French Immersion Workshops
Learn French in France with Véro
A fun, educational experience for Intermediate and Advanced level speakers.
Introducing French Immersion Small-Group Workshops In The Scenic Loire Valley
Château de l'Islette, Loire Valley, France
Imagine... the perfect combination of cultural immersion and French language practice.
Experience authentic French life in a safe, medium-sized, affordable city, with a small group (up to 6 participants) of like-minded students.
Join guided conversation sessions and group activities led by Véro, a local, your experienced native instructor and professional tour guide.
Imagine... being able to practice in France what you’ve learned so far in textbooks and traditional language classes with daily interactions with locals, all en français!
Château de l'Islette, Loire Valley, France
Chateau de Saché, Loire Valley, France
Welcome to the magical Loire Valley!
French kings may have been on to something when they settled down in this special region in the 15th century. It took them almost 100 years to return to Paris but they left behind world-famous châteaux, glorious architecture and a civilized lifestyle visitors and locals still enjoy today
Tours is the perfect city to host French immersion workshops: It’s safe, just the right size, walkable, with a good public transportation system. Best of all, it’s just a 75-minute train ride away from Paris and easily accessible to international travelers.
I’ve spent hours walking the streets of Tours and researching the area’s cultural, historical and gastronomic heritage. I know some of the best addresses in town and have made friends with local business owners.
Since 2021, I've introduced francophiles to my French life in Tours during in-person and virtual tours.
Here in Tours, forget the frustration of trying to communicate in French in larger cities: Many locals welcome interactions in French and won’t respond in English. Don't believe me? Listen to students' feedback in the video below.
In fact, we have built in free time for you to explore the city, the Loire riverbanks, shop at local merchants, cook or enjoy some down time. Our days will be balanced: We will not be rushing from one place to the next.
Immerse yourself in local life: You will book your own accommodation (a list of my favorite hotels and apartment rentals is included with the workshop) and enjoy meals on your own when they are not a group activity.
You’ll be in touch with other students via a WhatsApp group so you can always reach out and plan outings if you want to.
When you join my French Immersion workshops in Tours, I’ll introduce you to my favorite people and places in person.
In the 19th century Tours was nicknamed "the Little Paris" and back in the day, the French language spoken here was rumored to be "the purest in France."
Hans and Adeline Krischer, France Fromages, Tours
When you join my French Immersion workshops in Tours, I’ll introduce you to my favorite people and places in person.
In the 19th century Tours was nicknamed "the Little Paris" and back in the day, the French language spoken here was rumored to be "the purest in France."
Picture Yourself in Tours This Year
Click each thumbnail to watch the videos. Enjoy!
Participants Give Our Workshops a Thumbs Up
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I was fortunate to join one of Véro’s inaugural French Immersion weeks in October 2025. We had a congenial, enthusiastic group of six students who enjoyed exploring Tours and environs... read more
Cathy Takayoshi
January 3, 2026I enjoyed the trip of a lifetime in the City of Tours as a France with Vero language immersion class student in October. Veronique organized an excellent itinerary with... read more
Marci Reddick
December 31, 2025 -
Vero's immersion workshop helped me improve my French speaking and comprehension skills in a supportive small group setting. Her thoughtfully designed program, which included daily group discussions as well as... read more
Diane
December 29, 2025Véro is a very talented woman and provides her followers with a wealth of information about France, the history, the sites, the culture, and suggestions for travel. I always... read more
Joyce J. Adams
December 20, 2025 -
If you are interested in brushing up your French-speaking skills and interested in participating in some awesome tours and an insider’s guide to French history and culture, I highly recommend... read more
Joy Jennings
December 19, 2025I had the extreme good fortune to spend a week with Vero in Tours participating in an Immersion Workshop. While not a home stay, the week provided varied opportunities to converse,... read more
Maryanne M
December 19, 2025 -
Vero runs a fun, educational, and very impactful French immersion workshop! I was delighted to participate in the Intermediate level immersion course in October, 2025. The course is... read more
Heather Addison
December 19, 2025Before I came to Tours, I watched many videos on YouTube but Veronique's stood out and so I sought her out for a private tour (+ consultation) when I arrived.... read more
Zetta Elliott
December 10, 2025 -
My husband and I have been enjoying Vero's France travel content online for many years. When we decided to leave Paris for a few days on our most recent visit... read more
Jodee Boehm
October 23, 2024We had a wonderful time in Tours and will be back. Véro's walking tour was fun and interesting, and we learned so much. Her recommendations were excellent as well. Thank... read more
Janet Hoover
October 21, 2024 -
My wife and I enjoyed a private tour in the city of Tours with Veronique. She is very fun to spend time with and will tailor the experience to match... read more
Mark Carranza
October 13, 2024My wife and I recently had the great pleasure of a half day visit to Tours with Vero. Vero's wealth of knowledge about the city's history, neighborhoods, and cultural... read more
Gary Peck
July 8, 2024 -
France with Véro, shares a wealth of information about France. If we can’t be there, she brings it to virtually. Her knowledge of her country is amazing. The tips and... read more
Elizabeth Diamond
October 17, 2023Bonjour tout le monde! If you're just beginning to be intrigued by France, or you're already a true Francophile, I have the very best option out there for you to... read more
Susie Peterson
August 14, 2023 -
Vero is a natural teacher with a wide range of French interests which she shares with her followers. I discovered, and loved, her written blog about 4 years ago and was... read more
Sharyn Peterson
July 6, 2023Véro helped save my sanity during the pandemic. I came across her on Facebook one day as she was taking a live walk in Paris. From then on, it was... read more
Susan J. Anderson
July 5, 2023
Véro is very talented and provides her followers with a wealth of information about France, the history, the sites, the culture, and suggestions for travel. I always enjoy her blogs, and her video programs! I had the pleasure to participate this fall in the French Immersion Workshop in Tours. What a delightful time and opportunity to meet fellow students and speak French. Plus learn about the lovely Loire Valley!
