Aix, the Luberon, Arles, Cassis & the Alpilles — discover Provence in French

Spend ten days living in French in the heart of Provence. From conversations over shared meals to village outings, a photography day and a boat trip along the Calanques, this immersion brings your French into the places and experiences that make the region so memorable.

Based in Aix-en-Provence, you’ll combine five morning French classes with cultural excursions, regional food and time to enjoy the city at your own pace. Travel with fellow French learners and let the discoveries of each day become the conversations of the next.

Marion, Director of French à la Carte, will accompany the group throughout the immersion.

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.

Laetitia has been a teacher in several immersions with French à la Carte, including in St Amour (Bourgogne) in 2024, Provence in 2025 and the co-organiser of the Loire Valley Immersions in 2026 and 2027.

Dates

Saturday 25 September to Monday 4 October 2027
10 days / 9 nights

French Level

The experience is designed around speaking French throughout classes, meals and outings. A minimum B1+ level (Upper-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.

Aix-en-Provence & the Region

Some places invite you to slow down, look around and enjoy the everyday pleasures of being in France. Aix-en-Provence is one of them. Elegant façades in warm shades of honey and ochre, fountains tucked into little squares, café terraces beneath plane trees and lively markets give the city a charm that unfolds as you explore.

The famous Cours Mirabeau is a lovely introduction to Aix: a broad avenue where fountains, historic buildings and café terraces set the scene for a leisurely promenade. Beyond it, the old town draws you into a network of narrow streets, independent boutiques and welcoming squares. A short walk can easily become an afternoon of discoveries, with a pause for coffee, a browse in a bookshop or a conversation with a shopkeeper along the way.

Aix is also a city of art and culture, closely associated with Paul Cézanne and the landscapes that inspired him. Museums, galleries and the elegant streets of the Mazarin district offer plenty to explore during your free time. Yet much of the city’s appeal lies in its atmosphere: finding a favourite café, recognising a street you walked down yesterday and gradually feeling at home.

For French learners, this is a wonderful setting. The language becomes part of your day as you order a coffee, ask about a local speciality or share your impressions over dinner. Ten days in one city give you time to build confidence and enjoy those small encounters that make travelling in French so rewarding.

Beyond Aix, Provence reveals an extraordinary variety of landscapes and experiences. In the Luberon, villages such as Lourmarin, Cucuron and Ansouis invite you to wander through stone lanes and discover quiet corners. Roussillon and Lacoste bring colour, texture and beautiful village views to our photography outing, while Saint-Rémy-de-Provence introduces us to the region’s olive-growing traditions.

Our excursions also take us to Arles, with its remarkable Roman heritage, and Les Baux-de-Provence, set against the dramatic landscape of the Alpilles. Art takes on a different dimension at Carrières des Lumières and Château La Coste, while our day in Cassis brings the pleasures of the Mediterranean: a harbour-side lunch and the spectacular Calanques seen from the water.

Visiting in late September and early October allows us to experience Provence as summer gives way to autumn. With a balance of French classes, shared discoveries and time to explore independently, this immersion offers the chance to get to know the region through its language, its flavours and the pleasure of being there together.

Accommodation

Hôtel Cardinal — A stay full of character in the heart of Aix

Visit the hotel website

Our home for the immersion is Hôtel Cardinal, a charming hotel on rue Cardinale in Aix-en-Provence’s historic Mazarin district. Staying here places you among the streets and buildings that make Aix so special, with the Cours Mirabeau, the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins, the Musée Granet and Saint-Jean-de-Malte church nearby.

Set across two eighteenth-century buildings, the hotel has an intimate, traditional atmosphere. Antique furniture, original paintings and individual decorative touches give the rooms their own personalities. Its appeal lies in this sense of place: the pleasure of returning each evening to a hotel whose surroundings and interiors continue the experience of discovering Aix.

The hotel’s location is a particular highlight for our stay. You can step out for a morning stroll, wander towards a café or explore the historic centre during your free time. Being based in the heart of Aix makes it easy to develop your own little routines: a favourite street, a familiar square or a shop you want to revisit.

