Home | Contact

Learning in four steps

 

Building confidence in French conversation

Lessons

Visits

Mealtime conversations

A typical day

  • 9.30am - 12.30pm : Lessons and discussions
  • 1.00pm - 2.00pm : Lunch with local specialities
  • 2.00pm - 4.30pm : Guided visit

> Each week begins with a welcome 'aperitif' on Sunday evening and finishes on Friday after lunch.

> On Wednesday there is a wine tasting dinner.

> More information about Saint Rémy de Provence and accommodation

The Course

 

 

The course programme is designed to maximise French conversation while allowing time to relax and enjoy the region. We use a total immersion method based on structured lessons, group discussions and informal practice during cultural excursions and meals. Courses require a basic knowledge of French and there are two levels : elementary and intermediate. There is a maximum of 6 participants in each group and as we only run one course at a time, during meals and activities everybody will have a similar level of French as possible.

 

Lessons

 

 

Lessons are given by Magali, who will encourage and help you speak French during the course. Magali graduated university with a degree in English before training as a French teacher, specialising in pronunciation. Before 'Parlons en Provence', she gave total immersion courses for staff at the European Space Agency in Holland and also taught in Japan.

The lessons are structured, but given in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on speaking to help build confidence. Grammatical points are practised using oral exercises and discussions. Special attention is given to the particularities of French pronunciation to help you speak more clearly and understand native speakers more easily. Vocabulary is worked on through daily life situations and centered as much as possible on participants' own experience and interests.

 

Group discussions

 

 

These are based on different themes each week depending on the level and interests of the group. The emphasis is on conversation skills and confidence building. Everybody has the chance to speak and to ask and answer questions. During these sessions Magali will help you choose the right vocabulary and structure to express yourself clearly. Discussion topics range from exchanging experiences of living and travelling in France to newspaper articles and cinema for more advanced groups.

 

Informal practice through guided visits...

 

 

The learning experience continues in the afternoon during our guided visits and activities. These provide opportunities to increase your vocabulary and help you understand French people better when they speak. The visits are varied and we often use experienced guides to give you a sample of local life and the region's culture.

 

and mealtime conversation !

 

Mealtime discussion is an important and enjoyable part of Provençal culture. It is a chance for free conversation and to share your experiences with other people in the group. Lunches are taken together and once a week there is also a wine-tasting dinner with a local "caviste", Celine, who will explain the distinctive taste of the wines from Côte du Rhône.

Lunch of Provence    Wine-tasting dinner

Elementary

 

At this level you can make simple sentences and you have a basic knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary. However, using this knowledge when speaking is difficult and you often don't understand what is being said. Insufficient exposure and practice means you frequently pause to search for words. You can make yourself understood in shops and at hotels and can read simple written French, but you have problems participating in a conversation.


The course focuses on :

  • Building up confidence through constant exposure to French
  • Practising talking about yourself, your interests and daily life in the present and past tenses
  • Participating in conversations with French speakers
  • Learning the basics rules of French pronunciation and working on your understanding of French speakers
  • Using more complex sentences

Intermediate

 

At intermediate level you can participate in everyday conversation and understand what is being said most of the time. You can use your knowledge of grammar to make yourself understood. However, you have difficulty with more complicated structures, idiomatic expressions and the cultural aspects of the language. The things you can only learn by spending time in France.


The course focuses on :

  • Using different levels of formality (familier, courant, poli)
  • Idiomatic expressions and vocabulary linked to cultural aspects of the language
  • Organising your speech to make it more fluent
  • Increasing your knowledge of French grammar
  • Improving your speaking skills using proper pronunciation and intonation
Parlons en Provence
Magali Viven
43 Avenue Vincent Van Gogh
13210 Saint Rémy de Provence [France]
Contact and booking
Phone +33 951 43 14 61
Email info[at]parlons-en-provence.com