Armelle Cassanas

Born in Montpellier and raised in the nearby fishing village of Sète, Armelle grew up surrounded by the colors, flavors, and rhythms of the Mediterranean—a region she still calls home.

She holds a PhD in sociolinguistics, with a focus on language and social interaction, and has taught courses on both art history and contemporary art. She also studied theatre at the Conservatory of Arts and now leads a Montpellier-based theater troupe. Her work reflects a deep engagement with how people express meaning—through language, visual art, and performance alike.

Armelle has worked with international students in France and previously served as a cultural ambassador of France, spending two years in Florida and New Zealand promoting French language and culture. At Elective, she brings this dual perspective to her role as both instructor and facilitator—leading students through the themes of the course while also connecting them to the lived experience of the Languedoc region.

Whether she’s introducing a key text or pointing out where to find the best croissant, une tielle, or a tropézienne, Armelle brings warmth, depth, and insight to every interaction. She is passionate about sharing the rich textures of her home region—through its history, its language, and the daily rhythms that define its way of life.