Frequently asked questions
What time should I arrive in Bergerac on the Saturday, when does the course finish and can I come a few days earlier or stay on?
How do I get to le Bourdil Blanc?
What is included?
Can I choose my room before I arrive?
You say the immersion courses are not for beginners - how do I know what standard I am?
How intensive is the programme?
How much progress can I make with my French in a week?
Do most people know each other before they arrive?
Are there many nationalities on the immersion weeks?
If English is the common language how can I be sure we will all speak French?
Are your teachers native speakers?
What is the average age of those joining the immersion weeks?
Can we study French as a family?
Do I need a car?
You mentioned non-participants? Can they come too?
Do I need to tip? How much? Do I need to tip? How much?
Is there mobile phone reception and wi-fi?
What do I need to bring?
Do you cater for different diets?
What time should I arrive in Bergerac on the Saturday, when does the course finish and can I come a few days earlier or stay on?
Le Bourdil Blanc is situated very close to Bergerac airport and Bergerac train station which means that our transfer arrangements are very flexible and we can come and pick you up at virtually any time. That being said, if arriving by train we ask you to arrive in the afternoon, any time after 4pm. Changeover day is a very busy affair with the cleaning staff working very hard to get the house ready for the next set of guests, therefore it is easier to arrive after the staff have finished their work for the day. As flights are less frequent, if you arrive early (as it is the only flight that day) you can come to the house and join us for croissants and coffee. After breakfast, we can figure out what to do on the Saturday. Options include spending time in Bergerac, catching a train to Saint Emilion, Bordeaux or Sarlat and sightseeing or staying at the house. The course officially starts at 1930 on the Saturday night with apéritifs. The course finishes after breakfast the following Saturday but again if you are leaving late you can spend time in Bergerac at the house or visit the area either by train or with a hirecar that we can help arrange. We are here to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible so email us beforehand with your travel arrangements and we will accommodate them to our best ability.
You can also arrive a few days earlier or stay a few days longer if you like - as long as we have space for you. Sometimes clients opt for this in order to get over jetlag or to take advantage of more direct travel arrangements. Again email us ahead of time to discuss what makes sense for you and we will try and arrange something. The cost of an extra night’s stay is approximately €70-90 per night per room, lunch is €10 and dinner €20 per person.
How do I get to le Bourdil Blanc?
As le Bourdil Blanc is just 10 minutes from Bergerac airport, the easiest and generally most time efficient thing to do is fly. There are plenty of flights with budget airlines from regional airports in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, and they are very reasonably priced.
A good option for TransAtlantic guests is a connection from Paris to Bordeaux, from here you can hire a car, it is about 1 ½ hr drive / 85km to le Bourdil Blanc. There is also a well-priced, straight forward train service from Bordeaux to Bergerac. Barcelona is another option for TransAtlantic flyers, approx seven hours to Bergerac by car. More information on "How to get here" page
What is included?
Pretty much everything! Return transfers from Bergerac to le Bourdil Blanc, three and a half hours of lessons a day for five days, optional excursions every afternoon, and all meals including wine and pre-dinner drinks. The only cash you will need during the week is if you wish to buy souvenirs, enjoy the cafes while visiting the markets, and any tips you may wish to leave. Refer to the "Dates and Rates" page for full details of inclusions and exclusions.
Can I choose my room before I arrive?
I am afraid not, unless you are a returnee client who knows the house and the rooms well. Why? Room allocation is a challenge at the Bourdil as the house is a large 18th century manorhouse with different types of rooms. Some rooms are situated on the ground floor with showers so ideal for elderly clients or people who have difficulty going up stairs. There are three rooms on the top floor. These rooms are full of character but the beams are low so they tend to suit shorter people. The larger rooms are allocated to couples or people sharing. The pigeonnier is a complete unit with two bedrooms, a shared bathroom, living room, kitchen and walled garden so it is ideal for friends sharing who perhaps want a bit of privacy or distance from the main house.
PLEASE NOTE – Part of the charm of the Bourdil is that it has not been fully refurbished or modernised, it still possesses much of its 18th century character. Please do not expect brand new, modern bathrooms or completely in fashion furniture. That being said, the linen is excellent, the beds are extremely comfortable and the views ae fabulous.
You say the immersion courses are not for beginners - how do I know what standard I am?
Please refer to the language level requirements page. From there, you can use the CEFR grid to assess your level. To join the immersion week you should be able to tick all of A1, and at least two boxes in the A2 column as a starting point. Furthermore, you will need to complete our own questionnaire and return it to us prior to booking so that we can assess your level and make a decision on whether the course is appropriate or not for you. With regret we are unable to accept beginners on the course. It is simply too difficult to insist on spoken French at all times with beginners. If the groups are small (our smallest is 4) you may be put with guests of different levels. This can sometimes be a bit challenging for the teacher and for the pupils. With all groups, we try to match people on their ability as much as possible. We can take a maximum of 16 people whereby we run two or three different classes. If your French is ‘rusty’, any time you can spend brushing it up before the course will help you make the most of the week.