The hotel also serves a traditional continental breakfast in its period dining room, with antique silverware adding to the character of the setting. Breakfast is included.

After a day of French classes and discoveries around Provence, Hôtel Cardinal offers a welcoming base where you can rest before the next outing. Spending nine nights here gives you time to settle in and enjoy the pleasure of calling Aix home.

The rooms combine period character with practical comforts, including air conditioning, private bathrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. Double and twin arrangements are available, with bathroom layouts varying between rooms. Our allocated rooms have bathtubs rather than separate walk-in showers.

The main hotel has a lift; the annexe does not. Please let us know about any mobility requirements so we can discuss suitable arrangements.

Language Classes

Enjoy five French classes with Laetitia, offering approximately 12.5 hours of teaching in total. With a focus on pronunciation, conversation and improving fluency, these engaging sessions will help you speak more confidently and express yourself more naturally in French.

Each class will be themed around our excursions and activities, connecting your learning with the places, people and traditions we discover in Provence. You’ll explore useful vocabulary, practise talking about the region’s culture and prepare for conversations during our outings. There will also be time to share your impressions, ask questions and refine your pronunciation with Laetitia’s guidance.

Classes will take place at La Gare coworking venue in Aix, followed by on-site catered lunches on most class days—a relaxed opportunity to keep the conversation flowing.

Beyond the classroom, French practice continues throughout our excursions and shared meals, giving you daily opportunities to put what you’ve learnt into practice and build greater ease and spontaneity when speaking.

Programme

Provisional programme. Visits and timings may change as partner bookings are finalised.

Day 1 — Saturday 25 September: Arrival & Welcome to Aix-en-Provence

Meet at Aix-en-Provence TGV train station for a group transfer to the hotel and settle into your accommodation.

A guided walk introduces you to the city’s elegant streets, shaded squares and fountains. Meet your fellow participants over a welcome apéritif and begin your immersion with a shared dinner in Aix.

Dinner together in Aix.

Day 2 — Sunday 26 September: French Class & Three Villages of the Luberon

After our first French class and a catered lunch at our classroom venue, we explore Lourmarin, Cucuron and Ansouis.

Enjoy stone façades, winding lanes and village squares as you discover three different sides of life in the Luberon. There will be plenty to talk about, and opportunities to put your French into practice along the way.

Catered lunch at the coworking venue. Dinner together in Aix.

Day 3 — Monday 27 September: A Photography Day in Roussillon & Lacoste

Spend a full day exploring Provence through your camera with Gilbert, an experienced local photographer.

Roussillon’s ochre colours and Lacoste’s village streets provide inspiration for looking more closely at the landscape, light and details around you.

Share lunch at a restaurant in Roussillon, then continue our photography outing. Bring your camera or smartphone and your curiosity.

Restaurant lunch in Roussillon. Dinner at your leisure, at your own expense.

Day 4 — Tuesday 28 September: French Class, Saint-Rémy & Olive Oil at Le Calanquet

Begin with French class and a catered lunch before travelling to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Explore its historic centre, then visit Moulin du Calanquet for a guided introduction to its olive grove and olive oil production, followed by a tasting.

A lovely opportunity to connect language with the flavours and traditions of Provence.

Catered lunch at the coworking venue. Dinner together in Aix.

Day 5 — Wednesday 29 September: Cassis & the Calanques

Today we head to the Mediterranean for a full-day excursion.

Discover the harbour town of Cassis, enjoy a restaurant lunch and take a boat trip to admire the Calanques from the sea: pale limestone cliffs, sheltered coves and beautifully clear water.

The boat excursion is subject to weather and operating conditions.

Restaurant lunch in Cassis. Dinner together in Aix.

Day 6 — Thursday 30 September: A Day to Enjoy Aix at Your Own Pace

Enjoy a free day to make Aix your own. Linger over a coffee, browse the shops, visit a museum or simply take time to rest.

You can revisit favourite corners of the city and practise your French independently. No classes or group excursions are scheduled today.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure, at your own expense.

