Meilhards, in Corrèze Department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region
You will be accommodated in a house with terraces, garden, and vegetable plot in a hamlet (named « Sainte Radegonde ») in the commune of Meilhards, a village in the north of the department of Corrèze – Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region. The place is calm and picturesque.
The immersion program that I offer is a mix of French lessons and activities: discovery of nature, visits of local producers or cultural excursions in the near-by areas.
As the students put it: the province is the ideal place to practice French!
On The Program (A Typical Week Immersion stay)
The Lessons - 15 Hours Per Week.
3 hours French class each morning for 5 days. Or, on excursion days, if you prefer, 2 hours in the morning and one hour after the visit. This way, you can note down the new vocabulary words and practice.
When booking, just tell me about your expectations and on the first day we will do a small assessment of your language level. The content of the sessions is then « tailor-made ». The courses focus on the language and French culture. I can prepare you for professional exams. Remember : I’m flexible and I will adjust to your personal needs -including exercises after classes.
I can explain grammar difficulties in English if you wish to.
Half Board
Breakfast + Lunch or Dinner (taken with active French conversations).
In summer, many products come from the vegetable garden, the rest from local shops. Limousin is well known for the quality of its products. I like cooking traditional french dishes. I will be happy to cook some recipes with you if you like.
You have free access to the kitchen whenever you like it.
3 Excursions
Of course, I will be your guide during these activities, another good opportunity to practice French.
For example, I can take you to Uzerche and its beautiful medieval architecture or the renowned Limoges porcelain museum or a music festival in summer. Why not just enjoy nature with a walk in the countryside? The “Immersion Stay” part of my blog presents you some possibilities with more details.
And, depending on your expectations, we can create other formulas for you to have a more complete experience.
This is our classroom.
I would like to add that because of my experience with students from all over the world, I am used to teaching in French only during the lessons and at all levels. However, I advise my visitors to have an A2 level before embarking on an immersion stay. You will enjoy it better.
Since I like cinema, I would be happy to watch a movie with you in the evening, in the living room. Or a TV show if you feel like it: it’s also a good way to understand French society.
Your Homestay Accommodation
Location : Meilhards in Corrèze Département, Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.
The house has been recently renovated.
The student’s suite is on the 1st floor. The sunny bedroom (20 square meters) is equipped with a double bed and 2 wardrobes for storage. It is right next to a private bathroom including a shower and toilet. You may also enjoy a private living-room (or study), furnished with a desk to work, some armchairs to relax with plenty of magazines about gardening, fashion, cooking….
If you come with a child, a cot – a futon – will be provided.
If you have any questions, you can easily reach me since I live on the ground floor where the classroom, living / dining room and kitchen are located. As mentioned above, you have free access to it any time. Alongside the lessons, couples and guests who travel alone will be welcome to socialise if they wish beyond the teaching hours. I consider my students as friends. Of course, your own suite on the first floor offers total privacy and the two garden terraces offer quality outdoor space to relax and unwind.
Sorry, smoking is not allowed inside the house. I also inform my visitors that it is in your best interest to have an insurance that protects you during your trip and stay in France.
The Region : Corrèze
The house is located half way between Limoges and Brive-la-Gaillarde.
If you are coming from Paris by train: departure is Gare d’Austerlitz and the arrival station is called Uzerche. (Direct trains daily). Of course I’ll pick you up at the station.
As the house is in the countryside, renting a car would keep you more independent.
The Corrèze area offers many possibilities to enjoy art but also nature. It is known for its gastronomy and its local products (Limousin meat, apples, mushrooms, nuts, etc.) which can be found in the best Parisian restaurants. Gourmets welcome!
The most important city in the region is Limoges, it is one of the 4 cities in France which has joined the Unesco « Creative Cities » network (in 2017, Crafts section). The museums and fabrics (porcelain, enamels) are worth a visit.
Uzerche, closer to your accommodation, is a medieval town known for the beauty of its architecture and is listed as one of the 100 “most beautiful detours” in France.
There are of course many other interesting places, small markets, workshops of artisans, artists … Not to mention sports centers where you can practice horse riding, canoeing.
The Immersion section of my blog will give you more information.
