Sarah : French immersion in a 16th-century Château

Arrive on the day that suits you best, any day except Sunday.
The minimum stay is 5 days / 6 nights, with the option to extend your stay for additional days.

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

If you’re a beginner…
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You don’t need to wait until you “know enough French” to start communicating. We’ll use the people, places and situations around us to make French understandable and create plenty of opportunities for you to respond, interact and gradually find your own words.
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I’ll adapt the way I speak and use context, gestures, images and reformulation without constantly relying on translation.
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At this stage of your learning, regular and substantial exposure to French is essential. Outside our sessions, I’ll encourage you to listen to plenty of French that is adapted to your level: what is known as comprehensible input. The goal isn’t to understand everything or memorise every word, but to gradually train your ear to recognise the sounds, rhythm and patterns of French.
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The more French you hear and can understand through context, the more familiar the language will become. Words and structures you’ve encountered again and again will gradually start to come to you naturally when you need them to communicate.

If you’re a more advanced learner…

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The goal will be to help you become more precise, spontaneous and nuanced, while expanding the French you can actually use.
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Online, I’ll adapt the content to your interests and needs. Before some sessions, you’ll have an article to read, a podcast to listen to or a video to watch, which will provide the starting point for a guided conversation. I’ll also encourage you to reuse vocabulary, expressions and structures we’ve worked on previously, in different contexts, so that they gradually become part of the French you can use spontaneously.
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During an immersion, this same process continues naturally throughout the day: discussing an article over breakfast, comparing life in France with life in your own country, talking to people we meet, or discussing history, art, food and local traditions as we explore.
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You’ll develop your ability to express nuance, defend a point of view, tell stories and share experiences with greater precision, react spontaneously, and better understand humour, cultural references and everyday expressions.

You’re going to speak. A lot.

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I won’t interrupt you every time you make a mistake. I want you to develop your ability to express an idea, react, explain, tell a story and keep a conversation going.
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As you speak, you become aware of the gap between what you want to say and what you can actually express in French. That gap shows us exactly what you still need to work on.

We’ll focus on the mistakes and difficulties that keep coming back through reformulation, brief explanations when needed and targeted practice.

But understanding a correction isn’t enough. You need to be able to use the correct form naturally when you need it.
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So we’ll keep bringing it back into our conversations, in new contexts and from one session to the next, until you no longer have to think about it.

Little by little, you’ll spend less time translating, searching for words or thinking about every grammatical choice, and more time simply communicating.

​The French you know gradually becomes the French you can use spontaneously and confidently.

Levels taught

A basic conversational level of French is recommended, starting from A2. Beyond that, the immersion is fully adapted to your level, from intermediate learners to advanced speakers. Some basic knowledge is helpful so you can get the most out of conversations, activities and everyday situations during your stay.

​If you’re not sure whether your level is suitable, feel free to get in touch. We can talk about your French, your goals and what would make the immersion work best for you.

​And if you’d like to build your confidence before coming, I also offer online French lessons to help you prepare for your stay.

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.