About the courses
Language laboratories are out. Meeting the locals, chatting,
listening are in. Active, not passive, is the word. Situated in
the heart of the real 'France Profonde', Les Taillades offers all
this and more. Even in the shops not much English is spoken.
Activity is to the fore from trying to explain yesterdays
hilarities over coffee and croissants to more serious discussions
covering an endless variety of topics.
Of course, good tuition is also an essential. All our teachers are
extraordinarily patient and helpful, straightening out mis-
conceptions and encouraging the students to talk. Their lessons are
always varied and stimulating. This year the Advanced groups
concentrated on literature and an in depth study of the Cathars,
under the guidance of Ingrid who teaches at Toulouse Le Mirail;
Frederique gave the Intermediate levels a comprehensive view of
modern France and Maria built up the confidence of the lower
levels. As is typical in France, Frederique had been indoctrinated
by her University to paint a picture of "La France" as "the best"!
This highly amused a diplomat in one of the groups who announced
that if she'd been a fellow diplomat he'd have given her a really
tough time. However, he confined himself to disproving her theory
that every French person knew the names of the people featured on
their bank notes. A morning in the market with notepad and pencil
produced a mere handful who could name St Exupery (The Little
Prince) but only two who could name anyone else. Frederique
gracefully backed down saying she "might" be wrong!
Flexibility has always been one of the key words for the way we run
the courses. If students wish to cover a specific topic then we
try to include this in the curriculum. Outings and activities are
also tailored to suit individual and group tastes. Albi has become
much more lively in recent years and geared towards the tourist
industry. Apart from the requisite visit to the Cathedral and
Toulouse Lautrec museum, you can rummage through the stalls of the
Saturday flea market: explore the maze of enchanting backstreets;
sit peacefully in the gardens of the Palais de la Berbie which were
designed by La Notte or take a trip on the Tarn in a Gaborre - one
of the ancient boats which plied the river in the Middle Ages
carrying the cakes of pastel or woad on which the wealth of the
city was founded. The day culminates with dinner out and a visit
to the 'Spectacle' which tells the history of the building of the
Cathedral with dramatic sound and lighting effects.
One of our most enjoyable outings this year was to Rabastens where
a fair held in 1900 was recreated. "A chance to wear your
grandmother's clothes" the publicity announced. The fair lasted
for three days and seemed to be entirely fo~ the people of
Rabastens and us. Not a tourist in sight. On the day we went there
had been a cattle market in the morning. This was followed by a
display of washing in the beautiful old stone village washroom,
dating to the 13th century, and later a 1900 wedding complete with
a very smart, turn of the century, blue car. Meanwhile the band
marched up and down the main street and people strolled by with
their parasols, examining the stalls or sipping refreshments at the
many cafes. We had an excellent dinner at the Hotel Pre-Vert and
then, at 10 pm, when the music started, joined in some very
energetic Occitan dancing. This really was La France Profonde!
Yvette Nicholaud always gives us wonderful demonstrations of French
cuisine which we later eat. As an extra Ingrid showed us how to
cook Cassoulet - a regional speciality - according to her
grandmother's recipe. It was simply delicious. Of course, not all
our students are intereste~ in cooking, so for their sakes we
included an outing of a rather different nature in the form of a
visit to a local Observatory. This boasts one of the largest
privately owned telescopes in France. Unfortunately, we didn't
choose the best of nights as the moon was almost full, thus
obscuring any planets and the stars, which appear so bright to the
naked eye, are merely reflected light and reduced to pinpricks when
viewed through a telescope. But the experience was fascinating and
good for our french.
As far as is possible we invite as many French as we can to our
barbecues and parties. A great help at the BBQs are Michel and
Max. Michel does stalwart work slaving over the fire whilst both
are excellent and amusing company. Another welcome guest at our
last party was Esperance who wrote an article on us for La Depeche.
We are often asked if we run courses in the Spring. Next year we
are intending to run a special course for one to two weeks in
March. We also now have a local artist who is happy to give
painting tuition on occasional afternoons. Alternatively there are
4 day painting "stages" in Gaillac in July and August. For those
of you who are seriously interested in cooking, Yvette is planning
to run some courses and can offer accommodation in her lovely house
(with swimming pool). So - "nous attendons avec impatience votre
visite en l'an 2000!"
Some comments from previous students:
"My French has improved 100 per cent" (Sarah)
"Thank you for a very enjoyable week at Tecou. Your hospitality
and Cecile's teaching made it a week to remember". (David)
"Just to say how much I enjoyed the course and our stay in France.
Philipe's lessons were great and I can't praise the family
enough".(Jean B.)
"I enjoyed my French course - the outings, meals - enormously. I
did so appreciate all you did to make my stay so memorable".
(Marie)