Virginie – Aix-En-Provence Countryside – French Immersion At Teacher’s & Family + Pool (Somatic Therapy Option)

Your French Immersion Homestay Program Near Aix-en-Provence

Meet Your French Teacher and Family

Bonjour, and welcome to our house.

My name is Virginie and I am a certified DAEFLE French teacher. I taught French in Paris but also in Brussels, to diplomats, lawyers, politicians, and I also gave private classes to students of different levels. Therefore, I know how to adapt my classes to anyone who wants to practice/learn French.

When you come to my home for a French immersion, you will experience an authentic French family lifestyle.

Alex, my husband, is a very open-minded and fun person. Just like me he loves traveling and meeting new people. We both lived in Australia, and Alex also lived in Taiwan for a year. We are both fluent in English. I also speak German and a bit of Dutch, and my husband speaks Spanish and basic Chinese Mandarin.

We have two boys, Léo (7 years old) and Tom (5), and one girl, Lily (3). They all have different personalities but are getting along pretty well. My kids are not shy and love to chat, so you’ll get a lot of French practice with them! They do go to school Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, so we will also have plenty of grown-up time.

We also have an indoor/ outdoor cat called “Fripouille”. He likes to be cuddled and is very friendly.

Last but not least: we will definitely have fun together! Not just because your trip here is going to be memorable, but also because I cannot imagine life without fun, and I always try to bring lots of laughs and plays during my classes!

“Virginie is an excellent teacher she adapted constantly to my French ability and I have greatly improved after spending a week with her.”

Mona

Welcome to Our Home in Provence, France

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Our house is located in the heart of Provence, next to the lovely village of Éguilles, just 15 minutes away from the town of Aix-en-Provence.

The location is really private and quiet since the house is literally located in the middle of a vineyard. You can go on walks or bike rides in the countryside directly from our house, and enjoy the privacy of our large garden and of course, the refreshing swimming pool.

It is a large typical Provençal house that has been entirely renovated. There are 5 bedrooms, a dining room, and 2 living rooms. There is a large fireplace which we love for the ambiance and the warmth and a large pool table.

We have a nice dining table indoors, but we often eat outside, on the patio. In any case, we enjoy quality family time at mealtimes, and we can’t wait to share this with you!

Your Private Suite

Your private suite features a large glass door with provençal shutters which opens up to the garden, so you have your own key and private entrance to come and go as you please.

Your room is bright and comfortable. There is a desk, a shelf, a large drawer case and a hanging closet to store your belongings, and a king size bed which can be split into two single beds if you prefer.

Adjacent to your room is a private bathroom equipped with a modern shower, a toilet and a sink.

Because our house is an old renovated house, it remains quite cool in the summertime. It’s very quiet and safe here, so you’ll have no problem sleeping with the windows open if you want to.

In the winter, the house is warm since it’s well insulated and we have a very good heating system

The Region of  Provence in France

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Provence is known to be one of the most beautiful regions of France, and if you don’t know it already, you must absolutely discover it: lavender and sunflower fields, wonderful vineyards, beautiful hikes, breathtaking landscapes, unique villages and historical towns, tasteful gastronomy, gorgeous beaches, a mild microclimate…

Our house is in the countryside, in the middle of vineyards, near the typical provençal village of Éguilles, a fifteen-minute drive from the historical town of Aix-en-Provence.

Aix is a great place to visit, with a stunning architecture and history, plenty of shops, restaurants, and a great outdoor market… and it’s just next door.

We are only at a 30-minute drive from the sea and “la Côte d’Azur” with its pristine beaches,

Only 40 minutes away from “Lubéron” and its scenic perched villages…

Provence is really full of treasures and depending on your preferences, I will take you to visit what most interests you. No doubt that you are going to love it!

Practical Info About Your French Immersion Course Homestay

Getting To Our House

You can easily reach our house either by plane (Marseille airport) or by train (Aix-en-Provence TGV).

A pick-up from these two places can be arranged for an additional fee.

Car Rental

We recommend that your rent a car so you can be fully independent and discover the thousands of wonders around our place.

Wifi

There is descent Wifi and cell reception throughout the house.

Smoking

My husband and I don’t smoke, and smoking is not allowed inside the house. You are welcome to smoke outside should you wish to.

Diets

I love to cook and shop at the local markets to purchase the freshest products, and there are plenty of organic options around here. Although we eat all sorts of foods, I will be happy to cook vegetarian, vegan or even gluten-free should you have a special diet.

Cooking together is definitely a great way to practice your French: I specialize in cooking traditional French pastries, and I’ll show you how to do it if you are interested!

Pets

Because we have a cat and a swimming pool, unfortunately, we cannot accept your pet.

Swimming Pool

The pool is open, there is no fence around it. Although there is an alarm system, please understand that if you do come with children, it will be your responsibility to watch them carefully.

A typical 1 week (7 days, 6 night) immersion includes but is not limited to:

• 15 hours of French courses – usually 3 hours in the morning over 5 days
• 2 meals a day together – a copious breakfast and lunch. You can drive to Éguilles or Aix and enjoy your dinner in one of the many restaurants there, or store some food in our fridge for a dinner at home, it’s entirely up to you.
• Accommodation in your private bedroom + bathroom suite.
• 2 accompanied activities or excursions (extra fees such as gaz for longer excursions and museum entries are not included)
• Preferred arrival on Sunday, departure on Saturday

The price with these options is 1500 Euros for one person

Given the size of our house, we can easily accommodate 1 or 2 persons in the bungalow but are also flexible for families or group of friends up to 4 adults and 2 children.

For one additional guest, the price per week is:

• 210 euros in half board, without lessons or excursions
• 700 euros in half board with shared lessons and excursions

My program is quite flexible and I will do my best to adapt it for your convenience, so never hesitate to ask if you have particular needs.

Somatic Therapy option

Somatic therapy is a form of body-centered therapy that looks at the connection between mind and body and uses both psychotherapy and physical therapies for holistic healing. It helps to release the tension that can affect your physical and emotional wellbeing.

I am currently following a training to become a certified somatic therapist and could help you with any problem linked to stress, anxiety, depression or addiction that you may have. The area I am more focusing on is the transfer of energy through mind-body exercises and soft massages. I indeed strongly believe that everything in ourselves is linked and connected: mind, emotions, body, and spirit.

This is purely optional of course: feel free to ask any question you may have, or discuss this directly when you are here.

My family and I are looking forward to hosting you and help you develop your French skills. We hope to see you soon in Provence!