French immersion holidays with French in the Dordogne
We have moved ! From Le Bourdil Blanc to Le Terrier, in a little hamlet called Montaillac, near Eymet, on the Dordogne/Lot et Garonne border (25 mins from Bergerac airport and city centre)
Le Terrier is a 15th century presbytery with oodles of charm and atmosphere, amazing uninterrupted views from the terrace, with 5 double bedrooms each with their own bathroom, an acre of gardens and a swimming pool. There is ample parking on site, although you do not need a car during your stay.
Our courses are a great balance between improving your French in lessons and enjoying a week in the Dordogne area, sampling the amazing foods (truffles, foie gras, strawberries, wine of course) and visiting the famous chateaux, French markets and historic towns and villages.
There will be lessons in the mornings. Courses are for Intermediate and Advanced level (not for beginners).
The local excursions are based around Bergerac, in the Dordogne as well as around Saint Emilion and Bordeaux and are conducted in French.
For nature and wellness enthusiasts, we offer walks and hikes on the beautiful trails around Le Terrier, the lakes and in the forests of the region. Upon request, we can organize relaxation sessions and light gym classes suitable for all levels, set against the fabulous views from the house.
Daily schedule
(Please note – this is subject to change depending on weather, local seasonal cultural events and group input)
- 08.15 -9. Breakfast
- 09.00 -12.30 Lessons
- 12.30 -13.30 Lunch
- 14.00 Guided tours – in French!
- 17.30-18.00 Return to Le Terrier with time for relaxation and personal study
- 19.30 Apéritifs
- 20.00 Dinner
- 21.30 After dinner activities
For those who have come to learn French we offer the following :
- Total immersion learning in small groups with formal morning lessons and then endless opportunity to practice throughout the rest of your stay, from breakfast to after dinner chat Some of the teachers are resident at the school so there is ample opportunity for informal discussions
- One half day wine tasting at a local well-known vineyard in Bergerac where you will learn about and taste wine with the experts
- Afternoon visits to
many local tourist sights in the Dordogne, all conducted in French for maximum
language practice and practical application of lessons from the classroom so as to experience local culture
and explore the region. These tours are optional. More information on "Day by Day programme" page.
- A convivial atmosphere which will provide you with the confidence to make progress, a key ingredient for successful language learning
- Excellent and authentic regional food and wine
Non-participants
Travel companions who are not learning French are most welcome, though non-participants will best enjoy their holiday if they are relatively self-sufficient to allow those here to improve their French to do just that!
Aside
from enjoying the food and wine so integral to French life, all guests are most
welcome to help themselves to all the facilities and comforts Le Terrier has to
offer which include a lovely heated pool, all weather tennis court, a small carp
lake, a designated trout stream and a beautiful meadow garden or, weather
permitting, you may wish to simply curl up in front of a real log fire with a book. More information on "Non participants" page.
For golfers there is a spectacular course nearby at the elegant Chateau des Vigiers. Designed by Donald Steel, this 27-holes course meanders through vineyards and orchards, with stunning views, before returning to a cosy clubhouse with its excellent restaurant.
Non-participants may wish to hire a car for the duration of the holiday to maximise exploration time and range during lesson time. More information on the "Dordogne" page.
In short, your holiday at Le Terrier is whatever you wish to make it,
language speaker or not... as a minimum we guarantee a total French learning
experience - fascinating exposés on local tourist sights, delicious food and
wines, spectacular countryside, and the nourishing beauty of peace and quiet.
If you would like more information on the accommodation, the Dordogne area, or anything else on our website, please click on the 'contact us ' button above, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.