French Immersion Homestay At Teacher’s In Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
€ 1 600 Per Week
- 15 hours of one-to-one French tuition
- private independant flat (including bathroom and kitchen)
- breakfast and lunch included + last night dinner
- 3 included (to choose in a list) extra excursions or full-day outings can be arranged as well
- 1- 2 If you come alone, you will be my only student. If you travel accompagnied, the other guest is welcome to join us during lessons or just for visits.
Amenities/Features
Sleeping Arrangements
1 double bed
Types of Courses Offered: I offer French lessons adapted to your needs and likings : conversation, professional french, exam preparation...
Teacher Certifications: I've been teaching during 10 years to children in primary school. I got a master degree in teaching and a DAEFLE. I speak English, Spanish, Basque, and I'm learning Italian.
Extra Activities/Options: There is a wide range of possibilities, whether you want to spend a moment on your own, or for a half-day or a full-day excursion shared with your teacher Delphine : wine tasting in the Jurançon vineyard, guided visit of The Château de Pau (birthplace of king Henri IV) and other museums in town, excursions to the mountain, visit of Lourdes town, hiking or skiing (according to the season), Betharram caves, villages of the Basque country and coastland... I can arrange you other activities you would like (more info on my website). There is also a golf very close and many opportunities in town for activities such as yoga, cooking lessons, massages, shopping, thermal pool etc...
Meet Delphine - your French tutor, language buddy & host In France
Bonjour ! I am Delphine, a 36 year old woman. I was born in Bayonne (Basque country) and I have grown up in beautiful south west of France surrounded by sea, forests and mountains, I'm now looking forward to make you visit my region. I first studied tourism in order to become a guide and I eventually chose teaching. I got a master degree in teaching and education, then I have worked as a primary school teacher for 10 years. In 2023, I got graduated of the DAEFLE diploma to teach French as a foreign language. That is when I chose to change life, being a French tutor for adults, getting involved in that exciting adventure of being my own boss and creating "French Bubble" my immersion programs.
What led me to immersion?
In the past 15 years I have had many occasions to travel throughout the world (except America !) and have always tried to meet local people. As I like to say, to « travel from the inside ». This is, to my opinion, the best way to discover a culture, being part of a place, sharing peolple’s life for a short (or a longer) time. Before becoming a primary school teacher, I have lived in New Zealand for a year. I’ve had the chance to have many different experiences like woofing, house sitting, working in many places( wine making, tree prunning, fruit picking…) and meeting people from different backgrounds. Most of all, what I have loved was to live at local’s. That has been a great privilege to share people’s life, to discover how they live and to learn things that can’t be from books or even a classroom beacause they have to be felt, seen, experienced… in a word, hey have to be lived ! That is what I want to share today with you at French Bubble : experiencing France and the french way of life.
My French immersion programs
My "French Bubble" called immersion program has started this year.
You can spend 1 or 2 weeks, and even more, in my place. You will get the choice between 2 programs : the basic one costs € 1200 and the intensive one € 1600 (lunch and shared activities included), depending how much time you want to share with me and how long you want to speak French during your day !I n addition to the programs, you can add visits and full-day excursions (to the mountain or the beach for example).
I live with my husband in a flat, in a residential neighbourhood, close to the town centre of Pau, easily reachable walking, biking or taking the bus. I will welcome you at my place for lessons, cooking time and lunches if you wish so. Your independant accommodation is suitable for an alone traveller or a couple, as there is only one bed. Reductions apply for the second traveller (prices are listed on my website) who can share accommodation only or even join you in your lesson program + luchtime + outings...
Flexibility and adaptability
15 hours of lessons are included in each program, 3 hours per day from Monday to Friday. Want to skip school? This schedule can be changed if you want to plan other activities in the morning or a full-day visit for example. Want more French lessons? You can add extra hours. I will be glad to make you a tailored program that suits best your needs and wishes. I want you to live the experience of your dreams !
My teaching style
I am able to provide you lessons adapted to your personal or profesional needs. I can also help prior to your expatriation in France. Preparing an exam? We can also work on it. During french classes, I often use games, videos, articles, reports or songs to get you in touch with an authentic French language. As I am used to a young audience, I know how to explain tricky points a straightforward way. I am listening to the students with the intention to answer the best way to their expectations. My favourite subjects are nature and environnement protection, the wide variety of the world’s cultures, personnal development, well-being, art, architecture, litterature and I am looking forward meeting you and broaden my horizons learning about what you like.
