New Adventures await - Fall 2025

Dear Live and Learn family

We hope you’re enjoying a beautiful summer! It has been a while since we last posted here. Thank you for being our loyal students and friends. For those who wish, you can skip to the lower part of this page for the French version of this blog post.

We have been working hard to prepare for “la rentrée” and have some exciting updates and invitations to learn, grow, and explore with us in deeper and more meaningful ways in 2025-2026.

COMING UP: CORSICA 2025

We’re thrilled to be taking a group to Corsica in September 2025! This island is a stunning mix of wild beauty, mountain villages, Mediterranean waters, and rich history. As with all our trips, it’s designed to be immersive, intentional, and full of soul, with a small group, beautiful lodging, and cultural experiences.

LOOKING AHEAD: IMMERSION TRIPS TO FRANCE 2026

We're also preparing a full French immersion experience in 2026, entirely in French, designed for intermediate to advanced learners.

• Small group

• Real-life language practice with daily targeted lessons

• Local culture & daily immersion

• Guided personally by the two of us

Interested? Let us know your date preference: June, September, or October 2026—reply to this message and help shape the experience! 

WHAT'S NEW THIS FALL

Starting September 2025, we’re expanding Live & Learn offerings to help you stay inspired and consistent:

Thematic Cultural & Practical Sessions

Get ready for your next trip to a French-speaking country and join Marie-Anne for a series of engaging and practical sessions meticulously designed to help you learn essential vocabulary that you can immediately put to use in real-life situations. If you are planning an exciting trip to France, whether it’s for leisure, business, or cultural exploration, our sessions will be particularly helpful. You'll gain valuable skills to navigate a charming pâtisserie, where you can indulge in delectable pastries and desserts, or shop for clothes in the stylish boutiques that line the streets of Paris or other French cities. Furthermore, the ability to communicate effectively while ordering in a café or restaurant is crucial, and our sessions are structured to provide you with hands-on language practice tailored specifically to these real-world experiences.

French After-school Club at Saint Joseph's

Marie-Anne will continue to bring the joy of French to elementary and middle school students. Perfect for young learners to discover the French language and build confidence while having fun!

Monthly Immersion Days

Intermediate to advanced level only. This program consists of one full day per month dedicated entirely to immersive experiences conducted in French and held in person. The structure of the day is meticulously designed to challenge and enhance your language skills while fostering a positive and encouraging environment. Participants will engage in a variety of activities that not only promote language acquisition but also build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French. Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to interact with fellow learners who share your passion for the French language, creating a supportive community where everyone can thrive. Activities may include group discussions, role-playing scenarios, and collaborative projects that require active participation and critical thinking. Additionally, the program will incorporate cultural elements, allowing participants to explore the rich heritage of French-speaking countries through music, literature, and culinary experiences. This holistic approach ensures that you are not only learning the language but also understanding the context in which it is used, making your learning experience both comprehensive and enjoyable. By committing to this monthly engagement, you will steadily push your linguistic boundaries, gaining greater fluency and comfort in your French language abilities. This initiative is ideal for those who are serious about advancing their skills and are looking for a dynamic and interactive way to do so.

Self-Study Article Subscription

Stay connected between lessons with a carefully selected array of authentic articles and engaging exercises designed for your independent study. Each month, you will receive 4 articles that are specifically curated to cater to the needs and interests of Intermediate to Advanced level students. These articles are not only relevant and thought-provoking but also encompass a wide range of topics that reflect current events, cultural phenomena, and academic discussions.

In addition to the articles, you will find a variety of exercises accompanying each reading. These exercises are crafted to reinforce your comprehension and analytical skills, allowing you to delve deeper into the material. They may include vocabulary-building activities, discussion prompts, and critical thinking questions that encourage you to engage with the content on a more profound level. This approach ensures that you are not only consuming information but also actively processing and applying what you learn.

By integrating these articles and exercises into your routine, you create a rich learning environment outside of formal lessons. This self-directed approach empowers you to take charge of your learning journey, allowing you to explore subjects that resonate with you while reinforcing the concepts covered in your lessons. Ultimately, this connection between lessons and independent study fosters a more comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience that can significantly enhance your language acquisition process.

Le Cercle des Idées

Join Hortense's vibrant and engaging weekly conversation group, where ideas flow as freely as great French wine, creating an atmosphere rich with creativity and inspiration! This is not just a casual gathering; it’s a dynamic forum where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to share their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives. Each session promises lively discussions that stimulate the mind and encourage participants to express themselves openly and confidently. New voices are always welcome, so whether you are a seasoned conversationalist or someone looking to dip your toes into the art of dialogue, you will find a warm and inviting space here. Bring your enthusiasm, curiosity, and perhaps a favorite anecdote or two to share, as we explore a variety of topics ranging from culture and art to current events and personal growth. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with others, expand your horizons, and enjoy the rich tapestry of ideas that emerge when passionate individuals come together!

