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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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