Name: Learn French by the bay with Dahina
Price: 1035 EUR
Availability: InStock

Dates: September 1st to 6th, 2025

Location: Arcachon, South West

Join us for an unforgettable French immersion experience in the beautiful town of Arcachon in the South West of France! You’ll stay in a stunning villa by the sea, complete with a swimming pool and the services of our own private chef, ensuring your stay is as luxurious as it is educational. You’ll have the opportunity to learn French with our expert teacher, Dahina, in an engaging and supportive environment. Get ready to immerse yourself in the language, relax by the sea, and make lasting memories—all while enhancing your French skills in a way that’s both fun and effective! Please note this retreat is exclusively designed for a group of 9 to 11 guests.

Accommodation: Stay for 6 days and 5 nights at Villa Saint Felix, a stunning house by the Bay of Arcachon, with a swimming pool and terrace with sea views!
Single room and shared room with bathroom: Stay in a private or shared room, offering a serene sanctuary to unwind after a day of activities and learning. Each room welcomes you with unique gifts upon arrival.
Meals: All meals and drinks are included. Relish in the flavours of the South West of France which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Experience the French culinary delights throughout your stay, with meals prepared by our private chef. Please note most dietary requirements are welcome.
French Classes: Learn how to speak like a proper French, with a total of 15 hours of French Classes and workshops with Dahina (@the_frenchalien).
Host: There will be a dedicated Madame Voyage host throughout the week to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Bordeaux Airport transfer: Private transfer to and from Bordeaux’s Airport (45min drive) will be provided for convenience.
Transportation: On-site transports to the activities are also provided for convenience.

Activities

A Day in the iconic town of Cap Ferret by Bike: Explore the charm and beauty of Cap Ferret as you cycle through this picturesque town, taking in the stunning coastal views and serene atmosphere.
Baking Class with Renowned Pastry Chef Benoit Audebert: Learn the art of French pâtisserie from one of the best! Chef Benoit Audebert will guide you through a hands-on baking class, where you’ll create delicious French pastries.
Visit to the Breathtaking Dune du Pilat: Experience the awe-inspiring Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe. Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, forest, and surrounding landscapes from this natural wonder.
Guided Tour of Arcachon Town: Discover the beauty and history of Arcachon with a guided tour of the town. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant culture, you’ll get an insider’s look at what makes this seaside town so special.

ITINERARY
Monday 1st of September: Arrival Day

Arrivals: Two pick up from Bordeaux Airport will be organised, one at 1pm and one at 6pm

Afternoon: Guests arrive at the Villa between 2pm and 7pm

Welcome glass of Champagne, bienvenue!

Evening: Welcome dinner at the Villa with Dahina

Tuesday to Friday: Daily Routine

Morning: French breakfast at the Villa with sea views

French classes: 3hours of French classes every morning

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 Villa

Night: Guests are free to relax and socialise

Saturday 6th of September: Departure Day

Morning: Final French breakfast at the Villa

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

Departures: Two transfers will be organised back to Bordeaux Airport, one departure at 6am and one at 10am
GETTING THERE
Madame Voyage will organise an Airport transfer in Bordeaux.
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.

Speak Like a Local: Master everyday French expressions, pronunciation tips, and native-like confidence with Dahina (@the_frenchalien).

Boost Your Fluency: Enjoy 15 hours of interactive classes and workshops tailored to help you speak more naturally and spontaneously.

Live the Language: Practice French during excursions, meals, and relaxed conversations in a supportive, immersive environment.

Cultural Connection: Dive into French life through local adventures—bike around Cap Ferret, bake with a top pastry chef, climb Europe’s tallest sand dune, and explore Arcachon’s coastal charm.

Relax & Recharge: Stay in a dreamy villa with a private chef, pool, and sea views—balancing language learning with pure holiday joy.