Abbaye Saint Savin
French testimonials
1) I had what I thought was a smattering of French before I started lessons with Gaetane. It turns out my version of French was more akin to the ‘me Tarzan you Jane’ variety and I had no understanding of the different tenses whatsoever! That was 18 months ago. Since then, as well as French, I have actually learnt quite a bit more about my own native language: English!
When I started lessons, I don’t think I really appreciated just how important a good knowledge of grammar is when it comes to developing the skills you need to learn a new language. Mine were/are still a bit shaky: the product of having been taught to ‘absorb’ language rather than its technicalities! Gaetane regularly puts me straight - in the nicest possible way of course! In fact, I have never had a lesson where we haven’t had a good laugh even if it is always at my expense!
I personally have hour long one-to-one lessons but I know Gaetane offers group lessons as well. She also hosts French conversation evenings every couple of months or so. These are based around a given topic; usually something current. They provide an opportunity to interact largely in French and to meet your fellow students who, really are a fantastic like-minded bunch made up of people of all ages, and professions; each with their own reason for wanting to learn or to perfect their French.
As well as conversational evenings, Gaetane organises day and language Immersion trips to France. Recently eight of us spent the best part of a week in the beautiful village of Angle sur L’Anglin in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of Western France. Led by Gaetane and French tour guides, we visited the Roc aux Sorciers, Château d'Angles-sur-l'Anglin and the Abbey of Saint Sevain, which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site for its 12th century murals. Culture as well as learning French - parfait! The evening downtime was perhaps a little less cultured with dreadful singing (Adrian excepted) to what was some good music. Needless to say there was plenty of good, local wine and excellent food, courtesy of our hosts at La Distillerie.
So, how is my French coming along? Well, it’s early days - an hour a week over 18 months is really not that long - but I have definitely progressed from my earlier ‘smatterings’ to something a bit more fluid and accurate. My vocabulary is widening and I am beginning to think first in French rather than in English to French. I also feel more confident to give it a go. My comprehension and understanding is considerably better than my speach at the moment but, with Gaetane’s patient support, I am getting there and as they say, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’!
Kat
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2) I started taking French lessons with Gaetane in August 2018. My reason for doing so was to relearn a language that I had partially learnt 25 years earlier, so it is fair to say that I was very rusty. My first meeting with Gaetane was an half hour assessment of my abilities. She quickly identified my weaknesses and structured the subsequent lessons to resolve them.
In less than a year, my French has reached a standard that is well above my previous level. I feel confident in my ability to understand spoken French, and nearly as confident to speak it. I am very happy with my progress.
Gaetane is a very good teacher and will not shy away from correcting errors. But when you are feeling completely bewildered, she will lighten the mood with her sense of humour, then take a completely different approach to explain the seemingly incomprehensible. (The subjunctive mood for example!)
About every six weeks, Gaetane will host a French evening which includes her other students. The purpose of these is to voice opinions – in French – on a given subject. They are a great opportunity to put into practice what we have all learnt.
I have no regrets in coming to Gaetane to Learn French. She is an excellent teacher.
Barry Hutchings
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3) We had a lovely time in Poitiers with plenty of laughs. We had some very interesting tours including the Roc-aux-Sorciers and the Château d'Angles-sur-l'Anglin. The tours were all in French (with Gaetane helping to translate where needed) which really helped us to progress.
We also had time to appreciate the lovely countryside and practised our French in small groups or with the locals.
On the last night we enjoyed dinner and drinks at the Casino and came back to the gîte and listened to music and sang until we were hoarse.
I really felt my French (and confidence) improving on this trip. Gaetane did a great job at organising so many things for us and all the meals which were delicious. Thoroughly enjoyed this trip and cannot wait for the next one.
Hayley
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4) Having French lessons is one thing, but having French lessons with Gaetane is so much better because you also have the chance to experience French life and culture with her trips to France. They are thoughtfully planned and very well organised and an ideal place to practice your French as much or as little as you like. You and your fellow students will definitely learn something and have great fun at the same time!
Adrian
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5) I have recently returned from a 4 day break to France with Gaetane, and other members of her French classes. Gaetane worked tirelessly to ensure we all, had an unforgettable trip. We visited several amazing sites, where she arranged for a private tour guide, at each venue. Meals were all planned and were amazing. I’ve never eaten so much ! I was pleasantly surprised at how well my French had progressed, with my lessons. Gaetane was always at hand if I needed assistance though. I was initially a little apprehensive, not really knowing the other members of the group, but I can honestly say, it was one of the best trips, I have ever been on. I will definitely be looking forward to future trips.
Lisa and John Phillips
Angles sur l'anglin
Roc aux Sorciers
Students and tutor
Trip to St Pierre de Maillé
in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of Western France.
from the 23rd to 26th June 2019
French Lessons in Limousin
Local, Nationwide online French lessons
With a native French Tutor based in Haute-Vienne, in Limousin
10 km from Bellac train station, 35 km from Limoges airport, 40 km from Limoges train station, 70 km Poitiers airport,
80 km From Angouléme train station