” A Wonderful Week with Delphine in Pau
Wow! I just wrapped up an incredible week with Delphine in Pau, and I feel compelled to share my experience immediately on my train back to Paris. This is my third French language immersion program this year, and while all have been great, Delphine stands out as exceptional.
As someone married to a native French speaker, I’ve been dedicated to improving my French this year to feel more comfortable communicating with my husband and his family. After a week with Delphine, I can confidently say that my proficiency and confidence speaking have significantly improved.
What impressed me most about Delphine was her attention to detail. She took the time to assess my French level and to understand my goals for the week. It was evident that she carefully planned each day’s lessons, focusing on my primary aim: enhancing my conversational skills. We engaged in countless hours of dialogue, and thanks to her guidance, I’m now incorporating French pronouns into my speech with newfound ease—something I’m incredibly proud of. (This was a big goal of mine – getting over my discomfort using French pronouns.)
Prior to this, I had stayed in a small village and the countryside for my immersions, but Pau was my first experience in a town—and it has been my favorite. I stayed in a charming, modern studio just two floors above Delphine’s apartment. This was by far the nicest accommodation I’ve had, with a spacious layout, a very comfortable bed, and a large, modern bathroom. I appreciated having a dishwasher in the kitchen (a must for anyone who dislikes washing dishes!). Plus, the cost of the stay is very affordable compared to other French language immersions.
Delphine’s building is conveniently located just a 15-minute stroll from the city center, making it easy to explore. I loved being able to walk to dinner or enjoy a wine bar in town. I especially recommend Pau’s Cafe for coffee and the restaurants Resto Dit Vin and La Papilles Insolite (especially if you share my passion for wine). Not needing a car rental was a bonus; I navigated the town easily on foot, and public transport options like buses or Uber were also available.
Breakfast and lunch were included in my stay, and on my last night, Delphine prepared a lovely dinner that we shared together.
Delphine also offers a variety of excursions and guided visits, and I particularly enjoyed our trip to the Brocantes, which was a unique experience. She is an excellent guide.
She kindly offered to pick me up upon my arrival, but I arrived with my in-laws who dropped me off. Delphine graciously invited them in for coffee before they left, and she even drove me to the train station today. I felt a pang of sadness as I left as I truly had a memorable week.
If you’re considering a stay with Delphine, don’t hesitate—book immediately! You won’t regret it.
If you’d like to discuss my experience in Pau further, feel free to ask Delphine for my contact information. I would be happy to speak with you. I highly, highly recommend her!
Melania
” I did a one week immersion with Delphine. It was a great experience and Delphine is a very good teacher.
I went on two all day excursions. The first was to Cauterets and hiking in the Pyrenees National Park. The scenery was amazing! The other all day excursion was to Bayonne and Biarritz. Bayonne is a pretty town and in Biarritz we went on a long walk along the ocean – beautiful!
I also really liked the city of Pau. There are many restaurants – two of which I tried and were very good. There are also numerous shops that sell local unique handcrafted items. In addition, Pau is a great place to practice your French. When I went into shops and asked a question, the sales person responded in French unlike more touristy places in France where they switch to English when they hear your accent.
I wish I had done a second week with Delphine. I would highly recommend this experience! ”
Debbie, Washington, oct. 2024
” If you are considering an immersion course to improve your French, stop right here and sign up with French Bubble Immersion. I cannot imagine a better immersion course. I spent a week with Delphine in mid-September of this year and had a fantastic time and learned a great deal. My only regret is that I did not schedule a longer stay. For those of you who may be wondering why I am writing a review in English and not in French after an immersion course, not to worry, I am writing this in English so that beginners or others who are just starting their French journey will be able to fully understand and not miss anything. However, if you spend a week (or more) with Delphine your French skills will be greatly improved no matter your level.
Delphine is a fantastic teacher. You can tell she really enjoys teaching French and exposing students not just to the language but the culture. There are many adequate teachers but the really good ones, like Delphine, know how to connect with the student and tailor the lessons and interactions accordingly. Just tell her what you want to work on or what concerns you have and she will get to work and set up a program to help you.
If you are like me you may be concerned about certain things such as: whether you will be comfortable in the student apartment; whether you will get along with Delphine; whether the lessons will be too hard or uninteresting; whether you will have enough time alone or maybe too much time on your own. Rest assured, you have nothing to worry about. Delphine and her partner, Adrien, are very warm, charming and fun to be around. The apartment is very comfortable and located in a quiet building in a lovely calm neighborhood that is only a short walk from the city center of Pau. Pau is a great city, the climate is nearly perfect, it is big enough to be interesting but small enough to be accessible and friendly. The apartment is two floors above Delphine and Adrien’s, so it is very convenient to meet for lessons or excursions, but being a separate apartment, you will have your own space to relax when you need it. As far as the level of the lessons or their form, that is entirely up to you and Delphine. She is very intuitive and will adapt the lessons and interactions so that you are comfortable.
Make sure you take advantage of one or more of the excursions. These are great opportunities to speak French, see something new and interesting and just have fun. We went to the mountains, and the local caves, both of which were fantastic. As an added bonus, Delphine’s mother joined us for the excursion to the ski/mountain resort of Artouste. As you can see, Delphine does not treat you just as a student but really endeavors to make you feel at home and part of the family.
If you have any questions or would like and further information, please contact me at KLR500@gmail.com. “
Kel, Michigan, sept. 2024
“After two weeks of immersion with Delphine and Adrien, I would highly recommend French Bubble to anyone looking to very quickly grow in their aptitude for French and their ability to use the language in everyday situations.
I entered the program as an A2 beginner, having taken some classes in high school and dabbling a bit since then. I was very pleasantly surprised when after only a few days I was more comfortable speaking to native French people and in forming full thoughts than I had ever been before. The program is ideal for practical understanding of the French language and common-sense application of both simple and more complex grammatical concepts. Whether you are just beginning as I was or are more advanced, I am sure you will not regret the decision to try immersion with French Bubble.
And aside from the language aspect, my time with Delphine and Adrien was fantastic! From the very beginning Delphine was accommodating of my schedule and the things I wanted to do while in Pau, and she went out of her way many times to ensure that my stay and experience were overwhelmingly positive. From the excursions to the beaches of Biarritz and Hossegor to the weekend seeing Medieval castles around Carcassonne and the constant trying of world-class foods and wines, I cannot recommend her enough to anyone looking for a unique and wonderfully fulfilling time in France!”
Joshua, Alabama USA, July 2024
“An incredible twelve days in the magical town of Pau in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains.
Delphine and Adrien were friendly hosts and I felt welcome and looked after throughout my stay.
Delphine is an excellent teacher and the morning lessons were adapted to my needs. We spoke only French and engaged many interesting conversations. I’ve realised after my stay that my level of comprehension and spoken French has improved considerably.
The separate appartment was well-equipped and comfortable.
Delphine suggested many activities on offer in the town and area (including eating out). I picked the ones of interest to me such as visiting the thermal baths, cycling along the river and visiting the largest permanent “brocante” in France. I would highly recommend the extra excursion to the mountains and beach. Delphine included me as a member of the family and I even made a basque cake with her mother-in-law !
I would highly recommend a stay at Delphine’s to learn French, whatever level you are, as well as getting to know this special part of France.”
Alice, England, June 2024