What to bring with you
Things
to remember when packing
- Swimming costume (towels are provided, both for bathing and swimming)
- Shower / pool sandals (flip flops, deck shoes…) and lightweight walking shoes for tourist visits
- Tennis shoes, racquet (there are racquets supplied but you may prefer to bring your own)
- Hairdryers are provided in every room
- There are washing machines, dryers and an iron available at le Bourdil Blanc at no extra charge.
- Electric travel adapters are NOT provided.
- An extra sweater to keep you warm in class and to deal with the variants in temperature is advised. Please note that you can feel cold at the Bourdil Blanc despite it being heated, due to the large rooms and 3.5 m ceilings… Best to check the local forecast before arrival
For language study
A small personal English / French dictionary can be useful as wi-fi for online dictionaries can be erratic outside and can impede pool-side study. However, there is a supply of dictionaries at le Bourdil Blanc (including monolingual French dictionaries.) Notebooks are supplied but you need to bring your own pens.
Travel documents
Holders of full UK passports do not need visas for visits to France whatever the length of stay, although for visits of over 90 days residence permits are required. If you do not have a full British Passport, please check requirements with the French Embassy.
Health
No vaccinations are needed by EEC residents to enter France. If you have an E111 card please bring this with you to aid processes in the unlikely event you have to have medical care whilst you are away. Please also bring regular prescriptions with you in case you need to inform the doctor in France. If you have a particular medical condition requiring special treatment, in case of emergencies we suggest you carry a letter from your own doctor describing your condition and the treatment required. Please also inform us of any medical conditions on your booking form.
Travel insurance
We advise you take out travel and repatriation insurance on booking your holiday to ensure you are covered for any event that may happen BEFORE departure forcing cancellation.
Driving and Car Hire
An international driving permit is not required for EU citizens as long as you have a valid photocard licence. Third party insurance is compulsory as is on-the-spot payment of fines for non-residents. Car hire can be arranged locally, please ask if you would like help with this, a car can be handy for non-participants.
Currency
France's official currency is the Euro. Euros are divided into cents and there are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, of 1 and 2 Euros and notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. There are plenty of ATMs and banks in Bergerac and a cash point machine outside the airport building on the right by the café should you wish to get Euros on arrival. If you have to pay for any extras at le Bourdil Blanc (e.g. extra nights, use of landline) you can pay in cash Euros, Euro cheques or Sterling (cheque or cash) or even by credit card over the internet
Credit Cards
Most hotels, department stores & larger restaurants in France accept major credit cards - Amex, Visa and Mastercard. The small local bars & restaurants you will be visiting during your trip may not do so, so you should carry a little cash for extra drinks etc. Credit cards are accepted at Le Bourdil Blanc but the transaction does have to be done over the net incurring a 2% charge
Tipping
Tipping of 5-10% of the bill is about average in restaurants and for other services. Tipping the staff at le Bourdil is discretionary. A small tip for Bernadette the cook and the house keeper would be appreciated but it is entirely up to you and not assumed. If you wish to tip you can either do this direct, or if you would rather, Jane will distribute tips, as a guide 20 Euros for a week-long stay should be ample.
Electricity / Communications
Electricity operates on 220 or 225 AC. Plugs are 2 pin. Please bring your own adapter if required. There is wifi in the house and a computer available if required. Mobile phone signal at the house varies from good to poor depending on provider. Time GMT + 1 hour.