Virginie – Aix-En-Provence Countryside – French Immersion At Teacher’s & Family + Pool (Massage 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’m 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 (8 years old) and Tom (5), and one girl, Lily (4). 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’ll 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 ideally located in the heart of Provence, next to the lively village of Rousset and its restaurants and cinema, and just 20 minutes away from the large town of Aix-en-Provence.

The location is really private and quiet since the house is literally at the bottom of the Montagne Saint Victoire: you can enjoy the gorgeous view of the mountain from the terrasse.

Walks, bike rides, hikes in the countryside… All are available directly from our house. You’ll surely enjoy the privacy of our large garden and of course, the refreshing swimming pool.

We also have a tennis court in the garden. Our friend Olivier who is a tennis teacher will be happy to give you lessons if you’re so inclined.

The house is a large typical Provençal house that’s been entirely renovated. There are 4 bedrooms, a dining room, and a living room. There is a large fireplace which we love for the ambiance and the warmth.

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

For kids, there are plenty of games in the garden such as a wooden hut, a trampoline and a swing set.

The garden is lovely: there are lots of flowers and typical provençal trees such as Olive and almond trees.

Your Private Bungalow

Your private bungalow is located in our garden, next to our house. It’s being renovated as I write these words! It will features a large glass door with provençal curtains which opens up to the garden. You’ll have your own key and private entrance to come and go as you please.

Your room will be bright and comfortable. There will be a large dressing, a television and a king size bed which can be split into two single beds if you prefer.

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

There will also be an equipped kitchen a sink, a microwave/oven, a stove, table and chairs. You’ll be able to have dinner indoor or outdoor (on the terrasse) as you wish.

Because our all house has central heat and air conditioning system you won’t be bothered by the heat and mosquitos during summer and will be warm and cozy during the winter.

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…

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. My husband and my kids eat all sorts of foods and I am used to cook vegetarian, vegan or even gluten-free for myself. So please let me know you have a specific 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! French pastries can also be adapted to be vegan as needed.

Pets

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

Swimming Pool

The pool is surrounded by fences. Despite the fence, 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 Rousset 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

The bungalow can accommodate 1 or 2 persons.

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

Given the size of our house, we may be able to host more people or rent another appartement nearby. 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.

Massage Therapy, Tennis or Golf Options

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 goal of this therapy is to use the massage to release your tensions. 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.

Since there is a tennis court in our garden, I could also arrange for tennis lessons for you, your partner or children.

Finally, there I a beautiful Golf nearby. I’d be happy to play golf with you as well weather permitting.  

This is purely optional of course: feel free to ask any question you may have, or we can discuss this and the additional fees 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!