In addition to lessons, coming to Corrèze is also an opportunity to « get unplugged »: walking in nature, painting, taking pictures. The house is located in « Pays de la Vézère » whose landscapes are renowned for being particularly varied.
For my students who don’t rent a car, on days without excursions, I usually offer a ride to the railway station if they want to visit a particular place or, more often, to take them with me, by 5.00 pm, to one of the market villages, or have a drink on a terrasse of a local café.
Prices :
If possible, arrival on Sunday, departure the following Saturday – but I’m flexible.
7 Day, 6 Night Stay
- half board
- A double bedroom, private bathroom and toilet
- breakfast + lunch or dinner
- 15 hours of lessons.
- 3 excursions to choose together.
- Free access to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
€1350
Special Cases
- If you take lessons for 2: supplement of €750
(or €2100 for 2) - If « accompanying person »: supplement of €350
(a person who stays with you, comes to the excursions but does not take the lessons) - For a stay of 2 weeks (30 hours of study + 6 excursions + Half board -except during the week end when only breakfast is provided): €2600
Further Informations :
- you do not share the floor with anyone else
- dinner on arrival offered
- a small fridge est available next to your room
- Sheet and towels provided.
- Wifi in the house and terrace.
- Possibility of free calls to 105 countries
- In summer, you can help yourself to fruit and vegetables in the vegetable garden
- Pets allowed (my cat stays away from visitors)
Special Exam Preparation
If you have a specific project which doesn’t require a one week immersion stay (help in writing your Master’s thesis, preparation of the file and / or the entrance interview in a school, etc.) a special estimate will be offered to you depending on the time required ( a week end? 4 days ?). Contact me, I always respond quickly.
Contact
My students tell you more! (in English or in French)
Nicole is a gifted, kind and energetic French teacher, and her immersion has given me both the foundation and confidence I needed to pursue the language I love. The region that Nicole lives in is simply stunning and Nicole is a fantastic tour guide. Her home is adorable and the student floor is beautifully decorated with everything you might need. However, it is Nicole the teacher that is most extraordinary. I can say this with great confidence because she has not only been my teacher — an exhausted middle-age mum — but she has also taught my son who is studying a two-year master of public policy, taught in French, at Sciences Po in Paris.
Nicole gives great thought to understanding HOW you learn and not just WHAT you need to learn. Then she utilises various exercises (written and spoken) to really ingrain the knowledge you need. In addition to our lessons, Nicole has worked tirelessly to remind me of the correct pronunciation of a plethora of words. When I didn’t understand the meaning of a word she took her time to explain it to me in French, never taking the easy route of English. When I started my week with Nicole I was doubtful I had the ability to learn French beyond being a beginner but with Nicole’s help I believe I can and, moreover, I am eager to learn more. Thank you Nicole. I will be forever grateful for the help you have given me and my son, and look forward to many more lessons with you. Carrie
Nicole, Merci pour tout.
Nous vous sommes particulièrement reconnaissants pour votre temps, votre patience et votre méthode d’enseignement bienveillante. Votre maison était si belle, confortable et relaxante. Tous nos repas étaient si savoureux et santé. Et bien sûr, les desserts étaient parfaits. Nous aurions aimé rester une semaine de plus tant l’expérience a été merveilleuse. Nous aimerions revenir encore et encore. Avec nos remerciements les plus sincères,
Laurie et Bill, venus de Chicago (15 juillet 2023)
Nicole delivers much more than 3 hours of classes each day as she also talks to me during meals and takes me to the shops and accompanies me on excursions and watches the news with me. I have been learning every minute I am awake. Nicole is experienced in teaching French and it shows. She really listens to what I say and is quickly able to identify what I need to learn. She doesn’t use one textbook as such but has a library of resources that suits everyone’s needs. She tailor-made the programme for me as she finds out more about my interests. She gives me actionable points so I know what to do to consolidate my French. The cherry on top of course is that the immersion takes place at her campagne chic home (Nicole is a former Parisien!) in an idyllic French countryside setting with easy access to Paris. I have truly learnt more in two weeks with Nicole than the months I spent learning on the Internet. Elisabeth – from Hong Kong and New York (June – 2023)
