Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You’ll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we’ve offered in the past.
Bruges, Belgium
Board the high-speed train Thalys and cross the northern border to discover the delights of the city of chocolates, waffles, and French fries. Observe the colorful architecture of the Bruges townhouses, climb to the top of the Belfry, and try to catch a glimpse of the North Sea. Listen to the rhythm of horse shoes as a horse-drawn carriage passes nearby. Discover the last brewery still operating in town and sample the local cuisine. End your journey relaxing in a tea room with the best whipped-cream-topped hot chocolate for the ultimate chocolate experience, before returning to Paris with a huge smile on your face…and a full tummy!
Avignon and Provence
Hop on the high speed train to Avignon and visit the Palais des Papes, one of Europe’s largest, most important medieval Gothic buildings. We’ll take a private coach to discover the Alpilles of the Provence region on the way to Roussillon, a beautiful village on top of a hill that’s known for its ochre trail. Follow the trail among ochre cliffs, a landscape that inspired Cezanne and Van Gogh. The next day, we’ll visit one of the most beautiful villages in France: les Baux de Provence and its castle. On the way back to Avignon, we’ll visit the open air "Provencal" market in Saint Remy de Provence, and stop at a wine cellar to sample "vin de provence" and local delicacies.
Strasbourg, France and Fribourg, Germany
Discover the eastern region of Alsace. The excursion starts with an in-depth walking tour of the center of Strasbourg, where you’ll immediately notice the strong Germanic influence in the architecture and way of life. We’ll enjoy a cruise down the Ill River that carries us through the Petite France district and to European Parliament, the central institution of European integration. The regions of Alsace and Lorraine have been the object of much conflict over the centuries, with France and Germany fighting for ownership. The mix of two cultures has produced delicious food such as "choucroute" or "flammekueche," and fine local beers you can sample during a traditional Alsatian meal. Before leaving, we’ll cross the border to Germany and enjoy a glimpse of the black forest and the city of Fribourg. You’ll also have the pleasure of tasting Alsatian wine in a small, family-run vineyard.
Giverny
Whether you’re a novice or a confirmed fan of the Impressionist art movement, Giverny is a don’t-miss destination. The day begins with a visit to a museum dedicated to Monet's life and works. From here, take a trail leading through lush gardens where a lily pond, bamboo patches, and flowers bursting with color (a.k.a. the beautiful scenery that inspired many of Monet's paintings!) wait to be discovered. Meandering through Monet's gardens will surely work up your appetite; be sure to try some traditional dishes from Normandy. During your free time, you may opt to explore the Impressionist Museum, which displays works from several famous artists who flocked to this remarkable place to visit Monet throughout his life.
Loire Valley Châteaux
Nowhere else in the world can one discover such a rich collection of magnificently preserved castles—dating from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance—as the Loire Valley. In the comfort of a private coach, you’ll travel through mystical forests to visit Chambord and Chenonceau castles. A stop in Amboise, a lovely pedestrian town in the region’s heart, includes a visit to its castle. After some souvenir shopping, you will have the opportunity to see Le Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's former home, now a museum dedicated to the artist. The weekend doesn't stop there; you’ll learn about wine production and the particular qualities of Loire Valley wine at a local wine cellar and satisfy your appetite during a traditional French meal. The natural beauty of the landscapes, the phenomenal masterpieces of royal architecture, and the magnificently manicured gardens of the Loire Valley will charm you.
Mont St Michel
For centuries, Mont St Michel has been the object of admiration. Regardless of whether you arrive at low or high tide, you’ll be immediately overwhelmed by the majestic rocky island on the horizon. Mont St Michel has been standing for over 1,000 years; throughout the ages, the site has been the object of dispute between Normandy and Brittany to determine proper ownership.
Spend the morning climbing up the winding streets and enjoying an informative historical tour of the remarkable Gothic monastery. After all that climbing, you’ll want to sample traditional Norman dishes such as poulet à la crème and tarte aux pommes. After a night spent near the island, we’ll make our way to St. Malo, a pirate town on the Brittany coast. Before returning to Paris we’ll stop at an apple cider cellar where you’ll learn the process of making cider and taste the brut and doux versions of this lightly alcoholic apple drink.
Reims
This trip will tantalize your taste buds with delectable delights. Experience firsthand how French chocolates are made, spend an afternoon learning about world famous Brie cheese from Meaux and, visit the champagne cellars in Reims and Epernay. Seeing the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame, where every French king has been crowned since the days of Jeanne d'Arc, is an incredible experience.
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