Name: French Immersion, French Alps, January 2025
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French Immersion in the Snow: Our Alpine Escape, January 2025

Imagine waking up to snow-dusted peaks, stepping out onto a balcony with views of the Mont Blanc massif, and spending your days gliding down powdery slopes, laughing over molten fondue, and speaking French from morning till night — that was our January 2025 French Immersion Retreat in the heart of the French Alps, and honestly? It was pure bliss.

We spent 8 magical days nestled in a fully catered chalet in the Grand Massif, where comfort met cozy-chic alpine vibes. Every morning began with 4 hours of dynamic French lessons led by the ever-charismatic Charles from Bonjour French. With snow gently falling outside and steaming mugs of coffee in hand, our mornings were filled with laughter, grammar, conversation games, and real progress. Charles made language learning fun, approachable, and totally immersive.

And the afternoons? Absolute heaven.

Whether you were carving down the slopes, wandering the charming streets of Chamonix, or bundled up in a sled being pulled by a team of adorable huskies, every moment was unforgettable. One of the most awe-inspiring highlights was riding the Aiguille du Midi cable car, soaring 3,842 meters up to gaze out at the majestic Mont Blanc — a once-in-a-lifetime view that left us all speechless.

Our evenings were equally dreamy. Back at the chalet, we were treated to homemade meals prepared by the incredible Pauline and Andrew — everything from warming soups to decadent desserts. We indulged in the ultimate alpine classics: fondue, raclette, and cozy dinners at local restaurants, always paired with a glass (or two) of wine. Speaking of wine — we also hosted a local wine tasting night, featuring Savoie varietals that were as elegant and surprising as the landscape around us.

And oh, the evenings... The fire crackling, the red wine flowing, our conversations rolling effortlessly in French — or sometimes in a wonderful Franglais blend — we laughed, connected, and created memories that will warm us long past winter.

This retreat wasn’t just a getaway — it was an immersive winter wonderland, where language, adventure, and connection came together in the most magical setting imaginable.

If you weren’t with us, we missed you. But don’t worry — our next immersion with Charles will be in sunny Corsica this October, and it’s going to be absolutely unforgettable.

ITINERARY
Monday 12th of May: Arrival Day

Arrivals: Two pick up from Toulouse Airport & Toulouse City will be organised, one at 2pm and one at 6pm

Afternoon: Guests arrive at the Estate between 3pm and 7pm

Welcome glass of Champagne, bienvenue!

Evening: Welcome dinner at the Estate with Alisha

Tuesday to Friday: Daily Routine

Morning: French breakfast at the Estate followed by a baking class with Alisha (and Jana for two days)

Lunch: Enjoy a well deserved lunch

Afternoon: Various activities scheduled for guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, & activities listed in the inclusions

Evening: Dinner at the Estate

Night: Guests are free to relax and socialise

Saturday 17th of May: Departure Day

Morning: Final French breakfast at the Estate

Check-out: Guests departs before 10am, farewell to a memorable retreat experience

Departures: Two transfers will be organised back to Toulouse Airport & Toulouse City, one departure at 7am and one at 10am
GETTING THERE
INCLUSIONS
From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, absolutely everything is taken care of.
Your transport, your meals, your experiences — it’s all included, so you can fully relax and soak up the magic of your retreat.

Start your mornings with buttery croissants, pains au chocolat, and the classic tartine au beurre — plus a few savoury options if that’s more your style. Every meal is lovingly prepared by our private chef, using fresh, local ingredients to celebrate the flavours of the region. Expect long, generous lunches and cosy, shared dinners that feel like home — just with better wine.

Speaking of which… yes, wine is always included. From crisp local rosés to rich Burgundy reds, each glass is thoughtfully paired with your meal. And to kick things off in style, we’ll welcome you with a glass of Champagne on arrival.

You’ll enjoy a curated program of unforgettable activities, too — all organised for you. No extra costs, no logistics to juggle. Just bring your appetite, your curiosity, and a love for beautiful things. We’ll take care of the rest.

Dietary needs? No problem — we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, or other preferences with care and creativity.
EXCLUSIONS
Airfares and other transportation fares to and from the retreat

Anything not explicitly listed above

Travel Insurance: To protect your investment and travel with peace of mind, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance. We’ve partnered with PassportCard, a trusted travel insurance provider — you can explore your options here: PassportCard - Purchase Policy
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the retreat?
From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, everything is included — accommodation, all meals (prepared by a private chef), wine, activities, excursions, local transfers, and surprises along the way. The only things not included are your flights and travel insurance. (We do have a travel insurance partner – contact us for details!)

Do I need to speak French?
Not at all! All activities are led in English unless otherwise stated. A love for French culture is all you need.

What if I have dietary requirements?
No problem! We cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other common dietary needs. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Can I come alone?
Absolutely! Many of our guests join solo. Our retreats are designed to be warm, welcoming, and inclusive — you’ll feel part of the group from day one.

How do I get to the retreat location?
We’ll send you clear travel instructions ahead of time, including suggested trains or flights. Transfers from nearby stations are included. If you're unsure, we're happy to help with your travel plans.

How active are the retreats?
Our retreats blend culture, relaxation, and light activity (such as walking tours or market visits). You won’t need to be super fit, but expect to be gently on the move.

What’s the accommodation like?
We handpick unique, charming places — from countryside châteaux to boutique villas. Rooms are comfortable, beautifully styled, and often with private bathrooms.

What should I pack?
We’ll send you a tailored packing list before departure based on the season and retreat style. Think comfortable clothes, a touch of chic, and a good pair of shoes.

What if something changes or I need to cancel?
We understand that plans change. Our terms and conditions will detail the cancellation policy. We also strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind. (We can recommend a trusted insurance partner.)

How many people will be on the retreat?
Most of our retreats are small and intimate — usually between 10 and 14 guests. This allows for a more personalized and relaxed experience.

Do I have to participate in every activity?
While we hope you’ll be excited about the itinerary, all experiences are optional! This is your retreat — feel free to skip an activity and enjoy some downtime whenever you like.