You can learn French in many ways – for instance from apps, cds, watching films and listening to the radio. But nothing fast‑tracks your learning like French immersion programs in France – especially when they’re in the most amazing locations, with superb chateau accommodation and include the best wine and gastronomy and private tours…
In an immersive programme, French becomes your language – not just for an hour a week, or even an hour a day if you’re very disciplined, but of everyday life. You wake, eat, chat, cook and explore in French. Every moment, every experience becomes a language lesson. And the constant exposure, supported by the presence of experienced teachers helping you helping you with your French practise. This is what accelerates fluency in French far beyond what short bursts of learning can achieve.
French immersion programs in France
The Lapont French Immersion courses are hosted in the north of France, in beautiful Burgundy – and in the south of France, in the fabulous French Riviera. With small group lessons suited to your level, qualified teachers, and fabulous private tours – you’re not just immersed in the language but in the culture, history and lifestyle of France.
You’ll learn and practice everyday situations French, not like a school project, but as a fun and fascinating experience – sharing meals, wine tasting, cooking regional dishes with a chef, going to the market, learning the rhythm of French life and soaking it up. You’ll not only learn quicker and retain the knowledge better (because sensory experiences create good memories), you’ll build confidence alongside fluency.
Burgundy: a charming château stay as you learn French
Arrive in the heart of Burgundy in the department of Saône-et-Loire, to stay in a 17th century château, among 22-hectare park. The rooms are spacious and comfy with classic French décor; the resident chef and his team prepare the most delectable dishes; there’s a lovely library, restaurant with centuries-old beams, and the gardens are gorgeous for relaxation.
Formal language sessions at the château are held over several days but the bulk of the learning and experiences come from living the life. Wine tastings at a local vineyard, chocolate tastings with a master chocolatier, cheese tastings, and cooking workshops with a chef. There are visits to local markets including the traditional 13th Century Marché de Louhans, held under the longest medieval arcades in France. You’ll explore a majestic castle in Burgundy, visit a historic museum, and discover some of the loveliest villages in the area. Your teachers accompany you and encourage you to chat to the people you meet – and you’ll find the locals are very happy to help you too.
You’ll also dine at several restaurants, bistros the locals love, a Michelin starred legend, and a picnic in a vineyard. All meals and private cultural tours are included.
At the end of your 11-Day immersion, you’ll be transferred to the gastronomic city of Lyon to stay in a 5 ***** boutique hotel in the centre, enjoy a private guided tour of this beautiful city, free time for shopping and exploring and at the end of the day, a farewell dinner at a Maison Paul Bocuse Brasserie.
More details for the Burgundy immersion: lapont.com/Burgundy
French Riviera: luxury language learning experience
Head to the French Riviera to stay in the stunning Château Lou Casteou, in the spectacular Estérel-Côte d’Azur area, just 5 minutes from the pristine beaches of the Mediterranean between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. The castle was built by an English Lord in the early 1900s and boasts a heated infinity pool, lush gardens dotted with olive trees, a fully equipped gym, cosy lounges, and even a home‑cinema and games room, “it’s a perfect balance of comfort and elegance” says Catherine Alapont, CEO of Lapont French Immersion tours.
Alongside teacher led classes there are fabulous cultural tours and activities. Visit sun-kissed villages like gorgeous Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Mougins. Explore Antibes and visit the Picasso Museum at the historic Château Grimaldi. Enjoy a Cotes de Provence Cru-Classé wine tasting in a 2000-year old wine cellar and brunch in the vineyards, with the vigneron. Dine at a Riviera beach club and local restaurants. Take a cooking lesson with a chef and prepare a Provencal feast, visit the colourful street markets including in Frejus not far from the chateau. Take a boat trip to Saint Tropez, join in yoga sessions in French, play petanque, dip in the infinity pool, enjoy cocktails and rose served at the Loggia.
At the end of your 11-day Riviera French Immersion Retreat, you’ll be transported to Nice to spend a night in a boutique hotel 5***** with free time to explore the famous coastal city.
Details for the fully inclusive French Riviera immersion: lapont.com/frenchriviera
Why this kind of immersion works
When you ’live French’ on an immersion like this, you’re not just learning words and grammar – your engagement with the culture, the history, the food and wine – they create sensory memories, and that helps you remember the French, as well as the experience.
Learning in a small group is motivating. Yes, you will make mistakes – but there’s no judgement, just gentle coaching designed to help you progress naturally – with maximum enjoyment and support from your new friends in the group.
All the visits you take with your hosts and teachers– they’re powerful classrooms, just not formal classrooms, and the enjoyment means you’ll absorb the lessons without pressure. The small interactions with the locals, ordering a glass of wine, asking about the olives at the market, practicing your French – they make a big impact.
Book your stay in Burgundy or in the French Riviera and immerse in the lifestyle while you learn French. Places are limited: lapont.com
