Location

The TEFL International course in France is in Plelauff, a scenic French village bordering the renowned Nantes-Brest Canal in the Cttes-d'Armor. It lies in central Brittany not far from the region's rugged coastline, steep cliffs and numerous delightful, medieval towns.

Plelauff is an ideal spot simply because it is so central to everything. A charming, peaceful little village designed to truly help you get away from it all, it nonetheless offers a significant number of attractions.

Nearby villages include Gouarec and Plougernevel while the closest towns are Rostrenen (a 10-minute drive), historic Pontivy (20 minutes) and the slightly more distant St Brieuc (40 minutes) which stages the popular Breton rock festival in summer, and is the nearest main line train station.

The village of Plelauff has a friendly bar, a church, and the Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix Chapel while nearby leisure activities include walking, cycling on road or along the 364-kilometre-long Canal Path, fishing in the same canal, quad biking in Caurel (a 10-minute drive), horse-riding and international dance classes at the Camina Centre; there is a cinema, shops and restaurants in Rostrenen, tenpin bowling and go-karting all under one roof in Carhaix, as well as golf in the same location (a 20-minute drive).

Local French cuisine is of a high standard; there are 2 excellent creperies close at hand, 1 in nearby Gouarec the other not much further away in Bon Repos, the site of an ancient Abbey and scene of regular events throughout the year; an excellent pizzeria, also in Gouarec; and a large number of eateries either en route or in such spots as Carhaix.

Lake Guerledan, a stone's throw from Plelauff, is a must in summer - apart from lazing around on a beach, you can jet ski, water ski, sail, pedallo, or try your hand at mini-golf. It is also, like many spots in the area, ideal for a winter stroll before you end up in a bar with a roaring fire!

Brittany is rugged, breathtaking, and one the most beautiful regions of France. Thatched little French owned Gites clinging to craggy outcrops on the Brittany coast; homes dotted along the North Brittany cliffs, overlooking the south and west Brittany beaches. Tiny villages nestling in deep valleys and rolling meadows. Little wonder that Brittany is such a well loved holiday destination for the French and all lovers of France. Brittany is also on the doorsteps of the French ports of St Malo and Roscoff.

Brittany is undoubtedly the home of French seafood cuisine. Visit the thousands of little bays and inlets that surround the coast of Brittany in your free time, and return to your course accommodation at the end of the day to enjoy a simple meal of French oysters and regional French cheeses. Soak up the French sunshine, delight in the local wines and sample the local French cuisine. What else could you want from a TEFL course in France?

The Bretons are staunchly proud and protective of their culture and traditions. Their traditional costume includes a tall lace headdress for women, one of the region's trademarks and the area’s rich maritime traditions are evident in the fishing ports that are dotted around the coastline. It’s these qualities that make a visit to Brittany so enchanting. This, and the fact that Bretons are a hugely hospitable race, with a diverse countryside and a cuisine to match. They will welcome you with open arms.

Protruding into the sea on the north-western edge of France, Brittany and the department of Finistere is the most westerly point in Europe. Being exposed to the Atlantic winds, has a drama that justifies the name ‘Finistere’, or the end of the earth. Brittany’s warm summers are thanks in part to the influence of the Gulf Stream. Breton-philes agree that there are actually two Brittanys. One the 1200km-long coast, known as Armor (meaning 'Land of the Sea') and the other its more secretive interior, Argoat ('Land of the Woods').

This Northwest corner of France has long been culturally and geographically distinct from the rest of France. The Celts called this part of France, "Armorica", land of the sea and Brittany's past is laced with the legends of cities lost beneath the sea and Arthurian forests. Magnificent beaches line its northern shore, swept clean by giant rip tides and interspersed with fashionable seaside resorts and pretty fishing ports. A long, jagged coastline is the region's great attraction. Along the Atlantic coastline are lighthouses and sandy beaches, holiday villas, rugged cliffs and picturesque harbours often filled with fishermen landing their catches. Oysters, crabs and stingray are among the local delicacies, best washed down with Breton cider. The south coast is more gentle, with wooded river valleys and a milder climate.

