We want you to get the most out of your stay in France. Studying with Abroadco includes access to a complete program of immersion activities and excursions! Past Abroadco excursions have included the following destinations.

Giverny (Full-Day Excursion)

Claude Monet, father of impressionism, moved to Giverny in his later years, whilst he devoted himself to painting, indulging his family and friends, and gardening. His most well-known masterpieces come from this period. Explore his home and gardens that inspired his art, lunch at an old farmhouse a few minutes walk from the hamlet, and visit the American Impressionist museum to see a diverse collection of those who came to work with Monet: Mary Cassat, Whistler, and others. And, if time permits, stop in Vernon, a typical Normandy town, before heading back to Paris.

Reims (Full-Day Excursion)

The Cathedral of Reims is famous throughout the world as the historic "crowning place" for each King of France since Joan of Arc led France to Victory over the English. Explore the Cathedral with a guide, who will explain the stories told by the stained glass windows, including one given to Reims by CHAGALL in the early 20th century, an extraordinary piece of modern art accomplished with traditional methods. After a typical lunch of local food, visit the Pommery Champagne cellars and learn the process of making Champagne. And of course, tickle your taste buds with a sip or two!

Versailles (Full-Day Excursion)

The spectacular symbol of the splendors of Louis XIV, the Château de Versailles embodies the nobility and the exuberance of the Baroque era. In the mid-17th century, work first began to transform a simple hunting lodge into a magnificent castle. Explore the grand palace and gardens of Versailles, learning more about its history, including the Grand & Petit Trianons, smaller palaces on the grounds that Louis XIV and his family used to escape from the oppressive protocol of Versailles. In the afternoon, rent a bike or rowboat in order to enjoy the spectacular landscape dotted with statues, fountains and waterfalls, or just stroll over to the Queen’s Hamlet, built in the style of a Norman farming cottage.

Provence (Overnight Excursion)

First stop is Aix-en-Provence, the city of fountains. Visit the local farmer's market and shop for souvenirs, lunch on the famous Cours Mirabeau facing one of the 365 fountains this city is famous for, and spend the afternoon and evening exploring the city and all its attractions. Next stop is Avignon. View the countryside as you are bused from Aix to Avignon, where you will visit the Palais des Papes and visit the bridge made famous by the children’s song "sur le pont, d'avignon…." After strolling thru the papal gardens wander back thru the walls of the city to grab a train back to Paris.

Strasbourg (Overnight Excursion)

Home of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is almost the most "German" of French cities, having been traded back and forth between France and Germany for the past four centuries. We arrive late Friday night, and swallow a quick Flamkeuche (Alsatian Pizza!) before going back to the hostel. Early Saturday morning, we will take a guided walking tour throughout the old city, ending with a short boat ride thru the canals. In the afternoon, you can visit the Cathedral or sign on to visit the European Parliament. We dine together in a typical Alsatian restaurant, eating a choucroute and sausages. Sunday, we go via the wine routes to Colmar, where the Statue of Liberty was designed and built by the sculptor Bertoldi, as well as being one of the prettiest cities of France. We suggest you purchase a HUGE pretzel to nibble on the train on your way back to Paris.

Mont St. Michel & St. Malo (Overnight Excursion)

Known throughout the modern world, Mont St. Michel is a tribute to faith and fortitude. Built by a visionary monk in the 7th century, it is still standing. Stay in small cottages for 2 or 3 in a wooded garden overlooking the Cathedral and Baie de la Somme. Spend the afternoon exploring the Mont, depending on the notorious tides. After dinner, you can relax or explore the half mile causeway leading to the Mont. On Sunday, explore the city of St. Malo, a pirate town dating from medieval times. St. Malo was destroyed during WWII, but the mayor at that time insisted on renovating the town exactly as it had been. Each and every house, street and public place was rebuilt with precision making St. Malo one of the most astounding places imaginable. It sits on the edge of the "Emerald Coast”, so called because the Channel and the Atlantic Ocean meet at this precise spot and the water is an astounding green color. Bring Frisbees and a second pair of shoes--the beaches are irresistible!