et elle a créé des leçons pour améliorer les compétences pour lesquelles on lui avait demandé de l’aide et elle a utilisé des sujets selon nos intérêts! (Comme par exemple, le vin et les thérapies de couple! 🤣)
On a aussi aimé le style de son enseignement! Eliane est très rigoureuse au sujet de la grammaire et de la prononciation. On a bien aimé sa façon de nous arrêter pour nous corriger quand on parlait! (On a aimé qu’elle nous explique ce que les Français entendent quand on prononce mal les mots! 🤣) Eliane a aussi beaucoup de simples règles pour mémoriser des points de grammaire communs !
Et enfin, on aime beaucoup son chien, Okami ! Il était comme un thérapeute pour nous! Si on était nerveuses etc. il venait nous faire un câlin! Quel chien adorable!
Merci à Eliane pour une super semaine!
My stay in French Immersion with Eliane has been all that I hoped for and more.
She and her family received me warmly and I’ve felt very comfortable during my week-long stay.
While sharing laughter filled conversations over breakfast and lunch, to excursions in the local area Eliane has quietly and sympathetically corrected my errors – just what I was looking for..
Having separate accommodation in a private appartment afforded us all good privacy, while still meaning that I didn’t have far to go for breakfast and lunch!
For French students looking for direct, personal tuition – in France – I’m more than happy to recommend a week (or two) with Eliane.
Bien sûr on apprendra plus en plus la langue française pendant une semaine chez Eliane. En même temps on peut voir et apprendre la vie quotidienne d’une famille française.
Pour comprendre la France d’aujourd’hui, il faut qu’on comprenne son histoire.
Pendant nos conversations et nos sorties dans la région Eliane peut partager l’histoire de son pays.
J’ai passé une semaine merveilleuse dans sa petite ville et si on veut améliorer et pratiquer le français pendant qu’on découvre la vie française d’aujourd’hui et son histoire, je vous encourage à passer une semaine d’immersion chez Eliane.
Vous vivrez avec une vraie famille française—Eliane, Benjamin et leur petite fille.
On peut discuter de tout — de sujets sérieux et d’actualités…
J’ai profité de ma semaine chez Eliane et bien sûr vous en profiterez aussi.
For anyone interested in the language and French culture of today and of the past a week with Eliane is very special. I highly recommend the program that she offers.
Un grand merci à Eliane et Benjamin pour leur accueil chaleureux à leur jolie maison. Dès mon arrivée, ils m’ont fait sentir le bienvenu et une partie de la famille. J’avais ma propre chambre bien équipée avec le Wifi, la télévision et l’accès à Internet. La chambre était très confortable avec salle de bain privée et une petite cuisine. Tout était d’une propreté supérieure. En plus, Eliane est une bonne prof encourageante, serviable, sympathique et positive. Tout le programme s’est déroulé comme prévu avec plusieurs magnifiques visites dans la région. Elle est bien informée et avait toujours de nombreuses anecdotes historiques à partager avec moi. C’est une personne avec qui je pouvais facilement parler, partager des idées et poser des questions. Pour la cuisine, j’étais d’autant plus impressionné. D’abord, tout était bien à la française, pain et croissants et fruits et légumes toujours frais. Les repas étaient toujours savoureux et appétissants, sains, équilibrés et copieux et bien entendu, toujours arrosés du bon vin. Si vous voulez passer un joli séjour en France, je vous conseille de le faire avec Eliane, Benjamin, et avec la petite Elena. Vous allez vous régaler, faire une étape agréable et apprendre beaucoup de français.
Translation:
Many thanks to Eliane and Benjamin for their warm welcome to their lovely home. From the moment I arrived they made me feel welcome and part of the family. I had my own room well equipped with Wifi, television and Internet access. The room was very comfortable with private bathroom and a small kitchen. Everything was spotlessly clean. In addition, Eliane is a good, encouraging, helpful, friendly and positive teacher. The whole program went as planned with several wonderful visits to the region. She is knowledgeable and always had many historical anecdotes to share with me. He is a person with whom I could easily talk, share ideas and ask questions. For the kitchen, I was even more impressed. First of all, everything was good à la française, bread and croissants and fruits and vegetables that were always fresh. The meals were always tasty and appetizing, healthy, balanced and plentiful and of course, always washed down with good wine. If you want to have a nice stay in France, I advise you to do it with Eliane, Benjamin, and with little Elena. You will enjoy yourself, have a pleasant stopover and learn a lot of French.
What can I say? I had the best week with Eliane Benjamin and Elena (not forgetting the gorgeous Okami).
I was a little apprehensive about the trip but was immediately put at ease when I arrived being welcomed with a delicious relaxing lunch.
Eliane tailors the lessons to your level but gently pushes you, praising and encouraging all the time. Every day my lessons were interesting and varied. We would chat over breakfast and lunch discussing current affairs, books, TV shows etc. Eliane has a gift of getting the best out of you. We also laughed a lot!!
The accommodation was spotlessly clean and very comfortable with everything I needed, the perfect place to relax after lessons.
The food is amazing. I think Eliane should write her own cookery book, my waistline has definitely grown – beware!!
I feel I have gained confidence in speaking French and my understanding of grammar has improved and would thoroughly recommend this experience.
Thank you xx
I spent a fabulous week with Eliane, everything was perfect.
Eliane and her husband Ben were very welcoming and my little unit was lovely. Eliane is a great cook and made super fish and vegetarian meals(I don’t eat meat) which I enjoyed very much.
However Eliane and her family are moving to close to Carcasson which I think will be a superb place for a holiday. I certainly hope to visit her there ASAP for another French immersion experience.
Eliane is a super teacher and explains grammar very well, which was what I wanted and needed. She augmented her teaching by providing appropriate handouts on all topics we covered. She is also very patient and encouraging while helping me with my conversation.
During my stay we had two fabulous excursions. One to Amiens, famous for it’s amazing Gothic cathedral and one to the Sir John Monash Australian war Museum.
In short I can highly recommend a French immersion stay with Elaine.
Angela.
Brisbane,Australia.