NOW BOOKING : Sept 13th - 17th 2010 Oct 18th - 22nd 2010
To arrange courses outside of these dates, please contact us
As part of our our residential French course our programme of afternoon activities is specifically organized to get you listening and speaking in real situations.
The benefit of doing this kind of residential French course, as opposed to only following class study outside of France, is the opportunity to get intensive exposure, not only to the French language, but also to the French culture and people. By meeting and understanding the ways of French people you can build a better appreciation of what it is you love so much about France!
Even on holiday in France, it can be hard to find opportunities to speak French when out and about. To build your confidence in initiating French conversation and to enable your ability to understand French spoken in real life, we create the opportunities you will need to put your developing language skills to the test.
Typical activities might include the following:
Rocamadour
Just 40 minutes' drive away is Rocamadour, one of the must-see gems of this area and deservedly the third most visited religious site in France. Built into the cliff side, the town has jaw-dropping views and architecture which defies the dizzying location. This is a great opportunity to engage passers-by and shopkeepers. We give you a worksheet to help you find out how the town came to be and sniff out the interesting details. You'll need to use your French to complete your mission!
Castles
The Lot and Dordogne regions of France have an astounding number of superb medieval châteaux. Historically, during the Hundred Years' War, many of the region's castles repeatedly changed hands between the French and the English, giving an extra dimension of interest to the English-speaking visitor!
We will combine a guided tour to find out the fascinating facts and fictions of a local castle, and our own test to see how much you've absorbed!
Guided Tour of Gourdon
Organized with the Tourist Office, we take an official tour (in French of course!) of the medieval town centre. Gain a fascinating insight into the daily life and changing fortunes of a French town from the Middle Ages onwards, and learn how Richard the Lionheart made the mistake of crossing Bertrand de Gourdon.
We'll be on hand to help you quiz the guide about history, local architecture or anything else which has pricked your interest.
Train to Cahors
Cahors, the departmental capital sitting on the river Lot, has winding medieval streets and one of the best markets in the region. Downstream, the river Lot is also home to the vineyards that produce the Cahors appellation wines.
We take the train from Gourdon into the centre of Cahors, a 35-minute journey through the rolling landscape of the region. Once there, we seek out the hidden medieval gardens dotted across the town and complete a 'treasure hunt' that will require you to engage the help of passers-by!
Wine Tasting
Surely no trip to France could be complete without a sampling of the famous wines of the South-West. Try Bergerac, Gaillac and Cahors wines and learn what sets them apart and gives them each their distinctive identities.
The talk, of course, will be in French with a local 'caviste' (wine merchant) and you will be welcome to ask many questions. There's no obligation to buy, but by all means use the opportunity!
Caves at Cougnac
Gourdon town is 5km from the famous Grottes de Cougnac, which boast the oldest cave paintings that can be visited in France - 25,000 years old! There are two caves to visit - the first is a 'wet' cave, meaning that the formations are still growing, and the second is dry now, but this is where the amazing cave paintings can be seen. The guides are real enthusiasts and give many interesting insights into the geological and prehistorical aspects of the caves. Again, tours will be in French and there will be opportunities for questions.