French Immersion in the Loire Valley (France) – April 2026

Vendôme, Tours, Blois, Amboise & more – but like you’ve never seen them before

Step off the beaten path and experience the Loire Valley in a way few travellers do.

Join a small group of curious, passionate French learners in April 2026 for a 10-day immersion designed to ignite your language skills and reveal the region’s hidden gems. This is not your typical château-hopping tour. With just 6 to 12 participants, you’ll be welcomed into authentic local life – from troglodyte wine cellars and artisan visits to hilltop villages and Renaissance towns full of poetry and charm.

You’ll learn French each day with engaging, practical classes taught by Loire-native Laetitia (Ma Langue au Chat) and your French à la Carte teacher Marion. Expect laughter, learning, camaraderie, and moments you simply couldn’t plan on your own.

This immersion is for B1+ level learners ready to push their French further in a fully French-speaking environment. Discover the Loire through local eyes – and return with new confidence, deepened friendships, and memories you’ll never forget.

Don’t miss this chance to deepen your French and explore one of France’s most beautiful regions in great company!

We have partnered with Laetitia from Ma Langue au Chat to tailor a unique French immersion.

Laetitia has been a certified French as a Foreign Language teacher in France for 25 years.
She has been a teacher in several immersions with French à la Carte, including in St Amour (Bourgogne) in 2024 and Provence in 2025.

BOOK HERE

Dates

Monday 13 to Wednesday 22 April 2026
10 days / 9 nights

French Level

This immersion is entirely in French. A minimum B1+ level (Intermediate) is required to fully benefit from the experience.

Contact us for a level assessment if you aren’t currently enrolled in one of our classes.

Travelling with a partner who's not interested in attending French classes?
Non-students are welcome to join the group for meals and cultural excursions at a reduced rate – the perfect way to share the journey without joining the classes. We ask that partners have a reasonable level of French to be able to understand and interact with the rest of the group without having to use English.

The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, known as the “Garden of France,” is a UNESCO-listed region famous for its majestic castles, picturesque villages, and rolling vineyards. Stretching across central France, it encompasses the départements of Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire, Maine-et-Loire, and parts of Sarthe and Eure-et-Loir. This historic region follows the course of the Loire River—France’s longest—whose fertile banks have nurtured centuries of architectural splendour, royal intrigue, and literary inspiration.

Home to over 300 châteaux—including Chambord, Blois, and Amboise—the region showcases the grandeur of French history and Renaissance art.

Nestled in the northern part of the valley, Vendôme is a peaceful riverside town with a rich medieval heritage. With a population of just over 20,000, the town boasts a rich medieval past. Once a prominent duchy, it flourished as a religious and cultural centre during the Middle Ages. Highlights include the 11th-century Trinity Abbey, picturesque half-timbered houses, and elegant Renaissance façades. Nearby vineyards, troglodyte cellars, and timeless villages like Trôo capture the quiet charm of this less-travelled corner of the Loire.

The Loire Valley has inspired generations of writers, poets, and thinkers. Ronsard, born near Vendôme, celebrated its natural beauty in his Renaissance verse. Later, Balzac, Flaubert, and even Leonardo da Vinci—all drawn to its light and landscape—left their mark here.

With its perfect blend of history, nature, and gentle pace of life, the Loire Valley is the ideal setting for those seeking a deep and meaningful connection to French language and culture.

April is a beautiful time to visit the Loire Valley. Spring is in full bloom, the days are getting longer, and the countryside bursts with colour as gardens, vineyards, and riverbanks come back to life. Average daytime temperatures hover around 15–18°C, making it the perfect season for relaxed walks, castle visits, and outdoor café stops—without the crowds of summer.

Accommodation

Logis Hôtel Le Saint Georges

14 Rue Poterie. 41100 VENDOME

Website

Situated in the heart of Vendôme, the Logis Hôtel Le Saint Georges offers a blend of modern comfort and historical charm. This 3-star hotel is ideally located near the banks of the Loir River, providing guests with easy access to the town's medieval architecture and picturesque landscapes.

The hotel's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the Loire Valley's renowned châteaux and vineyards.

All rooms are soundproofed and equipped with heating to keep you cosy during cooler evenings as well as kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

For those seeking added luxury, balneo rooms with hydro-massage showers are available for an additional fee.

Guests travelling together can benefit from discounted rates on shared rooms.

Rooms

Chambre Confort

Includes a queen bed, table and chairs (perfect for your homework!), kitchenette with microwave, mini-fridge, DolceGusto coffee machine & pods.

Chambre Balneo -- supplement $800

The most comfortable version of the rooms at the Hôtel Saint-Georges with a Jacuzzi bathtub to enjoy the benefits of a toning massage or relaxation before you relax on the king size bed!

Language Classes

This immersion includes seven French classes, each lasting 2.5 hours. The primary goal of the classes is to master the language through conversation, grammar and the discovery of the vibrant culture of the Loire Valley.

Each lesson use authentic documents for an immersive and unforgettable experience and will take place in the hotel conference room

Classes will be conducted by Laetitia Esteve, a native French teacher that grew up in the Loire Valley and speaks with the regional accent, called "le français sans accent".

Programme

Please note this a sample itinerary.

Day 1 – Monday 13 April: Arrival & Welcome to Vendôme

Pick up transfer at Vendôme train station (recommended TGV from Paris arriving at 1:09 p.m.).
Train ticket is not included -- we can help you book it.