What does a typical week look like?
This is just an indication as I am very flexible about organization !
I will pick you up from Pau train station or airport on your arrival day (Sunday).
Mornings (Monday to Friday) : Shared traditional breakfast on Monday, the best occasion to try french pastries and bread (breakfast will be provided but you will have it in your studio the other days). French classes from 9pm to 12pm. We usually work in my place, sometimes I also like to go to the local library.
Lunches : We will prepare them and share them with active conversation / you will have them on your own if you choose the basic program. We will prepare meals according to your diet preferences. I am not vegan but I like tasting new recipes, so I will cook vegan lunches for you if you wish so. If the weather is good, I like setting outside for a picnic. There are a few nice spots along the river next to where I live.
Afternoons : 3 activities are included in the intensive program, such as visiting Pau town center, walking along the river or in the forest, going to the library or to a typical village market nearby, visiting a local winery / cookie factory (according to the season) and much more... I will make my best to suggest you outings that matches your interests. You can have as much free time as you want, so it is not an obligation to spend 3 afternoons with me. There are a lot of possibilities in Pau to relax on your own as golf, swimming pool, walking... If you have a special request, I can manage to arrange you a session (yoga or cooking class for example).
We can also plan full-day excursions. I have listed a few examples on my website but you are welcome to ask for anything else if you wish so !
Dinner : You can cook in your own kitchen or try one of the numerous restaurants in town. There are many opportunities and different types of cuisine (traditional french, asian, italian...). It is possible to add the Sunday evening dinner for an extra fee, as it will be more comfortable for you not to bother with food on your arrival day. We will share your last dinner on Friday evening.
Learn French In France – Your French immersion Program in Pau, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Pau is the ideal destination if you want to mix up urban lifestyle and wonderful natural landscapes of mountains and coastland. You can plan your trip any time of the year. It is very easy to reach thanks to its train station and airport (+4 others within a 2h drive ! Tarbes, Biarritz, Toulouse and Bordeaux).
Pau and the Jurançon vineyard
Pau is labelled as "ville d'art et d'histoire" (art and history town), you will be seduced by the architecture, museums, and especially the Château, birthplace of Henri IV (king of France from 1589 to 1610). There is a large cultural and gastronomic offer. The Jurançon vineyard stretches all around the town and there are many opportunities of visits and wine tasting.
Outdoor activities
Walking in the woods, forests and along the "Gave de Pau" river, skiing in winter, surfing in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking or walking in mountain... Even if you are not very sporty, there are possibilities to enjoy stunning mountain landscapes. I live near the oldest golf of France if you like playing or want to try. There are also a lot of fishing spots. If you prefer sunbathing on the beach, it will take you an hour drive. The coastland is very diverse : rocky beaches and cliffs south of Biarritz or long white sandy beaches and dunes in Landes area.
Famous spots in the Pyrénées
Pau is closed to Lourdes, Gavarnie (UNESCO natural site), Cauterets (famous thermal station), the Pic du Midi observatory, Artouste small train... Every year in July, you can watch the Tour de France in the area.
Basque country
Near Pau, the Basque country is famous for its picturesque villages and landscapes, a millenial language and culture I will be glad to share with you.
Your French Immersion Homestay Accommodations in Pau, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
I live with my husband in a flat, in a calm, safe and residential neighbourhood, close to the town centre of Pau. I will welcome you at my place for lessons, cooking time and lunches. Here are some pictures of your independant accommodation. It is situated in the same building as mine, on 3rd floor (I live at 1st) so there is no distance in between. Should you wish to be on your own or to spend more time with me, it will be very easy and I will always be there for you during your stay. It is a 33m2 appartment. Comfortable for one or 2 people travelling together (couple or close friends). We are gay friendly.
Equipment
The main room has a double bed and a TV corner in which you will find french DVDs and books. There is wifi but we don’t provide laptop or tablet so you are welcome to bring your own. There is a fully equiped kitchen (oven, fridge, dishwasher, coffee machine, toaster…) and a bathroom with shower and a washing machine. You will be free to cook whatever you want or to go outside for dinner, if cooking is not your cup of tea ! There is a wide range of restaurants nearby or home delivery facilities too. Sheets and towels are provided. Unfortunatelly, it is not possible to come over with your pet.
