FRENCH IMMERSION RETREAT IN
BASQUE COUNTRY with
May 6 - 12, 2026
Coucou french classes and rêverie have teamed up to provide the ideal immersive launguage trip for french learners to practice their language skills and dive into the rich traditions of the french basque country.
7 Days, 6 nights
May 6 - 12, 2026
From $5000.00 USD
Experience a week in the enchanting French Basque Country, where stunning landscapes and gastronomic delights await you. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenées Mountains, this region offers a seamless blend of traditional Basque culture and culinary excellence.
There’s just one rule for this French immersion retreat in Basque Country: once you step foot into the château, «on ne parle que français !». From coffee in the morning to the last sip of wine, Coucou and Rêverie will provide a fully immersive experience where French is the only language spoken. There’s no better way to improve your conversation skills – and we can’t think of a better experience to make it happen!
What will you do?
Begin your French language immersion journey in the picturesque town of Biarritz for a night, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant surf culture. Delight in fresh seafood at local markets where you can practice your French, showcasing the goodness of ocean-to-table dining. Then you’ll head out to the Château de Larraldia, your home for the week. As you venture into the countryside, take in breathtaking views of the base of the Pyrenées mountains, a perfect backdrop for your French immersion retreat.
During our time in the château, Coucou French Classes will provide some guided activities to sharpen your French (think Trivia Nights and menu creation - NOT conjugation!) and the Rêverie team will be in the kitchen preparing classic, delicious French meals to grace the dinner table.
The culinary retreat with French immersion practice in the French Basque Country promises a heartfelt connection to its rich culture and breathtaking scenery. Book your Rêverie trip today and savor the unforgettable flavors of this unique region!
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While we hope everyone will participate, all experiences are optional! Please feel free to take time for yourself whenever you like.
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Rêverie and Coucou have carefully created activities and experiences that we believe represent the best of the region and our own expertise, aiming to provide an optimal experience for the participants.
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Coucou will provide several engaging experiences for learners to practice their French skills and grow in their confidence. Rêverie has planned a number of food-focused experiences fully in French for participants to appreciate the flavors of the region.
The team at Coucou wishes to provide a full immersion experience during this week in France. Therefore, you must be at a level 4 (Intermediate) or above to join this retreat. You can check your level with the Coucou placement test on their website. And guess what ! If you’ve never taken French before, you can start today and make it to level 4 by next spring - let’s go!
YOUR guest host
Get to know:
coucou, (more than) a French school
Coucou is the “it” school for French learners and francophiles. They are a woman-founded, bicoastal business with over 10 years of experience in French education. They have created a modern, approachable curriculum that sets them apart from other language schools. Their team of passionate teachers and French-speaking professionals fosters a diverse community by welcoming students from all backgrounds. After a decade of building their community of learners, they’re delighted to partner with Rêverie!
YOUR ITINERARY
*Please note that changes to the itinerary may occur between now and your retreat start date*
DAY ONE
WEDNESDAY 5.6.26
Welcome to France, and to the glorious Pays Basque nonetheless! After you collect your bags at the Biarritz airport, our drivers will escort you to the Hotel Plaza Biarritz Plage sitting in the heart of the city with incredible views of the ocean. This 4 star hotel, part of the playful Handwritten Collection, is the perfect place to relax after your travels from beyond. Take a dip in the pool, or just enjoy a nap in the delicious rooms. You’ll have dinner on your own this first night - you can choose to dine at the hotel, or venture out into the city for a meal. We can guarantee that you’ll be very well cared for!
DAY two
THURSDAY 5.7.26
Breakfast at the Hotel Plaza Biarritz Plage is included in your reservation, so please take advantage of their delicious buffet in the lobby, and enjoy their beautifully chic dining room. After breakfast, it’s time to pack those bags and get ready for our drivers to pick you up for a transfer to your home for the week - the Château de Larraldia. You’ll be greeted by your hosts and the Reverie team for a tour of the grounds. Then, we’ll escort you to your rooms for a quick freshen up before lunch is served in the gardens. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the surrounding gardens and enjoy the château’s pool. We’ll meet in the evening for a before-dinner apéritif, and then the Reverie team will share a welcome dinner for the books!
DAY three
FRIDAY 5.8.26
A traditional French breakfast will be served in the dining hall of the manor. Take your coffee outside and enjoy views of the château gardens with the Pyrenées Mountains peeking through in the distance. We’ll meet in the morning to head over to the Egiategia Winery in Saint-Jean-de-Luz where we’ll learn all about their unique vinification practices and have a chance to taste their beautiful wines and enjoy some Basque snacks. It’s back to the chateau for lunch and a restful afternoon. During your free time at the chateau, feel free to sign up for a private lesson with Keveen or Cynthia to further hone your language skills. Then it’s off to cocktail hour, an incredible chef-prepared dinner, and after hours parties. Bonne nuit!
DAY four
SATURDAY 5.9.26
If we’ve done it right, by now the Château will start to feel like a home away from home. After breakfast, you’ll have the morning to relax or join Melissa Alcantra for a fitness class in the gardens. Chef Paul Albert will provide a nourishing lunch before you begin your invigorating afternoon French language workshop with your Coucou professors, Keveen and Cynthis. The Coucou team will join you again in the evening for an apéro trivia night - maybe even a bit of name-that-tune! And then we’re on to yet another fabulous dinner prepared by the Rêverie team. Does the fun ever stop?!
