French Immersion in Rouen and Normandy (France) – September 2026

A cultural and linguistic deep dive into Normandy’s history, beauty, and cuisine.

Join French à la Carte in September 2026 for a 10-day immersion based in the vibrant and historic city of Rouen, in the heart of Normandy. This immersion combines high-quality French classes at the Alliance Française Rouen-Normandy with exclusive cultural excursions and gourmet experiences curated just for our group. It’s an ideal opportunity for intermediate to advanced learners who want to experience real-life French in an authentic setting.

This immersion differs from our Loire Valley trip: French classes are shared with other students at the Alliance Française, offering you a chance to meet a wider variety of francophiles from around the world. However, all cultural activities, meals, and excursions remain exclusive to the French à la Carte group—so you’ll still enjoy our signature friendly, premium, and immersive experience. Expect to speak French from morning to evening—with support, encouragement, and just the right amount of challenge!

We have partnered with Alliance Française Rouen-Normandie to tailor a unique French immersion.

Founded over 40 years ago, the Alliance Française Rouen-Normandie is one of the most respected French language schools in France. Located in the historic centre of Rouen, it offers a welcoming and professional environment with small class sizes, modern teaching methods, and a diverse mix of international students. The school is known for its high-quality instruction and its passionate, experienced team of native French teachers.

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Dates

Saturday 19 to Monday 28 September 2026
9 days / 8 nights

French Level

This immersion is entirely in French. A minimum A2+ level (Intermediate) is required to fully benefit from the experience. Classes at the Alliance Française are tailored to level and involve students from various nationalities, grouped according to ability.

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.

About Normandy & Rouen

Normandy, in northwestern France, is a region rich in history, charm, and natural beauty. Famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs, picturesque villages, and lush countryside, Normandy also played a major role in French history, from William the Conqueror to the D-Day landings. The region is celebrated for its cuisine—think Camembert, cider, and fresh seafood—as well as its Impressionist roots and literary connections.

Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is a vibrant city that perfectly blends medieval charm with modern life. Known as the "City of a Hundred Spires," it boasts stunning Gothic architecture, timber-framed houses, and a lively cultural scene. It’s also the city where Joan of Arc was tried and executed, and where Claude Monet painted his famous cathedral series. With its walkable centre, riverside setting, and rich artistic and culinary heritage, Rouen is the perfect base for our immersion.

September is a lovely time to visit Rouen, with mild temperatures (typically 15–20°C), fewer crowds, and the soft golden light that makes Normandy’s landscapes and historic architecture even more enchanting.

Programme Highlights

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre

6-8 Rue du Donjon, 76000 Rouen

Website

Located just a short walk from Rouen’s historic centre and the Alliance Française, the Radisson Blu Hotel combines the comfort of a modern 4-star property with stylish, contemporary design.

Spacious rooms, an excellent breakfast buffet, and a peaceful ambiance make it an ideal retreat after a full day of learning and exploring. With its on-site restaurant, lounge bar, wellness centre and welcoming service, the Radisson Blu ensures you’ll relax in style throughout your stay.

Private rooms for each participant are included in the package.

Rooms

Chambre Standard

Equipped with everything you need for a cozy stay and a restful night, our Standard Room is an excellent choice while visiting. In addition to the large bed, enjoy the in-room coffee and tea facilities, free Wi-Fi, a magnifying mirror, and bathroom amenities.

Chambre Premium -- supplement AUD $1,700

The Premium Room features a private terrace overlooking Rouen’s rooftops and Gothic towers. Wake up with an espresso and enjoy the view before a day of French discovery. Free Wi-Fi.

Language Classes

This immersion includes five French classes, each lasting 4 hours (including a morning tea break). The primary goal of the classes is to master the language through conversation, grammar and the discovery of the vibrant culture of the Normandy region.

Each lesson uses authentic documents for an immersive and unforgettable experience and will take place at Alliance Française centre, just across the road from the hotel.

Classes will be conducted by native French teachers.

Programme

Sample Itinerary – Subject to Change

Day 1 – Saturday 19 September - Arrival in Rouen and visit of the city

We will meet in the morning at the Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris to take the train together to Rouen ( train tickets included).
After checking in at the hotel and a light lunch, we'll explore the city of Rouen on foot with a guided walk.