Monthly Pronunciation Workshop

Get ready to master those tricky French sounds with Hortense! With her extensive expertise in French pronunciation, she’ll guide you through personalized practice sessions crafted to overcome common language challenges. Each session takes you on an exciting journey into the quirky realm of French phonetics, helping you distinguish those sneaky similar sounds that often confuse learners. With Hortense by your side, you'll speak with confidence and clarity, transforming your language learning journey into a delightful and rewarding adventure!

Private Lesson Price Update

As of August 1, the cost of private lessons will increase from $60 to $70/hour, while the cost of group lessons will remain unchanged. 

This small adjustment reflects:

• Our commitment to quality and personalization

• The preparation, care, and energy we invest

• Rising costs in all sectors

• Ongoing creation of fresh, inspiring materials and experiences

Want to keep learning while saving? Group lessons are a fantastic, dynamic option. They remain the same price and are a great value! You can combine private lessons with group lessons for an optimized learning experience.

Looking for a Trip with Soul?

Corsica is just one example of the custom, thoughtful trips we love to create. If you’ve dreamed of a tailored travel or learning experience solo, with friends, or family, we’re here to design something that reflects your style, pace, and passions.

Visit Our Website www.liveandlearn.fr

Thank you, as always, for being part of this growing, joyful, curious community.

Authentically, comme à la maison,

Hortense and Marie-Anne

Chers amis de Live & Learn,

Nous espérons que vous profitez d’un bel été ! Nous avons de belles nouveautés à vous partager, et surtout de nouvelles offres éducatives à vous proposer dont un voyage en immersion linguistique en France est prévu pour 2026.

Immersion en France – 2026

Niveau intermédiaire à avancé et 100 % en français. Vous rêvez de vivre le français au quotidien, en situation réelle, dans une ambiance conviviale et stimulante ? Nous préparons pour 2026 une expérience immersive unique, conçue pour les apprenants de niveau intermédiaire à avancé.

Au programme :

• Conversations authentiques toute la journée

• Découvertes culturelles et culinaires

• Activités pédagogiques intégrées dans la vie locale

• Petit groupe pour une immersion de qualité

• Encadrement bienveillant par nous deux, Hortense et Marie-Anne

Le séjour se déroulera entièrement en français, dans une atmosphère détendue mais exigeante – idéale pour progresser en confiance et fluidité.

Nous avons besoin de votre avis !

Quelle période préférez-vous ? Juin, septembre ou octobre 2026 ? Répondez à ce message pour nous faire part de votre préférence. Cela nous aidera à finaliser les dates et le lieu.

NOS NOUVEAUTÉS DÈS SEPTEMBRE 2025

En plus de l’immersion, voici ce que nous proposons dans les prochains mois :

Atelier mensuel de prononciation

Pour améliorer votre accent et parler avec plus d’aisance.

Ateliers thématiques (voyage, gastronomie, culture…)

Des moments riches d’échanges et d’apprentissage autour de sujets concrets.

Journées d’immersion mensuelles

Des journées en français intensives, en personne, pour booster votre pratique.

Abonnement mensuel à des articles avec activités

Un article authentique et exercices pour travailler en autonomie entre deux cours.

Le Cercle des Idées continue

Un espace de discussion profond et stimulant pour nos apprenants avancés.

Nouveaux tarifs à partir du 1er août

À partir du 1er août 2025, le tarif des leçons privées passera à 70$/heure (au lieu de 60$). Les cours en groupe restent au même tarif.

Ce changement reflète notre engagement à maintenir :

• une qualité pédagogique élevée

• des contenus et supports toujours plus riches

• une relation de proximité et de confiance

Astuce : les cours en groupe sont une excellente option pour progresser à moindre coût et profiter de l’énergie collective. Vous pouvez combiner les cours privés avec les cours en groupe pour une progression optimale.

Consultez notre site

Notre site a été mis à jour avec les tarifs et offres. Rendez-vous sur www.liveandlearn.fr pour découvrir nos tarifs, nos offres à venir et plus encore.

Merci pour votre fidélité, votre curiosité, et votre enthousiasme. Nous sommes heureuses de continuer cette aventure avec vous et peut-être bientôt en France

Hortense et Marie-Anne.

This fully immersive cultural experience will leave you feeling like you lived your best French life for a week. If you wish to experience France in a more authentic and intimate way, Live and Learn is what you’re looking for!

Authentically, comme à la maison.

Hortense and Marie-Anne