Northern France: Language & Culture Immersion Trip 2026

We are thrilled to announce the new partnership with the Alliance Française de Seattle and the Domaine des Florines to offer our community cultural and gastronomic trips to France with language immersion. Host Florence Bangue-Tandet, a French native from Lille, is a FLE instructor holding a Master’s in Teaching English/French as a Second Language from Seattle Pacific University.

All-inclusive: accommodation, meals, drinks, excursions, classes, cultural activities.

One-week immersion program in Marchiennes (northern France) includes daily cultural and historical trips and excursions, culinary experiences, and French classes to fully immerse guests in a French environment. There are just 6 rooms available for this trip—space is extremely limited!

Recommended level: A2+ and higher

Three dates are offered in 2026

May 14-22 | July 6-14 | September 14-22

Hosts & French Instructor

Florence and Michael Bangue-Tandet, both French natives, are the owners of Domaine des Florines. Florence is a FLE instructor holding a Master’s in Teaching English/French as a Second Language. She will be teaching daily French lessons to the group.

Accomodation and Location

Located in Marchiennes, at the center of the regional natural park of Scarpe-Escault, Domaine des Florines features a restaurant and a charming B&B with 9 renovated queen bedrooms & private suites, 3 studios, and a classroom. Nearby sights include Lille, Arras, Louvre-Lens, Roubaix, and more!

Immersion: Language, Culture, Cuisine

Experience a full immersion in the region through daily conversation-focused French classes, cultural excursions to museums, neighboring towns, and local landmarks, and culinary experiences highlighting seasonal and regional specialties. Enjoy a carefully balanced mix of homemade meals, gastronomic restaurants, and traditional cafés and brasseries.

Package Highlights:

Daily trips and excursions to local towns, cities and UNESCO heritage sites.
Daily French classes linked to the cultural program to immerse you in this French environment.
Lunches at various typical regional restaurants and brasseries.
Visits of museums and historical sites.
Daily homemade dinners prepared by a Chef with local speciality products.
Local wine, beer and aperitif tastings.
A home away from home in an authentic family-owned Bed & Breakfast.
An opportunity to meet locals and their way of life, as well as like-minded travelers.

What's Included:

All meals
Accommodations
Visits
Restaurants
Tastings
Classes
Daily activities

Not included in the rate:

Alcohol in restaurants, airfare, and train to/from Lille.

Cost

Rates vary depending on your choice of accommodation. The property offers two gîtes (Gîte Toulouse and Gîte Bellevue), and each gîte features three types of rooms: a standard room, a suite, and an apartment. Please see the details on accommodation and pricing below (srcoll to the bottom of the page). Please note, prices are indicated in Euros. Payments are due directly with our French partner.

Couples sharing a room: see double occupancy rates.

Payment Schedule:

50% upon registration.
50% due three months prior to the trip.

Information Session: January 10

Join us for a virtual information session on Saturday, January 10 at 9AM PST Florence and Michael, your hosts at the Domaine des Florines, will present the program and answer all your questions on the immersion trips!

Register for Information Session Register for Information Session

Registration

Submit this form to connect with Domaine des Florines for your first payment.

For questions, join the info session or contact us at info@afportland.org

Secure Your Place Now! Only 6 Spots Available!

Gîte Bellevue

Chambre de Charme: Single: 3,595€ \| Double: 5,392€
Appartement de Charme: Single: 4,110€ \| Double: 6,164€
Suite de Charme: Single: 3,857€ \| Double: 5,786€

Gîte Toulouse

Appartement de Luxe: Single: 3,950€ \| Double: 5,925€
Chambre Preference: Single: 3,300€ \| Double: 4,950€
Suite de Luxe: Single: 3,680€ \| Double: 5,520€

Registration & F.A.Q.

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How do I sign up?

(Optional) I attend the January 10 information meeting and/or ask questions by email.
I submit the form above.
I choose a trip and a room and communicate my choice to the Domaine des Florines.
I complete the registration form and sign the waiver.
I complete half of the payment via wire transfer.
I book my travel independently, then inform my hosts of my detailed arrival/departure plans.
Three months before my trip, I make the second half of the payment.
I meet the group in Lille, France on Day 1 of the immersion trip!

What French levels do I need to have in order to participate?

We recommend a fluency level of A2.2 or higher to make the most out of this immersion program. Not sure about your level? Take our free online placement test here!

How do I organize my trip and how do I get to the Domaine des Florines?

Once you have reserved your room with a deposit, you can organize your trip to the Domaine des Florines. Participants should arrive in Lille on the first day at any time, and leave on the last day by noon. Participants should organize their own travel plans to and from Lille, then notify the hosts.

If you are traveling from Seattle, you will need to book air travel to Paris, France; from Paris, you can travel to Lille/Marchiennes by train or by road.

What are the cancellation policies?

Cancellation by Domaine des Florines: full reimbursement.

A minimum of 3 participants is required for a trip to take place as scheduled. Do not hesitate to spread the word among your friends or fellow French students!

Cancellation by participants:

Until three (3) months prior to departure, at noon (12pm) Pacific Time (PST): the trip is reimbursed.
Less than three (3) months prior to departure, with no documented cause or in case of no-shows: no reimbursement.

policies and waivers

Important Policies

Coming soon for 2026 trips.

Why Travel Insurance Matters

To ensure a worry-free trip, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Insurance provides vital protection against unforeseen issues like cancellations, medical emergencies, or delays. Protect your investment and travel with peace of mind.