French course in immersion in France
Briançon (Hautes-Alpes)
This is the best cocktail for success: the chance to hear authentic French, speak French, meet local people, be immersed in French culture and spend time in one of the most beautiful places in the French Alps. And last but not least, an opportunity to grow as an individual.
“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.” – Chinese proverb
Objectives
- meet and exchange with people who share the same interest and passion for the French language and culture
- learn and improve your French in a small group in a friendly, relaxed and level-appropriate environnement
- gain confidence in understanding and speaking to people you don’t know in a variety of live and authentic situations
- experience learning the language in a fun way through a wide choice of activities and visits
- take a chance to challenge yourself in order to improve further
- learn about Briançon and its surroundings and what makes it so special
- understand how people live in the region and what makes them the people they are
Outcomes
At the end of the French immersion week, you will have:
- developed greater confidence in understanding and speaking French in authentic, everyday situations with native speakers
- improved French communication skills through intensive small-group learning in a supportive and interactive environment
- strengthened language acquisition through engaging in activity-based learning experiences
- challenged personal comfort zones in speaking and understanding French
- gained a deeper appreciation of Briançon and the surrounding Alpine region through local exploration and cultural immersion
- developed insight into regional French culture, daily life, and community values by engaging directly with local people and traditions
Typical week schedule
Day 1
9-12 : lessons
12-13 : lunch
13-15 : activities / outing
Day 2
9-12 : lessons
12-13 : lunch
13-15 : activities / outing
Day 3
9-12 : lessons & market
12-13 : lunch
13-15 : lessons & activities
Day 4
9-12 : lessons & reflection on the week
12-13 : lunch
13-15 : activities or outing (arts & crafts)
Day 5
Full day out
The schedule remains very flexible depending on students’ areas of interests, on the season when the week takes place and the availability of the local contributors to our week. All the time spent with the teacher is guaranteed to be in French, but we encourage you to speak French at all times.
Time is yours at the end of the 'working' day, although your teacher remains available for the rest of the day.
There are lots of things to do in town to fill in spare time, in the evening or at night (shops, cafes, restaurants, cinema, theater, walks, park, etc.).
There is also the possibility to visit neighboring towns and villages with a rented car or using public transport (depending on the season, there is a free shuttle service up and down the valley).
Typical lesson content :
Each morning of the week is dedicated to formal lesson time and designed to prompt students to engage fully in the learning experience in a thoughtful manner as well as preparing for the afternoon activities in terms of language content and topics. The focus is on talking within a caring environment, and therefore, speaking is a big part of the course supported by reading and listening. Talking can take various forms depending on the ability of the group of students.
Activities and outings :
The purpose of the afternoon activities and outings, as well as the full day out, is to give you a chance to try out your French in real situations and exchange with local people. You get the opportunity to talk to a mountain guide during the full day walk, to local craftspeople about their job, to local experts in some of the outings, to people at the market.
As much as possible, activities and outings are organised around the group preferences once I receive your pre-registration.
There might also be the opportunity to participate in local charity events depending on the time of year. You also get the chance to join your teacher for a relaxing movement session at the end of the day (yoga, qigong, tai chi).
A variety of outings possible :
History :
Briançon: Vauban fortified town, Fort des Têtes, Pont d'Asfeld, Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, Cordeliers Church, Fort de Janus & discovery of the Maginot line between France and Italy, Monetiers-les-Bains, spa town.
Visits to Arts and Crafts & local trades :
- Contemporary Art Center
- Les Artisans créateurs de Serre Chevalier (association of local craftspeople)
- Marquetry
- And other local artisans
Nature :
- Visit to the Maison du Parc National des Écrins
- Exploring the fauna and flora and understanding the geology of the area with a local guide
- Learning about the traditional use of plants in food and concoctions with a local expert
- Walks: Parc de la Schappe, Fort des Têtes, Saint-Pancrace, Croix de Toulouse, Fort de Janus
Gastronomy and specialities
of the department of the Hautes-Alpes : Caillette, tourton, Champsaur ravioli, various local liquors, etc…) and a visit to the local food market and clothes, arts & crafts market.
IN practice
What you need to bring with you for the week :
Walking shoes/boots for walking off roads
Walking sticks if you like to use them for walking
Comfortable clothing for walking and the eventual Yoga, Qigong and Taichi activities.
Small rucksack and water bottle for picnics.
Sunglasses
A note pad will be provided along with learning materials.
Meals
Lunch with your teacher in local restaurants (informal conversations).
Breakfast and dinner are your responsibility.
Year 2026
JULY 2026
20th-24th July : level A2/B1
AUGUST 2026
3rd-7th August: level B1/B2
OCTOBER 2026
- 19th-23rd October : level B1/B2
- 26th-30st October: level A2/B1
As places are limited, early booking is advised. (les places étant limitées, il est conseillé de réserver aussitôt que possible).
Please contact me if those dates don’t quite suit you.
Year 2027
APRIL 2027
19th-23rd April : level B1/B2
26th-30th April : level A2/B1
JULY 2027
26th-30th July: level A2/B1
9th-13th August: level B1/B2
OCTOBER 2027
- 18th-22nd October : level B1/B2
- 25th-29th October: level A2/B1
As places are limited, early booking is advised. (les places étant limitées, il est conseillé de réserver aussitôt que possible).
Please contact me if those dates don’t quite suit you.
Fees
600 euros / week
This price includes :
- Classes in a small group, 15 hours per week
- All workshops and guided outings, 15 hours per week
- Your teacher will be with you every lunchtime
Are not included :
- Travel to Briançon
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Local transport where applicable
- Entrance fees to sites where applicable
- Personal travel insurance
What people have said
"I was absolutely amazed and totally surprised by what could be achieved in the space of six days and this far exceeded my expectations. I came home really motivated to continue to try and improve my French… I completely lost the feeling of slight panic when anyone started to speak French…I also felt I completely lost the fear of speaking in French. Because we were speaking French almost exclusively all week, it became normal…. I came away still “thinking” in French in my head for weeks afterwards!”
"The course was a perfect mix of study and cultural visits in a stunning environment. We were encouraged to immerse ourselves in the language and to talk with each other in French at all times. This improved my confidence no end. The visits were privately organised just for our group and were led by an expert in the field. We learned a lot and had much fun and laughter too! An excellent week."
"The week was very well organised. I really liked the fact that everything was based on Briancon, the history of the place, the geography, and the natural history, but also the fact that the content of class time was linked to the visits and outings….What I liked the most was that the week was like a long conversation in French. It was exactly what I was needing: extended time to practice listening and speaking."