Discover the Heart of Immersion French in France

At Immersion French, we believe that the best way to learn French is to live it in France. That’s why our immersive programs are designed not just as lessons, but as real-life experiences. In fact, we design our immersive programs specifically for English speakers who want not just language lessons, but authentic experiences in real French life — through conversation, culture, history, cuisine, and daily living. Moreover, with locations in the charming medieval city of Carcassonne and the beautiful region of Picardie, we combine expert instruction with personalised support to help you grow in confidence and fluency.

Our team is passionate about teaching French, sharing French culture, and creating a welcoming environment where learners can thrive. Meet the people who make Immersion French truly special:

Our team

Portrait of Eliane founder of ImmersionFrench, French teacher and Host in France

Eliane Paauwen

Portrait of Benjamin, immersion teacher and host, member of the team ImmersionFrench

Benjamin Audifax

Portrait of Chantal, Senior French teacher on ImmersionFrench

Chantal Maton

Éliane — Founder & Lead French Instructor

With a strong academic foundation and a passion for language, Éliane brings professionalism, heart, and experience to every immersion program.

Initially, after completing her Licence, Maîtrise, and Master’s degrees in Law, Éliane worked for several years as a legal counsel. However, she soon realised her true calling was teaching and earned a certification in FLE (French as a Foreign Language). Since then, for over eight years, she has welcomed English-speaking learners to her home in France, creating a warm, supportive, and deeply effective immersion experience.

🌿 Éliane’s strengths: personalised teaching, cultural insight, patient guidance, real-world conversation practice.

In addition to Immersion French, Eliane is also the founder of Easy French with Eliane, where she supports English speakers who wish to relocate to France or purchase a second home with confidence. Through her personalised “Personal French Companion” service, she helps clients navigate French administration, daily life, and cultural integration with clarity and peace of mind.

Benjamin — Co-Instructor & Program Support

Benjamin brings a unique blend of analytical expertise and interpersonal skills to Immersion French.

He earned a diploma in banking and spent more than seven years working in finance. He then moved into telecommunications, where he worked for two years.

In addition, as Éliane’s husband and longtime partner in our immersion programs, Benjamin has been actively involved in hosting and supporting students throughout the past eight years. As a result, he recently completed his certification in FLE, and now contributes directly as a co-instructor known for his patience, encouragement, and practical approach.

🌟 Benjamin’s strengths: calm guidance, structured support, real-life communication coaching.

Chantal — Senior French Immersion Teacher

Chantal is an experienced and dedicated French teacher with a deep commitment to language education.

Originally, she completed her French teaching degree in the Netherlands, where she also taught French at both the Alliance Française and the University of Volks. Furthermore, for over ten years, Chantal has been welcoming learners into French language immersion experiences in her region, helping students build confidence through meaningful conversation, cultural engagement, and personalised guidance.

✨ Chantal’s strengths: experienced mentorship, cross-cultural understanding, immersive conversational teaching.

đź’¬ Why Choose Immersion French?

At Immersion French, you’re not just learning vocabulary and grammar — you’re experiencing French as it’s truly spoken. Our approach focuses on:

  • Real-life communication in everyday settings
  • Cultural immersion through local activities and experiences
  • Small group and personalised coaching
  • Supportive environments where learners feel comfortable and confident

Whether you’re starting out or polishing your fluency, our team is here to guide you at every step.

Ready to start your French immersion journey?


Explore our programs in Carcassonne and Picardie — and learn French the way it’s meant to be lived.