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

Vendôme, Tours, Blois, Amboise & more

Join us in April 2026 for an all-in-French immersive experience in the heart of the Loire Valley!

Over 10 unforgettable days, you'll strengthen your French through daily classes focused on conversation, vocabulary expansion, and practical grammar – all in an intimate, supportive environment.

This is a boutique experience for a small group of just 6 to 12 participants, designed for students from B1 level minimum who are looking to gain confidence and fluency while experiencing French culture in context.

Discover the rich heritage of the Loire region: majestic castles, charming villages, local markets, and scenic countryside. Taste regional wines in a troglodyte cellar, cook with seasonal ingredients, and stroll through Renaissance towns – all en français, of course!

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.

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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 traveling together can benefit from discounted rates on shared rooms.

Rooms

Chambre Confort

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

Chambre Balneo -- supplement $800

The most comfortable version of the rooms at the Hotel 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 2.5hrs French classes. 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 will be using 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

Morning French class

Lunch at the hotel

In the afternoon, head to the stunning Château de Chambord (45min drive) – an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance, commissioned by François Ier. Discover its famous double-helix staircase, grand halls, and vast hunting estate.

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 visit to a family-run vineyard in Thoré-la-Rochette (15min drive). Tour the vineyard and its traditional troglodyte cellar carved into the hillside, followed by a generous wine tasting. Learn about local grape varieties (Chenin Blanc, Pineau d’Aunis) and the winemaking process – with a glass in hand!

Dinner at the hotel

Day 4 – Thursday 16 April: French Class, Château & City of Blois, Sound & Light Show

Morning French class

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon excursion to Blois: stroll its cobbled streets, visit artisanal boutiques, and take a guided tour of the Royal Château – once the residence of several French kings.

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

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 specialities.

Afternoon visit to the storybook village of Trôo (15-30min drive), known for its troglodyte homes, hillside chapels, and panoramic views.

Dinner at the hotel

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

Morning French class

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon excursion to Château d’Amboise (40min drive), perched above the Loire River and the former home of King François Ier. Then, 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.

Dinner at the hotel

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

Morning French class

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon visit to the Manoir de la Possonnière (15min drive), birthplace of Renaissance poet Pierre de Ronsard. Explore the gardens, ornate architecture, and poetic landscapes that inspired his verses.

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, City of Tours & Cooking Workshop

Morning French class

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon train ride or drive to Tours. Explore its medieval streets, timbered houses, and the famous Place Plumereau. Great shopping opportunity!

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

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.

Farewell dinner at the hotel

Day 10 – Wednesday 22 April: Departure

Final breakfast together.

TGV departure from Vendôme to Paris at 12:45 p.m.
Train ticket is not included -- we can help you book it.

À bientôt !

Price

AU$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.

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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 

I Our responsibility

It is our responsibility to ensure that tour activities have been organised as stated in the program.  It is also our right to alter the itinerary, if necessary, in the event of unforeseen circumstances.  Any extra costs resulting from these alterations will not be our responsibility.

No responsibility will be accepted for any delays occurring during the tour. It is at our discretion to stop any person from participating in any of the activities should they not have the required level of fitness or mobility on any particular day.

II  Cancellation 

By the organisers: If the tour needs to be cancelled, due to 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.

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be made in writing to French à la Carte 

III Responsibility of participants

It is the responsibility of the participant to organise and pay for all travel documents, i.e. passports, visas, tickets, insurance, departure tax.  All participants need travel insurance.  The participants will be responsible for any injury, sickness, loss, or damage that might occur.

If any participant wishes to alter the itinerary in any way, all resulting costs and organisation will be his/her responsibility.  It is the responsibility of the participant to be at the point of pick-up as specified and at the time specified. If this is not possible it is the participant's responsibility to rejoin the tour at his/her own expense.

IV  Organization

The organization of the course, the activities on the schedule and the itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to act of God, local circumstances and weather.

We contract with a range of third parties and individuals. To the best of our knowledge, the different third parties who will assist us during the course are qualified to perform the duties they are contracted to perform. French à la Carte will not be held liable for injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may occur due to the behaviour of these third parties.

Contact & more info

0400 141 370

info@frenchalacarte.com.au