Delphine – French Immersion in Pau, South West of France

Your teacher

Bonjour ! I'm Delphine, your graduated French teacher. My husband Adrien and I, will welcome you at our place offering you an independent small and cosy apartment right next door.

You can choose between 2 different programs (see my website for more details) : the basic one costs € 1200 per week and the intensive one € 1600. Both of them include  : 15 hours of French lessons per week + accommodation + breakfast + last night dinner. The intensive program includes lunches and 3 shared activities, such as visiting the town centre, walking along the river or in the woods, going to the market/library/flea market... that will lead you to at least 35 hours of French practise along the week.

I first studied tourism in order to become a guide, then I got graduated in georgraphy and I eventually chose teaching. I got a master degree in teaching and education, then I have worked as a primary school teacher for 10 years. In 2022, in order to become your tutor, I prepared the DAEFLE diploma with the Alliance Française of Paris, to teach French as a foreign language. I got graduated in september 2023. That is when I chose to change life being a French tutor for adults, get involved in that exciting adventure of being my own boss and creating French Bubble.

In the past 15 years I have had many occasions to travel throughout the world (except America !) and have always tried to meet local people. As I like to say, to « travel from the inside ». This is, in my opinion, the only way to discover a culture, being part of a place, sharing people's life for a short (or a longer) time.

When I was a student, I worked in England (Exmouth and Ashford) for 2 summers. I used to be a group leader for teenagers who learnt english during immersive stays. Each time, I shared the life of British families who welcomed me. I enjoyed spending time with those people, and once more, found it was the best way to discover and learn much about the country and its culture.

Before becoming a primary school teacher, I lived in New Zealand for a year. I’ve had many different experiences like woofing, house sitting, working in many places( wine making, tree pruning, fruit picking…) and meeting people from different backgrounds. Most of all, what I have loved was to live at local’s. That has been, once again, a great privilege to share people’s life, to discover how they live and to learn things that can’t be from books or even a classroom because they have to be felt, seen, experienced… In a word, they have to be alive ! That is what I want to share today with you at French Bubble : experiencing France and the French way of life.

Teaching style

French classes are drawn up to be an exact match with your aims : either you want to prepare for an exam, improve your language for business needs, settle down in a French speaking country or just because you love French, everyone is welcome in my class ! I will adapt lessons to your level and needs, that’s why your project will have to be defined before you get here. I will assess your level and you are welcome to tell me about your likings, so I can provide you personal lessons you will really enjoy !

Choosing the immersion is not only to relocate the classroom but to experience the local way of life : watching TV, listening to music, reading… French books and films will be at your disposal in your flat. I also like to give you many occasions to use French in an everyday-life context, for example going to the market in order to buy the ingredients of the day’s recipes, going to the library to select some books, magazines or films for your stay and of course making excursions if you want to.

During French classes, I often use games, videos, articles, reports or songs to get you in touch with an authentic French language. As I am used to a young audience, I know how to explain tricky points in a straightforward way.

I am listening to the students with the intention to answer the best way to their expectations.

My favourite subjects are nature and environment protection, the wide variety of the world’s cultures, personal development, well-being, art, architecture, literature but I am looking forward to meeting you and broadening my horizons learning about what you like.

Levels taught

All levels are welcome !

The 33m square appartment is comfortable for one or 2 people travelling together (couple or close friends). We are gay friendly. It is located just upstairs from where we live, in the same building, so we will stay in touch all along your stay. You will be welcome to come downstairs as often as you want !

The main room has a double bed and a TV corner in which you will find french DVDs and books. You can also tell me in advance if you want me to borrow books, DVDs, CDs.. for you from the library.

Your accommodation has a fully equiped kitchen (oven, fridge, dishwasher, coffee machine, toaster, microwave…). You will be free to cook whatever you want or to go outside for dinner if you want to try delicious French specialities. There is a wide range of restaurants or home delivery facilities too.

The bathroom has a large shower and is equiped with a washing machine.

All along your stay, breakfasts are provided (in both programs), so is your last night dinner. We will have a traditional French breakfast on Monday with croissants and pastries. On the other days, I will buy whatever you want (eggs, bread, cereals, fruits etc) and you will join me for our lesson after breakfast.

If you intend to take the intensive program, lunches are included. They are mostly homemade. I'll try to make you discover traditional French dishes. I usually love to cook vegetables. During wintertime, I prepare a lot of soups, and salads in summer. You will be asked if you have restrcitions or a special diet (gluten free, vegetarian). The meals will be adapted according to your preferences and needs.

We will also share the last night dinner.
On your first night, you can order a home made dinner I will be glad to cook so you just relax after your journey.

During your immersion, you will enjoy visiting the region of Pau which is a very touristy place in south west of France, located between Atlantic Ocean and Pyrénées mountain range. The perfect spot to practise outdoor activities all year round such as hiking, surfing, skiing and much more. If such activities are not your cup of tea, don’t be afraid, there is enough to do to please everyone : culture, gastronomy, shopping...

You can enjoy full-day excursions around Pau : day to the beach or to the mountain, hiking, or visiting the Basque country for example. You can find more information on my website.
There are many half-day excursions options as weel, such as a guided visit to the Château de Pau, guided visit to the Betharram caves, vineyard visit and wine tasting... But you can ask me for any other specific activities I can arrange for you (yoga or cooking class for example). I can make you a tailored stay.

Getting there

You can easily reach us by plane, train or bus. I will pick you up at Pau airport or train station on your arrival day.
There are also airports in Lourdes, Biarritz, Bordeaux and Toulouse.

Getting around

The accommodation is located in a quiet residential neighbourhood. It is easy, safe and free to park in the street if you wish to rent a car. But if you don’t, you can easily reach the town center using public transports or with a short walk (15 min).
I will be happy to drive you around too !

Things to know

Saturday night will be free in case of multiple-week-stay.
If you want to stay longer than the 6 nights included in your program (before it starts or after it ends), that might be possible according to the other students' reservations.

Cancellation policy

In case of a cancellation due to an emergency, you will be able to postpone your stay within a year without fee.

It is highly recommended to take a travel insurance to secure your travel expenses (cancellation of transport, stay, health problems etc)

Payment method

Bank wire or Wise

30% of the amount of the stay is due at reservation. The balance must be paid 10 days before arrival.

Teacher's Website

www.frenchbubble.fr