About the school

Set in a beautiful rural location, the TEFL International school in France is based in Plelauff, Côtes D’Armor. The training centre is in fact a collection of buildings used for entertainment/leisure and academic purposes. The main building houses the bedrooms, basic but comfortable, which can range from a single room to dormitory-style accommodation. There are writing tables and wardrobes in the rooms. Bathroom facilities, of a pleasant standard, are shared.

There is a kitchen in the same building which can be used, at a small cost, for self-catering purposes, or meals can be provided on request. The teaching room and office area lie at the heart of the complex, literally a few seconds from the bedrooms. There is a lounge-cum-tv room and outside there are horses stables, the facility also being an equestrian centre. Riding lessons are available for an additional charge.

A small path leads up from the Centre to a minor road. Turning left down this you can reach the village of Plelauff which is 800 metres away. Scenic views abound of open land and fields - the area is 100%agricultural - although houses are dotted around. After a few minutes you come to the council building or mairie. A right turn and a 5- minute stroll down the lane will lead to the Nantes-Brest Canal path (thought to be the brainchild of Napoleon Bonaparte and built in the 19th century) where you can either walk, run or cycle to your hearts content at virtually any time of year.

"Although the course was hard work we all had a lot of fun, due to the wide variety of content and the friendly, professional nature of the trainers." Dobromir Harrison

Accommodation

The accommodation for the duration of your TEFL course is situated in a rustic paradise, a charming little spot close to an historic Canal (the Nantes-Brest), some idyllic little villages and small towns with surprisingly modern superstores.

The accommodation is located approximately 45 minutes from St Brieuc Train Station with its TGV or high-speed train network delivering you to Paris CDG or Orly Airports in around 3 hours.

We offer different accommodation options to students of our TEFL courses in Plélauff:

The first option is at the training centre itself on the outskirts of the village. Here a student has a choice of an individual or shared room in one of several buildings. An initial 5-euro charge is made for the bedding; it can be changed/cleaned as many times as you wish for a 5-euro charge. The rooms have under-floor heating, come with a writing table and small wardrobe/chest of drawers.

A second option would be in a local B& B, known as Chambres d’Hôtes in France, providing a bedroom with private facilities, a 10-minute drive away from the TEFL training centre itself. Transport from here to the Centre could be by the Training Centre’s minibus.

One person in a private room is 10 euros per night; Should you want to share a room, the rate is 8 euros each.

France and Brittany tourist Links:

www.westernfrancetouristboard.com/brittany.html
www.franceguide.com
http://www.francetourism.com/
http://www.brittanytourism.com/
http://www.brittany-france.com/visitingbrittany/

Course Dates

• 3 March - 28 March 2008
• 7 April - 2 May 2008
• 5 May - 30 May 2008
• 2 June - 27 June 2008
• 7 July - 1 August 2008
• 4 August - 29 August 2008
• 1 September - 26 September 2008
• 6 October - 31 October 2008
• 3 November - 28 November 2008
• 1 December - 26 December 2008
  
  
• 5 January - 30 January 2009
• 2 February - 27 February 2009
• 2 March - 27 March 2009
• 6 April - 1 May 2009
• 4 May - 29 May 2009
• 1 June - 26 June 2009
• 6 July - 31 July 2009
• 3 August - 28 August 2009
• 7 September - 2 October 2009
• 5 October - 30 October 2009
• 2 November - 27 November 2009
• 30 November - 25 December 2009

Course Fees

• Deposit: US$ 500 (£250)
• Balance of course fees: 940 euros (£650)
• Accommodation: 250 euros and up
  
  Special offer for Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec 2008 courses:
• Balance of course fees: 799 euros (15% discount)

Brittany, France - Map: Click here for the map