Exclusive French Language Retreats in the Heart of the Jura
We warmly invite you to our exclusive four-day French Language Retreat in Lons-le-Saunier, nestled in the heart of the Jura.
Enjoy a unique blend of language immersion, personal development, cultural exploration, and meaningful connection — all complemented by a touch of local indulgence and a glass (or two) of fine Jura wine.
We run two retreats a year: a ladies-only edition in March, timed to celebrate International Women’s Day, and a mixed edition in October, open to all French learners. Both are limited to a small group to ensure a personal, immersive experience.
Open to both VICI members and non-members, with preferential rates for VICI members.
MARCH RETREAT — LADIES ONLY
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Early March each year
Limited to 10 ladies
Suitable for A2+ French learners
An empowering, women-only space
OCTOBER RETREAT — OPEN TO ALL
A mixed group, same authentic Jura experience
8–12 October 2026 (Thursday to Monday)
Limited to small group
Suitable for A2+ French learners
For all who love French language & culture
Why Jura?
“Here I am in Ville de Lons-le-Saunier, a small town in the Jura region—not exactly the first stop on most tourists’ lists.
And that’s exactly why we’re here.
Our language experiences at The VICI Language Academy are designed for those who want more than a sightseeing weekend—they want authenticity. They want to live and breathe French culture, not just observe it.
We stay in a town where you really meet French people—chatting with stallholders at the market, sipping coffee on a sunny terrace, or enjoying an apéritif before dinner.
There are no tourist traps here—just real life, lived in French. Because this is where I live when I’m in France, I get to open doors for our guests that you simply can’t find on Google:
A VIP Shopping Evening in independent boutiques run by wonderful local women I’ve known for years.
A Wine Tasting hosted by my favourite local expert.
A Yoga Class with my own teacher.
Nordic Walks on the trails I love.
And meals in Local Restaurants I’ve personally chosen—because I know exactly where the best tables are.
Nathalie Danon, Academy Director
The connection, the culture, the community—it’s all REAL.
And what makes Lons Le Saunier even more special is how effortlessly French it is. No crowds, no clichés—just everyday life. We come out of the hotel and head straight to the terrace café. We sit, sip, read, laugh.
This is what our language immersions are truly about—blending real cultural moments with personalised, meaningful language learning.”
What Our Guests Say
From our Ladies’ Retreat — March 2026
Rebecca Creedy-Smith
“Absolutely brilliant! Lovely group and really good teaching. Felt its improved my confidence in French and Nathalie organised a great itinerary full of variety and interest. Would go again and hope to do so! The school really cares about its students. Highly recommend.”
Joanne Leray
“From start to finish we had an immersive experience , living and breathing the French way of life as well as having fun and interesting lessons to enhance our residential stay.
I loved every minute. Thanks to all the team for working so hard to help us learn.”
Jane Connor
“A great mix of structured instruction and general conversation with a varied and interesting schedule – also some delicious food! A lovely group of co-students and excellent teachers in Nathalie and Valerie.
Got back last night and found myself thinking in French this morning!!”
From our Mixed Retreats
Rebecca Creedy-Smith
“Absolutely brilliant! Lovely group and really good teaching. Felt its improved my confidence in French and Nathalie organised a great itinerary full of variety and interest. Would go again and hope to do so! The school really cares about its students. Highly recommend.”
Joanne Leray
“From start to finish we had an immersive experience , living and breathing the French way of life as well as having fun and interesting lessons to enhance our residential stay.
I loved every minute. Thanks to all the team for working so hard to help us learn.”
Jane Connor
“A great mix of structured instruction and general conversation with a varied and interesting schedule – also some delicious food! A lovely group of co-students and excellent teachers in Nathalie and Valerie.
Got back last night and found myself thinking in French this morning!!”
Download the Retreat Agenda
Ladies' Retreat Agenda — March Edition
See what a typical day looks like on our
International Women’s Day retreat.
This agenda is from our March 2026 retreat. The programme may evolve slightly each year.
Mixed Retreat Agenda — October Edition
Discover what’s in store for our October retreat
in the Jura.
Your Questions Answered
Are the retreats only for women?
Our March retreat is a ladies-only edition, held to celebrate International Women’s Day. Our October
retreat is open to everyone — men and women are equally welcome.
How many people are on each retreat?
Both retreats are intentionally kept small, limited to around 10 guests, to ensure a personal, high-quality experience for everyone.
Do I need to be a VICI member to join?
Not at all. Both retreats are open to VICI members and non-members alike. VICI members benefit from preferential rates.
What level of French do I need?
Both retreats are suitable for A2 level and above. You don’t need to be fluent — just willing to immerse yourself!
Where is VICI France HQ?
VICI France is in Lons-le-Saunier, the capital of Jura, a city full of history and culture. It is surrounded by vineyard regions to the North and lakes to the South, with villages voted as the most beautiful in France.
Inside the cosy VICI France office!
Nathalie and Valérie — the organisers and French coaches behind our Ladies French Retreat
The building where VICI France is located
Our Retreat Includes:
A friendly and informal personal assessment with one of our French coaches before the retreat to help you set your language goals and make the most of your experience.
Daily French lessons and workshops, guided by two dedicated French coaches who will accompany you throughout the retreat, providing continuous support and guidance.
Comfortable and charming accommodation in Lons-le-Saunier.
Optional activities including Yoga and Nordic walking, led by a qualified French instructor.
A carefully selected dining experience across several selected French restaurants and brasseries, handpicked by our Director, originally from Lons-le-Saunier, to ensure an authentic and memorable culinary journey.
A VIP shopping evening in an independent boutique to discover unique French fashion and style.
A wine tasting experience and a gastronomic lunch in Château-Chalon, officially voted the most beautiful village in France, offering exceptional wines and stunning scenery.
A cultural day trip to Dole, renowned for its rich history and the birthplace of Louis Pasteur.
A visit to a fruitière (traditional cheese dairy) to discover the secrets behind the world-famous Comté cheese and taste this regional treasure.
A lively Franco-British Evening perfect for making new connections over drinks.
Memories From Past French Experiences…
Teresa & Sally tell us why they enjoyed their French immersion experience
“Great people, great fun, I would definitely do it again and I would recommend everyone else to as well!”
– Teresa
More Kind Words
From Students Who Have Experienced Our Residential Stays:
SALLY LAIRD
“My French is in the elementary stages and my determination to improve prompted my decision to join the VICI Academy French Immersion Trip. The course was outstandingly organised.
The trip was action-packed with local attractions, gastronomic experiences and, importantly, French learning. This all constituted to a total immersion course of the highest standard. I returned, after the week, feeling exceptionally lucky to have taken part.”
PENNY RAWLE
“It was an excellent trip! The dedication, enthusiasm and planning of the team made it a totally unique learning experience… By the last day, I felt almost like a local, chatting to the shopkeeper, rather than just pointing and muttering “deux baguettes et cinq croissants, s.v.p.” as I would have done before the trip.
I would definitely recommend this immersion programme to others, it was totally what I had hoped for and it more than met my expectations.”
Book now?
For years, we’ve been organising immersive programmes and in the Autumn of 2025, you can join our Exclusive French Ladies Retreat to the Jura, in France limited to 10 participants only.
Secure your spot today!
Receptionist service: (01635) 44424
French team: (07976) 243529
Email: ndanon@thevici.com
Book now?
For years, we’ve been organising immersive programmes and in the Autumn of 2025, you can join our Exclusive French Ladies Retreat to the Jura, in France limited to 10 participants only.
Secure your spot TODAY!
Receptionist service: (01635) 44424
French team: (07976) 243529
Email: ndanon@thevici.com