Fireside Living in French is a small winter retreat for beginners, especially A1–A2 learners, who want to feel more at ease using French in everyday life. Whether you are learning your first phrases or have studied before but find listening and speaking harder than reading, you can take part at your own pace.

Led by Déborah Pham Van Xua of Feel Good French and hosted by Abby Carter at Château de Borie, the retreat pairs guided French workshops, usually in the morning, with chances to use the language in real situations. Practise a phrase with support, then try it at the market, at a brocante, in a restaurant, with a local artisan or during everyday moments at the château. The order of workshops and outings can adapt to the day's plans.

Winter also leaves room to slow down: gather by the fire, enjoy shared meals, take a walk, meet local people and have time to rest. A few words are enough to begin a conversation, and you can return to them as often as you need..

Who this week is for

Build on your French, one shared experience at a time

This week is for beginner French learners, from first phrases through A1–A2. You may wonder whether you know enough to join in, or find listening and conversation harder than reading. In our small group, Déborah will adapt the activities as the week unfolds so you can practise at a level that works for you.

Workshops prepare you for everyday situations: asking a question at the market, finding something at a brocante, ordering in a restaurant or speaking with a local artisan. You will practise with support, then have opportunities to use your French during the retreat. There is always room to pause, listen and try again.

The slower winter rhythm gives you time to revisit useful language. Your carnet d’hiver can hold words and moments from the week; by the fire, you may share a sentence or simply enjoy listening.

What you'll take home

You will have practised French for ordinary moments: greeting someone, asking a simple question, making a request and finding a way forward when you do not understand. Your carnet d’hiver will hold phrases and memories from the week, along with ideas for continuing to practise at home. You may still hesitate sometimes, but you will have more ways to begin, respond and try again.