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

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

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

I’m going to share with you some of the walks and hikes that we usually do as a family in the Montagne Sainte-Victoire. I hope this will inspire you to explore this extraordinary natural area—whether you’re on holiday in Provence or on a French immersion in Provence. Iconic view of Montagne Sainte-Victoire: Cézanne’s muse and a paradise for hiking in Provence Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a symbol of Provence The Montagne Sainte-Victoire is one of the most iconic landscapes in th

Virginie In Provence et her cat "Mimie" Explore autumn yoga postures in Provence and learn yoga vocabulary in French, enhancing both your practice and your language skills.

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

Small village alley in Provence This summer, my family and I spent an unforgettable week in Provence. My name is Laura, I am English. With my husband James and our children, Hannah and Ethan, we decided to learn French while enjoying the holidays. Virginie welcomed us and showed us Provence.  It was a great experience, with family moments and new discoveries. Here are three places that we particularly liked and which are perfect for families looking for discoveries and momen

Today, I met Ana Sofia, event manager at Domaine Grand Boise. Domaine Grand Boise has existed since 1610. There is also a symbolic cuvée named “1610” created to commemorate the historic origins of the property. Ana Sofia and her husband took over the management of the estate in 2013 and revolutionized its management, by launching into biodynamics. As the harvest approaches, she has taken the time to answer my questions about this period which is so rich and special for the pe

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

Olives and Sainte-Victoire mountain during my immersion stay in Provence Hello, my name is Emily and I'm from Canada. Recently, I had the incredible chance to spend a week immersed in Provence, hosted by Virginie, a wonderful host. At my request, Virginie took me to a field of olive trees to discover the different stages of the life of olives in Provence. I'm not very comfortable taking photos, so you won't see my face here. But you will be able to admire beautiful photos o

Lonnie and Virginie at the château de Lourmarin in Provence Hello, my name is Lonnie. During my immersion course in Provence, I had the chance to experience many unforgettable days. Today I want to share with you one of these incredible days, made possible thanks to Virginie en Provence. This day was filled with discoveries, encounters and unforgettable moments that I want to tell you about. Breakfast and French practice in Provence Croissants for breakfast in Provence My day

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

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