I have just spent a wonderful immersion week with Nicole in her delightful house. I had some zoom sessions beforehand which I found very useful. Nicole is so easy to be with and has a great sens of humour. I knew from the sessions I would love being here. Nicole is an excellent teacher. The work is intensive but at the same time so enjoyable that it doesn’t feel like hard work and the time has passed far too quickly. I loved the fact that Nicole listened to what I wanted to gain from the week and planned my lessons accordingly.The area is so peaceful with many littles pretty villages and the accommodation is excellent. Nicole is also a superb cook and is able to cater for all tastes. I have learnt so much during my week but il has also been great fun, a truly wonderful experience. Thank you Nicole for everything. Alison, from Kent (2023 / May)
Nicole brought creativity, thoughtfulness and a deep knowledge of language, history and cuisine to make my week of French Immersion in Corrèze one I will cherish forever. From « petit déjeuner » beside her beautiful garden to « apéros » on the terrace, each day was a delightful mix of language, cuisine, fun and interesting activities. Together we visited local villages, explored their ancient churches ans pottered through their small boutiques. We walked through some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen to the sound of birds and other wildlife, with wildflowers, running brooks, charming houses and the friendly « vaches limousines » never far from sight. My week surpassed all my expectations. Thank you Nicole for going above and far beyond to truly give me a taste of France. Joanne, Brisbane (2023-May)
En novembre 2022, Nicole m’a accueillie à sa jolie maison dans la campagne. Les vaches sont ses voisines et elle a un grand jardin plein de légumes frais que nous mangeons tous les jours. L’appartement en haut est moderne, privé et confortable. Il y avait beaucoup d’occasions d’apprendre et de pratiquer le français. Par exemple, quand nous marchions dans la campagne, pendant une visité guidée à Limoges et aussi quand nous avons visité le vieux village d’Uzerche ensemble. Aussi, nous avons regardé la télévision plusieurs fois et Nicole m’a aidée beaucoup avec le vocabulaire. Nicole est une très bonne enseignante de français. Elle a beaucoup de patience et elle peut expliquer les concepts difficiles d’une manière facile et claire. La seule chose que je changerais de mon séjour chez Nicole c’est que la prochaine fois je voudrais y rester pendant deux semaines ! Christie, Toronto.
Avis de mon séjour linguistique chez Nicole : Découvrir : l’histoire de la porcelaine dans le musée de Limoges / des nouveautés de la gastronomie / l’utilisation correcte du subjonctif. Voir: les belles vaches limousines / les hêtres, chênes et châtaigniers imposants / les paysages vallonnés. Apprendre: des nouveaux mots / un poème par coeur / que l’on ne fini jamais a apprendre une langue. Parler : avec des agriculteurs / de l’économie, de la géographie et de l’histoire du Limousin. Ceci est une bonne recette pour une immersion totale d’une semaine chez Nicole. Mais avant de mettre cette mélange au four métaphorique, il faut faire attention à l’assaisonnement : un hébergement confortable et une hôtesse qui, ainsi que son travail professionnelle et générosité d’esprit, sait rire. Christopher
I have spent a very enjoyable week of immersion with Nicole in Meilhards. It’s a lovely, quiet agricultural area with stunning views everywhere of rolling fields and dense forests. There is lots to do and see in this part of France and I found a visit to the City of Limoges, famous for its porcelain, particularly interesting. Nicole’s house has been renovated to a high standard and the student apartment above the living area is very comfortable and private. I have enjoyed Nicole’s cooking very much. She has used produce from her own garden and from the farms near by while factoring in some dietary constraints that I have. She encouraged me to try the locally produced Boudin even though I was somewhat dubious. It was delicious! Prior to my departure for France, Nicole gave me the opportunity to outline my goals and expectations from my stay with her and she has met those expectations perfectly with a tailored and flexible program. She is a warm, friendly and welcoming person and a natural teacher. The long and tiring trip from Australia has been well worth the effort! Jan, Australia
