When most people picture a French language course, they imagine grammar books, vocabulary drills, and maybe a trip to Paris thrown in for inspiration.
At The VICI Language Academy, we do things differently.
We believe learning a language is about more than just memorising words. It’s about connection, culture, and feeling a real sense of place. That’s why we created our French Ladies’ Retreat — a deeply immersive, personal language experience in the heart of the Jura region, far from the crowds and clichés.
This isn’t just a holiday, and it’s certainly not your average French class. It’s a powerful, practical, and memorable way to live the language, supported by experienced coaches, surrounded by French culture, and connected to a community of like-minded women.
Welcome to Lons-le-Saunier — and to a Different Kind of French
The retreat takes place in Lons-le-Saunier, a charming, lesser-known town in eastern France — and that’s exactly what makes it perfect.
This is not a polished tourist destination. It’s a place where real French life unfolds every day: markets full of locals, quiet cafés, slow walks, and warm smiles. Our Director, Nathalie, lives here when she’s in France, and has spent years building relationships and discovering hidden gems.
Thanks to her deep connection to the town, our guests enjoy experiences that go far beyond the guidebooks:
- A VIP shopping evening in elegant boutiques run by local women Nathalie has known for years
- A wine tasting led by her trusted experts who share stories, not just samples
- A yoga session with her own teacher in a peaceful, intimate space
- Nordic walks on scenic Jura trails she loves
- Meals in small, authentic restaurants where Nathalie knows the owners, the menus — and the best seats
These moments aren’t created for tourists. They’re part of real life, shared generously with our guests.
What a Day Really Looks Like
Let’s paint a picture of a day on retreat — a day that feels as natural as it is transformative.
You start the morning with a relaxed yet focused French lesson at the VICI Loft. It’s warm, welcoming, and designed around real communication — the kind of French you’ll actually need in just a few hours.
Next, we head to the café terrace for a coffee, where you’re already putting your language into action: greeting the server, ordering your drink, and chatting about the day ahead.
Then it’s off to the market. Not just to browse, but to interact. You’re speaking French with vendors, asking questions, tasting cheeses, laughing, learning — all in the most natural way.
Lunch is at a small brasserie we’ve booked in advance. You relax, enjoy the food, and talk with fellow guests. Perhaps you try out a new phrase from the morning lesson — and realise it works. That feeling? It’s unforgettable.
In the afternoon, you might take part in a cooking class at La Maison de la Vache qui Rit, followed by some personal time to rest or explore.
And to end the day? A Franco-British networking evening, where guests and local French people gather for drinks, conversation, and laughter.
It’s not a performance. It’s life in French — and it’s yours for the weekend.
How Language Learning Really Happens
This retreat isn’t just an escape — it’s grounded in proven language acquisition methods that align with decades of academic research.
One of the most influential figures in modern language learning theory is Dr. Stephen Krashen, whose work on the Input Hypothesis has shaped how educators around the world understand acquisition. According to Krashen, we acquire language most effectively when:
- The input is understandable but slightly above our current level
- We’re in low-stress, high-support environments
- The learning is unconscious, engaging, and natural
That’s the foundation of our approach.
Here, guests are exposed to real, comprehensible French all day — in lessons, markets, cafes, and conversations — all within a warm, supportive atmosphere. There’s no pressure to be perfect. In fact, we celebrate mistakes as stepping stones to confidence.
This immersive setting also taps into contextual learning: the idea that language sticks when it’s tied to real experiences. Instead of memorising phrases, our guests:
- Ask for directions in the town
- Order cheese at the market
- Laugh through a cooking class
- Toast new friends over dinner
- Chat with locals about wine, food, and fashion
These experiences go beyond vocabulary lists — they create emotional anchors in the brain, linking words with sights, sounds, tastes, and feelings.
And it works. Guests tell us that they return home feeling more confident, more fluent, and more connected — not just to the language, but to themselves.
“These real-life experiences create emotional anchors, which help vocabulary stick and make learning feel intuitive rather than forced.”
Who It’s For — and What You Can Expect
Our retreats are designed for women with A2 to B1+ level French. You don’t need to be fluent — but you do need to have some foundation.
We keep the group small — just 10 women — so you’ll never feel lost or overlooked. You’ll be supported throughout by two experienced French coaches, Nathalie and Valérie, who know how to adapt to different abilities and gently push you toward progress without pressure.
It’s perfect for women who:
- Want to reactivate French they learned years ago
- Feel stuck and want to move beyond classroom learning
- Want to practise speaking without feeling judged
- Are craving a deeper connection to the language and culture
- Value small group experiences, authenticity, and personal growth
Why It Stays With You
This isn’t a sightseeing trip. It’s a shift in how you experience French.
You don’t just come home with a few new words. You come back with confidence, connection, and a renewed love of the language.
“I got home and found myself thinking in French the next morning.”
– Jane Connor
“It wasn’t just a course. It was a completely immersive, joyful experience — and I learned so much more than I expected.”
– Joanne Leray
“This isn’t a sightseeing trip — it’s an experience that stays with you.”
– Rebecca Creedy-Smith
Join Us in October
Our next French Ladies’ Retreat departs on 15 October, and spaces are limited. This isn’t just a course. It’s a powerful learning experience wrapped in beauty, friendship, and fun — and we’d love to welcome you.
If you’re ready for a French experience that’s meaningful, memorable, and truly effective, email nathalie@thevici.com for full details and to reserve your place.
À très bientôt,
The VICI Team
