Why TESOL in France?

Who can ignore the lure of France? France has had profound influence on everything that affects our mind and soul and certifies finesse. It gave the world the concepts of liberty and fraternity and changed the course of world governance. It has nurtured the intellect of Rousseau and others, at the same time it was and continues to be the art capital of the world. Anything associated with fine dining originates in France and it is here that the chefs consider the plate to be the artist's canvas. France is where high fashion is conceived and presented to the world. Many loan words in English that have to do with luxury come from French. The language is like music to the ears. It is steeped in history, art, architecture, fashion, food and culture. Being in France is a lifetime experience.

The teachers who plan to initiate or enhance their career in ESL teaching thus also look forward to the TESOL Certification Program conducted in France by TEFL International.

What is the attraction in Plèlauff?

Plelauff transports you to medieval Europe with its Knights, castles, chateaus, magic, mystery and intrigue. It gives you an opportunity to relive a time long past but seems to be captured and frozen in time in this beautiful French village. It is the very same province where King Arthur married and his magician Merlin was laid to rest.

Plèlauff with a population of only 700 is a tiny village tucked away in the Cotes D'Armour region of Brittany. Plèlauff is an ideal get away from the stressful city life. A place to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. The Bourg or village seems to be frozen in time and era. Added to this is the warmth and friendliness of the people which are unique to this region.

What is in Plèlauff for you?

The village of Plelauff has the Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix Chapel. Visitors can engage in walking, horse-riding or cycling on road or along the 364-kilometre-long Canal Path which is a popular activity in Plelauff. One can also go angling in the same canal or take international dance classes at the Camina Centre. The village has a cinema, many interesting shops and restaurants in nearby Rostrenen. Bowling and go-karting and golfing are some of the other leisure activities.

For those who are passionate about food the Bretons are big eaters. In most cases you'll be eating wonderfully cooked local food whether it's vegetables from north Brittany, beef and Lamb from the heartland or fresh fish from the coast. It is true that vegetarianism is rare in Brittany, but having said that the local delicacies of Crepes, wonderful salads and the ubiquitous pizzerias mean you won't starve. Brittany boasts several breweries that make excellent beer. As you cycle through the countryside you'll pass the apple orchards that produce some of the best cider in the world. Plelauff has a friendly bar where one can unwind at the end of the day.

On the tourist map

Plelauff offers unparalleled natural beauty. For all those wanting to escape the maddening city crowds and pace, Plelauff is a retreat into the countryside with its lush gardens, water bodies and open pastoral spaces. A short distance from Plelauff is Lake Guerledan. Apart from soaking up the sun on the beach, travellers can enjoy water sports like jet ski, water ski or sailing.

The Brest Nantes canal which runs through the place is mostly restored though it might not be possible to navigate. The towpath is a fairly smooth gravel path. Walkers and cyclists are allowed to use it and one can cycle down the towpath to Gouarec and thus avoid the traffic and for that matter the hills. Gouarec has every amenity you could want. A medium sized and a small supermarket, two bakers, a lunchtime restaurant, a superb pizzaria, a creperie, six bars and of course bars and restaurants at Bon Repos are a 20 minute cycleride away along the canal towpath. The centre is Napoleonic and a real picture with several magnificent houses. You can attend the Son et Lumiere - a fundraiser to the 12th century Abbaye Bon Repos - a 3 hour spectacular that recounts the history of the abbacy through today - 400 volunteers and 1,000 costumes, 500 animals make up the grand show.

There is a 15th century chapel which is on the historic register in France.

Evening and nightlife in France

Evening in France for the tourists and the trainees of TESOL can be like an intoxicating session of symphony orchestra that reaches the crescendo as it travels into the night. Late night activities are limited to bars, the pizzaria and creperie and in the week most will shut after 10-11 pm leaving it the sleepy little village that it is.

Weekend Excursions

This TESOL location which offers the TEFL teachers a rich bounty ESL teaching skills and concepts, infuses them with confidence and creativity is also historically one of the richest regions on earth scattered with medieval towns and castles.

Plelauff is flanked by the Nante-Brest Canal on one side and on the other by the River Dore (d'ore - meaning the river of gold, the river still contains enough gold to attract the odd prospector). These two waterways teem with fish and attract anglers. The canal runs for 172 miles and has a cycle path along it - one of the main attractions for cyclists staying there is the canal, and it's scenery is truly breath taking.

The closest town Rostrenen is only 10 minutes away. A cycle path from Gouarec that follows the old railway line leads to Rostrenen where on Tuesday there is a wonderful street market. Going west takes you through forgotten countryside that has to be seen to be believed - ultimately all the way to the town of Carhaix and a lake at Mael Carhaix.

The historically well known town of Pontivy is just 20 minutes away and at under an hour one can reach St Brieuc which stages the popular Breton rock festival in summer, and is the nearest main line train station.

esides this totally car free cycling there are a mass of little quiet lanes where you can meander for hours and arrive at tiny Creperies hidden in the wood, or cycle to another little market town - there really is too much to do.

Weather

Brittany is on the west coast of France and in summer it has a warm temperate climate. It does rain sometimes, which is one of the reasons its countryside is so green and wooded, but it would be an unusual week if there was not more sun that cloud. It can get pretty hot in the summer months, up to about 35 degrees.

Plèlauff witnesses all four seasons. Summers are not scorching hot, spring ushers in lush vegetation; the autumn is distinct with fallen leaves covering the canal path. Winters can be severely cold. Temperatures can dip to -5 on occasions in the winter months.