ABC Radio voice takes on a French accent - ABC Online

But radio and sport aren't Gerry's only great loves, he also has a great appreciation and admiration for France and its language.

And through his studies at the University of Newcastle, Gerry has been given the opportunity to travel to the south-west of France to deepen his knowledge of French.

He's part of a group of eight Hunter students who are all based in the beautiful port town of La Rochelle and studying at its university.

Gerry is a special guest for the next few weeks on 1233 Paul Bevan's Drive program, reporting from his new temporary home. (listen to attached audio)

He's been lucky with his accommodation, staying in a studio apartment that is close to both his classes and the centre of town.

La Rochelle is an ancient port that once used to export coal, but is not an industrial port like Newcastle and now features large numbers of luxurious leisure craft.

Gerry has been charmed by its atmosphere, and the two old towers that guard the entrance to the port.

"I think the more you live here, the more you like it," he says.

Around 70,000 people live in La Rochelle, which is on the Atlantic coast and around two hours from the famous wine area of Bordeaux.

Gerry is studying with his fellow Newcastle students, and a larger group of international students from all over the world.

Aside from his French classes the veteran broadcaster has taken on the challenge of studying French literature, where he attends lectures with local students and has to read many novels in the language.

But it's a challenge Gerry relishes.

"It's wonderful, I'm really enjoying the study," he says.

There's no slipping back into English, either.

"If you speak in your native language they come down on you very quickly," Gerry explains. "It must all be in French."

Gerry will return to his home on the foreshore of Lake Macquarie later this year, but for the next few weeks you can hear him each week with Paul on Tuesdays just after 5.30pm, either live on 1233 ABC Newcastle or via streaming through our website at abc.net.au/newcastle.