Béatrice – French immersion in Toulon, Provence

Your teacher

We are a family of 6 with four adult children who will most probably not be home but you'll get to meet my husband Bernard and our cats may pop in during some lessons. We relocated twice to the US with our children for a total of 17 years. We are therefore not only bilingual but also bi-cultural... and dual citizens! During those years in California (Bay Area south of San Francisco), I became a Substitute teacher in High School and French tutor for Adults. I truly enjoyed the connections I made and decided to offer immersion classes in addition to my online classes because I want to share my love for our new life in France... and our home is perfectly designed for hosting. We want our guests to feel comfortable. I cook most of our meals from scratch and will do my best to accommodate any dietary restriction you may have.
Bernard still works for an American company and is passionate about the French merchant marine. I used to be the President of the US chapter of a charity that operates in Cambodia. We are both very involved with our local Catholic parish.

Teaching style

As a bilingual English speaker, I can easily understand and correct students' mistakes. I always strive to provide explanations and mnemonics for any grammar rule or new vocabulary. I also speak enough Spanish to bridge the gaps with Spanish grammar.
However, based on your goals we can go from 15 hours of formal French teaching during the week to zero if you are only interested in lively conversation, living the French life and visiting. We can also get started before you come with a few online sessions which will enable you to hit the ground running when you arrive.
I also work with university students and French teachers abroad who want to deepen their understanding of French culture and expand their own teaching resources.

Levels taught

A2 to C2

Independent bungalow for two people (we can also offer an apartment for up to 4 people in June, July and August).
You'll have your own access, living area and fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and private outdoor space.
There are two different bungalows available at different months. The one you will use in summertime has AC.

I used to teach cooking and all my meals are made from scratch using local and seasonal ingredients...and sometimes what grows in my vegetable garden.
I can accomodate vegetarian and gluten free diets.
I will be happy to serve any "weird" stuff you'd like to try (blood sausage, bone marrow, oysters, calf liver, rabbit...) just let me know!
You are welcome to participate in meal preparation or just wait until it is served.

Toulon is a medium-sized underrated city between Marseille and Nice on the Mediterranean coast. It is the main French Navy city - sister city with Norfolk VA.
It is very accessible by plane or train.
This part of Provence is beautiful year-round - pretty hot from June to August but there is always a sea breeze. Winters are mild and the sun is almost always shining with clear blue skies.

Excursions will be tailored to your interests: nature walks, outdoor markets, sport activities, cultural events, medieval villages , religious monuments or historical and museum visits. There are so many options to choose from that one week barely scratches the surface of all the possible visits. It is also possible to do a full day outing and go to Marseille or Aix en Provence (extra transportation fee).

Getting there

Land in Marseille or Nice plus two hours train to get to Toulon train station.
Land in Paris CDG and direct high speed train gets you in Toulon in 4 hours.
Land at Toulon- Hyeres airport (a few direct flights from Europe) and get a taxi

Getting around

The bus station is 5 minutes walk. 4 different bus lines will get you either downtown -Toulon in about 20 minutes or all the way to Hyères in 45 minutes.
If you like riding a bike, I will loan you one and you can have fun on the nearby cycling paths.

Things to know

There are cats on the property - in case you are allergic to them it might be an issue
277 is mis represented on the map, it is across from 292 with a grey gate and a Bernice sign.

Payment method

Wire transfer to French bank account
Wire transfer to US bank account
Wise
Venmo

Cancellation policy

More than three months before date of arrival: Full 50% deposit will be refunded – minus 100,00 € Administrative fee.
One to three months prior date of arrival: Half of the deposit will be refunded – minus 100,00 € Administrative fee - unless stay can be rescheduled.
Less than one month prior date of arrival: No refund – 10 hours of remote classes will be offered.