French Immersion retreat

Bonjour ! Would you love to spend a day or two — or perhaps longer — fully immersed in French, as though you had travelled to a French-speaking country such as Morocco, without the cost of plane tickets?

That experience is possible just 1 hour from Melbourne. I would be delighted to welcome you into my home, which is filled with French artefacts, and share my passion for the French language, teaching, and the art of living. I am currently shaping this retreat, so please register your interest and let me know what would suit you best. Once everything is ready, I will be in touch. Below are some of the activities I am considering at this stage.

I also offer intensive immersion for anyone preparing for an exam, a trip, or an important meeting where French is essential, with on-site accommodation to reduce distractions so you can focus on reaching your desired level as quickly as possible.

Please don’t panic — instead, contact me using the button just below for a free consultation.

❋ Silent Way French lessons

The Silent Way is a highly effective, joyful, and little-known approach to teaching and learning languages. I discovered it while searching for alternative ways to teach a group of refugee journalists in Paris — a group of adult learners without a shared common language. I was trained in France by Roslyn Young and never looked back. I wish it were the mainstream school method; our children would graduate fluent in at least three foreign languages instead of only being able to count to ten. It is such a waste, it makes me want to cry. You will love it, I promise. It builds strong foundations in pronunciation, grammar, and language structure, and it can also help correct incorrect pronunciation that has become ingrained through earlier teaching.

❋ Local Winery Guided Tour in French

I have partnered with the lovely Phil from Paternoster Winery to offer a guided tour in French. You will be able to taste the French-style wines they produce and, if you wish, purchase some too — with no obligation.

❋ Interactive House Tour in French

I lived, studied, and worked in France for 15 years, and as my fellow Alliance Française teachers used to joke, I speak French at “C3 level.” I routinely corrected my French-speaking managers’ spelling — and no, they did not enjoy it, but I could not help myself. I have brought many books, artefacts, and memories from France, and they are displayed throughout the house. I will talk about them, answer your questions, and help you naturally learn the French names of everyday objects, as if you were visiting friends in France.

❋ Guided Meditation and Yoga in French

Yes — a yoga class and guided meditation in French. Full immersion :)

❋ Playing Boardgames in French

Les jeux de sept familles are available in plenty, especially my favourites, Louvre et Musée d'Orsay, along with other games adored by my French-speaking nephew and niece!