Get a better grasp of your French

French immersion
our intensive courses

Experience the sensations of France

Come to Fontevraud for an immersion : success is guaranteed !

The French country life is at its finest in the Loire valley. These unique themed immersion courses combine, hands-on workshops (cookery ,crafts, history or wine), themed visits ,wine tasting, and French language classes! Our programmes have been designed for French language lovers wanting to make the most of the French art de vivre in the Loire Valley, the Valley of the Kings in France, whilst brushing up their French!

Just like the Plantagenêt kings and queens who loved this region, you and your French will blossom out in the valley of the Kings where you will make fabulous discoveries and encounters.

Fontevraud is the ideal setting for that, as it was historically exceptional with the largest monastic site in Europe and  has a living tradition, nestled in the heart of the largest inland UNESCO World Heritage region.  




An immersion course
designed especially for you!

All our immersion courses, in general, professional or themed French, for 1 or 2 weeks, include   :

  • face to face classes and class-related activities where you experience real exchanges, with the constant support of your teacher. 
  • A French immersion in Fontevraud means you will speak french for at least 50h a week during the classes and the guided activities.
  • You will lunch with your teacher 6 to 12 times, depending on the stay your chosen stay.
  • You will be staying on your teacher’s property in the 4-star 120m2 gite, with breakfast.
  • Your teacher can pick you up from the Saumur train station. She will drive you around during the week.
  • You will visit emblematic sites of the region and take part in local events.
  • You will be assessed throughout the course thanks to your teacher’s personalised coaching and constant support.


Rates





An exclusive immersion course next door to the Royal Abbey

The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud was the largest monastic site in Europe until the French revolution.
Robert d’Arbrissel (which is actually the street name of the language school), was a  pioneering monk. He was a hermit devoted to prayers and poverty. Around 1100 he founded what was to become one of the wealthiest and impressive monastic settlements of the Christian West. With its 45 hectares and three priories, the community was run for 700 years by nuns under the protection of the king.
Here is the chosen resting place of Henri II, King of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, his son Richard I and the wife of his other son King John, Isabella of Angoulême. After the Revolution, the abbey became a prison welcoming up to 1800 prisoners in the middle of the 19th century. It finally closed down in 1963.
No deaths but life however now triumphs at Fontevraud. The Cultural Centre for the West was created 45 years ago; quickly offering cultural heritage workshops to history and architecture lovers. Numerous concerts are also staged there.

There is always something going on in Fontevraud L’Abbaye, a peaceful and convivial village. Its inhabitants will only be too happy to share with you the the mildness of their art de vivre by the Loire.

Quality accommodation at your teacher’s home

You will be accommodated on your teacher’s estate, ideally located 2 mn away from the prestigious abbey and the heart of the historical village.

Your gite was completely renovated in the local tufa stone. It is a charming building ( all to yourself) with a flowered landscaped garden carefully looked after by Sylvie who is a passionate gardener.

The house has all the modern comforts.

When the weather is nice, you can also enjoy the heated pool and gaze at the pond filled with frogs and goldfish.




Course presentation

FRENCH IMMERSION
COMBINED WITH ART OF LIVING
in Fontevraud l’abbaye

Individual or duo courses are ideal for boosting your French as they are totally suited to your needs, focused on your learning difficulties. Of course, the immersion course is very lively and fun once you have done the hard work in class! Sylvie is with you all day long and some evenings She has you meet lots of her friends and acquaintances for the sake of your French practice!

Exclusive French and Art de Vivre Immersion in Fontevraud l’Abbaye

1 WEEK – 50h of French immersion

– 50 h of French immersion with face to face classes and class related activities
– Visiting emblematic sites of the region
– Meeting Sylvie’s friends and her local partners
– Accommodation in B&B for 6 nights in your teacher’s 4-star gîte La Samsonelle
– 6 lunches with your teacher
– Entrance tickets to local sites and events
– Level assessment and course materials 
– Constant personalised coaching and support from your teacher

Rates :

All inclusive 1 to 1: 3250 €
All inclusive duo  : 1950 €/p

Exclusive French and Art de Vivre Immersion in Fontevraud l’Abbaye

2 WEEK– 100h of French immersion

— 100 h of French immersion with face to face classes and class related activities
– Visiting emblematic sites of the region
– Meeting Sylvie’s friends and her local partners
– Accommodation in B&B for 12 nights in your teacher’s 4-star gîte La Samsonelle
– 12 lunches with your teacher
– Entrance tickets to local sites and events
– Level assessment and course materials 
– Constant personalised coaching and support from your teacherconstant par votre professeur

Rates:

All inclusive 1 to 1: 5000€
All inclusive duo : 3100 €/p

Exclusive French Immersion in Fontevraud l’Abbaye with cookery workshops

1 WEEK – 50 h of French immersion with cookery workshops

– 50 h of French immersion with face to face classes and class related activities
– Visiting emblematic sites of the region
– Meeting Sylvie’s friends and her local partners
– Accommodation in B&B for 6 nights in your teacher’s 4-star gîte La Samsonelle
– 6 lunches with your teacher
– Entrance tickets to local sites and events
– Level assessment and course materials 
– 1 X 3 h cookery workshop followed by a meal
***2 week option : 100 h of French immerison, 12 lunches and 2 cookery workshops.

Rates:

All inclusive 1 to 1 /1 week  3550€ / 2 WKS 5550€
All inclusive duo:  1 WEEK 2100€/p / 2 WKS 3400€/p


Register here

OPTION 1 : COOKERY CLASSES IN FRENCH WITH SYLVIE ACTING AS AN INTERPRETOR AND FACILITATOR

If you are confident in French, your gourmet address is La Licorne restaurant.
Master Chef Fabrice Bretel has established his exclusive cuisine in a XVIIIth tuffeau residence in Fontevraud. He will offer you the truly special experience to learn about the endless variety of the Loire regional specialities.

The chef’s philosophy

His cooking is inspired by fresh local and authentic produce which abound in our region nicknamed The Garden of France «  Le Jardin de la France ».

Food and wine pairing are on the menu with lots of tips and tricks. You will enjoy this privileged time to practise your French! Do not worry if you feel your language skills are limited. Sylvie will be there to help you out.


What happens during the cookery classes :
Well as a participant, you will cook and prepare a 2-course menu. After the recipe presentation, you will elaborate various dishes with Fabrice guiding you and giving you most precious advice and Sylvie’s assistance with the French language. I am sure you want to obtain the Good Cook’s Certificate at the end of the session. 

OPTION 2 : COOKERY CLASSES IN ENGLISH WITH MIKE, AN EXCEPTIONAL CHEF

If you are less confident and you wish to do your cookery workshop in English, you will be with Master Chef Michael Wilke, who was trained in Germany and then spent the next 30 years working in top establishments around the world. His UK restaurant gained entry into the Michelin Guide and before opening Les Peupliers, in 2006 he was Executive Head Chef at the Stone Manor Hotel in Worcestershire UK . Michael’s experienced relaxed style will let you learn in a fun yet informative manner.

The way it goes :
The classes are usually in the morning from 10am to 1pm followed by the delicious lunch you will have prepared. Mike has you take an active part in the whole process !

 

French immersion, on-line and face to face courses

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