French Learning Experience Miss Gwen Immersion Holidays Near Provence

Say bonjour to fluency! Gwen Simon organizes private French immersion stays at her home in southern France near Provence. After teaching English for 20 years, she decided it was time for a career change when her family returned to France after three years of expat living in Asia. They are settled in a charming 18th-century former silk farm in a picturesque village and welcome international guests for French immersion experiences in the region. We spoke with Gwen about her methodology for a French learning experience holiday. She works with clients who want to improve their French language skills while discovering southern France. Here are her answers:

Who is Gwen?

1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us your background?

Well, I’m Gwen, which is short for Gwenaël. I grew up in Provence and lived in Paris and abroad for a few years. Now, I live near Nîmes with my husband and twelve-year-old son in a picturesque village named Montagnac. I’m a passionate French immersion teacher and the founder of Chez Miss Gwen, a unique French language immersion program. Previously, I taught English to French teenagers in France and abroad, but I have always been fond of studying my mother tongue and sharing French culture.

2. What inspired you to create this French immersion program?

I love meeting new people, especially those from around the world. My husband and I used to live abroad in Cambodia, and when the pandemic forced us to return to France, it was heartbreaking not to be able to travel anymore. That’s when I came up with the idea of welcoming people into our home. I have strong organizational skills and genuinely enjoy hosting friends and family. Sharing my love for French culture and the region with others brings me joy. Creating a French immersion program seemed perfect to combine all these passions!

French Learning Experience Holidays

3. What makes your program unique?

Well, I wanted to offer something more than a standard language course. I tried to set up the “perfect French vacation” so that people wouldn’t feel like any other tourist but more like locals, or at least welcome guests! During this immersion week, they can really adopt the French lifestyle and pace! The idea is that they can improve their French skills, dive into the culture, and have real conversations with residents just like old friends!

4. What does a typical immersion week look like?

Each week combines structured learning with real-world practice, with a balance of French workshops and cultural excursions. Workshops focus on speaking and listening, often using authentic materials like movie scenes or short videos. I usually include a cooking class, too. It is so much fun, and we enjoy the traditional dishes we prepare with my family in the evening.

Excursions vary depending on the guests’ interests. They usually include visits to the grocery market in Uzès (where we buy groceries for our cooking class), historical sites like the famous Maison Carrée and amphitheatre in Nîmes, le Pont du Gard, or some picturesque villages. Guests can use their French in practical situations, ordering food and drinks or asking for directions. The goal is to practice French naturally and engagingly throughout the entire stay. Of course, we also go wine-tasting for wine lovers!

Who is Learning French?

5. Who are your typical guests? Do they come with specific goals in mind?

My guests are mostly adults passionate about the French language and culture. Some beginners want to build a solid foundation, while others are more advanced and want to refine their fluency. All of them crave an authentic French experience in the South of France. Some come with specific goals—preparing for a trip to France, improving their conversational skills, or gaining confidence in real-life situations. A few are even preparing to move to France.

Because the program is personalized, I adapt the experience to meet each guest’s needs and expectations. We can also switch to English occasionally when it’s too overwhelming, especially if the learner’s partner or friend doesn’t speak French. They’re welcome for the excursions and meals.

6. What challenges do participants usually face, and how do you help them overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges is overcoming the fear of speaking. Many learners worry about making mistakes, which can hold them back. My approach is to create a supportive and encouraging environment where guests feel comfortable practicing without fear of judgment. They gradually build confidence through engaging activities, role-playing, and real conversations. Listening comprehension is another challenge, so I use authentic audio and video materials to help train the ear to natural French speech.

Stay Nearby

7. Do your guests have private accommodation?

Yes! We live in an 18th-century stone mansion, which used to be a silk farm. We adore our home for its charm and its stunning view. Friendly and helpful neighbours surround us, and we feel lucky to live here. We renovated a part of the house to create a ‘gîte’– a self-contained apartment attached to the main house. It features two double bedrooms, a bathroom, a spacious modern kitchen, and a cozy living room with the same stunning views of the mountains and vineyard. In the evenings, you can relax on the terrace and watch the breathtaking sunsets (and I’m not exaggerating!).

8. What advice would you give someone hesitating to join a language immersion program?

I would say: Ask to meet your immersion host online, and you’ll be surprised how easy and efficient the process is. You’ll wonder what took you so long to try it! It’s normal to feel nervous at first, but once you enter the experience, you’ll realize how fun and rewarding it is. Alors, à bientôt ?!

Find out More on Chez Miss Gwen’s Website 

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).