Luberon Contacts

Solange Brihat

She has lived in the Luberon for more than 30 years and her passion for both the French language and the history of the area will guarantee that she is the teacher, the guide you need. She has a master in French (from Aix-en-Provence University) and she has been teaching for many years for the American School of the Arts, in Provence, with Cleveland Institute, Bard College, and Savannah College of Art and Design. She knows local craftsmen and artits, secrets places, beautiful private gardens, good cooking and can direct you to the best local restaurants. Her fine "human touch" will help you to discover the real Provence.

Luberon Contacts Association has been created to develop cultural exchanges in Provence. For this it´s proposing and organizing different type of trips and activities.

"I am now in the land of corn, wine, oil, and sunshine. What more can man ask of heaven? If I should happen to die at Paris I will beg of you to send me here, and have me exposed to the sun. I am sure it will bring me to life again" Thomas Jefferson - March 27 1787.

French Classes

- one to one lesson adapted to one´s level, those classes allow any student to have a quick overview of the french language or to improve existing skills.

- weekly classes: in a very informal nonnetheless serious way of teaching, Solange Brihat combines the study of every major aspect and component of French language, and in the same time the discovery of Provence, in order to give to everyone the opportunity to use the newly acquired knowledge with confidence (maximum 6 persons).

- Private Groups: we can accomodate a special program at your convenience.

Schedule 2010

January
Beginners 1&2 : 14,15,16 : 15 hours of classes , with 3 lunchs and one diner together.
Intermediate : 21,22,23 : 15 hours of classes, with 3 lunchs and one diner together.

March
Beginners 1&2 : 18,19,20 : 15 hours of classes, with 3 luchns and one diner together.
Intermediate : 25, 26, 27 : 15 hours of classes, with 3 lunchs and one diner together.

May
Beginner 1&2 : May : 6,7,8 : 15 hour of classes, with 3 lunchs,and one diner together.
Intermediate 1&2 : One week intensive program : May 17 - May 22 : lunch every day, 2 diners, and an excursion.

June
17,18,19 : 15 hours of classes, with 3 lunchs, and one diner together.

September
Beginners 1&2 : 9,10,11 : 15 hours of classes, with 3 lunchs and one diner together.
Intermediate 2 - advanced 1: 20 - 25 : one week intensive program.

Cultural & Historical tours

Visits of Provence´s historical landmarks :

- Aix-en Provence : XVIII th century city, town of Cézanne. With the help of Solange Brihat you will be able to visit the gardens of the most beautifull “Bastides” of the Aix en Procence area.

- Marseille : the famous harbour, France´s 2nd city. Through the old quarters, lunch in a typical restaurant and in the afternoon, visit of the Pastré Museum : the greatest collections of antics ceramics.

- Pont du Gard and Nîmes : a time journey through romans antiquities.

Former Participants comments

"Solange Brihat’s enthusiasm for teaching makes studying French with a pleasure as well as a great learning experience. I have profited from her expertise for quite a few years now."
Madame Anne Cox-Chambers (Atlanta), April 2001.

"Without a doubt, this is the best way to learn a foreign language. The “Solange method” offers an excellent mix of classroom lessons (in an extraordinary setting), of adventures which allow us to use the language, and, of course, opportunities to enjoy the tastes of France in the restaurants and at Solange’s home. You are really a very good professor and I thank you for your skill and patience. Everyone was very happy with the course. J’espère que ça va bien. Merci et à la prochaine! Amitiés,"
Donna, Octobre 2006

"Chere Solange, I enjoyed your program immensely. The French instruction was presented in a way that was easily understood. Your explanations were clear and I would think, aha, yes, I can see how the grammar works. The extra events were very much appreciated……… I liked speaking French with the people you brought into the program. I especially liked listening to you. Your French speaking wasclear and easy to follow and that made it a lot of fun for me. Mille amities."
Carla, from Holland - Michigan

"YOU ARE A GREAT TEACHER & VERY STRICT & ENERGETIC, WHAT I THINK IT´S VERY GOOD………… I ENJOYED YOU THOUHT PHRASES & WORDS OF EVERY DAY & GRAMMAR WHICH I DON´T LIKE, YOU DID IT MORE EASY. THE KITCHEN CLASS & DINNER WAS GREAT , ALSO THE WINE DEGUSTATION . WHEN YOU HAVE ANOTHER GROUP FOR NEXT YEAR , PLEASE LET ME KNOW & PROBABLY I´LL GO.THANK YOU FOR GOING BACK TO SCHOOL. A BIENTOT ET MERCY BEAUCOUP, "
BIBI, from Mexico

Location

Bonnieux is 45 minutes drive from Avignon´s T.G.V train station, one hour drive from Marseille-Marignagne Airport, two & half hour drive from Nice Airport.

You can reach Avignon by a direct TGV train (less than 3 hours) from Paris.