How intensive is the programme?
The immersion programme has 3.5 hours in class of no more than 8 each day and often many less. There are six half day excursions / trips / cultural forays, and French is spoken throughout, from breakfast until bedtime! At least one of the teachers accompanies you on the trips and is there to help you build on your language skills, encourage you to expand your vocabulary, and help you apply what you have learned so far. There is naturally ‘downtime’ each day during which you can do a little extra study if you wish, or you may prefer to relax by the pool, or opt for a game of tennis or ping-pong instead. Being surrounded by French all day every day means you are learning continuously, so it can be tiring, but the schedule is designed to ensure you have a great holiday at the same time. The intensive course includes less and shorter tourist visits. This being said, we do still go out each day as learning all day long becomes unproductive after a certain number of hours.
How much progress can I make with my French in a week?
This is probably the most frequently asked question….and the most difficult to answer as it is entirely up to you! The most progress is made by people who are willing to try to speak French and ask questions of the teachers at all times. You must remember that this is not a formal language school. Whilst lessons only last 3.5 hours, for those who are conscientious, the learning never stops. Speaking is the best way to improve in any language! The environment is relaxed and everyone is working towards the same goal, so don’t be afraid to try! You should also expect to come away with a better cultural understanding of France.
Do most people know each other before they arrive?
Generally, no. Most guests are here independently, so solo travellers will be made most welcome. We also welcome couples, families and groups of friends wanting to travel together. We have a high return rate of over 30% per annum so on return visits you may meet up with people whom you have already met at the Bourdil Blanc!
Are there many nationalities on the immersion weeks?
It varies but generally a few, although predominantly English speakers – British, Australian, American, South African...all keen to improve their accents, and acquire an authentic inside line on French life.
If English is the common language how can I be sure we will all speak French?
Pretty well the only ‘rule’ at le Bourdil Blanc during language weeks is that only French should be spoken – all those on the course are there for the same reason, so this is easier to stick to than you might perhaps think. The teachers arrive during or after breakfast and are on hand throughout the day until after dinner, and having lived here for many years, the English owner of le Bourdil speaks French fluently. Frequently her French-speaking friends join the immersion course guests for dinner offering additional insight into French culture and contemporary life.
Are your teachers native speakers?
Absolutely! They are also fluent in at least 2 other languages, well-travelled, and with an extensive knowledge of the Dordogne area, French culture, history, customs and traditions. They are keen to help you with pronunciation and in mastering fluent colloquial French.
What is the average age of those joining the immersion weeks?
It varies, but no-one under 14 in the open groups, though young learners are welcome in family groups. Though hard to generalise, most joining the immersion weeks are 35-65. If you want to check the ages of those already booked on the week you are considering, do please ask – but please remember others may book after you!
Can we study French as a family?
Yes! If you study as a group we can cater for all ages with at least some grasp of French - do please let us know ages and language skills.
Do I need a car?
As transfers from Bergerac are included in the language week rate, car hire isn't necessary. But for non-participants, a car does offer extra scope for exploration, we are happy to help arrange this. We use hire companies such as Avis Hertz or Europcar. More information on "How to get here" page
You mentioned non-participants? Can they come too?
Absolutely! Let us assure you that non-participants also have a fabulous time on our French Immersion holidays. The language weeks are based at the le Bourdil Blanc, a beautiful 18C manor that has just about every facility one can imagine to keep both French language fans and non-linguists contented. The relaxed 'house party' atmosphere encourages all our guests to treat the house as their own, however they choose to spend their day, enjoying it at their own pace.
Do I need to tip? How much? Do I need to tip? How much?
The rate does not include a service charge as we believe tipping should be discretionary rather than assumed. It is entirely up to you, though should you wish to tip it is of course appreciated. You can either tip staff direct, or your host Jane is happy to distribute any tips you choose to leave. As a guideline 20 Euros per person for the week, shared between the domestic staff is about average.
Is there mobile phone reception and wi-fi?
Yes, there are both at le Bourdil Blanc, and generally the signal is good while out and about, depending on your provider. Make sure you inform your provider before departing that you are travelling to France so you can receive and make phone calls. More information is on the "What to bring" page
What do I need to bring?
We supply note books, a selection of dictionaries, both monolingual and English/French. Again, refer to the “What to bring page” to aid packing decisions. It is very relaxed at le Bourdil and there are laundry facilities so there is no need to bring a huge wardrobe.
Do you cater for different diets?
Absolutely, just let us know of any dietary requirements on booking. Please let us know not just allergies or intolerances, but also likes and dislikes. We want to ensure everybody enjoys the impressive skills of le Bourdil Blanc's amazing cook Bernadette equally.
Finally - if you have any other questions not addressed on the website do please email us.