Friday - arrival day

Guests to arrive at La Ferme du Château no later than 6pm, where course leaders, Francine Rouanet-Democrate and Genevieve Blanchet will greet you - in French.   From this moment on, the whole weekend will be conducted in French! You will then assist Francine and Genevieve with the preparation of your first French meal once you've settled into the cosy rustic 18th century farmhouse surroundings with your fellow guests over a glass of wine.   Over dinner you'll get acquainted with the other participants.   After dinner Francine and Genevieve will talk you through the events of the weekend including the timetable of lessons planned, and furthermore you will get to decide what you are going to cook for the following meals!

Saturday

For any early risers, Francine will be on hand for a daily pre-breakfast French session from 7.30am. Following a leisurely breakfast, you will spend the morning exploring a local market in the old medieval port town of Montreuil or, in France's largest fishing port of Boulogne, before a spot of lunch at a local restaurant. On return to the farmhouse, the afternoon will be dedicated entirely to French lessons where you will receive your own pack including documents and exercises depending on your French linguistic ability. You will learn and progress at your own pace and benefit from the structured and accelerated learning programme provided. In the evening, whilst you share tips on napkin folding, setting the table, flower arranging and French table traditions, your culinary and linguistic skills will be put to the test. You will also provide your contribution for the evening meal from the French recipes selected. After a long day, you will be able to relax with a glass of wine and a French film ...with a culinary theme!

Sunday

The morning will be entirely dedicated to French lessons where you will again follow the documents and exercises provided for your level of ability.   With guidance and support from Francine and Genevieve you will start to prepare your 'presentation' for the evening. Whether it is story telling, singing, report writing or whatever you would like to contribute, this is an opportunity to put what you have learnt, over the course of the weekend, to the test.   This is a French region where gastronomy, country cooking and local products abound with many local producers so after lunch, taking a break from the language tuition, you will go on an outing to a local factory specialising in ceramics or fresh produce, in one of the nearby towns of Desvres and Hesdin. Back at La Ferme du Château , you can relax, as Francine and Genevieve prepare the final dinner.   The fun and games begin as you and your fellow students provide the after-dinner entertainment well into the night with the French pieces you have prepared!  

Monday