Clarisse’s immersion on Il de Ré

Hello and welcome to my page! My name is Clarisse, a native French speaker, 49 years old, living with my husband Claude and two of my three daughters on Ile de Ré. The two youngest are now on boarding sport schools. We have an eight-year-old dog, Heidi, and two guinea pigs. We live in a house in La Flotte, one of the two "best villages of France" on the Island! I was born in Brussels, I am half French half Belgian. I left Brussels to follow my husband to Paris, and we moved here, on the island in July 2021, leaving Paris behind to live a wonderful experience on that amazing island! I have been coming here since I was 2! We enjoy having picnics while watching the sunset, summer or winter, it is always beautiful! Claude and I love watching movies in the evening, something we can do together! And of course, going to the beach, biking, horseback (our girls are always away to take care of the horses) We do live on an island but La Rochelle, which is a wonderful city, is only 30 minutes away!

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Teaching style

About my teaching, here are some of my student's point of view :
"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."

Typical week :
I join you every morning at 8:30 for breakfast
3 hours of french classes
lunch from 12.30 to 2pm (you will have 3 lunches per week)
activitities till 4pm (2 activities per week)
evening diner at home (2 diners at home per week)

Price for the week : 2300 euros per

Additional guests :
For each additional guest, the price per week is:

- Euros 400 per guest without classes, but with food and activities,

- Euros 800 per guest with shared lessons, food and excursions

- 800 euros for shared lessons for one or two teenager(s). 

You can come with a maximum of two kids (there is a bunk bed in the studio).

Levels taught

From A2 to C1

If you are not yet at A2 level, I recommend taking a few lessons before your immersion. Otherwise, you might miss part of the informal activities, such as tourist visits and meals, as everything is conducted entirely in French.

However, as I am happy to help, we can focus on more lessons. Feel free to contact me so we can find a solution suited to your level.

Your Studio
This cozy 33m² studio is fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, just 5 minutes from the picturesque harbour of Saint Martin, in a peaceful and tranquil resort. It features a 160cm sofabed and a bunk bed, making it ideal for three adults or a couple with two children. Enjoy the serenity of a small garden with outdoor seating and a deck chair, perfect for relaxation.

SPA
Relax and unwind with our heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, Turkish bath, and a fully equipped fitness room. Available from February to November, our spa facilities are designed for your ultimate relaxation and well-being.

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!

Explore Saint Martin de Ré: Stroll through the charming streets, check out the cute boutiques, grab a coffee at a café, and take in the sights of the iconic harbor.

Cycling Around: With over 100 kilometers of cycling paths, the island is perfect for bike lovers. Pedal through vineyards, salt marshes, and along the stunning coastline.

Beaches & Water Fun: Whether you're after a relaxing beach day or love water sports, the island’s beaches have you covered. Try surfing, paddleboarding, or just enjoy the sun and sea.

Visit the Lighthouse: Head up to the Phare des Baleines lighthouse for incredible views of the island and ocean.

Salt Marshes & Local Delights: Explore the island’s traditional salt marshes and don’t miss out on local treats like fresh oysters and seafood that the island is known for.

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Getting there

You will have to reach LA ROCHELLE, the nearest city (30 minutes from home) I will pick you up either at the train station (less than 3H from Paris Montparnasse, 2H from Bordeaux or Nantes) or at the airport (1h15 from Marseille, 1h30 from London, 1h30 from Brussels, 2h from Lisbon). Transportation back to La Rochelle train station/airport is included (except July and August, there is a direct bus from the Station to my house).

Getting around

The apartment is ideally located in the heart of Saint Martin de Ré, within the charming 17th-century town walls. This perfect spot places you just a short walk from a variety of restaurants, cafés, shops, and boutiques by the harbor.

If you need everyday essentials, a Carrefour Express is conveniently located at 5-minutes walk and is open daily. The well-known Saint Martin market is also just a 10-minute walk away, opened every morning during high season. The nearest bike rental shop is only a 5-minute walk, making it easy to explore the surrounding area.

Here are some bike ride suggestions around Île de Ré, with approximate times:

Saint Martin de Ré to La Flotte (where I live)

Distance: 6 km
Duration: About 20-25 minutes
A lovely ride through the countryside, taking you to one of the island's most charming villages, known for its beautiful harbor and medieval market.

Saint Martin de Ré to Ars-en-Ré

Distance: 13 km
Duration: About 45 minutes
A scenic route to this picturesque village with its iconic church tower and salt marshes.

Saint Martin de Ré to Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré

Distance: 8 km
Duration: About 30 minutes
A relaxing ride through nature, leading you to some of the island's best beaches and a charming village atmosphere.

Tour of the Island (Île de Ré Loop)

Distance: 30-35 km
Duration: About 2-2.5 hours
If you're up for a full exploration, you can bike around the entire island, taking in the stunning coastline, salt marshes, and unique villages along the way.

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.

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.

Payment method

Wise Transfer

Teacher's Website

French immersion on île de Ré