Sarah : French immersion in a 16th-century Château

Your teacher

Bonjour ! Je m’appelle Sarah et je serai ravie de vous accueillir au Château d’Avanton.
This place has been at the heart of our family story since my parents bought it in 2000 and spent years restoring it, bringing it back to life through an enormous amount of work and dedication.
Over time, it became a true family project. Today, my mother runs the château’s guest rooms, and I’m now adding my own chapter to the story by offering French immersion stays here.
I hope to share with you some of what makes this place so special to us: its history, its peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of being somewhere quite apart. During your stay, I hope the château will feel a little like home too: a place to slow down, experience everyday French life and improve your French in a natural and personal way.

Teaching has been part of my professional life for many years. At first, it was also a wonderful opportunity to travel, discover new countries and experience different cultures. I had the chance to work abroad in Lycées Français in Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico and the United States, including Michigan and Alaska. Over time, teaching French became much more than a profession: it became a real part of who I am.
I’m also a certified DELF and DALF examiner, and I regularly prepare students for exams such as the TEF, TCF and AP French Language and Culture Exam. I speak English and Spanish fluently, which can sometimes be reassuring if you need a little help along the way.

When I’m not teaching, I love being outdoors: walking and spending time in nature. What I especially enjoy is that every season brings its own little treasures: apples and chestnuts in autumn for homemade compotes and treats, the magic of snow in winter, flowers and ferns that I dry for my greeting cards, and wild strawberries and blackberries for summer pies. I love noticing these small changes throughout the year and making the most of whatever nature has to offer. These days, a lot of my free time is also taken up by family life and basketball practices and matches. I recently joined a women’s basketball team myself, which was completely new for me and has turned out to be a lot of fun.

What about you? I’m genuinely curious to learn more about your life, your travels, your projects, your work, your family and the things that matter to you, because all of that will shape your immersion and the way I help you improve your French. For me, teaching is really about connecting with you, understanding how you think and finding the explanations and activities that work best for you.

Teaching style

My background in teaching and performing arts has made me very aware of how much confidence matters when speaking another language. I don’t expect you to speak perfect French. I want you to feel comfortable enough to try, make mistakes, keep going and realise that you already know more than you think.

You probably know far more French than you think but you may not have had enough opportunities to really use it. You might understand grammar and vocabulary, yet still hesitate when you speak, translate everything in your head or worry too much about making mistakes. My role is to help you turn what you already know into real communication, so speaking French becomes more natural, spontaneous and confident.

You improve almost without noticing, because French becomes part of our conversations and of the experience itself, rather than something you feel you have to “study”.

How do I help you speak more naturally? By getting you to use the French you already know, again and again, in real situations. We work with short, useful phrases and sentence patterns that you can reuse easily. I’ll help you reformulate when you get stuck, give you the word you need without interrupting the flow, and bring the same vocabulary back later so it gradually becomes automatic. That’s how passive knowledge turns into active language: by bringing familiar words and structures back in different contexts until they start to feel natural.

We’ll practise through role-plays, guided conversations, listening, repetition and everyday situations such as ordering food, asking questions, telling a story or expressing an opinion with plenty of games and fun along the way.

I don’t correct every mistake as you speak. I focus on the ones that really matter, especially recurring mistakes or those that affect clarity, and we come back to them afterwards. The idea is to help you speak first, then refine, so that you become less dependent on translation and more able to react directly in French.

Levels taught

The immersion stays are designed for learners from A2 to B2 level. You don’t need to speak perfect French, but you should already have some basic knowledge so you can make the most of conversations and everyday situations during the stay.

If you’re unsure of your level, or if you’d like to brush up on your French before coming, I also offer online French lessons and would be very happy to help you prepare for your stay.

Whatever your profile, we will start from what you already know and build from there.

Choose your suite from 4 unique options:

Suite Marie-Antoinette
Located in the 17th-century wing of the château, the Marie-Antoinette Suite is an elegant and romantic room combining historic charm with refined comfort.
It features a Louis XVI fireplace, antique oak parquet flooring, period furniture, a comfortable double bed, and two large windows overlooking the château’s main courtyard. A peaceful and distinctive setting for an authentic stay in a historic French château.

Suite Mazarin
Nestled in the château’s 17th-century wing, the Mazarin Suite is a bright and welcoming room full of historic character.
Set beneath a magnificent exposed oak timber frame, it features traditional terracotta floor tiles, period furnishings, a comfortable double bed, a sitting area, and a private shower room. A warm and distinctive setting for an authentic stay in the French countryside.
This suite is equiped with air conditioning.

Suite Le Donjon
Perched at the top of the château’s tower, the Donjon Suite is a charming duplex reached by a spiral staircase. It features a bright bedroom-lounge with panoramic countryside views, a kitchenette tucked into a turret, and a cosy lower lounge. Exposed stone walls, original terracotta tiles and unique turret spaces give this romantic hideaway an unforgettable historic character.

Suite Le Cône d'Or
Located in the upper part of the château, the Cône d'Or Suite is a spacious and light-filled retreat featuring a magnificent 16th-century oak timber frame. With beautiful countryside views, a comfortable sitting area, a double bed and warm wooden details, it offers an elegant and relaxing atmosphere. Extra beds can also be added, making it ideal for families.
This suite is equiped with air conditioning.

During your stay, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in local restaurants, cafés and other places selected according to the day’s programme. Restaurant meals are not included in the stay price.

