Highlights from Provence 2006

2006 was a fantastic year for frenchclass with two delightful groups joining us in the Luberon valley for 10 days of French, Provencal specialities, wines from the Luberon, visits to the markets, local villages and lots of laughter. The groups forged ahead with the French language, had lessons in local cuisine, wine appreciation, played pétanque, completed a randonée in the French countryside and did some inspired shopping.

Here is what some people had to say…..

I attended one of the 10 day trips to Provence in September 2006 and it proved to be a marvellous holiday and learning experience.

There was an excellent mix of learning, cultural experience and leisure.

Martine held 2 hours of French lessons each day focusing on relevant everyday material and enhanced by trips to local villages with their markets, shops and other places of interest.

Miriam provided a culinary treat to savour, with carefully selected fresh local produce and regional wines to enhance the experience. The trip was well organised with good information beforehand and reliable transport arrangements from and to Avignon.

John Branson | Sydney

There were lots of good things about our sojourn in Provence but from a language point of view I think the best bit was being so much better at understanding French - spoken by the French.

Towards the end of our 10 days we were able to get the gist of Bertrand’s 2 hour wine tasting and discussion about wine and Brigitte’s cooking class and discussion about local ingredients both spoken only in French. It felt like we had really achieved something as well as having fun.

Deborah and Jeremy Clarke | Sydney

“Frenchclass in Provence” is an experience not to be missed. We witnessed the vendanges (grape harvest), enjoyed a degustation of the local wine with our vigneron landlord and had many delicious meals, alfresco, beside the pool. French lessons take on an exciting new dimension in the ambience of Provence.

Kate Johnson | Sydney

frenchclass in Apt gave us ten days of just the right balance between improving our French, developing and testing our cooking skills and savouring the sensations of the local countryside. The accommodation was very spacious and comfortable.

Tours to neighbouring villages for wine tasting, regional history and art were complemented by the delights of shopping for food, clothes and souvenirs at the local markets.

There was ample time to relax, either reading by the pool or with a game of boules at a café watched by quizzical but friendly residents. Martine and Miriam are marvellous teachers - enthusiastic, knowledgeable, flexible and patient. They were always ready to help and we are happy to regard them as friends as well as teachers.

Susan Lenehan and Richard Mills | Sydney