The Rotonde Fountain in Aix-en-Provence, a must-see landmark in the heart of the city Hello, When traveling far from home, we often want to see as much as possible—especially when discovering a region as rich and diverse as Provence. So I thought that an overview of the best excursions around Aix-en-Provence could help you choose according to your interests: villages, nature, heritage, sea, gastronomy, or vineyards. Below, I’m sharing a list of the main places to visit in the

French immersion in Provence: the Pont du Gard through Jon’s eyes A French immersion in Provence: our experience My name is Jon, and I came to France for a vacation, including two weeks of French immersion with Virginie in Provence. I came with my wife, Marie. We are retired and were looking for a new adventure—something different. I had been wanting to experience a language immersion in France for three years. From the very beginning, Virginie was very responsive to my email

The scent of May in Provence May is one of my favorite months in Provence. The days are longer and the temperatures are milder. Even though I often recommend discovering Provence in winter—a quieter season—May is also an ideal time to visit the region. Spring is fully settled, nature is in bloom, and many cultural events and French traditions take place during this period. It is also an important month in French history and culture. Indeed, several major historical events are

Virginie cooking in Provence Those who know me know that I love to eat… and that I can eat quite a lot! What I especially love is discovering new flavors and sharing my favorite places. If you come for a French immersion stay in Provence, I can recommend the best restaurants in Rousset and around the Sainte-Victoire mountain. And yes… I also love champagne 🍾. I’ll happily share the cuvées Alex and I have approved. Here are my favorite restaurants near the house.  Le Bistrot

Eguilles, a traditional Provençal village Provençal villages: beyond the clichés When we think of Provence, we often imagine: pastis, the singing accent, blue skies, cicadas, pine trees, lavender, sunflowers, the mistral wind, colorful markets, pétanque… Yes, all of that is part of Provence. But Provence is not just clichés. If you come for a French immersion stay in Provence, you will discover a more intimate, more authentic, more vibrant side of the region. The real Provenc

The colors of spring in Provence, between lavender and golden light Hello! My name is Oliver, and I had the chance to spend an incredible spring in Provence. For one week, I stayed with Virginie, who helped me improve my French while introducing me to the wonders of the region. Thanks to this immersion, I learned new words every day and experienced unforgettable moments. Here are three spring activities that I especially enjoyed around Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Rousset.

The Rotonde Fountain, one of the iconic symbols of Aix-en-Provence My name is Virginie Van Der Wees. I am a French teacher for non-native speakers, and I live near Aix-en-Provence. Every morning, it is a real pleasure to wake up knowing that I live at the foot of Sainte-Victoire mountain, just 25 minutes from Aix-en-Provence. Aix-en-Provence, a daily pleasure Fresh fruit at the Aix-en-Provence market in Provence I particularly enjoy strolling around Aix-en-Provence during the

My children in Éguilles, playing with the water of a Provençal fountain My name is Virginie, and I am a French immersion teacher near Aix-en-Provence. Today, I would like to introduce you to a village that is especially close to our hearts: Éguilles, where we lived as a family for two years. I hope this virtual visit will inspire you to come and practice your French during an immersion stay with me in Provence. Éguilles, a Provençal village with a surprising name   Typical al

Virginie in Provence enjoying almond tree blossoms in Provence at the end of winter Have you ever been to Provence? If so, do you enjoy Provençal vegetation? I absolutely love it! There are so many different trees and plants here, such as pine trees, mimosa, almond trees, lavender, and rosemary. Today, I’d like to tell you about almond trees. Almond trees are known for their delicate blossoms and their fruit: almonds. In Provence, they are also loved for their spectacular flo

My family gathered to celebrate the Christmas spirit For us, the Aix-en-Provence Christmas Market has become a true family tradition. Every December, we go there, usually all together. Since we celebrate Christmas at home, this outing is our little festive escape before or after the preparations. 📅 In 2025, the Aix-en-Provence Christmas Market will take place from November 11 to January 12 on the Cours Mirabeau. It’s not a huge market, but that’s exactly what I like. It’s hu

In Provence, Christmas is a celebration where old traditions meet family warmth. From Sainte-Barbe to the thirteen desserts, Virginie shares her rituals and memories of an authentic, delicious, and heartwarming French Christmas

Photography of the café Les Deux Garçons in Aix en Provence - @Flickr on Pinterest The Café les Deux Garçons is an iconic place in Aix-en-Provence. People from Aix call it "Les 2G". It was created in 1792 and over time became a gathering place for artists, intellectuals, and celebrities from around the world. This Provencal institution has been frequented by personalities such as Paul Cézanne, Émile Zola, Pablo Picasso, and Albert Camus. With its historical charm and timeless

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Hello. My name is Nina. I am Australian. I come from a small village near Sydney and I am delighted today to be able to share with you my excursion to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie with Virginie. An immersion course in Provence at Virginie’s house for a week in autumn was a carefully considered choice in order to take advantage of the mild weather that Provence still offers during this period, but also to avoid the tourist flow of July and August. My story wi

Discover the Calanque de Sormiou near Marseille: swimming, cabanons and stunning landscapes for an unforgettable immersion in Provence

In immersion at the heart of Glanum’s ancient ruins, learning French differently Hello! My name is Jon. I am currently on a language immersion stay in Provence with my wife Marie, hosted by Virginie. This is what many people call a French immersion in Provence. We chose this experience because we wanted a language immersion in Provence  to learn French in France while enjoying an authentic homestay. This isn’t our first stay (it’s actually the second time we’ve come to Virgin

The Château d’If, made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo I’ve always been a huge fan of The Count of Monte Cristo . When the new movie  was released in 2024, I went to see it with my brother Alex and my eldest son Léo. We loved it so much that we went back a second time. Since then, we’ve watched it several more times at home because we bought the film. And I have to confess something: Pierre Niney, who plays Edmond Dantès, is absolutely amazing. He even reminds me of my hu

A forest in autumn in Provence — between mist and golden colors My name is Nancy, I’m an American student, and I spent an unforgettable autumn in Provence, with Virginie in Provence. During this week of language immersion, I not only learned French, but also discovered the landscapes, traditions, and flavors of autumn in Provence. A crazy thing?! Do you know this expression? I just learned it during my classes! 😄 Each day was a new adventure — French lessons, vineyard visits

Vieux-Port of Marseille Hello. My name is Angela. I'm in Provence again this year for an immersion with Virginie. We decide to go visit Marseille that day. When we arrive, I see the little train that goes to the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde. I am very happy because I really want to visit it. The last time I came to Marseille, I tried to visit the Basilica but I couldn't go because I'm sick in transport. Marseille in Provence -The little train ride Arriving at the port

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 and I in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in Provence Good morning ! My name is Angela and I am on a language immersion in Provence with Virginie for the fourth time this year. Today we explore L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a charming little town known for its clear waters and pretty canals. A picturesque morning at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in Provence The L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue canal in Provence To start the day, we stroll in front of the windows of the many shops. The wind blows hard, but the