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France

Experience the interconnectedness of people, place, and planet in one of the world's oldest countries

This trip truly immerses students in French culture, language, and lifestyle – we will travel around like the locals using public transit and trains. In many ways, France sets the cultural standard for exquisite taste: from culinary innovation to fashion, and from history to high art. We will explore the culture, history, arts, and lifestyle.

France
Intro
Program Highlights
Sample Itineraries
Learning Objectives
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Program Highlights
- Guided tour exploring the highlights of Nice
- Tour Monaco – visit the Prince’s Palace, the Royal Cathedral, and the Musée Océanographique
- Kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP) tour in the Mediterranean Sea
- Beach time and exploration in Nice
- Participate in a hands-on French cooking class
- Experience the Fête de la Musique festival in Paris
- Embark on a bicycle tour of Paris
Program Highlights
- Tour the Louvre Museum
- Free time to explore La Jardin des Tuileries, Avenue des Champs Élysées, and Place de la Concorde
- Ascend the Eifel Tower & Enjoy a night of outdoor French dancing and people watching
- Tour the royal Versailles chateau and grounds
- Scenic boat cruise on the Seine River
- Visit the Catacombs de Paris underground cemetery
- Explore Belleville’s renowned flea markets and produce stands
Program Highlights
- Peruse the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre
- Final afternoon to explore Paris
- Bicycle tour around Aix-En-Provence
- Tour the historic home and garden of Pavillon Vendôme
- Explore Cours Mirabeau
- Highlights of Avignon, including Palais des Papes, Pont Saint-Bénézet, & Avignon Cathedral
- Lunch & exploration at Nimes covered market
Program Highlights
- Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard
- Explore the Arles Amphitheatre & Ferry ride in the Mediterranean to Chateau d’If
- Games & leisure at Parc Borely & Explore the beautiful Chapelle Cocteau
- Hike along the Brague river through forest & by waterfalls
- Cruise the Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes & Tour the Musée Renoir
- Visit Monaco’s famous sites– the Prince’s Palace, the Royal Cathedral, and the Musée Océanographique

Sample Itineraries

Southern France Discovery Tour

Day 1: Travel to Nice, France

Your student group will board an overnight flight to Nice, nestled along the Mediterranean coastline of southeast France.

Day 2: Nice

Embark on a guided tour of Nice to learn the history and culture of this southern French town. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, get a good first night’s sleep at a local hotel.

Day 3: Aix-en-Provence

Tour the city – on bike! We will be outfitted with bicycles and helmets, and be led by local guide(s) on a tour of the city and country side. Afternoon visit to Pavillon Vendôme, providing an insight into older French times. This evening explore Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined thoroughfare offers stunning fountains, cafes, and more.

Day 4: Avignon

Tour the highlights of the city, including Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe; Pont Saint-Bénézet, the picturesque medieval bridge; Avignon Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop; and more! Evening hands-on French cooking course for dinner!

Day 5: Nimes & Arles

First stop today will be Pont du Gard, the UNESCO Site ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. Lunch and exploration at the covered market of Nimes. Afternoon explore the Arles Amphitheatre, dating back to 90 AD. Dinner and overnight in Arles.

Day 6: Marseilles

Ferry ride in the Mediterranean Sea to tour Chateau d’If, the fortress turned prison from the 1500s (alos the setting of the Count of Monte Cristo). Afternoon at Parc Borely – explore the gardens, statues and fountains of the 17th century park. Dinner and overnight in Marseilles.

Day 7: Cannes

Begin with exploring the beautiful Chapelle Cocteau – learn about it’s history, architecture and significance. Next, we we will embark on a 3 hour (easy) hike from Biot to Valbonne – follows the Brague river through forest and pass by waterfalls. Evening exploration of Promenade de la Croisette, home of the Cannes Film Festival.

Day 8: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Visit the Musée Renoir – explore the paintings, furniture, and sculptures on display in painter’s Pierre Auguste Renoir former estate. Explore Monaco’s famous sites- visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco; the Royal cathedral in Monaco; and the Musée Océanographique. Final night’s feast, debrief, and overnight in Nice.

Day 9: Homeward Bound

Board a flight out of Nice Airport and begin our trip back home.

French Language & Culture Tour

Day 1: Travel to Nice, France

Your student group will board an overnight flight to Nice, nestled along the Mediterranean coastline of southeast France.

Day 2: Nice

Embark on a guided tour of the city to learn the history and culture of this southern French town. Dinner and a good first night’s sleep in Nice.

Day 3: Monaco

Learn the fascinating history of this sovereign city-state nestled against France. See Monaco’s famous sites– the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the Royal cathedral in Monaco, and the Musée Océanographique. Enjoy personal time to explore the city in groups.

Day 4: Mediterranean Sea, Cooking Class

Enjoy the morning exploring the Mediterranean Sea on either a kayak or stand up paddle board! In the afternoon, practice our French as we shop and eat along the beach promenade. Prepare our own dinner tonight with an authentic French cooking class.

Day 5: Travel to Paris, Cultural Activity

Train up to Paris today. Enjoy the wonderful views down the scenic Rhone Valley, past Avignon & Marseille and alongside the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a cultural activity tonight, such as Fête de la Musique – offering music all over the city of Paris (time dependent).

Day 6: Enjoy Paris

Take a guided tour of Paris – on bicycle! Our professional guides will provide us with all the necessary equipment and know all the safe routes! Afternoon to explore and experience La Jardin des Tuileries, the Avenue des Champs Élysées, and Place de la Concorde. Tonight, participate in an impromptu dance event that occurs every night during the arm summer months.

Day 7: Versailles, River Cruise

Tour the Chateau of Versailles – See the royal living quarters including the boudoir of Marie Antoinette and the Hall of Mirrors. Tonight, enjoy a boat cruise on the Seine River!

Day 8: Catacombes de Paris, Belleville, Montmarte

Visit the Catacombes de Paris: make our way through the caverns and tunnels that make up this underground cemetery. Visit Belleville’s renowned flea markets and produce stands, filled with bustling shoppers, colorful products, and heckling merchants. Explore the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre, historically home to the studios of famous artists.

Day 9: Louvre, Final Afternoon Paris

Morning tour of the most famous Museum in the whole world, the Louvre! Final afternoon to explore some of our favourite neighborhoods in Paris. Gather back up for a final group dinner, celebration, and debrief.

Day 10: Homeward Bound

Board a flight out of Paris Airport and begin our trip back home.

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Learning Objectives

Integrate

From caves to Mediterranean beaches and tours of rivers and cities alike, students will recognize the interconnectedness of people, place and planet. They will learn that these connections are just as important as the people they meet and the places they visit. With a focus on permaculture and ecological design, students will be guided through a variety of educational experiences from an international perspective that foster an appreciation for cultural diversity, geography and sustainability.

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