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Shop smart or shop less? A reflection on Black Friday in Provence
Virginie In Provence ready for sales. Bonjour à toutes et tous ! My name is Virginie, I’m a French teacher for foreign learners, and today I’d like to talk to you about a global phenomenon: Black Friday . To be honest, I’m not really a fan of shopping. 😄 I love accompanying my students when they discover Provençal markets, small local shops, or the lively city centers of Aix and Marseille…But for me, it’s a different story. Shopping in a crowd just isn’t my thing.I prefer o
virginieinprovence
Oct 16


Thanksgiving in Provence: Traditions, Sharing & French Immersion
Virginie in Provence and her family — a warm and welcoming home for French immersion students Hello! My name is Virginie, and I’m a French teacher for foreigners. Every year, I welcome students from all over the world for French immersion stays in Provence. Most of my students come from the United States, and it’s thanks to them that I discovered Thanksgiving several years ago. I immediately loved the story behind this celebration — its human spirit, its message of gratitude,
virginieinprovence
Oct 14


Visit the Renoir Museum and a French school with Kathleen and Georges during their stay in Provence
Kathleen and Georges came to our home immersion in November 2019. Doing an immersion was a dream for Kathleen. At the start of her stay, she told me that she wanted to visit Renoir's house. We therefore put everything in place to make this possible. That’s why today Kathleen can share her adventure with us. Picture of Auguste Renoir We went to Renoir's house in Cros de Cagnes one day in November with our teacher Virginie. Unfortunately the museum was only open 2 hours in the
virginieinprovence
Oct 7


Discover the Vendée Globe - A very popular race of boats in France.
What is the Vendée Globe? Do you know the Vendée Globe? It is a very famous sailing race. Sailors (or navigators) leave from Les Sables d´Olonne - a French seaside resort - and return there after having traveled around the world. Photo des Sables d'Olonne d' Emmanuel Alcouffe This race is considered one of the toughest in the world. Some call it the "Everest" of the seas. Indeed, the race can be scary! How is the Vendée Globe going? The race is done alone, non-stop and withou
virginieinprovence
Sep 25


Discover All Saints’ Day in Provence and its Traditions
Candles lit for All Saints’ Day, a symbol of light and remembrance in Provence Hello! My name is Nina, and I live in Melbourne, Australia.This autumn, I took the leap — I decided to join a French immersion program in Provence. I chose Virginie in Provence because the place is absolutely beautiful, and Virginie is an exceptional teacher — my friend Phil had highly recommended her. I was lucky enough to arrive during that peaceful season when life begins to slow down in the Sou
virginieinprovence
Sep 23


Celebrating Halloween in Provence: Our experience and the vocabulary to know
Lily and Tom ready for Halloween in Provence – full of laughter, costumes and treats! As far back as I can remember, I never celebrated Halloween as a child. This holiday gradually made its way into French culture. And even though not everyone celebrates it, everyone knows about it.Today , for my children’s generation, it has become a true ritual: every year, they look forward to Halloween with excitement. I. Halloween: a bit of history Halloween: a celebration between Celtic
virginieinprovence
Sep 18


Marseille–Cassis: a legendary 20 km race between the Mediterranean and the hills
Alex proudly showing his medal after completing the 20 km Marseille–Cassis race Every year, at the end of October, the Marseille–Cassis race returns — much to the delight of running enthusiasts. This iconic event links Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome to the heights of Cassis. It brings together both amateur runners and seasoned athletes, all united by the same passion for challenge. A race with deep roots The Calanques, a breathtaking landscape between sea and hills along the
virginieinprovence
Sep 16


Back to school in Provence
La rentrée scolaire at Rousset, in Provence After the holidays, what will you do? For my 3 children, it's back to school time with joy and great mood. Summer holidays last 2 months in France. In 2021, the holidays were from July 7th to September 1st. The back-to-school day always takes place on September 1st. So, if September 1st is a Thursday. The children must take their schoolbag back on a Thursday. It turns out that this year September 1st is a Wednesday. As there is no s
virginieinprovence
Jul 24


Back to school in Provence - Discover the French school system and our experience.
Virginie In Provence It’s back to school in France. I just reread my article from the last two years. And I realize that the concerns have really changed. For two years, we were mostly concerned about whether children would wear masks or not. Even if Covid has not disappeared, the questions related to the back to school have become more classic. Children wonder who will be their master or mistress and if they will find their classmates in their class. I will tell you here ho
virginieinprovence
Jul 22


Immersion in Op Art at the Vasarely Foundation in Provence
Angela during her immersion in Provence in front of a work by Vasarely My name is Angela. I am American. I was born in Louisiana and live in California. I’m on my fourth immersion with Virginie. The latter knows my passion for modern art. This is why she took me to explore the Vasarely Foundation in Aix-en-Provence. Today, I take you to this place which promises a deep immersion in the world of Op Art. Discovery of the Vasarely Foundation: a pillar of modern art The Vasarely
virginieinprovence
Jul 8


