Welcome to Northern France with Megan and her family!
Hello! My name is Megan, I am 32 years old and I am English. I have been living in France since 2010. I am the mother of two lovely children: Valentin (5 years old) and Alice (2 years old). They were born in France but are already doing well in English. My husband, Paul, a mason by trade, is French and understands English. We have a very large house in the countryside, and 3000m2 of enclosed garden.
As a family, we enjoy spending time in nature, gardening, cycling, hiking, and cooking fresh homemade dishes. We also love playing board games a lot! Our home is warm and welcoming, and we would be delighted to share our passion for English and our lifestyle with you.
The region around Ochtezeele, within a radius of 30 km, offers a mix of heritage, nature, and local traditions typical of the North. Here’s an overview:
Things to see:
• Cassel: Elected "Favorite Village of the French," this small town perched on a hill offers a wonderful view of Flanders. Don't miss the Cassel windmill and the Flanders Museum.
• Bergues: This charming fortified town, known thanks to the film Welcome to the Sticks, is surrounded by ramparts and crossed by canals.
• Saint-Omer: Visit its majestic cathedral, its Audomarois marshes (ideal for a boat ride), and its historic center.
• The beaches of the Opal Coast: About 30 km away, you will find the beaches of Malo les Bains, Berck (kites), and Le Touquet, perfect for a nature outing, among many other places like Nausicaa, Bruges and Ypres, Pairi Daiza Zoo (Belgium), Old Lille, Louvre-Lens, etc.
Local culture:
• The region is deeply rooted in Flemish culture. Flemish is still spoken sometimes, and Flemish traditions are reflected in music, dances, and local festivals.
• Giants, large traditional figures, parade during carnivals and significant events. Note: Cassel Carnival on Easter Monday!
Things to taste:
• Welsh: A specialty made with cheddar, bread, and beer, often accompanied by fries.
• Flemish carbonade: A beef and beer stew, sweet and savory.
• Local beers: Like those brewed at the Thiriez brewery in Esquelbecq.
• Flemish waffles: Filled with vergeoise or caramel.
• Cheeses: The famous maroilles and vieux Lille.
Events:
• Dunkirk Carnival: One of the largest carnivals in Europe, known for its colors, music, and festive atmosphere.
• Bergues Fair: A traditional event with activities, markets, and local specialties.
• Beer Festival in Esquelbecq: A gathering to discover the best local beers.
• The Estivales of Cassel: Concerts and shows in a picturesque setting.
We can accept 3 members of the same family at the same time.
• Breakfast: Start the day with a friendly family breakfast, unless my husband is working!
• Private lessons: Then, you will have 2 hours of personalized English lessons tailored to your level and goals (if you requested this upon booking).
• Meal preparation: Participate in preparing lunch, a great opportunity to learn culinary vocabulary while sharing a pleasant moment.
• In the afternoon: Depending on your desires, several activities are possible:
• Hiking in the surrounding nature.
• Bike ride (bikes and helmets provided).
• Gardening in our vegetable garden.
• Pastry workshop (preparing cakes or other treats).
• Family board games.
• Outing to the bowling alley or other local activity.
• Free afternoon, if you prefer, with access to bikes and helmets to explore the surroundings at your own pace.
This day will allow you to learn English while enjoying various enriching activities!
Note: The Tour de France 2025 passes 5km from our home: Stage 1 - 05/07 and Stage 3 - 07/07
From 830 € / week