Intensive French in Grenoble: Cultural Travel

Students who choose the Intensive French Language Program will not be able to participate in the visit to London or the Paris excursion, but will participate in the 3-day visit to Provence, optional 4-day visit to Venice ($395) and Geneva day trip (spring only).

Day visit to Geneva, Switzerland (Included in fee)

Saturday, September 26 or April 10 Morning departure by bus for Geneva. Situated on the banks of Lake Geneva, surrounded by superb mountain scenery, Geneva is a cosmopolitan city that successfully blends modernity with tradition and is a major center of the Swiss banking industry. Students have a guided tour of the Palais des Nations and the Red Cross Museum, followed by free time to explore the city including: the old town, the floral clock, the Jet d'Eau and the St. Pierre Cathedral.

Includes transportation and entrance fees as indicated. Lunch is not included.

3-day visit to Provence (Included in fee)

Friday, October 2 or April 23 Depart from Grenoble for wine tasting in the celebrated vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and a picnic lunch at the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic city of Avignon and the Palais des Papes. Dinner in a provençal restaurant. Overnight in Avignon.

Saturday, October 3 or April 24 Tour of Les Baux de Provence and the Roman City of Arles. Overnight in Aix-en-Provence (fall) or Saintes Maries de la Mer (spring).

Sunday, October 4 or April 25 In the fall, guided tour of Aix, following in the footsteps of Cezanne, visiting markets and tasting local specialities. In the spring, spend the day in Saintes Maries de la Mer, on the edge of the Mediterranean, surrounded by salt marshes and rice fields, to discover the local culture and traditions.

Includes transportation, accommodations, museum entrances, two dinners and two breakfasts. Lunch is not included.

Optional Weekend trip to Burgundy ($395)

Saturday, February 27 Early morning departure from Grenoble. First stop in the medieval hilltop village of Pérouges with a guided visit of the ramparts and winding streets. Group lunch. An afternoon visit to the delightful Château de Pierreclos, in the heart of the Beaujolais and Macon vineyards. Evening and group dinner in Dijon.

Sunday, February 28 Morning walking tour of Dijon, ancient capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, with its timbered buildings, impressive architecture and, of course, its reputation for exquisite cuisine (mustard, gingerbread, etc). In the afternoon, we will visit the magnificent Hospices de Beaune, constructed in the 15th century, followed by a guided tasting, with a professional sommelier, in the cellars of a local wine producer. Early evening return to Grenoble.

Trip includes accommodation, transport, breakfast on Sunday, lunch and dinner on Saturday and visits as indicated.

Dates are confirmed at the beginning of the program and those given should be used as a guide.