BASQUE COUNTRY with
May 6 - 12, 2026
Coucou french classes and rêverie have teamed up to provide the ideal immersive experience 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 the week: 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 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, 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 adventures.
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 week in the French Basque Country promises not just a language and culinary journey, but 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 Regina Experimental sitting on the cliffs above the city with incredible views of the ocean. This 5 star hotel, part of the playful Experimental Group, is the perfect place to relax after your travels from beyond. Book a treatment at the spa, 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 Regina Experimental 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 for a first workshop with the Coucou team where we’ll talk about the best finds in a Basque country market. Following another delectable chef-prepared lunch at the château, it’s time to head to the coastal town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The afternoon is yours to explore the streets and the shops, or visit the famed Egiategia cellar for a taste of their signature salt-kissed wine, fermented beneath the waves of the harbor. We’ll meet in the evening at Familia, a fantastic wine bar, for some excellent local bottles and charcuterie boards. A spread of desserts and digestifs will be waiting for us when we return to the château - just enough to fill us up before we head to bed. 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. Once you’ve finished your breakfast, it’ll be time to head out on another adventure - this time to the neighboring city of Bayonne for a visit to their incredible traditional market. Load up your pockets with Basque specialties like piment d’espelette and jambon de Bayonne, and then sit for a coffee to watch the bustling city running their market routine. We’ll make it back to the château for a market-style lunch, and then you’ll have the afternoon to yourself to rest after all your hard exploring. The Coucou team will greet you 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 stay in for a full day of enjoying the Château de Larraldia. You can join the Reverie chefs in the kitchen in the morning after breakfast to learn how to make the perfect Basque cheesecake (YUM!), or sleep in and meet us for lunch in the courtyard. Coucou will lead you in a final workshop in the afternoon to wrap up the week. Meanwhile, the Reverie team will prepare a fabulous grill party, complete with bubbles on the lawn. And for anyone who’s in, we can have a little pétanque tournament by the pool. Get ready for an excellent evening!
DAY six
MONDAY 5.11.26
You’ll have the morning on Monday to pack up your things and enjoy your final moments at the château because after lunch, we’re headed to Biarritz! Again, the afternoon will be yours to explore the city. Enjoy tea at the Grand Palais, a cocktail with views of the ocean, or simply lay out on the beaches watching the masters of surf. We’ll meet up in the evening for a final dinner all together in the city. Santé!
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. Stroll along the sandy beaches and indulge in the town's famous txistorra, a mouthwatering Basque chorizo.
Next, make your way to Bayonne, a hub of culinary excellence. Engage with local farmers at the lively marketplace, where you can hand-pick seasonal ingredients to take home.
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
Afternoon in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Wine bar dinner in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Market visit in the city of Bayonne
Day of exploring in Biarritz
Final group dinner 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 5-star Hotel Regina Experimental in Biarritz 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, please reach out!
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.