Language

Learn French in Burgundy, find translators, books and magazines in French for local information.

Getting it Right

We all know how easy it is to make a real clanger when writing in a foreign language. You have slaved away with a translation, but will it pass muster?

If you need help with an official letter in French, a CV, leaflet, press release, thesis or website for instance, call in the professionals. Evelyne Gelin, an ‘ecrivain public’, who lives west of Dijon offers a writing and proof-reading service. Strictly speaking it is not a translation service, but her English is so good that you can be sure that your writing will be correctly adapted to the context. http://ta.plume.free.fr

French Language Courses

For many people, learning a foreign language is a slog. Trying to remember verb endings and tenses comes as no pleasure. However, once the tedious part is behind you and the rudiments are in place, it is time to improve your fluency.

Concentration is the key to learning and if the subject matter is interesting and informative, the whole process is greatly enhanced. Champs-Elysées have produced an audio magazine – an hour-long programme on CD or cassette with news, features and interviews hosted by Georges Lang, a popular French radio and TV presenter. You will receive a transcript and optional study supplement with the audio-cassette or CD. So, listen to interesting profiles about people and businesses in the news, hear about the films and book launches and improve your French at the same time. www.champs-elysees.com.

Learn the lingo on holiday

Teetering on the border of Burgundy at Roanne in the Loire, the Ecoles des Trois Ponts offers language and cookery courses set in Château de Matel. Vincent Crump of The Sunday Times newspaper in the UK joined Americans, an Australian, a Canadian and a Swiss on one of their language courses and came away having enjoyed his time there and their approche ludique.

See: Learn the lingo on holiday.