June 2024

My French immersion week with Clarisse was “formidable”, not only because I improved my confidence, French language knowledge and conversational skills but because of the immersive experience itself. My partner, who does not speak French but has a basic understanding of the language, was always included in excursions and conversation, wherever possible, and also enjoyed our week with Clarisse on Ile de Re.

Clarisse is a commendable teacher of the French language. It was easy to interact with her on a range of diverse topics. She corrected my B1 level of speaking and listening, and we worked together on understanding and then using idiomatic French phrases in my conversations. I had homework activities each evening to complement the daily lessons.

A highlight of the week for me was meeting three generations of Clarisse’s family! There was dinner with Clarisse’s parents, lunch with Claude (Clarisse’s husband) and his mother at Clarisse’s home, as well as interactions with Clarisse’s three daughters. All in all, we experienced an authentic immersive experience in everyday French family life and conversations.

The local excursions on the Ile de Re were a great way to discover some of what the island has to offer starting with donkey milk soap through to book and document restoration and tastings of the island’s own wines. My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with Clarisse and her family on the island and we hope one day to return to further explore the wine and food, history and culture of this very special part of France.

Merci beaucoup, Clarisse!