Welcome walk and visit of this charming riverside town: explore its medieval abbey, Renaissance façades, and picturesque old streets. Climb to the castle ruins for sweeping views over the Loire Valley. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a welcome apéritif.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 2 – Tuesday 14 April: French Class, Château de Chambord, Biscuiterie & River Cruise

Morning French class

Lunch at the hotel

In the afternoon, we will head to the stunning Château de Chambord – an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance, commissioned by François Ier.

2 activities will be offered in the afternoon:
- a tour of the Château with an audioguide to discover its famous double-helix staircase, grand halls, and vast hunting estate
OR
- a guided tour of the biscuiterie de Chambord followed by a dégustation de biscuits (miam !)

We will then all embark on a traditional boat on the Loire river for a 1hr cruise to learn more about the Loire and its fauna and flora.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 3 – Wednesday 15 April: French Class & Wine Tasting in a Troglodyte Cellar

Morning French class

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon: we will drive to Thoré-la-Rochette in vintage cars -- a unique experience! -- to visit a family-run vineyard.
We will tour the vineyard and its traditional troglodyte cellar carved into the hillside, which will be followed by a generous wine and cheese tasting. Learn about local grape varieties (Chenin Blanc, Pineau d’Aunis) and the winemaking process – with a glass in hand!

Dinner at the hotel

Optional: spend the evening playing board games at the very cosy bar à jeux Bistroludik just a few minutes from our hotel.

Day 4 – Thursday 16 April: French Class, City of Tours & Cooking Workshop

Morning French class

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon: We will take the train or drive to Tours and explore its medieval streets, timbered houses, and the famous Place Plumereau. Great shopping opportunity!

Early evening: cooking class with our partner “Tours à Table” – we will prepare a full French menu and share a festive dinner together in the workshop kitchen.

Day 5 – Friday 17 April: Market, Gourmet Lunch & Trôo Village

Free morning to wander through Vendôme’s bustling open-air market – sample cheese, bread, and seasonal produce.

Lunch at a gourmet restaurant featuring regional specialties.

Afternoon: We will visit the storybook village of Trôo, known for its troglodyte homes, hillside chapels, and panoramic views. We will have the amazing opportunity to enter one of the homes and meet the locals of the village!

Dinner at the hotel

Day 6 – Saturday 18 April: French Class, Amboise & Da Vinci’s Home

Morning French class

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon: We will drive to look at the Château d’Amboise, perched above the Loire River and the former home of King François Ier (we won't visit the Château itself). Then, we will visit the Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence, where you’ll see models of his inventions and wander a park inspired by his designs. We'll conclude our exploration with free time and shopping opportunities in the city of Amboise.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 7 – Sunday 19 April: French Class, Poetry & Countryside Walk

Morning French class

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon: We will go to Poncé sur Loir to see a demonstration by a traditional glassblower, followed by a very unique guided tour of a champignonnière at Villedieu le Château.

Those who wish can then visit the Manoir de la Possonnière, birthplace of Renaissance poet Pierre de Ronsard to explore the gardens, ornate architecture, and poetic landscapes that inspired his verses.

We'll end the day with an apéritif in a cosy wine bar in downtown Vendôme.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 8 – Monday 20 April: French Class, Château de Cheverny, shopping at Blois, Sound & Light Show

Morning French class

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon: We'll head to the Château de Cheverny -- the château that inspired the adventures of the famous Tintin! -- before going to the city of Blois: stroll its cobbled streets and shop in its artisanal boutiques.

After a crêperie dinner, we'll enjoy a spectacular 360° sound & light show in the château’s courtyard, bringing centuries of French history to life through projection and music.

Day 9 – Tuesday 21 April: Free Morning & Final Class

Enjoy a relaxed morning – visit a café, browse local shops, or revisit your favourite spot in Vendôme.

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon: French class focused on sharing experiences and memories from the immersion.

Celebrate your final evening with a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 10 – Wednesday 22 April: Departure

After a final breakfast together, transfer to Vendôme TGV station for a 12:45 p.m. departure to Paris.
Train tickets are not included – but we’re happy to assist with bookings.

À bientôt !

Price

AUD $8,825 per person - Standard Room

Supplement Chambre Balneo: $800
Discount Shared Room: $700 per person
Discount for partner not attending classes: $700

Deposit to secure your booking: $1,200
Bookings are on a first come first serve basis. We will reserve your spot once we receive payment of the deposit.
Minimum 6, maximum 12 participants.

BOOK HERE

What's included

What's not included

Payment schedule

Bookings will ONLY be confirmed upon reception of the full deposit, on a first come, first served basis.

Terms & Conditions 

Participation in this immersion is subject to French à la Carte’s General Terms & Conditions for Immersions.
👉 Click here to read the full General Terms & Conditions.

Cancellation Policy for the French Immersion in the Loire Valley (France):

By the organisers: If the tour needs to be cancelled due to a participant of the group cancelling and as a result the number of participants is below the minimum number of 6 participants, after the 10th of November 2025, no deposit will be refunded to any participant who made the late cancellation. Other participants deposits will be refunded.

By the participants: All cancellations must be made in writing to French à la Carte 

Contact & more info

0400 141 370

info@frenchalacarte.com.au