

French & Bike
June 2027
When
First week of June, 2027
Where
Who for
Level A1+ to B1+
Content
50h of French practice (French lessons + activities + full board/homestay)
Group size limit
12 persons - 2 teachers
Price
Starting from 1800€
Required fitness level
Intermediate
(This stay is designed for people in reasonably good shape who cycle occasionally or regularly. The routes include some elevation gain, but electric bikes are available to make the experience accessible to more participants.)
Ride, Speak, Live:
The Ultimate French & Cycling Experience
If you’re looking for a new challenge, Bagnères-de-Bigorre is calling your name!
At the foot of the legendary Col du Tourmalet, one of the most iconic climbs in Tour de France history, this is where cycling myths are born. From Octave Lapize to modern-day champions, generations of riders have tested their limits here… now it’s your turn to write your own story.
Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, Bagnères-de-Bigorre is not just a cycling paradise, it’s a town with a deep-rooted heritage. Known for its thermal waters since Roman times and its pivotal role in the golden age of Pyrenean cycling, it blends sport, history, and authenticity like nowhere else. Quiet roads, breathtaking passes, and a vibrant local culture make it an ideal playground for both body and mind.
Our immersion program invites you to live French, not just learn it. Through daily interactions, guided conversations, and real-life experiences, you’ll improve naturally while discovering the traditions of the Bigorre region: local markets, artisanal food tastings, regional wines, and encounters with passionate locals. And of course, unforgettable rides through protected natural landscapes, where every climb tells a story. For those who prefer a little extra support, electric bikes are available, making these rides accessible while preserving the full experience.
Far from the crowds, spend 5 days combining progress and pleasure: 10 hours of expert language coaching, cultural exploration with your teacher, refined gastronomy, and legendary cycling routes.
"More than a trip, it’s an immersion into a way of life shaped by nature, effort, and conviviality"
A unique human experience, 100% in French :
Authenticity (The real Southwest)
🤝 Friendliness (Small groups, sharing)
🚀 Effectiveness (50h of French practice >French lessons + activities)
🏡 Accommodations in a beautiful Villa
🍽️ Vibrant and high-quality gastronomy, emphasizing organic and local sourcing
Your program
Day 1 - Sunday
From 5pm (+/-) : Arrival
We will welcome you to the gîte and show you to your room.
From 7pm : let's get to know each other over an apéro all together!

Day 3 - Tuesday
9:30-11:30am : French class
12-1pm : lunch at Octave's
1-5pm : bike ride - let's discover the Col d'Aspin 🚴
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Day 5 - Thursday
9am-5pm : bike ride -
Lunch at the Tourmalet with your teacher + French lesson at the top
6-8pm : spa "Aquensis"
to relax your muscles ;)

Day 7 - Saturday
8am-1pm (option) : The excellentissime
“Descent of the Géant du Tourmalet” for the winter season
Free to join!

Day 2 - Monday
9:30-11:30am : French class
12-2pm : lunch at Octave's
2-5pm : bike ride, let's discover La Hourquette d'Ancizan 🚴
7-9pm : wine tasting at la "Cave à vin"

Day 4 - Wednesday
9:30-11:30am : French class
12-1pm : lunch at Octave's
1-5pm : bike ride - let's discover the Baronnies 🚴
5-8pm : gastronomique/ historique tour of the city

Day 6 - Friday
9:30-11:30am : French class
12-1pm : lunch at Octave's
1-5pm : bike ride - let's discover Lourdes 🚴
From 7pm : let's share an apéro to say goodbye!

The routes provided are for illustrative purposes and may be modified if necessary.
Your teachers

Organiser & teacher
Prisca Reeman
My name is Prisca and I am a passionate French native teacher. I have been lucky as I have been able to teach all over the world to many different kinds of people for the past ten years. I like to teach in a kind and playful atmosphere as I am convinced that the process of learning is more efficient through games, role playing, or everyday life situations! As an addition I believe that a confident, trustworthy relationship between teachers and students is very important to make the learning efficient. Moreover, I also create teaching materials to teach French, I specialize in French spelling and vocabulary. A bit more about me now 😊: I am a travel lover, just as much as my children and husband. Through a four years sailing trip I have been able to live in many different countries such as Australia, Martinica, Spain (…) with my family and that opportunity to meet people from different cultures, backgrounds, is something I am passionate about! I love discovering the differences between my culture and the other ones and learning from the diversity. Since our return from Australia in 2019, we have settled in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, a magnificent small town at the foot of the Pyrénées. It was here that I felt the desire to open my own French as a Foreign Language school and offer lessons—online and in-person—but above all, to develop a project that was close to my heart: offering language immersion programs during which students would have the opportunity to learn and (most importantly) practice through various exciting activities and homestays. After 5 years of individual or small-group immersions, it made sense to take the next step: group immersions! Welcome to this project, which has been built for you and with our expertise!"

