Jennifer : April 2022
I recently returned from a wonderful week long immersion learning French with Chantal in Mouy. While I did, in fact, learn some French, the experience was much more than that. From the moment I arrived I was welcomed in to the family and felt like I was a visiting relative or friend. Chantal is a true expert at making one feel welcome and comfortable in an unknown situation. She easily figures out your level of french and then adapts her lessons and conversations to meet you where you are. She patiently corrected all of my many repeated mistakes and was an encouraging teacher.
I did enjoy the lessons and learned some new grammar and vocabulary but my favorite part of the week was meeting Chantal’s family and seeing what everyday life is like living in France. I loved seeing the beautiful relationship Chantal and her husband Stephane have with Chantal’s mother Liliane. I was lucky to meet Chantal’s daughter, son-in-law and new granddaughter. I loved learning all of the new French recipes that Chantal expertly cooked everyday for lunch and was super impressed that she not only made a fantastic lunch for all of us but, at the same time, managed to cook something completely different for her mother. She is truly a gifted chef and host.
I also really enjoyed the several outings to different towns in the area. Chantal learned what I was interested in and tailored these outings to be something that I would enjoy. Despite repeating these trips many times herself she never seemed bored or annoyed at having to do them again. She truly loves what she does and it shows.
Now that I am home I miss our daily 3-4 mile walk in the beautiful rapeseed fields near Mouy with the two dogs Grignote and Lulu. I miss the challenge of speaking French or let’s be honest, trying to speak French. It was a true immersive experience and I am looking forward to a day when I can return and be able to contribute more to the family conversations. I very much recommend a stay with Chantal and her lovely family.