Learning French in Provence: a day of immersion in Rousset
- virginieinprovence
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
My name is Angela. I’ve been learning French for several years, and I’m truly passionate about this language. I’m always looking to improve and gain confidence, both in speaking and writing.
In 2019, I discovered Virginie In Provence, and this French immersion experience in Provence was a real turning point for me. I fell in love with the region… but also with the way Virginie teaches French—naturally and in a very engaging way.
Every day, I write about what I’ve done. It helps me work on my writing skills, especially since Virginie corrects my texts daily.
Today, I’d like to share what a typical day in immersion in Provence looks like—one I had the chance to experience with Virginie.
I arrived on Sunday, and today, Wednesday, is market day in the village of Rousset, near Aix-en-Provence.
A day of French immersion in Provence: breakfast
As every morning, we sit down together for breakfast.
Virginie went to the bakery to get some pastries. She always thinks of me and brings pain au chocolat—my favorite. We drink tea, and there are also fruits, yogurts, a baguette, butter, and jam.
I don’t eat much in the morning, so the pain au chocolat is more than enough for me.
Learning French in immersion: a natural approach
During breakfast, we talk about my evening and the plan for the day. It’s a great way to practice past and future tenses. We take time to review grammar when needed, always in a smooth and natural way.
Then, we head to the market. Before leaving, Virginie suggests we role-play small situations to help me practice ordering in French. My mission today: buy fish for lunch.
Even with a good level, speaking French in real-life situations can feel stressful. But Virginie often reminds me that a language is meant to communicate—and that mistakes are part of the learning process.
Once I feel ready (or almost!), we head to the center of Rousset.
The Rousset market: an authentic Provence experience
I drive because I get motion sickness. We easily find a parking spot near the market.
We start with the fishmonger. I choose cod and order 600 grams in French. Mission accomplished!
Next, we visit the olive stall. We taste several local specialties: green and black olive tapenade, confit garlic, and garlic cream.
We also buy organic bread, then fruits and vegetables: tomatoes, artichokes, strawberries, and parsley.
Before leaving, I even order a roast chicken for the following week.
Provençal lunch: cooking and sharing
When we get back home, Virginie starts preparing the cod. She chops tomatoes and parsley, then places the fish in a baking dish, topping it with tomatoes, parsley, garlic, and spices—a real moment of cooking in immersion in Provence.
As soon as she finishes, my phone rings. My husband Stephen got lost on his way back from a hike (he had gone alone that morning) and needed help. So Virginie and I go to pick him up and bring him back home.
In the end, Virginie’s family, Stephen, and I sit down together for lunch. We start with an apéritif: goat cheese, wine, cured meat, and tapenade, followed by the fish.
The “apéro,” as it’s commonly called, is a special moment before the meal, with drinks and small bites—a wonderful way to learn French in Provence through food and sharing.
It was delicious!
Learning French differently: enjoying the environment
In the afternoon, we don’t have any excursions planned. Stephen and I decide to fully enjoy our bungalow and the peaceful surroundings of Provence.
I take a nap, then work on my assignments. At my request, Virginie gives me exercises every day and sends me vocabulary lists. I create sentences using the words we’ve learned so I can reuse them in everyday life.
I also played cards with Virginie and her family—a simple and very enjoyable moment that also helps me practice French naturally.
Meanwhile, my husband relaxes by the pool with a drink. After all, we’re on vacation too!
If you’re looking for a French immersion experience in Provence, I highly recommend contacting Virginie In Provence. She will help you discover the region in depth—its landscapes, scents, culture, and gastronomy—while helping you improve your French in a natural and immersive way.
Go further in Provence
Want to discover more experiences in Provence?
Here are a few ideas to extend your immersion:
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