Organiser & teacher
Nathalie Bigou
My name is Nathalie. I have been a French as a Foreign Language (FLE) teacher for many years... and the passionate host of the family-run holiday cottages that I completely renovated in the small village of Issor, in the heart of Béarn. What is the common thread throughout my career? 👉 Sharing, transmitting, and hosting—through language, culture, encounters, and the places dear to me. I began my career with five wonderful years in London where I taught FLE in banks, insurance companies, and the luxury and media worlds. It was an intense, lively experience, full of humour, accents from all over the world, and coffees taken in magnificent locations! And between London and a few inspiring major trips, I developed a true appreciation for warm interiors, curated atmospheres, and houses where you immediately feel good. It was with this sensibility that I returned to Béarn in 2007 to embark on the renovation of three family houses. It was a huge, vibrant, and slightly crazy project: demolition, reconstruction, plans, decoration, dust in my hair... but above all, an immense joy in seeing these houses come back to life and welcome new stories. Since the cottages opened, I have hosted hundreds of travelers, always with the same pleasure: introducing them to this region that I deeply love, offering a place where they can breathe, rest, and truly feel at home. And at the same time... I never let go of FLE! In person, via video, in private lessons, small groups, or with big laughs: I love creating courses where we learn seriously without ever taking ourselves too seriously. Courses where you speak, you dare, and you progress without even realizing it. Because French is meant to be lived, cooked, told, and laughed—and I deeply love transmitting this living language. 🍃 Bringing together my two passions—FLE and hosting—in the same stay is obvious to me... and a true delight. Welcoming you to my home and supporting your progress: it’s hard to dream of anything better!
About food!
Lunch at "Café Ravito"
Set in the refined and inspiring atmosphere of Café Ravito, students will enjoy a carefully curated lunch in a place that pays tribute to cycling heritage and the art of living in the Pyrenees. Beyond its culinary appeal, this unique venue will also host part of the French lessons, offering a comfortable and elegant setting conducive to learning. Between sessions, participants will be able to relax and recharge with coffee, tea, and gourmet snacks, creating a seamless blend of study, pleasure, and authenticity. A true experience where language learning meets lifestyle, in a setting designed to inspire.


Breakfasts & Dinners
Each day begins with a thoughtfully prepared breakfast (depending on the chosen accommodation), offering a gentle start in line with the region’s art of living. Evenings are left at your leisure, giving you the freedom to explore Bagnères-de-Bigorre’s local restaurants and culinary scene at your own pace. Do not hesitate to ask us for recommandations (all tried and tested!) On selected occasions, however, dinners become part of the experience, with curated moments such as wine tastings and our guided food tour, where you’ll discover the richness of regional flavors in a convivial and carefully crafted setting.










The accommodation
Steeped in history and quiet elegance, Villa Bonvouloir offers a truly unique place to stay in Bagnères-de-Bigorre.
Once the residence of Count Henry de Bonvouloir, a renowned 19th-century entomologist who welcomed leading scientists of his time, the villa retains the spirit of a refined retreat dedicated to curiosity, nature, and discovery.
Each accommodation option invites you to unwind in a serene and rejuvenating setting, immersed in the greenery and Pyrenean charm of Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Blending comfort, simplicity, and a warm sense of hospitality, they provide the perfect place to relax after a day of cycling and cultural exploration, offering an authentic experience where well-being and local character come together.
The villa offers fully comfortable studios (1 double bed) and apartments (two bedrooms with double beds).
Don’t hesitate to ask us for a quote if you wish to come as a couple or with friends.
Included activities
Beyond cycling and language immersion, the program includes a selection of refined experiences designed to awaken your senses and deepen your connection to the region. Enjoy a curated wine tasting paired with local specialties, explore the flavors of Bagnères-de-Bigorre through a guided food tour, and unwind and recover after your rides in the soothing atmosphere of a traditional spa.
Each activity is thoughtfully chosen to offer a perfect balance of
discovery, pleasure, and relaxation.

Spa "Aquensis"
Extend the experience with a moment of pure recovery in a refined spa setting, designed to soothe both body and mind after your rides.
Move at your own pace between the warmth of the sauna and hammam, the invigorating jets of the pool, and the unique sensory experience of the musical pool. The Nordic bath invites deep relaxation, while the jacuzzi outdoor offers the perfect final touch to release any remaining tension.

Food Tour
More than a culinary stop, the food tour is an invitation to discover Bagnères-de-Bigorre through its flavors, stories, and local craftsmanship.
Guided through carefully selected addresses, students will enjoy a convivial tasting experience that highlights regional products and traditions, while naturally practicing French in real-life situations. It is a delicious way to connect language learning with culture, heritage, and the authentic spirit of the Pyrenees.

Wine tasting
Enjoy a curated wine tasting experience that brings together exceptional local and French wines, selected with the expert guidance of Maxime, who travels across France in search of hidden gems worth sharing.
His passion and knowledge turn each tasting into a true discovery, offering students a refined introduction to the diversity and character of French wine. To complete the experience, carefully chosen local specialties are served alongside the wines, creating a generous moment of sharing that combines flavor, expertise, and regional authenticity.
Description & Pricing
Option 1 : program + accommodation (you bring your own bike)
- starting from 1800€
Option 2 : program + accommodation + bike
- starting from 2200€
- 50h of French practice (10h of French lessons + homework + activities)
- 4 half-days + one full day to discover the legendary Tour de France routes and the surrounding area with an experienced guide.
- 5 lunches included (prepared by "Maison Octave")
- 3 pedagogical activities included :
-
Local food tour
-
Wine & local products tasting
-
Spa "Aquensis"
- Getting to and from the activities,
- A flexibility and adaptation to your needs and objectives,
- Administration & organization fees,
- Tea, coffee and “petit gâteaux”!
If you wish another type of accommodation or want to share it, let us know in the registration form
Excluded
- clip-on shoes, cycling shorts, jersey, gloves, and glasses
- Shuttle from and to the airport/train station : price on request
- Shuttle service during the stay (outside of the planned activities) : price on request
- Optional insurance : we strongly advise you to take out insurance covering the duration of your stay in France in order to guarantee a minimum of risks (medical expenses, civil liability, accident and theft).
- Personal expenses
Payment conditions
5-day workshop payment schedule:
Deposit of 40% of the amount at registration. The remaining payment will be due the 4th of May, 2027.
An invoice will be sent to you at that time.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations made more than 30 days before the start of the stay are eligible for an 80% refund, those made between 15 and 30 days prior for a 50% refund, and those made less than 15 days before the start are non-refundable.
Consult our Booking essentials and the General Terms and Conditions of Sale





