Language

Where to learn French in Burgundy and the local French Media

Language Schools

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE

Would you like a total immersion, or a more leisurely, less stressful approach to learning French? Are you wanting the skill for business reasons or for enjoyment and personal fulfilment? Would it be best to go with your partner, your family or on your own? And, of course, what is your budget? Does a buzzy town or a country setting where there is no distraction appeal? All these things are essential questions in choosing the right course for you.

There are three distinct types of course available in and on the outskirts of Burgundy.

The French government offer the CIEF course at the University near the centre of Dijon, 20 – 25 hours tuition per week at a good price, (see below). This is student living in a classroom environment; it is worth checking on the class sizes when contacting the school.

But maybe you would prefer a friendly, more personal approach. At La Petite Classe, Maryse Planel offers one, two or three week courses from her home in the beautiful old convent in Semur-en-Auxois. She gives 22 hours tuition a week, accommodation, two meals a day plus two visits per week to places of interest. The course starts from 900 euros per week per person with a maximum of three students at one time. This is learning without pressure.

Another holiday learning experience can be found at the Ecole des Trois Ponts based at Villa Beaulieul near Roanne, just over the border in the south of Burgundy. Here french classes and cookery classes are on offer in a houseparty atmosphere. Their new premises has ten guest rooms, and they serve a buffet breakfast and lunch plus dinner with wine.

On an altogether more serious footing, Taylor Services and Corcelle, both teach on a one-to-one basis in the beautiful Saône-et-Loire countryside where there is little distraction. These courses are aimed at business professionals wanting a quick fix with total immersion and at Corcelle, 50 hours a week is the norm - a strenuous undertaking for the brain.

CIEF

Part of the University of Bourgogne, the Centre Internationale d’Etude Française

in Dijon offers a wide variety of French language courses at varying levels. You can go for 2,3,4, or 6 weeks in summer (410 euros tuition, 203 euros student accommodation for two weeks, not a bad price you have to admit); spend a semester at the college, or opt for a year’s course from October to May. This is very much student living, open to anyone 18 yrs and over, with cultural activities on offer too. If you want to get to know about France and the French, this is a good way to begin integrating.

For full information, www.u-bourgogne.fr/CIEF, tel 00 33 380 39 35 60.

A QUICK FIX

There are two courses in Burgundy aimed principally at business professionals: Taylor Language Services and Corcelle. In the case of Taylor, they assess each individual on application and teach one-to-one. The Corcelle courses are highly intensive, with 50 hours tuition a week on a one-to-one basis with a selection of tutors, aimed at meeting the needs of international business and organisations. Understandably, you pay a premium for this sort of course, but when time is money, it pays off. To discuss your individual needs contact:

Taylor Language Services, 71640 Givry, info@executive-french.com 

Corcelle, 71250 Sigy-le-Chatel, contact@corcelle.com

holiday courses

For more details on La Petite-Classe in Semur -en-Auxois and

Ecole des Trois Ponts, 3ponts2@wanadoo.fr

FRENCH PRESS

Read the local newspapers and magazines to be in the know, get the most out of your area, and improve your language skills at the same time.

magazines

Etoile

If you like to keep up with the world of haute cuisine, this glossy magazine from the Guide Michelin stable will appeal. Restaurants and their chefs, wine and sommeliers, cities and high spots are all featured. This is not specifically about Burgundy, more the whole of France.

Maison Coté Est

The super glossy interiors magazines in the Maisons Coté group offer up sumptuous photography portraying houses and lifestyle. Coté l’Est features articles on Burgundy and eastwards

Bourgogne Magazine

Bourgogne magazine has just relaunched itself, changing from a general interest publication into a more wine-related magazine. People and places across Burgundy are featured.

Newspapers

Newspapers fall into the départements, the Côte d'Or, Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, and Yonne. The most popular are:

Côte d’Or: Bien Public

Nièvre: Le Journal  and Le Post

Saône-et- Loire: Le Journal

Yonne: L’Yonne Republicaine

Free publications

Le Criquet

Local monthly news, events and ads in the Avallonnais and Auxois. Available widely in newsagents and local supermarkets.

Para Vendu

Free publication with classified adverts for property and local services

Spectacles

Dijon based magazine highlighting music, concerts, exhibitions, cinema, conferences etc.mainly in the capital of Burgundy

France nationwide

Fusac

A free publication in Paris with ads for accommodation and jobs. www.fusac.fr

De Particulier à Particulier

Private individuals advertise their real estate and the buyer liaises directly with the owner. Also miscellaneous items. Essentially Paris based with smaller regional entries. www.pap.fr

TV

Channel 3 covers Burgundy and the Jura