Immersion experience in Chalencon, Ardèche – 08/2025

Here is the testimonial from our first guest who spent her entire language stay in Ardèche, in Chalencon, at our vacation home. Erin, who is from Saint Paul, Minnesota, tells you about her immersion experience:

Kickass, Lolo, Erin, and I on Mont Mézenc, Ardèche

Erin's immersion experience – August 25 to 31, 2025

Erin reports:

Bonjour! I stayed with Hélène (Ling’home Lyon) for one week at her vacation home in the Ardèche region, just south of Lyon. It was the most lovely week of my summer! Hélène is a kind and patient teacher as well as a wonderful host! I was a bit nervous going in to my stay knowing I would be speaking only French for a week, but in reality I had nothing to worry about. Hélène and Lolo were so wonderful and were always happy to repeat things for me or slow down so I could understand. I had 3 hours of French lessons each morning. Hélène provided wonderful learning resources and the topics we discussed were tailored to my French level. Her home in Ardèche is beautiful and I found it so peaceful in the French countryside. We went on several hikes and a bike ride to enjoy nature. I enjoyed 3 meals a day Hélène and she is a great cook. Everything was so fresh and delicious! I loved her sweet dog Kickass. She was so well behaved and the cutest sidekick to have around on our hikes/adventures. I am terrible at goodbyes as was in tears when my week ended as I had such a nice time learning and being a part of the family for a week. When we said goodbye at the train station I promised I would be back next year and I hope to schedule a trip soon. I truly can’t imagine a better immersion experience!

Dinner with our young neighbor Valentin

Apéro in the living room

Lunch in the garden

On a walk with Erin and Kickass here on the banks of the Eyrieux River