Live and Learn French with Your Teacher in France

First, Carol has first rate accommodations- your own private bathroom, comfortable bed, plenty of storage, but best of all gorgeous views. From my balcony and bedroom windows I had picturesque views of the mountains, the village, and fields. I enjoyed just sitting on my bed and looking out. Carol is very well organized, an excellent teacher and a warm welcoming person. Her husband and children were delightful. The food was wonderful, and both Carol and her husband are good cooks. The chickens provided the fresh eggs for the meals, and the family buys fresh organic local produce. The excursions were well-planned and interesting. The first day we went Thonon to see the local celebration for the Olympic torch, but best of all we went to a re-enactment of a 1815 battle that took place in this area between Napoleon’s army and its enemies. Carol did a nice job of varying the activities — hikes, a visit to a mechanical music museum, a walking tour of Evian, a cheese making tour, and much more. She was also very solicitous and wanted to know what I wanted to do. When she found out that my family was coming to the area to pick me up, she even invited my family (my daughter and her fiance) over for supper. That was a special treat for me since this was the first time my family got to meet a homestay family. Bottom line - I had a great time and I learned a lot. I would definitely recommend this homestay.

I have only the highest praise for my teacher's preparation, knowledge, kindness, attentiveness, and sensitivity. Her home was lovely and comfortable. Our days were full of activity but also relaxed and fun. We spoke only French, and although I continued to make a million mistakes, I gained a great deal of confidence. My teacher expertly helped me with the worst errors and never made me feel embarrassed. My stay was truly memorable and worthwhile.

We had our own little comfortable, spotless house across the street from him, his wife and his in-laws. WE HAD THE TIME OF OUR LIVES. If you want to learn french, love French wine (and are interested in learning a lot about the very excellent wine of the Beaujolais region) and want to truly feel welcomed by this kind and warm family, then this is the place for you! Most mornings, my friend and I went on a hour long walk up up up to see the most beautiful view of vineyards and a rising sun. One evening we took a walk after the rain and saw a gorgeous double rainbow. The village of Chiroubles is tiny, there are no shops, but there is a "boulangerie depot" that comes 3 times a week...very cute. We found it very charming and appreciated being somewhere absolutely NOT touristy. Jerome took us all over for wine tasting, the farmers market, local cafe, to visit vineyards, a sculptors' atelier, on special walks and more wine tasting. We got to meet the actual owners/producers (and their families) of local vineyards and hear about their process and their passion for wine. We learned about the history and culture of the region. Jerome's mother-in-law is first class cook and made us different regional specialities to introduce us to foods I'd never tasted or heard of. Our classes with Jerome were tailored to our level and our interests, he was very patient when we argued about the lack of logic (subjunctive and conditional...argh) and he added music and films to our course to keep the grammar interesting. I DEFINITELY recommend this program, my French absolutely improved. This was a FANTASTIC experience that I will treasure.