In August 2022 I spent 2 weeks in the region of Limousin tin the French Immersion Program « Chez Nicole ». It was a wonderful experience that exceeded my expectations. Nicole is a highly educated professor with great knowledge of history and arts. She is organized, attentive and patient. She uses different strategies (exercices of course but also videos, role-play…) to accommodate the student level as well as incorporate his interests into conversations and lessons. The house is very pretty with a nice garden. The room for the student is beautiful, clean and confortable. I loved the opportunity of living in the French Campaign. Limousin is a region with beautiful nature. Il is peaceful and filled with history. Corrèze is particularly special to me with its pretty villages and great farms. That brings to mind the delicious meals Nicole prepares: well-balanced and with fresh products. Merci beaucoup Nicole. Amàlia, Florida / Brazil
Quand je suis venue en Corrèze, ça faisait déjà un an que j’étudiais avec Nicole en visioconférence. J’avais donc vraiment hâte de la rencontrer en vrai. Le séjour a dépassé mes attentes. J’ai eu un coup de cœur pour la Corrèze. Le paysage est magnifique et verdoyant et les vaches limousines sont belles. On a pris nos cours sous la glycine dans le jardin et on a dégusté du vin et des excellents produits locaux sur la terrasse. J’ai adoré le calme et d’être entourée de la nature. On a profité des visites aux villages et villes voisins pour se plonger dans l’histoire et dans la vie traditionnelle de la région en passant par des boutiques, bien sûr ! Je te conseille de faire une visite guidée au musée national Adrien Débouché à Limoges pour apprendre l’histoire de la porcelaine et de ses utilisations multiples. L’art de la table est vraiment magnifique. Si vous avez l’opportunité d’aller à Brive, je recommande vivement la visite guidée chez la distillerie Denoix. On peut y faire une dégustation des liqueurs. Une visite chez le chocolatier Borzeix Besse dans le village charmant de Treignac est incontournable. Les gâteaux sont à tomber. Une balade au bord de la rivière, la Vézère à la ville médiévale d’Uzerche est un bon moyen de profiter de la nature et de faire de l’exercice après avoir bien mangé ! Sarah, Sydney
I stayed with Nicole for a week in June, and the experience exceeded even my always-high expectations. Nicole was waiting for me when I arrived at the Mairie d’Uzerche, after my BlaBlaCar ride. I was instantly comfortable with her, and we chatted non-stop during the ride. The lessons began immediately, and before we had even arrived at her charming home in the countryside, I was already changing my speech patterns. The house was spotless but homey, and my upstairs space was private, organized, and comfortable. The bathroom facilities were perfect. I lacked nothing. On top of that, the food was excellent, and Nicole went out of her way to prepare different foods that I casually mentioned I liked. With her attentiveness, there was nothing to distract me from my goal of learning to speak French! And learn French I did. We worked every morning for three hours in a formal setting. Nicole had planned a week’s worth of lessons, but as soon as she realized my French had improved during the two months I had been in France, she reorganized her entire agenda. I was treated to very specific, level appropriate lessons, not only during the three hours of formal instruction, but virtually all-day long! We had excursions, spoke with other people in the « hameau, » watched television together, and talked about life—all in French, all the time! She was patient, kind, and encouraging without lowering her standards. I left with a folder full of completed work, notes, and a grand feeling of confidence. You can’t go wrong with Nicole for a French Homestay. Her intention is to make your stay unforgettable on every level. I can guarantee that she succeeded with me! Cordialement, Kim, California
Merci Nicole pour votre accueil chaleureux en Limousin. Quelle chance j’ai eue de bien tomber dans cette belle région, calme, paisible et apaisante. Dès le début, je me sentais chez moi.
D’abord, j’avais une très jolie chambre privée au premier étage avec une vue magnifique de la lucarne sur les champs, les vaches, les bois et le jardin. Il y avait aussi une salle de bain privée à côté bien équipée. Nicole a fait rénover la maison de son enfance et quel beau travail ils ont fait. Pour manger, il y avait toujours des repas copieux, délicieux, sains et bien équilibrés. Cinq étoiles pour la bouffe, Nicole ! Enfin, pour les leçons, Nicole est une excellente professeur. Elle a toujours une variété de projets à présenter et elle emploie différentes stratégies pour assurer que ses élèves maîtrisent la langue. Nicole est une personne positive, serviable et encourageante qui prend son travail très au sérieux. Je vous conseille un beau séjour chez elle ; vous aurez une expérience géniale et inoubliable. Moi, j’ai déjà réservé pour l’année prochaine ! John, Californie.
