The highlights of winter in Provence: immersion and discovery

Winter landscape in Provence

Hello everyone!

My name is Emily, I’m from Canada, and I had the chance to spend a week on an immersion stay in Provence with Virginie.

During this week, I not only improved my French, but I also discovered typical winter activities in the region. Every day was a new opportunity to learn the language while experiencing Provence in a different way.

Here are three highlights from my stay in Rousset, near Aix-en-Provence.

Immersion in Provence: discovering the truffle fields of Bastide d’Astres

Black truffle from Provence, harvested in winter

I love truffles, and I told Virginie about it.

At the beginning of my immersion week, Virginie took me to discover the truffle fields of Bastide d’Astres. This visit was absolutely amazing.

I loved the traditional truffle hunt and was fascinated by the history and secrets of the black truffle, which is so emblematic of Provence in winter.

Black truffle toasts, a winter delicacy in Provence

After exploring the truffle fields, we enjoyed black truffle toasts and a good glass of red wine. It was a great way to learn new vocabulary related to gastronomy — a perfect combination of learning and pleasure.

Winter walk in Provence: the Sainte-Victoire mountain range

Sainte-Victoire mountain in winter

The next day, my immersion week in Provence took on a more active pace with a hike in the Sainte-Victoire mountain range.

Even in winter, Provençal landscapes are stunning. Virginie and I walked along sometimes frosty paths while admiring the breathtaking views.

It was also a wonderful opportunity to practice French in a natural setting, talking about plants, mountains, and the winter climate. I love learning this way because I feel more relaxed and less stressed. After the hike, we went back home for lunch.

Christmas in Provence: immersion in the Christmas markets of Aix-en-Provence

Christmas market in Provence, warm and festive atmosphere

At the end of my week, Virginie suggested discovering another winter “activity” in Provence: Christmas markets. We went to the Christmas market in Aix-en-Provence, where the festive atmosphere and the smell of mulled wine and crêpes immediately put us in the holiday spirit.

Between handcrafted decorations and local specialties such as mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, it was the perfect setting to continue practicing my French. I was so happy.

Talking with artisans and vendors helped me express myself more naturally while discovering Provençal culture.

End of my winter language immersion in Provence

Virginie and her family at Christmas in Provence

My immersion week in Provence was much more than just a language stay. Thanks to Virginie, I discovered the region, its traditions, and its gastronomy while improving my French.

Each activity — truffle fields, nature walks, Christmas markets — gave me the opportunity to learn new words, gain confidence, and better understand French culture.

I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to improve their French while enjoying an authentic immersion. Winter in Provence is an ideal time to learn in a calm and welcoming setting.