Day 7 — Friday 1 October: French Class & an Afternoon in Arles

After French class and a catered lunch, travel to Arles, a city rich in Roman heritage.

Discover its streets and remarkable ancient monuments, with the amphitheatre and Roman theatre planned for our visit.

Stay for a shared dinner in Arles before returning to Aix.

Catered lunch at the coworking venue. Dinner together in Arles.

Day 8 — Saturday 2 October: French Class, Lunch & Art at Château La Coste

Following French class, we head to Château La Coste for lunch and a visit.

Set among vineyards and Provençal hills, the estate brings contemporary art, architecture and wine into the same landscape. Discover a different expression of Provence, with plenty of inspiration for conversation.

Restaurant lunch at Château La Coste. Dinner at your leisure, at your own expense.

Day 9 — Sunday 3 October: Final French Class, Les Baux & Carrières des Lumières

Our final French class is followed by a catered lunch and an excursion to Les Baux-de-Provence.

Explore the stone village in its dramatic Alpilles setting, then experience Carrières des Lumières, where art and music fill the vast walls of a former quarry.The 2027 exhibition will be confirmed when announced.

Catered lunch at the coworking venue. Dinner together in Aix for our final dinner together.

Day 10 — Monday 4 October: Departure & À Bientôt

Check out and transfer to the railway station for your onward journey.
Leave with new friendships, memories of Provence and more confidence using your French in everyday situations.
Transfer timings and the recommended train will be shared before departure.

Price

AUD $9,825 per person — Private room

AUD $8,995 per person -- Shared room

Discount for an accompanying partner not attending classes: $700

Deposit to secure your booking: $1,800
Bookings are on a first come, first served basis. We will reserve your spot once we receive payment of the deposit.
Minimum 8, maximum 15 participants.

What’s Included

• Nine nights at Hôtel Cardinal, in a private room unless you select the shared-room option.
• Daily continental breakfast at the hotel.
• Arrival and departure transfers between the Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station and hotel, at the agreed group times.
• Five French classes, approximately 12.5 hours in total.
• Welcome guided visit of Aix and welcome apéritif.
• Four catered lunches at the coworking venue.
• Three restaurant lunches: Roussillon, Cassis and Château La Coste.
• Six shared dinners: five in Aix and one in Arles.
• Wine and soft drinks for included meals.
• Excursion to Lourmarin, Cucuron and Ansouis.
• Photography outing in Roussillon and Lacoste.
• Excursion to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and visit to Moulin du Calanquet.
• Full-day excursion to Cassis, including a Calanques boat trip.
• Excursion to Arles, with visits to its Roman monuments.
• Lunch and visit at Château La Coste.
• Excursion to Les Baux-de-Provence and Carrières des Lumières.
• Group transport for scheduled excursions.
• French à la Carte accompaniment and opportunities to practise French throughout the stay.

What’s Not Included

• Airfares and train tickets to and from Aix-en-Provence TGV train station.
• Travel insurance.
• Lunch on our free day
• 3 dinners at your own expense in Aix-en-Provence
• Personal purchases, independent activities and transport outside the scheduled group programme.
• Any meals or drinks not specified in the confirmed package.

Payment Schedule

• A deposit of AUD $1,800 is required to secure your booking.
• A second payment of 30% of the total price is due by 28 February 2027.
• The remaining balance is due by 30 July 2027.

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 — French Immersion in Aix-en-Provence

• By the organisers
• If a participant’s cancellation after 16 April 2027 reduces the group below the minimum of 8 participants, resulting in cancellation of the immersion, the cancelling participant’s deposit will not be refunded. Other participants’ deposits will be refunded.

• By participants
• All cancellations must be made in writing to French à la Carte.
• For cancellations received on or before 16 April 2027, payments will be refunded less an AUD $800 administration fee.
  For cancellations received from 17 April to 30 July 2027 inclusive, payments will be refunded less the AUD $1,800 deposit.
  No refunds are available for cancellations received after 30 July 2027.

Contact & More Info

• 0400 141 370
• info@frenchalacarte.com.au