Clarisse – French immersion on Ile de Ré, Atlantic Coast

Your teacher

Welcome to My Page!

Hello and welcome! My name is Clarisse, I’m a native French speaker, 50 years old, living with my husband Claude and two of our three daughters on the beautiful Île de Ré. Our youngest girls are currently studying in boarding schools for sports, and our family also includes Heidi, our nine-year-old dog, and two adorable guinea pigs.

We live in La Flotte, one of the two villages on the island officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France!

I was born in Brussels, half French, half Belgian, and left my hometown to follow Claude to Paris. In July 2021, we decided to leave city life behind and settle permanently on this amazing island, a place I’ve known and loved since I was two years old.

We enjoy picnics at sunset (summer or winter, it’s always breathtaking!), movie nights, and spending time outdoors, whether it’s biking, going to the beach, or horseback riding (our daughters are passionate riders and take great care of their horses).

Even though we live on an island, the lively city of La Rochelle is just 30 minutes away, the perfect balance between nature and city life.

Teaching style

About My Teaching

My goal as a teacher is to help each student feel confident and natural when speaking French, whether for travel, work, or pleasure. I adapt my lessons to your level and interests, making sure learning remains both structured and enjoyable.

Here’s what some of my students say:

"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."

"From the very first moment when I contacted Clarisse, she showed herself to be a wonderful communicator, a tireless advocate for the French language, and a passionate inhabitant of the Île de Ré."

A Typical Week on Île de Ré

Your stay combines language learning, cultural discovery, and authentic island life.

Typical schedule:

🥐 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast together

📚 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – French lessons (3 hours daily)

🍽️ 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Lunch break (3 lunches provided per week)

🌿 Afternoon – Free time or activities (2 activities included per week)

🍷 Evening – Dinner at home (2 dinners shared per week)

You’ll have plenty of time to explore the island, relax, or practice your French in real-life situations, at the market, the bakery, or while cycling along the coast.

Guests are welcome to come with up to two children, the studio includes a comfortable bunk bed suitable for families.

Levels taught

From A1 to C2

My French immersion programs are open to all learners from A1 to C2 levels.

If you are not yet at A1 level, I recommend taking a few online or private lessons beforehand. Otherwise, you might find it challenging to fully enjoy the informal parts of the experience, such as meals, excursions, and everyday conversations, since everything during your stay is conducted entirely in French.

That said, I’m always happy to adapt! We can include additional lessons or extra language support to make sure you feel comfortable and confident throughout your stay.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me, together, we’ll find the best approach for your current level and goals.

Your Studio

This cozy 33m² studio offers everything you need for a comfortable and independent stay on the beautiful Île de Ré.
Located just five minutes from the picturesque harbour of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the studio sits within a peaceful and secure residence surrounded by nature.

The space includes:

A 160 cm sofa bed and a bunk bed, ideal for three adults or a couple with two children

A fully equipped kitchenette

A bathroom with a full-size bathtub

A washer/dryer for your convenience

Step outside to a private patio with outdoor seating and a deck chair, a quiet spot to enjoy your morning coffee or unwind after a day of exploration.

Spa & Wellness Area

During your stay, you’ll have access to the residence’s wellness facilities, designed for total relaxation:

Heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools

Sauna and Turkish bath

Fully equipped fitness room

The spa area is open all year long, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge after your classes or island adventures.

All breakfasts included, three lunches at a local restaurant, and two family dinners at home. At the restaurant, you can choose from vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or even classic options. For our family dinners at home, just let me know any dislikes or dietary preferences, and I’ll prepare a meal that everyone will enjoy!

Discover Île de Ré

Explore Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, browse the boutiques and art galleries, enjoy a coffee at a seaside café, and take in the lively atmosphere of the iconic harbor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cycling Around the Island

With over 100 kilometers of dedicated cycling paths, Île de Ré is a paradise for cyclists. Ride through vineyards, pine forests, and salt marshes, or follow the coastline for stunning ocean views. Biking is the perfect way to explore the island at your own pace.