Joyce A.
Véro’s immersion workshop helped me improve my French speaking and comprehension skills in a supportive small group setting. Her thoughtfully designed program, which included daily group discussions as well as a variety of cultural activities, helped me feel more confident expressing myself with the locals. Véro is patient, enthusiastic and an excellent instructor. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in her French immersion workshop. This is an experience I would highly recommend.
Diane
Les Détails
Where:
Tours, Loire Valley
When:
Workshop 1: Intermediate to Advanced level
Saturday, September 5 to Friday September 11, 2026 (best for Intermediate to Advanced level students who have never joined our programs. Placement test and Zoom interview required.)
Status: Registration open. 6 spots available. First come, first serve.
Workshop 2: Advanced Level
Saturday, October 3 to Friday October 9, 2026.
Status: SOLD OUT. Join the waiting list here.
Workshop 3: Intermediate Level Workshop
Saturday October 10 to Friday October 16, 2026.
Status: SOLD OUT. Join the waiting list here.
Price per Person:
Workshop 1: $1,750 USD per participant (*)
Workshops 2 and 3: $1,850 USD per participant (**)
(*) $50 USD discount for France with Vero patrons.
(**) Returning students receive priority registration and a $100 USD discount.
What's Included:
Fees include tuition, all daily activities and much more! See what's included and what to expect.
How to Join:
To inquire about availability and joining, please complete this form.
Enrollment limited to 6 participants. Must be at least 18 to join.
Why my French Immersion workshops are different
I designed this program as the continuation of the online French conversation classes I have led (and sold out!) since 2020. Many students have been with me since then.
Discussions focus on communication (not perfection or challenging grammar rules) and on building the confidence to interact in French, a challenge for many adult learners.
We learn and we have fun together!
Relevant topics cover a wide range of interests linked to French life now and then or French history with a focus on the magnificent Loire Valley.
I will be your teacher and your guide as you follow me on local adventures in Tours and beyond.
If you are interested in brushing up your French-speaking skills and interested in participating in some awesome tours and an insider’s guide to French history and culture, I highly recommend Véro’s French Immersion workshop. I am definitely planning to return. I understand Véro is cooking up some new adventures for those returning and also for first-time participants.
Joy J.
Meet Véronique “Véro” Savoye
Your instructor, tour guide and B.F.F.F (Best French Friend in France)
A French native from Toulouse, I have been teaching French as a Foreign Language for over 25 years in the United States first (I lived in Seattle, WA for more than two decades) and now in France.
From private tutoring to group lessons or France travel workshops, from beginner to more advanced levels, I’ve had a lot of practice helping students achieve their language learning goals.
Now, I continue to teach and share France and French culture with francophiles and students through online conversation classes and as a professional tour guide and writer.
I love teaching and I am good at it. Join us!
I was delighted to participate in the Intermediate level immersion workshop . The course is structured so that students meet with Véro each morning in a cafe to learn about a particular element of French life (cheese, wine, literary figures, local history, etc…). Then the afternoon is spent “in the field” experiencing what was learned about that morning. Tours is an excellent home base for this workshop. We enjoyed the town itself, as well as the food and wine of the region. The week really was a “slice of life.” This experience was a real treat – and I can’t wait to return!
Heather A.
The (Immersion Workshop) week provided varied opportunities to converse, tour local sights, share meals together and to explore independently.
Véro has a great ability to make history come alive, distill complex ideas, and “connect the dots”. She also has wonderful insights on contemporary French life and culture. Tours is an ideal base: a big enough city with many diversions, but small enough to get around easily and enjoy many opportunities to speak French.
I would highly recommend her language classes and Immersion Workshops. I can’t wait to return.
Maryanne M.
