Cultural Exchange France

Travel on overnight flight from Denver to Paris or Nantes

Arrive in Paris

Transfer via train to Nantes.

First full day with French families (rest, get to know host family) *

*Arranged by the school.

Today you will have your first full day with your host families.

Today you will head out with your school teachers guide for a full day of exploring Nantes.

Nantes is located in the Loire-Atlantique department of western France. It is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural dynamism, and innovative spirit. Historically the capital of the Duchy of Brittany, Nantes is now a hub of arts and industry, blending its medieval heritage with modern urban development.

The city boasts numerous attractions, including the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a grand castle reflecting its ducal past, and Les Machines de l’île, an imaginative and interactive theme park featuring giant mechanical creatures. The Passage Pommeraye, a 19th-century shopping arcade, and the lively Talensac Market highlight Nantes’ commercial and culinary traditions.

We have time for lunch in one of the local markets and continue exploring in the afternoon before re-connecting with our Host families.

Today we will spend have the day in school and head with teachers to explore.

We will start our journey with a scenic TER train to Angers. Upon arrival,  we will explore the magnificent Château d’Angers, home to the famed Apocalypse Tapestry. We will enjoy a guided tour, diving into the rich history and architecture of this medieval fortress.

After the tour, we will have lunch at a local restaurant, indulging in traditional Angevin cuisine. We will spend the afternoon exploring Angers at your own pace— perhaps visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, stroll through Jardin du Mail, or visit some of the markets.

In the late afternoon, we willtake the TER train to Nantes and return to your host families in Nantes, sharing stories of your adventures and enjoying a relaxing evening.

Today you will head out with your school teachers guide for day of exploration

Morning & Afternoon

Today we will start our morning traveling to the historic harbor and Old Town of Pornic.  The harbor is bustling with fishing boats and yachts, offering a picturesque setting perfect a leisurely morning.

In the afternoon we will head to Plage de la Noëveillard.

Dinner at home with host family.

In the morning we will hop on a train and head over to Clisson.

Upon arrival we will visit Château de Clisson.  This medieval fortress, with its impressive ruins,  will give us a glimpse into the town’s rich history along with incredible views over the Sèvre Nantaise River.  Our next stop will be the Eglise Notre-Dame, a beautiful Gothic church that dates back to the 15th century.

Lunch in Clisson

In the afternoon we will spend some time in Garenne Lemot Park before having some free time to explore in Italian Quarter with a stop at Villa Lemot, the artist’s former residence and a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture.

We will return back to our host families for dinner in Nantes.

Morning:

After breakfast with our host families we will all meet up at school before heading out for the day.

Today we will meet up with a local street artist and participate in an exciting street art walking tour.

Afternoon:

Our lunch will be a unique experince today as we participate in a Cooking Class at  Cook and Go. Our class will be focused on making traditional Breton pastries this hands-on experience promotes culinary skills and cultural appreciation.

Evening

In the early evening as a group we will be able to  stroll through Passage de Pommeraye, a beautifully preserved 19th-century shopping arcade. Enjoy the ambiance and perhaps pick up some local souvenirs and snacks before heading back to your homestay.

Morning/Afternoon

Board train and set off for Chenonceaux, renowned for its stunning castle.

We will explore the extraordinary Château de Chenonceau, celebrated not only for its magnificent architecture and rich history but also for its beautiful gardens, which include a maze meticulously reconstructed from Catherine de’ Medici’s original plans. This visit is self-guided, allowing us to discover the castle and its grounds at our own pace.

Have lunch on your own.

Board the train coach and head to Paris, world-famous for its iconic Eiffel Tower.

Upon arrival meet your Evolve Tours trip leader and enjoy a delightful dinner with your group at a local restaurant.

Retire for the night in your accommodations.

After breakfast we will head to Musée d’Orsay, Montmartre, where we will spend the morning exploring this beautiful museum. This museum showcases an extensive collection of art from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. Its vast array of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative arts includes masterpieces by renowned artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and Cézanne.

For lunch we will head to Marché Bastille. Held on Boulevard Richard Lenoir in the lively 11th arrondissement, this bustling market is one of the largest and most popular in the city.

Afternoon

We will explore Montmartre, located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. This picturesque hilltop neighborhood is renowned for its bohemian charm, artistic heritage, and stunning views of the city. This enchanting area has long been a haven for artists, writers, and musicians, with famous residents including Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec.

Evening

Group dinner

Morning

Eiffel Tower we will start our day early at the Eiffel Towe, one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. Arrive at the Champ de Mars to avoid the crowds and enjoy the serene morning atmosphere.

After the tower we will visit Opéra Garnier which is  a short metro ride away. This stunning 19th-century opera house is a masterpiece of architecture and opulence. Our guided tour will teach us about  its history, design, and the famous Phantom of the Opera legend.

Afternoon

Our first stop will be to the Marais district, to visit Place des Vosges, one of the oldest and most beautiful squares in Paris. We will stroll through the arcades and lush central gardens. We will also Visit the Maison de Victor Hugo located on the eastern side of the square. We will continue to explore the Marais District. Marais is known for its vibrant atmosphere, trendy boutiques, and historical sites.

Evening

Group dinner

Morning

Today we will visit  La Sainte Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece built in the 13th century by King Louis IX. We will learn about the holy relics once housed here, including the Crown of Thorns, and discover the innovative architectural techniques that create the chapel’s ethereal beauty.

After our tour we will have the rest of the day  to do final shopping and exploring as a group.

Evening

Final group dinner

Depart Home