DAY five
SUNDAY 5.10.26
Today, we head back into the city of Biarritz for a morning of exploring and soaking up the sun. Meander Les Halles de Biarritz, their covered market, to discover all kinds of local fare. Or enjoy the chic shopping of this stylish city! We’ll meet up for lunch at L’Alchimie, and then we’ll head back for a bit of free time before the Coucou team joins you again in the evening for an apéro trivia night - maybe even a bit of name-that-tune! We’ll move from there to a stunning chef-prepared dinner and perhaps a little after party?
DAY six
MONDAY 5.11.26
After breakfast on this morning, your French immersion guides will lead you in one last workshop to practice your language skills. We’ll have lunch together in the courtyard, and then the afternoon will be yours to get your bags packed and enjoy your final moments at your château home. We’ll toast to an incredible week together before one last dinner from Paul and Garrett.
DAY seven
tuesday 5.12.26
Today, we depart from our home for the week and we soak up every last breath of the Larraldia views. Breakfast will be served and we will say our goodbyes as the vans arrive to shuttle our sun-kissed selves away from the château and toward the airport so we can make our way to our next destinations.
FRENCH IMMERSION
To help you advance as much as possible during your stay, your Coucou teachers have prepared a program of fun activities that will keep you on your toes, expand vocabulary and above all–get you talking! Life at the château is an immersive experience, meaning French must be spoken at all times! This immersion is the best way to level up, and we hope you’ll enjoy your new conversation skills as you practice and learn with your teachers and peers!
WORKSHOPS
Full Immersion Experience at the château - our team and your Coucou French Classes instructors will be there to help you along the way as you only speak French during your week with us.
French Trivia + Name That Tune - We’ll make sure you have the tools to succeed in this fun quiz night.
EXPLORE
During your week with Coucou and Rêverie, you’ll discover the breathtaking coastal cities of the French Basque Country, where vibrant culture meets exquisite cuisine. Begin your adventure in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a charming fishing village with its picturesque harbor and delicious seafood. We’ll visit the Egiategia winery and learn all about their wildly unique vinification practices - just wait!!
We’ll conclude our week in Biarritz, a glamorous beach destination known for its surf culture and chic boutiques. Enjoy cocktails at stunning seaside restaurants, savoring local specialties like gateau basque and fresh oysters. Join us and let the flavors of the French Basque Country captivate your senses!
OUTINGS
Tour and tasting at Egiategia Winery in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Day of exploring in Biarritz
Lunch together in Biarritz
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Nearly everything, except for your big ride across the ocean and to the chateau’s nearest airport. But once you arrive, we’ve got you!
Transfers to and from the Biarritz airport.
One night stay at the 4-star Hotel Plaza Biarritz Plage with breakfast
Please note that dinner on your first night is not included - you can eat dinner at the hotel, or we’re happy to help you choose a place to eat in the city!
Coucou French Classes workshops, activities and all materials associated
Recipes galore!
All breakfasts at the château
Chef-prepared meals at the château for lunch and dinner
All wine and beverages, unless you wanna have your own after hours party ;)
Private coach transportation for all scheduled outings
All scheduled outings and events during our week
Chateau lodging, naturally
* To preserve the shared culinary experience we strive to create, we’re happy to accommodate vegetarians, pescatarians, and allergies. However, we are unable to tailor meals for additional dietary preferences or restrictions. If you have specific questions about your needs, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to chat!
GETTING HERE
Airplane
Several planes fly direct to the Biarritz Airport (BIQ) every day from Paris and other cities around Europe. We will arrange for an airport pickup on Wednesday May 6 at 3:00 pm, and we will drop you off at the airport on May 12 at 10:30 am. If you arrive in Biarritz before or after 3:00 pm on the 6th, you’re more than welcome to hire your own transportation to the Regina Experimental Hotel. The airport is in the city center, so it’s a short ride to anywhere!
*If you choose to leave earlier on the last day, we would be happy to help you arrange for a private transfer for an additional fee.
*Cost of airfare to the Biarritz airport is not included in the cost of your reservation. Please let us know if we can offer any support or guidance with your travel plans - we’re happy to help!
Car
If you’re the seasoned-traveler type and you’d enjoy having your own transportation, then please - rent a car in Paris or wherever and drive down! Have a stopover in the region of Dordogne for a foie gras tartine or take a day to discover the great city of Bordeaux and its surrounding vineyards. You could then keep your car for the week and choose your own destiny, or drop off at the Biarritz airport on the first day of the retreat and we’ll come grab you.
Train
Trains are another option for those who feel comfortable traveling around on their own! Please note that if you take the train to the Biarritz train station, you will need to take a taxi to the Biarritz airport (6 minute drive) for 3:00 pm on the 6th if you want our drivers to transfer you to the Regina Experimental hotel.
Travel Reservation
If you would like guidance with booking your travel to Biarritz, our in-house travel guru, Kathleen, is here to help. You can reach her directly at kathleen@reverieforever.com
We are here to help make this part easy and smooth.
If you would like to extend your stay in France, we are delighted to partner with The French Travel, a locally owned and operated trip designer based in Paris. They are true experts who will help you perfectly plan your before and/or after Rêverie experience. Check them out for more info!
As you probably already know, our friends at Coucou French Classes offer some incredible online and in-person French language classes - whether you’re looking to brush up on your high school French or looking to learn a few phrases to feel more comfortable with travel, Coucou French Classes is the way! Check out their website for more information.