Beaches & Water Activities

Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand or dive into water sports, the island’s beaches have something for everyone. Try surfing, paddleboarding, or sailing, or simply unwind by the sea and enjoy the island’s sunshine.

Phare des Baleines – The Lighthouse Experience

Climb to the top of the Phare des Baleines, one of France’s tallest lighthouses, for a breathtaking 360° view of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding area also offers walking paths, cafés, and a small museum.

Salt Marshes & Local Delicacies

Discover the traditional salt marshes, where salt has been harvested for centuries. Meet the local sauniers (salt workers) and learn about their craft. Don’t leave without tasting the island’s fresh oysters, seafood, and artisanal salt, all part of Île de Ré’s authentic charm.

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Getting there

Getting Here

Your French immersion begins on the beautiful Île de Ré, just a short distance from the mainland.
The nearest city is La Rochelle, located about 30 minutes from my home in La Flotte.

I will personally pick you up in La Rochelle, either at:

🚄 The train station – less than 3 hours from Paris Montparnasse, and about 2 hours from Bordeaux or Nantes

✈️ The airport – approximately 1h15 from Marseille, 1h30 from London, 1h30 from Brussels, and 2 hours from Porto

Transportation back to La Rochelle (train station or airport) is also included in your stay.

🚌 Please note: In July and August, there is a direct bus from the La Rochelle train station to my house in La Flotte, making your arrival even easier!

Getting around

Your Stay in Saint-Martin-de-Ré

The apartment is ideally located in the heart of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, nestled within the charming 17th-century town walls. Its central position places you just a few minutes’ walk from restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and the lively harbor.

For your everyday needs, a Carrefour Express is just five minutes away on foot and open daily. The famous Saint-Martin market, open every morning during high season, is only a 10-minute walk, perfect for discovering local produce and island specialties.

If you’d like to explore the island, the nearest bike rental shop is also just five minutes away, making it easy to set off on an adventure.

Cycling Routes Around Île de Ré

Biking is one of the best ways to discover the island’s natural beauty and peaceful villages. Here are a few suggested routes, with approximate distances and times:

🚴‍♀️ Saint-Martin-de-Ré → La Flotte (where I live)

Distance: 6 km  Duration: 20–25 minutes
A lovely ride through the countryside leading to La Flotte, one of the island’s most charming villages, known for its beautiful harbor and medieval market square.

🚴‍♂️ Saint-Martin-de-Ré → Ars-en-Ré

Distance: 13 km  Duration: 45 minutes
A scenic route through salt marshes and open landscapes, ending in Ars-en-Ré, a picturesque village famous for its black-and-white church tower.

🚲 Saint-Martin-de-Ré → Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré

Distance: 8 km  Duration: 30 minutes
A relaxing ride through vineyards and pine forests, leading to golden beaches and a charming coastal atmosphere.

🌅 Tour of the Island (Île de Ré Loop)

Distance: 30–35 km  Duration: 2–2.5 hours
For the more adventurous, cycle around the entire island and enjoy the stunning coastline, salt marshes, and traditional villages that make Île de Ré so unique.

Things to know

Early Arrival: You may want to arrive a day earlier to adjust to the time zone and settle in before your French immersion program begins. An additional fee of 130 euros will be charged upon arrival. For stays involving multiple weeks of immersion, Saturday night is complimentary.
Food and drinks cost are covered when eating out with your teacher.
No smoking.
Pets are allowed if well behaved.

Payment method

Wise Transfer

Cancellation policy

Booking process​​ :
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- A prebooking AND a down payment of thirty percent (30%) are required to secure your reservation.
- Transfer of the outstanding balance (70%) must be paid at least 2 months before the day of arrival.
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Cancellation policy​​ :
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- All payments are due in full at least two months prior to your arrival.
- Cancellation more than two months before the arrival date: Full refund, minus a 65 EUR administrative fee.
-Cancellation less than two months, no refund, unless the stay can be rescheduled within the year or 12 months. If rescheduling is not possible, the teacher will offer 15 hours of French lessons.
- In case of a rescheduled week, a 500 EUR fee will be charged for the studio.