Visiting the Cézanne studio during your immersion in Provence - Another typical day with Virginie
The refuge of Cézanne at the bottom of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain My name is Mary Katherine. I believe you'll be reading several articles written by me because I'm immersed with Virginie In Provence for the entire month of January. This week, Virginie is introducing me to the Cézanne Studio in Aix-en-Provence. I'm taking you along with us. 1. Visiting Cézanne's studio during your immersion in Provence: Studio Description a. Visiting Cézanne's studio during your immersio
virginieinprovence
Jul 3


Le Verlan and the Cézanne Refuge: A typical day of immersion in Provence with Marcia
Marcia facing the Sainte-Victoire mountain Hello. My name is Marcia. I'm from Albuquerque. I came to Provence for immersion on the recommendation of my French teacher in the United States, who is also named Virginie. She is also known by her business name, "Ehouiclass." I've been here for a few days now, and I feel very comfortable in my studio surrounded by Virginie and her family. So, I want to share with you one of the beautiful days I had the chance to experience in this
virginieinprovence
Jun 5


Discover Bastille Day in France and specifically in Provence
July 14 Parade July 14th is our national holiday. It is a public holiday where we meet with family or friends to celebrate. Many events take place: balls, concerts, parades but also fireworks. Outside of France, the expression used to talk about this bank holiday is “Bastille day”. But it is an expression that the French do not use. Between us, we ask ourselves: “What are you doing on July 14th?”. And you, what are you doing in Provence this july 14th? Rousset is the small v
virginieinprovence
Jun 3


The 10 Provençal expressions to discover during your immersion in Provence
Provence has an undeniable charm. That is why it continues to captivate visitors from all over the world. This emblematic region of the South of France is also the guardian of words and expressions specific to its region. Following the article «Le provençal en Provence par Virginie In Provence», new Provençal expressions were requested. I share here the 10 Provençal expressions to know absolutely if you come to Provence. From the origin of these expressions to their profound
virginieinprovence
May 29


Provencal in Provence by Virginie In Provence
Small Provencal market Do you speak French? Yes, do you speak Provençal? Don’t worry, speaking Provençal is not a prerequisite to come to Provence. However, you will quickly realize that some Provençal expressions are often used in everyday life. Provencal therefore still has its importance. In this article I propose to see the history and importance of this language. I hope you like it and will be useful. 1. Provencal in Provence - What is Provencal? Provencal is a Romance
virginieinprovence
May 27


Discover the Tour de France and its history with its translation.
The cyclists of the Tour de France My husband is a sports fan… all sports! And bike racing is one of them. He therefore watches the Tour de France every year, especially the mountain stages. So he's in a great position to give me all the information I need to write this article. This event also brings back fond memories like our meeting with Elizabeth and Mark. Mark is also a big fan of cycling and during their immersion in Provence, Mark climbed the Mont Ventoux just like th
virginieinprovence
May 22


Pétanque: sport & passion in Provence
Photo de U lrike Brusch During your stay in Provence with us, you will be accommodated in a private bungalow next to our Mas. During your immersion, you will have 3 hours of lessons per day. We will share two meals together a day and we will do two excursions together in the week. If you wish, you will be welcome to share moments of life with us. You can also enjoy the facilities of the Mas such as the swimming pool, the tennis court or the pétanque court. Pétanque, have yo
virginieinprovence
May 15


Exhibitions in Aix-en-Provence - My experience during my immersion in Provence
Roi, Reine et Fou - Max Ernst Virginie knows that I love art. Indeed, this is my third immersion in Provence with her. My name is Angela. You may have already read some of my articles. It’s a very good exercise to practice your French. That day, we decided to discover the different exhibitions of Aix-en-Provence. The first exhibition we discovered was Max Ernst’s exhibition at the Hôtel de Caumont. It was the one that struck me the most. Then we walked to the Cité du Livre to
virginieinprovence
May 13


A visit of David Hockney’s exhibition at the Granet Museum in Aix-en-Provence by Alexander
My name is Alexandre. I am 16 years old. I live in London. I recently stayed with Virginie in Provence for a few days of French immersion. Virginie was aware of my interests. For example, one day she organized a squash lesson for me because I told her that I was a passionate squash player. Another day, she took me to a museum when she found out that I liked art. Virginie took me to see an exhibition of David Hockney at the Granet Museum in Aix-en-Provence. Alexandre at the Da
virginieinprovence
Apr 10


The Cannes Film Festival - My personal experience
Virginie In Provence in Cannes For those who don't know me yet, my name is Virginie. When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming an actress or a singer. I could see myself walking up the steps of the Cannes Film Festival. In fact, I became a French immersion teacher, my passionate career after working 10 years in tourism. So, today I'm taking you to the Cannes Film Festival with me. I. The Cannes Film Festival - More details 1. What is the Cannes Film Festival? The Cannes Film
virginieinprovence
Apr 1
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