French and Gourmet Excursions
Intermediate or advanced French level more appropriate to follow explanations on-site.
This course is designed for those who want to strengthen their French but also explore the terroir of the Loire by visiting traditional producers of local gastronomic specialties.
Tastings are included in the visits.
Additional purchases of regional products can be made on-site.
All language classes are taught by professional, native French speaking tutors and group classes have a maximum of 6 per class.
During the afternoon, participants will be taken to different epicurean workshops or establishments with a staff member for a tour of the premises, tastings and an opportunity to talk with the owners or staff. All visits will be held in French but we will organize a discreet translation if necessary.
Also included in the week, a lunch at a gastronomic château restaurant!
Mon-Fri 9:15am-12:15pm (group French class) + 4 afternoon visits on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday *
Monday : Visit and tasting at Distillerie Crozet Frères in Thizy.
Syrups and liquors produced in a traditional distillery since 1875.
Tuesday : Visit and tasting at the chocolate workshop “Au Chocolat etc” in Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay. Traditional, independent chocolate maker, Nicolas Piot, established his confectionary at the family farm.
Hand-crafted chocolates and confectionary since 2008.
Thursday : Lunch at the gastronomic restaurant Château de Champlong + Cheese and Wine pairing at Fromagerie Mons in Halles Diderot, Roanne. Fromagerie Mons has been established as a family business since 1960. The owner holds the distinction of Meilleur Ouvrier de France since 2000.
Creative, gastronomic lunch in a stunning château setting / Cheese tasting and introduction to the different families of cheese at the Epicerie de Mons shop.
Friday : Visit and Tasting at Brasserie La Germanoise in Saint-Germain-Laval operated by Pierre Girard and Olivier Sautereau.
Traditional brewery since 2014, instituting a new concept of beer without bitterness.
*Last minute changes can occur depending on producers’ availability and time of the year
| Room Type | 1 Week | Extra week of General French |
| Shared Room on-site | €1.390 (€150) | €1.040 |
| Single Room on-site | €1.540 (€150) | €1.190 |
| Room off-site | €1.090 (€150) | €960 |
Take a look at the producers’ websites for more complete information on their products