Travel Series: Italy
Bon Voyage !
Your Journey to French Language and Culture Starts Here!
Join our immersive, human-taught travel course designed for curious explorers, first-time visitors, and language lovers.
→ Live Zoom lessons + cultural tips + real conversation practice.
✓ Free Consultation | ✓ Small Groups or Private | ✓ Taught by Native French Teachers
Live. Human. Online or in person.
Start Your French Adventure Today
Immerse yourself in the beauty and elegance of France and learn how to connect with locals with our Bon Voyage: French Essentials for Travelers series. Whether you're savoring a café crème et croissant in a charming Parisian café, greeting your host at a cozy chambre d’hôte in Provence, or admiring the breathtaking artistry of Monet at the Musée d’Orsay, let French be your key to unlocking the wonders of France and forging meaningful connections with the people you meet along the way. C’est parti !
“On ne fait pas un voyage. Le voyage nous fait et nous défait. ”
Course Options:
Learn with a Group, as a Couple or Solo
Not sure which course to choose? Compare the options below
What's Included:
French Essentials for Travelers
Our French Essentials for Travelers series equips you with essential language skills and cultural knowledge to navigate France with confidence and ease. From ordering your favorite bistro meal to conversing with locals, understanding more about the French language and culture will enrich every aspect of your journey.
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Key Phrases and Practical Vocabulary
From bonjour to au revoir, you'll learn the essentials of French for travel, including greetings, useful expressions, and key phrases for navigating France with confidence. Master introductions, asking for directions, shopping, dining, and more. Expand your vocabulary with words and phrases related to transportation, accommodation, food, and sightseeing to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
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Live Instruction. Human Connection
All Bon Voyage courses are taught with actual human teachers, experts in the language, culture and travel experience of Italy. Connect with other travelers in our group courses and in our discussion board, where you can ask questions and share travel tips and get expert advice from our French team and travel partners.
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Cultural Insights
Discover insights into French culture, customs, and traditions to deepen your understanding and connection with the country and its people.
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Interactive Activities
Engage with interactive exercises, videos, fun quizzes, and real-life scenarios to reinforce your learning and build confidence in using French in practical situations with your teacher and learning partners.
Meet Your Course Creator + Instructor
Liz Groff, Ph.D
Your Fun & Friendly French Guide!
Liz Groff is a passionate French instructor helping travelers embark on their Bon Voyage adventure. With over 15 years of teaching experience in the U.S. and France, she’s helped countless students feel confident ordering croissants, navigating the métro, and connecting with locals. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Liz now lives in Paris with her French husband and two sons. She holds a PhD in French literature and cinema from UVA and makes language learning fun, interactive, and practical. Beyond teaching, Liz has directed international film festivals, traveled extensively, and worked with students worldwide. She knows the magic that happens when language and travel come together—and she’s here to help you experience it firsthand!
Philippe Pansiot, M.A.
Your Other Fun & Friendly French Guide!
Philippe is a Paris-born French instructor with a passion for language, literature, and culture. He holds a Master’s in French and Francophone Studies from The Sorbonne and has taught at universities like Virginia Tech, VMI, and FAU, as well as public high schools. A specialist in Marguerite Duras, Philippe is an avid writer and digital artist, blending photography and Photoshop to create unique works. He also has a love for rock ‘n’ roll, philosophy, and table tennis—sometimes all at once! After nearly seven years in the U.S., including a time teaching at Speak! in Charlottesville, Philippe now lives in Paris with his wife, Liz, and their two sons. He’s excited to help learners bring French to life, whether for travel, culture, or everyday conversation.
Sicily specialist
Agave Travel Creative
Agave Travel Creative curates immersive Sicilian experiences, blending luxury with authentic connections. Led by Marcello Baglioni and Matteo Rota, their expert team crafts seamless itineraries rooted in deep local knowledge. Recognized by Condé Nast and Wendy Perrin, they showcase Sicily through culture, cuisine, and adventure.
Countries: Italy
Eat Curious
Culinary Backstreets Food Tours
Since 2009, Culinary Backstreets has celebrated hidden culinary gems worldwide through tours, storytelling, and Eatineraries. From its roots as an Istanbul food blog, it’s grown into a global platform honoring local food traditions and artisans in cities like Athens, Barcelona, and Tokyo.
Countries: Spain, Japan
Travel With All Five Senses
Five Senses Journeys
Founded by Rochelle DeBaun in 2021, Five Senses Journeys crafts bespoke luxury travel with a personal touch. With 26 years of expertise, Rochelle curates immersive experiences, blending hospitality, cuisine, and adventure to create unforgettable journeys.
Countries: worldwide
Looking for a perfect gift?
The Perfect Gift for Travelers: Language and Culture Experiences. Kick-start someone's trip with a pre-departure Speak! learning experience!
Student Spotlights
Real stories from our students as they build confidence and find their voice through language
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
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All of our courses center around live lessons with a Speak! Teacher. The hours listed with each course type refer to the hours of live instruction (5, 8, 10, 12) with a dynamic language+culture instructor. We believe that meaningful learning happens when humans speak with humans. We also know that travelers and students new to a language have lots of questions!!
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Yes! Our platform includes fun cultural and language activities that you can do in-between your live lessons to reinforce what you’re learning and give you a chance to get personalized feedback from your teacher as you go. Our online academy also includes a discussion board so that you can ask questions and share your own travel tips with the community.
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Yes! You and your travel partners can either join a scheduled Speak! Group course or sign up for a semi-private (2 people) or custom group course (up to 8). If you take a semi-private or custom group class, we can adapt to your pace as well as your specific itinerary.
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The 5 hour mini courses are ideal for those who just want to learn greetings, pronunciation and ask some travel-related questions. Additionally, the 5 hour course includes some of our self-study materials and travel tips. We recommend the 8+ hour course to most everyone as it includes more of the language and gives you a chance to practice!
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Yes! We would be delighted to continue teaching you if you wish to learn more of the language than is offered in this travel course. You can simply register for a package of 10 or more hours of individual lessons, or semi-private if you have a learning buddy.