I spent an unforgettable week in Provence learning French with a very small group and came home feeling more confident speaking French than I thought possible, with an understanding of some of the grammar rules that had flummoxed me and just a little bit more in love with sun-drenched Aix-en-Provence where we were based.
What’s it like to do an immersion stay
SL Immersion are experts in language teaching and have run immersion stays in France for many years. I was determined to get my French to a new level (I’m A2 but almost B1), and the small group immersion in Aix-en-Provence really appealed. Aimed at 2 to 4 people, perfect for couples, friends and family.
With just four of us on the course, we stayed at a fabulous boutique hotel just off the Cours Mirabeau, and Beatrice, a patient and lovely French teacher coached us daily – mornings in the classroom, over long relaxing lunches, and on afternoon excursions, plus a little bit of homework – the pace was perfect. It was challenging at times which was to be expected, after all we wouldn’t be there if our French was already that good! But it was never overwhelming.
Morning lessons consisted of pronunciation drills, fun interactive exercises, grammar, and gaining confidence in speaking French. Beatrice had time for each of us individually, and being in a new place and far away from distractions, and all being there for the same purpose and helping each other, really made a difference.
And culture played a big part in our learning, excursions were in French – we visited the spot where Cezanne was most inspired to paint – gazing at Mont Victoire, learned to take the bus, had a superb wine tasting lunch, went to the fabulous market on Cours Mirabeau, discovered the city, listening to French as it’s really spoken (not like an app!), and practicing for ourselves. When your environment constantly reinforces the language, your brain adapts rapidly and no switching back to English means faster progression. Each activity whether it’s in class, at the market or a museum, or playing pétanque is an opportunity. We practiced conjugating verbs on the go, picked up idioms in conversation, heard authentic accents – this type of cumulative practice builds ‘muscle memory’ far beyond conventional lessons, and back home I found myself remembering some of the grammar rules I’d struggled with before.
Each day we had lunch in a different restaurant, hand-picked for authenticity and deliciousness. Again, an opportunity to speak in French – we were very encouraged to speak only French to each other as much as possible. The teacher is kind, patient, and has a great sense of humour which made learning more fun.
Learn French on an immersion stay in Provence
With no everyday distractions, your brain switches to “French mode” faster. Hearing, speaking, and thinking in French all day accelerates your learning more than weeks of classes at home. I could feel it happening for myself and for my friends, gaining confidence and understanding as we learned. And we shared the triumphs together and helped each other with homework, with words if one couldn’t remember and overall, with encouragement. The camaraderie keeps you motivated and makes it all the more fun.
In the evenings, we had free time, and quickly decided that Place Richelme was a great place to practice ordering a glass of rosé before dinner! By the end of the week, we set up a WhatsApp group vowing only to communicate in France to help keep each other motivated to continue learning.
Six days may sound short, but when your immersion deepens so quickly, the results can be so profound. By the end of the week, we all felt the difference, it felt normal to hear French spoken and to speak in French. Living the language makes it feel natural.
Find out more and join the course at: slimmersion-france.com/aixenprovence
