French Immersion Retreat in Melbourne in Septembre 2026

Dates

Group 1 (Advanced B2–C1): Monday 21 to Thursday 24 September 2026
Group 2 (Intermediate B1–B2): Monday 28 September to Thursday 1 October 2026
Arrival Monday afternoon – departure Thursday after lunch.

Accommodation

Hotel Le Méridien
20 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Le Méridien Melbourne was designed to help you slow down, connect and savour the good life. With its prime location, our Bourke St, Melbourne hotel is ideally located to experience the richness of Melbourne's art, history and culture.

Standing proud behind its iconic art deco façade, the 12-storey property features mid-century inspired interiors and subtle nuances to its halcyon heritage. A few steps from Parliament Square, this five-star hotel in Melbourne features 235 chic guestrooms, a ground floor café and bar, a restaurant, and a showstopping pool deck with expansive views overlooking Parliament, Fitzroy Gardens, and the city skyline. Known for its immersive art and culinary programme, Le Méridien Melbourne is a social meeting point for the creative-minded traveller.

Each participant will have their private room with ensuite bathroom.

Programme

This program is indicative and may change slightly.

Day 1 - Monday

• 1pm - Group transfer from Melbourne Airport
• 2pm - Check in at 5-star Hotel Le Meridien
• Welcome & ice-breaker activities to get to know each other
• Professional guided walk tour in Melbourne CBD to explore its French hidden gems
• Welcome drink at hotel
• 2-course dinner at hotel restaurant

Day 2 - Tuesday

• Morning French class with FALC teachers (in conference room)
• Morning tea & lunch included
• Visit to the Cartier Exhibition at NGV (entry included)
• Dinner: free evening to explore Melbourne’s dining scene

Day 3 - Wednesday

• Morning French class with FALC teachers (in conference room)
• Morning tea & lunch included
• French-themed activity: e.g. French games, movie session or a pastry class
• Cocktail at rooftop bar
• Dinner: 2-course dinner & wine at French restaurant

Day 4 - Thursday

• Morning French class with FALC teachers (in conference room)
• Morning tea & lunch included
• Farewell around lunchtime & departures

Groups & Levels

Each class will be taught by a FALC teacher. Lessons are directly linked to the cultural experiences of the day, combining grammar, vocabulary, listening, and lots of speaking practice.

Levels:
Group 1 - Advanced to Fluency: B2–C1
Group 2 - Upper-Elementary to Upper-Intermediate: A2+ to B1+

French only policy: participants are encouraged to speak French throughout the immersion.

Unsure of your level? Email info@frenchalacarte.com.au.

French Classes

Each day French à la Carte teachers teach a French lesson tailored to the participants level, focusing on improving conversational French and fluency in speaking and comprehension. Each lesson may include some grammar, aural comprehension, writing and of course speaking. Participants are split into small groups to work in collaborative tasks together. Topics can vary, but are always connected to an aspect of French culture.

Cartier Exhibition - National Gallery of Victoria

Hosted at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne from 12 June to 4 October 2026, this landmark exhibition presents more than 300 objects—including jewels, tiaras, brooches, watches and archival design drawings—from the famed French jeweller Cartier.

The show traces Cartier’s evolution from its beginnings in Paris (1847) through its rise as an international Maison under Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier. You will have the unique opportunity to see treasures worn by royalty and Hollywood icons—such as a ruby-and-diamond necklace given to Elizabeth Taylor, and tiaras worn by the Duchess of Windsor and others.

Highlights include:

• Rare tiaras (e.g., Scroll Tiara 1902) and iconic brooches
• The “Garland Style” jewellery of the early 1900s, the Art Deco revolution of the 1920s-30s, and the 1960s-70s design innovations.
• Design drawings and behind-the-scenes material that reveal Cartier’s craftsmanship, creativity and global influence.

This exhibition offers a wonderful tie-in to this French immersion: you’ll not just learn French, but explore French-heritage design, luxury, and style in the heart of Melbourne.on and personal connections that united the practitioners at the centre of this avant-garde movement.   

Meals

Included:

• Welcome bubbles (Monday)
• Monday dinner (3 courses + 1 bottle / 3 pax)
• Morning tea & lunch (Tuesday – Thursday)
• Rooftop cocktail (Wednesday)
• Wednesday dinner at French restaurant (2 courses + 1 bottle / 3 pax)

Not included:
Tuesday dinner and personal drinks beyond the above inclusions

Price

With accommodation (single room): $3,595 per person
Without accommodation: $2,495 per person

Deposit to secure your booking: $1200
First come, first served – places confirmed upon deposit.
Minimum 10, maximum 14 participants

Including

• 3 nights hotel accommodation (single room + ensuite) for with-accommodation option
• 3 French classes (Tue–Thu) with FALC teachers
• Conference room hire + morning tea & lunch (Tue–Thu)
• Welcome drink (bubbles)
• Cartier Exhibition ticket
• Guided city tour in French
• Rooftop cocktail
• Two included dinners (Mon & Wed)
• Group airport transfers (for recommended times)
• Continuous support from French à la Carte team before and during the immersion

Excluding

• Flights to / from Melbourne
• Tuesday dinner and additional drinks
• Personal expenses & travel insurance
• Accommodation (if you choose the non-accommodation package)

More info

Email us at info@frenchalacarte.com.au or call us at 0400 141 370 for further details about this immersion.

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

Full payment is required by 1st August 2026

• Cancellation before 1st August: the full deposit will be forfeited
• Cancellation after 1st August: no refund possible