Belvianes-et-Cavirac, Cathare – Teacher Pierre

Improve your French during a Total Homestay French immersion ​ in the Cathare Country, in a small typical village called Belvianes-et-Cavirac, famous for its spectacular and breathtaking Cathares castles,, its deep canyons and closed to the internationally well-known city of Carcassonne.. Live the authentic French lifestyle at Pierre’s house, Pierre is a graduated and experienced French teacher who will be delighted to provide you with tailored French lessons adapted to your needs and your level. He shares with you his experience as well as her everyday life.

Come alone or with a friend, a partner, your children in his charming lofts (2 lofts) with a private room and bathroom in this small village, very close to all the shops and facilities. The two lofts are subjacent to the second floor of a splendid chalet where Pierre lives with his family. The chalet overlooks the mountains with stunning views.

Pierre, passionate about History, the Cultural Heritage and the wildlife, will be your guide during your immersion stay to discover the wild mountains of the Pyrenees and the Corbières, its preserved and wild landscapes, renowned for its Castles, its wines (Roussillon, Corbières, Limoux) and its millennial History. Enjoy the sunny weather and relax on your private terrace: a stay rich in teaching, experiences, combining calm with the discovery and the immersion in the French language, the French culture, in a splendid setting.

YOUR HOME STAY FRENCH IMMERSION IN THE CATHARE COUNTRY

Our chalet is 3 km driving from Quillan, a little city with all amenities, cafés, restaurants, a cinema, the traditional french shops and a local market twice a week, you will enjoy the charm of authenticity, the quietness of our life in this splendid location. The chalet is located at the edge of a traditional village, close to the beautiful Aude river, surrounded by spectacular mountains and canyons. You will have a loft (or 2, depending on the numbers of guest) with a private bedroom (there’s a king size bed), kitchenette and bathroom.

 

We will share lunches, breakfasts (and dinner the day of your arrival) together , I prepare simple, but typical traditional French meals.

During your French immersion in our chalet, we will have the occasion to go shopping and buying some fresh products either at the local markets or at the local producers. For dinners, you can go to the nearby restaurants, some are only a few minutes’ walk from my flat, you can also prepare your dinner at the loft using your kitchenette.

 

 

My 10 year-experience in teaching enables me to provide you with tailored French courses. My approach focuses primarily on listening and speaking, familiarizing you with the everyday life French speaking, connecting the guided tours with the lessons we have in the mornings. I can teach for all levels from complete beginner to advanced. The French class takes place in the morning in the second loft where there is a library with many resources I will encourage you to use.

LEARNING FRENCH

You will be up to 4 students maximum (if you come with a friend, a partner or your children). Trained as a historian when I was at the university, I like to connect the teaching of french with History as well as the history of languages. Any language reflects indeed the History, how the people used to live as a community through the ages. In my approach, I consider the relationship between teacher and student as a two-way relationship, I learn a lot with my students, their languages, their cultures, their jobs, their passions, this is such a rewarding and meaningful experience for me and my students!

ACTIVITIES

I will be your guide to discover the Cathare Country and the Pyrenees, our village is located half way from the splendid city of Carcassonne and the capital of the French Catalonia, Perpignan, near the spanish border. The Cathare Country is imbued with History and even Prehistory with the famous Tautavel man, first man to colonize Europe. The greek and the romans founded some ports on the mediteranean coast and spread their influence very early. Then, successively, the Wisigoths, the Aragonese, the Cathares, followers of an aorigianal religion and finally the French pushing back borders.

I will take you the Cathars castles where the Cathars resisted for a while the French crusading armies. These castles are literally blended into the dry and vertiginous mountains. From up there, you will admire marvellous views over the Corbières, the Pyrenees and the Mediteranean sea. Carcassonne, the famous fortified city, will delight you as well, a citadel thought to be invincible, with lovely medieval narrow streets, charming squares where you can enjoy typical French dishes. I will be very pleased to take you the typical southern villages with their roman churches, their abbeys as well.

I love Hiking too, so if you wish, I will be very delighted to climb with you the numerous footpaths in the surrounding mountains. I can show you the varied display of fauna and flora. The discovery of the various quality wines of this area, Corbières wines, Roussillon wines,.. can be
another option. I will adapt my program of visits according to your interests.