From the alpine culture of historic Chamonix to the cobblestone streets of Paris, our immersion into French language and culture brings learning to life. Set against the towering Alps, our blend of classroom and experiential instruction is sure to raise your language skills to new heights. Benefit from a supportive and nurturing curriculum tailored to your experience and ability-level. Connect with the country and its people on carefully crafted, inspirational experiences among the mountains, in the classroom and within the world's greatest cities.

Journey to Geneva

After traveling to Geneva we will meet our leaders and the rest of our group at the Geneva airport. Upon safely arriving in this bustling intercultural capital, we'll travel across the French border to secluded Chamonix.  

Attend Language School in Chamonix

Immersing ourselves in French language and culture, we'll begin our structured classroom and experiential study. On the first day, we'll assess each student's existing proficiency so that we can each enjoy a class that is rewarding, challenging and makes the most of our time and efforts. While attending language school, we'll benefit from 3-4 hours of invigorating classroom instruction each day -- learning in small, supportive groups from native-speaking teachers. Outside of class, we'll enrich our skills during cultural visits to village cafes, engage in french cooking classes and build conversational confidence during afternoon discussion activities. Aside the benefits to our speaking and comprehension skills, these fun, afternoon activities will help us grow closer as a team. 

Uncover French Mountain Culture

We'll undoubtedly construct some of our favorite memories during our picnic strolls through the beautiful countryside. Historically established as a vacation destination in the early 1800s, Chamonix and the surrounding Alps provide the perfect inspirational backdrop for our adventure. Enjoying the culture of this mountain village, we'll build language confidence while shopping in friendly markets and develop a local perspective while hearing exciting guest lectures from local helicopter pilots, search-and-rescue volunteers and other leaders in the outdoor community.  

Discover Paris

Staying a few blocks from the Seine waterfront, we'll enjoy three nights in one of the world's most exciting cities. Visiting the city as a group, we'll stroll to tucked-away cafes and shop at the famous le Bouquinistes book vendors along the river. Of course, we'll experience the city's important historical sights such as the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. This will be a truly inspirational visit to the City of Lights. 

Hike the Massif du Mont-Blanc

Ascending into the mountains on the famous Telepherique de l'Aiguille du Midi, we'll enjoy dramatic glacial views while riding the highest vertically climbing cable car in the world. From our vantage point at the top of the 12,605-foot "Needle of the South," we'll sip lattes in the summit cafe and enjoy panoramic views of Mont Blanc. 

Explore Provence

Traveling to France's most exciting cultural region, we'll see the works of Henri Matisse and discuss art in the galleries of Marseille. We'll soak up both culture and sunshine while visiting Mediterranean beaches. Of course, we'll also take the time to stroll through the Gothic hilltop villages that are so iconographically significant to the region. 

Whitewater Raft the Arve River

For an exciting celebration, we'll enjoy a fun voyage down the tumbling whitewater of the renowned Arve River. Paddling thrilling rapids under the careful direction of local guides is the perfect reward for an amazing journey. At the conclusion of our French Language Adventure, we'll enjoy our Banquet Finale before traveling back to the US from Geneva.  

 

Please note: all students must have completed at least one year of French in school prior to coming on this trip.

 

Teachers/Group Leaders: This adventure or a variation of it can be offered as a private/custom trip with your own departure dates. Please contact our group desk at 800-533-2281.