Location
It is easy and safe to park for free in the street if you wish to rent a car. But if you don’t, you can easily reach the town center using public transports (just a few steps to the bus station) or with a short walk (15 min). I can also provide you a bike.
All the previous students have found it was very conveniently located, easy to visit Pau on their own as it is a middle-size town. It is also safe if you have to walk at night.
Contact Delphine - your French tutor, language buddy & host
French Immersion in Pau, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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 (3)
If you are considering an immersion course to improve your French, stop right here and sign up with French Bubble Immersion. I cannot imagine a better immersion course. I spent a week with Delphine in mid-September of this year and had a fantastic time and learned a great deal. My only regret is that I did not schedule a longer stay. For those of you who may be wondering why I am writing a review in English and not in French after an immersion course, not to worry, I am writing this in English so that beginners or others who are just starting their French journey will be able to fully understand and not miss anything. However, if you spend a week (or more) with Delphine your French skills will be greatly improved no matter your level.
Delphine is a fantastic teacher. You can tell she really enjoys teaching French and exposing students not just to the language but the culture. There are many adequate teachers but the really good ones, like Delphine, know how to connect with the student and tailor the lessons and interactions accordingly. Just tell her what you want to work on or what concerns you have and she will get to work and set up a program to help you.
If you are like me you may be concerned about certain things such as: whether you will be comfortable in the student apartment; whether you will get along with Delphine; whether the lessons will be too hard or uninteresting; whether you will have enough time alone or maybe too much time on your own. Rest assured, you have nothing to worry about. Delphine and her partner, Adrien, are very warm, charming and fun to be around. The apartment is very comfortable and located in a quiet building in a lovely calm neighborhood that is only a short walk from the city center of Pau. Pau is a great city, the climate is nearly perfect, it is big enough to be interesting but small enough to be accessible and friendly. The apartment is two floors above Delphine and Adrien’s, so it is very convenient to meet for lessons or excursions, but being a separate apartment, you will have your own space to relax when you need it. As far as the level of the lessons or their form, that is entirely up to you and Delphine. She is very intuitive and will adapt the lessons and interactions so that you are comfortable.
Make sure you take advantage of one or more of the excursions. These are great opportunities to speak French, see something new and interesting and just have fun. We went to the mountains, and the local caves, both of which were fantastic. As an added bonus, Delphine’s mother joined us for the excursion to the ski/mountain resort of Artouste. As you can see, Delphine does not treat you just as a student but really endeavors to make you feel at home and part of the family.
If you have any questions or would like and further information, please contact me at KLR500@gmail.com.
After two weeks of immersion with Delphine and Adrien, I would highly recommend French Bubble to anyone looking to very quickly grow in their aptitude for French and their ability to use the language in everyday situations. I entered the program as an A2 beginner, having taken some classes in high school and dabbling a bit since then; I was very pleasantly surprised when after only a few days I was more comfortable speaking to native French people and in forming full thoughts than I had ever been before. The program is ideal for practical understanding of the French language and common-sense application of both simple and more complex grammatical concepts. Whether you are just beginning as I was or are more advanced, I am sure you will not regret the decision to try immersion with French Bubble. And aside from the language aspect, my time with Delphine and Adrien was fantastic! From the very beginning Delphine was accommodating of my schedule and the things I wanted to do while in Pau, and she went out of her way many times to ensure that my stay and experience were overwhelmingly positive. From the excursions to the beaches of Biarritz and Hossegor to the weekend seeing Medieval castles around Carcassonne and the constant trying of world-class foods and wines, I cannot recommend her enough to anyone looking for a unique and wonderfully fulfilling time in France!
An incredible twelve days in the magical town of Pau in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains.
Delphine and Adrien were friendly hosts and I felt welcome and looked after throughout my stay.
Delphine is an excellent teacher and the morning lessons were adapted to my needs. We spoke only French and engaged many interesting conversations. I’ve realised after my stay that my level of comprehension and spoken French has improved considerably.
The separate appartment was well-equipped and comfortable.
Delphine suggested many activities on offer in the town and area (including eating out). I picked the ones of interest to me such as visiting the thermal baths, cycling along the river and visiting the largest permanent “brocante” in France. I would highly recommend the extra excursion to the mountains and beach. Delphine included me as a member of the family and I even made a basque cake with her mother-in-law !