We'll then settle into our accommodation and enjoy a welcome apéritif.

Dinner in nearby restaurant.

Day 2 – Sunday 20 September: Full-Day Excursion: Pont-Audemer, Honfleur & Trouville

Discover the heart of Normandy on a full-day French adventure. Wander the pretty canals of Pont-Audemer, enjoy a leisurely lunch in charming Honfleur (lunch included), and end the day with the seaside charm of Trouville.

Our comfortable minivans will take us from one beautiful stop to the next — so you can relax, explore, and practise your French all day long.

Dinner in nearby restaurant.

Day 3 – Monday 21 September: French Class & Gastronomie

After a morning of French class, enjoy lunch at one of Rouen’s many charming spots (at your leisure).

In the afternoon, dive into the region’s rich culinary heritage with a special atelier dégustation de produits regionaux led by the Rouen Tourist Office. Through tastings and local stories, you’ll explore Normandy’s iconic flavours — all while practising your French in the most delicious way.

Dinner in nearby restaurant.

Day 4 – Tuesday 22 September: In the Footsteps of Joan of Arc

Start your day with a French class to sharpen your language skills, then enjoy lunch at your own pace in the heart of Rouen.

In the afternoon, we’ll walk to the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, an immersive and thought-provoking museum dedicated to the extraordinary life and legacy of Joan of Arc — a powerful cultural experience entirely in French.

Dinner in nearby restaurant.

Day 5 – Wednesday 23 September: Cliffs, Culture & Coastal Charm

We’ll begin with a morning French class, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll depart from l’Alliance Française for a scenic journey to Étretat. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and sea-sculpted arches, Étretat offers breathtaking views and a perfect backdrop for practicing your French.

We’ll dine together at a restaurant before returning to our hotel for the night.

Day 6 – Thursday 24 September: Language & Art in the Heart of Rouen

After your morning French class, head for lunch at a nearby café or restaurant at your convenience.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen, home to an impressive collection of masterpieces from the Renaissance to Impressionism.

The day ends with a dinner at a local restaurant and a restful night back at the hotel.

Day 7 – Friday 25 September: Sweet French Moments

After our morning French class and a relaxed lunch, it’s time to roll up our sleeves for a hands-on atelier pâtisserie!

Learn the secrets behind classic French desserts as you bake (and taste!) your creations — all en français, bien sûr.

We’ll finish the day with dinner at a local restaurant and another cosy night at the hotel.

Day 8 – Saturday 26 September: A Day by the Sea: Discovering Le Havre

We’ll depart from Rouen’s Gare and head to Le Havre for a day of cultural discovery.

Explore the striking Narrow House, the modern art treasures of the MuMa museum, and the architectural marvel of Saint Joseph Church.

After returning to Rouen in the late afternoon, we’ll gather once more for dinner at a local restaurant before our final night at the hotel.

Day 9 – Sunday 27 September: From Market Stalls to Monet’s Garden

Our day begins with a stroll through the lively Rouen market — a feast for the senses and a perfect place to practise your French in real-life situations.

We'll enjoy lunch right at the market, then we’ll head to Giverny to visit the enchanting home and gardens of Claude Monet. Surrounded by water lilies and blooms, step into the world that inspired the father of Impressionism.

We’ll return to Rouen for a final dinner together and our last night at the hotel.

Day 10 – Monday 28 September: Farewell

After a final breakfast together, we’ll say our goodbyes and depart from Rouen’s Gare Rive Droite — hearts full, suitcases heavier, and French a little more fluent than when we arrived.
Train tickets are not included – but we’re happy to assist with bookings.

À bientôt !

Price

AUD $7,925 per person - Standard Room

Supplement Chambre Premium: AUD $1,700
Discount Shared Room Standard: -$800
Shared Room Premium: same price as standard room individual
Discount for partner not attending classes: -$400

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 10, maximum 20 participants.

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What's included

What's not included

Payment schedule

Bookings confirmed once deposit is received.

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 

If the tour needs to be cancelled due to a participant cancelling after May 1st, 2026 and as a result the number of participants is below the minimum number of 10 participants, 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