Breakfast is included each morning and served in the château’s main dining room, alongside the B&B guests.

Evenings are left free for you to enjoy at your own pace, whether dining at a restaurant in or around Avanton or in Poitiers, or preparing your own meal in your private suite. You can also pick up something from the village butcher, delicatessen and caterer, which offers a lovely selection of delicious homemade dishes.

There is so much to discover around Château d’Avanton, and every excursion is another opportunity to experience French in real life. Wander through the historic streets and market of Poitiers, explore medieval towns such as Chauvigny, Lusignan or Parthenay, discover the Renaissance Château d’Oiron, enjoy a wine tasting in the historic Caves Painctes in Chinon, or spend time outdoors canoeing on the Vienne River or exploring the beautiful Marais Poitevin.

Depending on your interests, we can also visit Angoulême and its world of comic books, enjoy the spectacular attractions of Futuroscope, discover Montmorillon and its book heritage, or simply slow down with a nature walk or a relaxing visit to La Roche-Posay Spa.

Your programme is personalised, so these are only some of the possibilities. If there is somewhere you would particularly like to visit or something you have always wanted to experience in France, tell me — we can build your stay around what interests you most.

Explore the region through its stories

Poitiers: in the footsteps of Eleanor of Aquitaine
Walk through the historic heart of Poitiers and discover the city through the extraordinary life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. As we explore its medieval streets, churches and hidden corners, I’ll tell you the stories behind the walls and bring the city’s past to life — all in French, of course.

Chinon: history, wine and the Loire Valley
Explore the medieval town of Chinon, dominated by its spectacular fortress and closely associated with figures such as Joan of Arc and Henry II. We can combine the visit with a tasting at the historic Caves Painctes and discover one of the Loire Valley’s celebrated wine regions.

Marais Poitevin: the “Green Venice”
Slow the pace with a peaceful boat or canoe trip through the canals of the Marais Poitevin, surrounded by lush vegetation and traditional villages. A perfect setting for relaxed conversation in French while discovering one of the region’s most distinctive landscapes.

La Roche-Posay: a relaxing spa experience
Enjoy a relaxing break in the renowned thermal spa town of La Roche-Posay. Depending on your preferences, we can include time at the spa, a wellness treatment, or simply a peaceful stroll through the town and its thermal quarter — a perfect way to slow down and enjoy another side of the region.

Lusignan: the legend of the fairy Mélusine
Discover a small medieval town forever linked to the fascinating legend of Mélusine, the mysterious fairy said to have built the castle of Lusignan. We’ll explore the remains of this once-powerful fortress while uncovering the story of the Lusignan dynasty and its legendary origins.

Angoulême: the city of comics
Famous worldwide for its international comics festival, Angoulême is a must for anyone interested in illustration, graphic novels and street art. We’ll wander through the old town, spot the giant comic-strip murals painted across its buildings and, if you wish, visit the Cité internationale de la bande dessinée.

Parthenay: medieval streets and birds in flight
Step back into the Middle Ages as we walk through Parthenay’s remarkably preserved historic quarter, with its fortified gates, narrow streets and half-timbered houses. Depending on the season, we can also enjoy an impressive free-flight bird of prey show, with falcons and other birds soaring just above the audience.

Futuroscope: a different kind of French experience
Just outside Poitiers, Futuroscope is a unique theme park combining immersive attractions, spectacular technology and a fun day out. We can spend the whole day there, or simply go in the late afternoon and stay for the evening light show — all while continuing to practise your French naturally.

Getting there

The château is easily accessible by TGV from Paris. You can travel to either Poitiers or Futuroscope station, with a journey time of around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Getting around

Avanton is a peaceful village just 15 minutes from Poitiers, offering everything you need for a comfortable stay. Within the village, you’ll find Le M restaurant, a bakery, a butcher and delicatessen offering prepared dishes, a small grocery shop and a hairdresser.

For those who enjoy staying active, Avanton also has a sports ground and tennis courts. It’s a quiet and convenient base, with everyday amenities close at hand and Poitiers only a short drive away.

Things to know

I’ll personally pick you up from the station and drive you to the château. I’ll also take you back to the station on your departure day.
Although it’s not necessary, you may also choose to rent a car for your own convenience and greater flexibility during your stay. All transportation for scheduled excursions is, of course, included and taken care of.

Payment method

Transfers can be done via Wise.com or by bank wire from European bank accounts.
A pre-booking and a 30% down payment are required to secure your reservation.
The remaining 70% must be paid by bank transfer at least 30 days before your arrival.
Please note that each payment (the 30% deposit and the remaining 70%) must be made as two separate bank transfers:
• one for the accommodation,
• and one for the immersion program.

Cancellation policy

Priority will always be given to rescheduling the immersion.

Cancellation with more than 60 days' notice :
If the Client cancels the immersion experience more than 60 days before the arrival date, the Client will forfeit the deposit, which is equal to 30% of the total fee. No additional charges will apply. The deposit may be credited to a rescheduled immersion.

Cancellation with less than 60 days' notice
If the Client cancels the immersion within 60 days of the arrival date, the full payment will be forfeited. However, exceptions may apply in cases of force majeure or if the Client and the Teacher agree to reschedule the immersion for a later date.
The rescheduling may only be requested once and the deposit will be valid and retained for a period of eighteen (18) months from the original contract’s signature date.