If you are serious about improving your french, spend at least one week with Nicole and it will exceed your expectations. The experience was fully immersive and it was a perfect mix of lessons and daily life living in France. Nicole will build on what you know already and incorporate your interests into everyday conversations as well as her lesson plans. Each day was custom made to me and my level. The cherry on top is her wonderful home in a beautiful part of France. My bedroom was more like a suite and all the comforts of home were provided. Learning a language as an adult should be an engaging process, with goals to aim for but as well enjoying a laugh and using the language naturally. You will find this with Nicole and I can not recommend the whole experience highly enough and I look forward to returning. Nicole, Lot, France.
J’ai fait l’immersion avec Nicole Mazerbourg la semaine passée, et je dois dire que l’expérience a dépassé mes attentes. Nicole est une superbe enseignante, elle est gentille, attentive, et elle est aussi une bonne cuisinière. Elle a fait de la recherche à propos d’alimentation végane seulement pour moi, et chaque jour elle a préparé quelque chose de nouveau et vraiment délicieux. De plus, Nicole m’a emmenée dehors pour les balades et les excursions… On a assisté à une pièce de théâtre, on a acheté les vêtements et la nourriture, vu l’églises des autres siècles, et on a même voté pour le président ! La chambre pour les étudiants est belle, propre, et confortable…. J’ai bien dormi dans le lit même si le temps était froid. Chez Nicole, on pourra préparer pour le DELF sans souci avec un chat sur les genoux ! Je vous encourage fortement à réserver un séjour avec Nicole si vous voulez une excellente expérience d’immersion.. Sheree, California.
J’ai passé deux semaines fabuleuses à Meilhards avec Nicole. Pourquoi “fabuleux” : en premier lieu, la maison était très charmante avec une salle de séjour invitante et un beau jardin. Mon espace privé était énorme mais très joliment décoré et bien équipé. J’ai apprécié les douches chaudes dans une salle de bain moderne et comfortable. En deuxième lieu, j’ai trouvé une région chargée d’histoire, fondée sur agriculture et l’industrie créative culturelle. Nicole est une excellente guide de sa region natale. J’ai découvert cette region fascinante en apprenant le français écrit et oral. Enfin, Nicole est une professeur formidable. A la fin du premier jour elle a saisi dont j’avais besoin pour que je puisse améliorer mon français. Nous avons formulé nos objectifs et les avons écrits sur une feuille de papier qui a restée devant nous, ce qui était très utile pour mon apprentissage. Elle a vraiment personnalisé les leçons pour moi. A la fin de mon séjour, je pouvait partir pas seulement avec des bons souvenirs mais aussi un plan d’étude pour progresser davantage. Suomi, Californie
I have been trying to learn French for the past three years. I knew something was missing as I hadn’t been able to speak and understand even simple phrases in French. I had the pleasure of meeting friendly French people, some have become my friends. I love traveling in France and hope I can speak the language while being in France. Nicole under-promised and over-delivered her French learning immersion program in her hometown, Meilhards in Corrèze region. I had the great opportunity to learn from her for two weeks. I wish I could stay longer. She was well-prepared before my arrival including taking some time to record and write down an interview of a perfumer because I am passionate about perfumes and she also got a few perfumery books from her local library for me to read. The name of her website is Le Français juste pour vous (French just for you) and she offers a unique bespoke learning experience. She understands each student is different, therefore, she prepares for the learning course for students individually. I really appreciate what she does to help people like me to learn French. Nicole is a highly educated professor with many years of teaching experience in Asia and her homeland France and she does it with an incomparable passion. She answered my questions instantly and it’s so easy and clear for me to follow. A side note: It’s such a rejuvenating experience to stay in the countryside in France.The living/staying experience was much better than I expected with the home cooked (French) meals by her every day. The bedroom, bathroom and study room I had stayed in her house made me feel like staying in a 5 star hotel. It’s an unforgettable experience! Merci beaucoup à Nicole! Connie, California
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