Grottes de Choranche

In the heart of the Vercors region lies the Grotte de Choranche, a small part of the Grotte de Couffin. The cave is located at the bottom of the falaises de Presles (Presles cliffs). This limestone cliff with its 300m vertical drop is famous among climbers and offers more than 300 routes. On the way, there are waterfalls with the typical deposits of tufa or travertine, a result of limestone-rich water reaching the surface. The first chamber -largest- is 60m in diameter and up to 18m high. The most impressive -among many formations- is a huge pillar in the Galerie du Siphon. The thousands of stalactites, called soda straws are the great sights of this cave. The waters of the underground lakes and rivers flood the crystal whiteness of the rock formations with emerald green reflection.

Snowshoeing in Chartreuse

The day will start in the morning in a small village called Saint-Hugues-en-Chartreuse. The village is know for it’s chapel and the Musée d’Art Sacré de St. Hugues. There will be a short tour of the museum and then off for the hike!

Students will hike on snowshoes, guided by professionals, through the Chartreuse forests. During the hike, the guides will point out animal prints, specific plants of the region and give an overview of the region and its geography. It’s not necessary to be a strong athlete, everybody is welcomed! There will be two groups, one group for students who prefer to keep it slow and cool, and a second group for those who desire to hike for longer. If time and the weather permit, the day will be topped off with some sledding and/or students can enjoy a hot drink in the nearby cafés.

Annecy

Surrounded by the beauty of the Alps and the Lac d’Annecy, the scenic town of Annecy is known as the “little Venice” of the French Alps. In fact, many say that the best way to see the city is via the canals on a relaxing boat tour. Because of strict environmental regulations introduced in the 1960s, Lac d’Annecy is known as “Europe’s cleanest lake.”

Lyon

France’s second largest city, Lyon is located on the Rhone and Soâne Rivers with many sites to see, including the Gallo-Roman Museum, two excavated Roman theaters, and the 18th century Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouvière. In the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one will find botanical gardens, a small zoo, lakes for sailing, running trails, and many areas for relaxing.

Burgundy (Beaune & Dijon)

Annecy

Surrounded by the beauty of the Alps and the Lac d’Annecy, the scenic town of Annecy is known as the “little Venice” of the French Alps. In fact, many say that the best way to see the city is via the canals on a relaxing boat tour. Because of strict environmental regulations introduced in the 1960s, Lac d’Annecy is known as “Europe’s cleanest lake.”

Paris

One of the most intriguing cities in the world, Paris is brimming with amazing museums, architecture, fashion, and beauty. Innumerable monuments built to reflect the glory of France and its rulers stand testament to the city’s rich history.

Aix-En-Provence/Avignon

Avignon is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France and known for its music festival, splendid houses and museums with rich works of art, mosaics and Romanesque and Gothic Sculptures. Students will visit the famous Pope’s Palace that was home to seven Popes from 1305 to 1378 before the papacy moved back to the Vatican. Near the palace is the famous half bridge Pont St. Bénezet, in which a popular children’s song was written describing folk dancing on the bridge.

Loire Valley

Visiting the Loire Valley palaces is like visiting 16th century Renaissance France when fortified medieval fortresses were transformed into delicate castles inspired by Italian architecture. Such is the case of le Château d’Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci was buried.

The Château de Chenonceau is an exceptional site not only because of its original design, the richness of its collections, its furniture and its decorations, but also because of its destiny, since it was loved, administrated and protected by women.

Depending on the program, the students may also enjoy an ultimate experience: a traditional boat ride on the Loire river. Also, depending on the program, the students can experience the splendor of Chambord’s castle and its exceptional architectural creation that draws its inspiration from the French tradition as much as from the new ideas of the Italian Renaissance.

Lyon

France’s second largest city, Lyon is located on the Rhone and Soâne Rivers with many sites to see, including the Gallo-Roman Museum, two excavated Roman theaters, and the 18th century Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouvière. In the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one will find botanical gardens, a small zoo, lakes for sailing, running trails, and many areas for relaxing.

French Riviera - Cote D'Azur

This southern region of France is cornered between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea and attracts people from all walks of life to relax at its beaches, explore its cliff side villages, or sample the entertainment and liveliness of its towns and cities.

Grottes de Choranche

In the heart of the Vercors region lies the Grotte de Choranche, a small part of the Grotte de Couffin. The cave is located at the bottom of the falaises de Presles (Presles cliffs). This limestone cliff with its 300m vertical drop is famous among climbers and offers more than 300 routes. On the way, there are waterfalls with the typical deposits of tufa or travertine, a result of limestone-rich water reaching the surface. The first chamber -largest- is 60m in diameter and up to 18m high. The most impressive -among many formations- is a huge pillar in the Galerie du Siphon. The thousands of stalactites, called soda straws are the great sights of this cave. The waters of the underground lakes and rivers flood the crystal whiteness of the rock formations with emerald green reflection.

Paris

One of the most intriguing cities in the world, Paris is brimming with amazing museums, architecture, fashion, and beauty. Innumerable monuments built to reflect the glory of France and its rulers stand testament to the city’s rich history.

Annecy

Surrounded by the beauty of the Alps and the Lac d’Annecy, the scenic town of Annecy is known as the “little Venice” of the French Alps. In fact, many say that the best way to see the city is via the canals on a relaxing boat tour. Because of strict environmental regulations introduced in the 1960s, Lac d’Annecy is known as “Europe’s cleanest lake.”

Lyon

France’s second largest city, Lyon is located on the Rhone and Soâne Rivers with many sites to see, including the Gallo-Roman Museum, two excavated Roman theaters, and the 18th century Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouvière. In the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one will find botanical gardens, a small zoo, lakes for sailing, running trails, and many areas for relaxing.

Aix-En-Provence/Avignon

Avignon is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France and known for its music festival, splendid houses and museums with rich works of art, mosaics and Romanesque and Gothic Sculptures. Students will visit the famous Pope’s Palace that was home to seven Popes from 1305 to 1378 before the papacy moved back to the Vatican. Near the palace is the famous half bridge Pont St. Bénezet, in which a popular children’s song was written describing folk dancing on the bridge.

Burgundy (Beaune & Dijon)

Loire Valley

Visiting the Loire Valley palaces is like visiting 16th century Renaissance France when fortified medieval fortresses were transformed into delicate castles inspired by Italian architecture. Such is the case of le Château d’Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci was buried.

The Château de Chenonceau is an exceptional site not only because of its original design, the richness of its collections, its furniture and its decorations, but also because of its destiny, since it was loved, administrated and protected by women.

Depending on the program, the students may also enjoy an ultimate experience: a traditional boat ride on the Loire river. Also, depending on the program, the students can experience the splendor of Chambord’s castle and its exceptional architectural creation that draws its inspiration from the French tradition as much as from the new ideas of the Italian Renaissance.

Snowshoeing in Chartreuse

The day will start in the morning in a small village called Saint-Hugues-en-Chartreuse. The village is know for it’s chapel and the Musée d’Art Sacré de St. Hugues. There will be a short tour of the museum and then off for the hike!

Students will hike on snowshoes, guided by professionals, through the Chartreuse forests. During the hike, the guides will point out animal prints, specific plants of the region and give an overview of the region and its geography. It’s not necessary to be a strong athlete, everybody is welcomed! There will be two groups, one group for students who prefer to keep it slow and cool, and a second group for those who desire to hike for longer. If time and the weather permit, the day will be topped off with some sledding and/or students can enjoy a hot drink in the nearby cafés.