French Immersion In Vichy
An exclusive small-group journey with the Executive Director of the Alliance Française de Portland
May 29–June 6, 2027 | Vichy + Paris | Just 8–10 participants | From $3,695 per person
LEARN FRENCH IN FRANCE
13.5 hours at CAVILAM
Spend your mornings learning French at your own level in international classes averaging just 12 students, Monday through Friday. Class materials are included.
LIVE THE CULTURE
A curated immersion experience
After class, experience France through a curated program of gastronomy, wine, heritage, wellness and the arts—from cooking with a French chef to dinner at a château.
TRAVEL WITH THE ALLIANCE
Just 8–10 participants
Travel with a small AF Portland group personally accompanied by our Executive Director, with the details of your Vichy and Paris experience organized for you.
More Than a Trip to France
What if your next trip to France weren't simply a visit, but a chance to live in French for a week?
Join the Executive Director of the Alliance Française de Portland for an intimate French-language and cultural immersion in Vichy, an
elegant spa town in the heart of France and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Spa Towns of Europe.
Created in partnership with CAVILAM – Alliance Française, this specially designed journey combines French study with an exceptional program of cultural, culinary and regional experiences.
With just 8–10 participants, you'll have the camaraderie and support of traveling with a small Alliance Française de Portland group while becoming part of an international community of French learners at CAVILAM.
LEARN FRENCH AT CAVILAM
ALL LEVELS are Welcome
From true beginner to advanced
Whether you're starting with no prior French or are already an advanced speaker, you'll study for 13.5 hours in a class appropriate to your level.
PERSONALIZED PLACEMENT
The right class for you
Upon arrival at CAVILAM, an individual assessment will determine your French level so you can join the class best suited to you.
SMALL, INTERNATIONAL CLASSES
Average of 12 students
Learn alongside French learners from around the world in interactive classes averaging just 12 participants.
When class ends, the immersion continues
EXPERIENCE VICHY & THE AUVERGNE
Our private cultural program has been specially arranged for the Alliance Française de Portland. All scheduled activities and excursions in Vichy and the surrounding region include accompaniment, transportation and admission fees, so you can concentrate on experiencing France rather than organizing the logistics.
A true French immersion: Activities and excursions are primarily in French, with bilingual support available when needed—so beginners can participate fully.
Discover Vichy
Begin your immersion with a guided introduction to Vichy and discover the history, architecture and distinctive character of this
celebrated French spa town.
Cook with a French Chef
Spend an afternoon in the kitchen with chef Cyrille Moutarde, preparing a French dish or pastry. You'll leave with your creation—and
the recipe to recreate it at home.
Taste the Wines of the Auvergne
Travel by minibus into the vineyards with award-winning wine specialist Franck Naudot. Meet a winemaker, discover the winemaking process and participate in a guided tasting surrounded by the remarkable landscape of the Chaîne des Puys.
Visit Moulins & Maison Mantin
Travel to Moulins, the historic capital of the Dukes of Bourbon, to discover its remarkable architectural heritage before stepping inside Maison Mantin, an extraordinary 19th-century home preserved as its collector-owner left it more than a century ago.
Dine at a Château
One of the week's most memorable evenings takes us into the Bourbonnais countryside for dinner with the owners of an authentic château. French gastronomy, heritage and conversation come together for an experience well beyond the usual visitor itinerary.
Experience La Traviata at the Opéra de Vichy
Spend an afternoon at Vichy's magnificent Art Nouveau opera house for a performance of Verdi's "La Traviata", staged by Silvia Paoli with the Orchestre symphonique and Chœur de l'Opéra de Limoges.
Wellness or Golf
Choose how you'd like to spend part of your final day in Vichy.
Opt for a 50-minute wellness massage and thermal spa experience, with access to naturally warm thermal water, sauna, hammam and other spa facilities.
Or choose an introduction to golf with a professional at the Golf de Vichy.
ONE FINAL DAY IN PARIS
On Saturday morning, we'll say au revoir to Vichy and travel together by train to Paris. We'll explore Montmartre, enjoy lunch at a
Parisian brasserie, and take a guided visit of the magnificent Palais Garnier, with time for shopping along the Grands Boulevards.
Our final evening includes a bateau-mouche cruise along the Seine, followed by dinner together. We'll spend one night in Paris
before transferring to the airport the following day.
Want to see the journey day by day?
Program details and exact times are subject to final confirmation.
JOIN OUR INFORMATION SESSION
Meet us on Zoom on November 14, 9:30am PST to learn more about the journey and ask your questions.
CHOOSE YOUR STAY
HOST FAMILY EXPERIENCE
For maximum French immersion
$3,695per person
For maximum immersion, stay in a private room with a local French host and continue practicing French as part of everyday life.
Includes: Private room · Breakfast & dinner · Linens & towels · Laundry service
LE 86 PREMIUM RESIDENCE
For independence and privacy
$3,995 per person
Prefer your own space? Stay in a private, fully equipped studio at CAVILAM's premium residence, just steps from campus.
Includes: Private studio · Equipped kitchenette · Private bathroom · Air conditioning · Wi-Fi · TV · Linens & towels · Laundry facilities
RESERVATION & PAYMENT
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your place.
The remaining balance is due in two installments:
February 19, 2027 — 50% of remaining balance
April 16, 2027 — Final balance
Prefer to pay in full? Select “Full Payment” on the reservation form, and we'll contact you with payment instructions.
This journey requires a minimum of 8 participants and is limited to just 10 participants.
Cancellation Policy
All payments are non-refundable. Because AF Portland makes advance financial commitments to our program partners based
on confirmed enrollment, we are unable to offer refunds for participant cancellations.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Ready to Live French for a Week?
Submit your reservation request to secure your place. We'll email you an invoice based on your selected payment option, with payment due upon receipt.
Not ready to reserve yet? Contact us at info@afportland.org with any questions about the journey.
Secure Your Place Now!
This Trip Is Offered By
CONTACT US
PARKING
Street parking on SW 20th St. facing the Kamm House is limited. Free parking is available in Lot A at SW 18th and SW Columbia. Please obtain a parking pass from the office. After 6 pm weekdays, students may park in the Willamette Dental lot at SW 20th and SW Jefferson as available.OFFICE HOURS
The Alliance office is open Mon–Thu, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Fri, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., plus during evening and Saturday classes. Check our homepage for occasional closures.Call us at 503.223.8388 during business hours or leave a message.
Email us at info@afportland.org.
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