Winter in France has its own rhythm.

The markets are quieter. Stews simmer for hours. Fires are lit, bread is baked, and evenings stretch out over the dinner table. It is a season for slowing down—and perhaps the perfect time to stop studying French for a few days and simply begin living in it.

Winter Living in French is a small, immersive retreat for intermediate French learners who want to become more comfortable actually using the language.

Led by Déborah Pham Van Xua of Feel Good French and hosted by Abby Carter at Château de Borie, the retreat combines daily French workshops with the ordinary pleasures of winter life in Southwest France.

Rather than filling every day with sightseeing, we will spend much of our time at the château: gathering around the fire, cooking together, sharing long meals, making things, reading and talking in French, and venturing out occasionally to experience the region in its quieter season.

French You Can Actually Live In

Déborah will lead a dedicated French session each day, but the learning won't stop when the lesson ends.

The language introduced in the morning will find its way into the rest of the day.

We might learn the vocabulary of the kitchen before preparing a classic French winter dish with Chef James. A walk through the countryside might become an exploration of the French names for the plants and landscape around us. A market visit becomes an opportunity to order, ask questions and chat with local producers.

The emphasis is not on perfect grammar or speaking flawless French. It is on becoming more confident using the French you already have.