I enjoyed the trip of a lifetime in the City of Tours as a France with Véro language immersion class student in October. Véronique organized an excellent itinerary with a great balance between classes, excursions, and free time. Our daily classes were interesting and a great deal of fun. I achieved my goal of becoming a better, more confident French speaker. Tours is beautiful and the walkability of the old town made exploring the city a breeze. I highly recommend!
Marci R.
What's Included & What you Can Expect
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The French Immersion workshop includes, of course, the services of Véro, a French native and a local, an experienced adult educator and professional guide acting as your lead instructor, tour director and main point of contact for the workshop duration.
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A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture outside Paris; make new friends and improve your French language skills with a small group.
Pre-Trip
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Accommodation: You narrow down your choice of hotel or rental apartment (we provide a list to guide you.) Véro will advise you on the best location to minimize commuting to workshop activities
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Small group for more individual attention, more opportunities to practice and participate. Our focus is always conversation.
Please note the workshops need a minimum of 5 students to run.
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One Zoom group call one month before the start of the workshop to iron out logistics, share updates and more (includes Q&A with Véro).
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Private WhatsApp group for workshop participants. Stay in touch during and after the workshop. Ask questions. Exchange tips. Get together during your free time.
During The Workshop
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A Welcome Packet including:
- List of Véro’s favorite local restaurants/cafés/shops (for meals enjoyed on your own.)
- Tours City map.
- Fil Bleu Transportation pass (10 trips included, valid on the local Tram and bus system.)
- List of local events during your stay.
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All handouts related to group discussions and activities.
Each day we'll start with a group discussion and a prep session before heading out for afternoon activities.
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A hot beverage and snacks during morning meetings, 4 group meals (including the Welcome and Farewell dinners.)
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All group activities fees and tips, including entrance fees and transportation (tram, buses, local trains, comfortable van on the scheduled road trip.) There is at least one activity per day, so there’s free time built in, to explore, to study, or rest.
NOTE: You are responsible for your accommodation and meals (other than what's included).
Workshop Registration Process
Please note current students and France with Véro Patrons have priority registration.
1
Click the button above to fill out a registration form to confirm your interests and goals. If you're not already a France With Véro student, I’ll follow up with a link for a placement test to determine your current level of French.
2
After your test, we’ll have a quick, 15-minute Zoom call to assess your French language skills to ensure the level remains consistent with each group. (Not applicable for current French With Véro students.)
3
Next, you will complete, sign, and return registration documents with a 500 Euro, non-refundable deposit. Upon receiving our suggested local accommodation list you will be encouraged to book your airfare and accommodation.
TIP: Emergencies happen. We strongly recommend getting travel insurance.
4
Once final payments have been processed, a Zoom call with Véro and other participants will be organized 30 days before the start of the workshop (will include updates and a Q&A session.)"
Questions before signing up? Contact me, I’m happy to answer.
Ready to learn French in France?
Bien sûr !
All lessons and activities are done in French – I was amazed at how much more comfortable I became as the (French Immersion) week went along. And although I went in with a goal to improve my spoken fluency (which certainly occurred), I was shocked by how much my auditory comprehension improved. This was an unexpected, but very welcome benefit.
This experience was a real treat – and I can’t wait to return! I would recommend this course, without reservation, to anyone looking to improve their French, while also experiencing a little of the French joie de vivre.
Heather A.
Wondering if Véro’s French classes are a good fit for you?
What Véro's Workshops Are
- A unique French immersion experience for students at the Intermediate (B1) and Advanced (C1) levels with a small group of up to 6 participants.
- A continuation of Véro’s popular online French conversation classes with an emphasis on communication through group discussions and daily interactions with locals (business owners, tour guides, and more.)
- A chance to learn while having fun in a relaxed environment. Morning group sessions held at local cafés focus on conversation with topics relevant to afternoon activities and life in the Loire Valley (handouts provided at least the day before.)
- Through varied activities including guided visits of local landmarks (and at least one château,) learn more about French history and heritage, modern French life, gastronomy and wine with a focus on the Loire Valley region.
What Véro's Workshops Aren't
- A traditional French immersion program with structured class time and grammar lessons (I am happy to recommend local schools where you can sign up for classes before or after the workshop.)
Véro’s workshops are not for everyone.
They will be a great fit for you if:
- You value an experience over aiming for only opulent luxury, you aim to explore the French culture in depth instead of sticking to a spreadsheet/checklist of things-to-do and places-to-see;
- You enjoy meeting new people and are willing to actively participate in the program.
- You are ready to live like a local: This involves walking, riding public transportation and more walking. Good news: Tours is a very walkable city (It’s flat!)
- You are an independent traveler and are able to spend time on your own including during meals.
- You are flexible and understand things can change last minute (that includes the schedule and the weather!) In short, you are willing to go with the flow and enjoy the adventure.
