Provence Learning Vacations
Location
France: Aix-en-Provence, Avignon
Description
The Language House, in partnership with Travel Med Tours, aims to combine language study within a vacation which includes a multitude of cultural experiences that compliment language learning. Our Learning Tours have been created on the premise that the best way to enhance any travel experience is to learn new things as well as a bit of the language. All vacations in this category are week long adventures where enjoyable French lessons are included.
Based in Avignon and Aix en Provence, every morning will start with 3 hours of French language study with qualified native speakers. The lessons will be designed to correspond with the planned afternoon events. Every afternoon will be composed of visits to nearby attractions within Provence. There is the possibility to choose from themed vacations such as "The Language of Wine", a package that includes French, a French wine tasting orientation class and wine tasting sessions. Also available is 'French Wine and Cuisine' where wine tasting and cooking sessions are presented together as well as how the French pair the two together.
Highlights
Every tour date begins on a Sunday and ends on the following Saturday with a Sunday departure. Each morning is composed of three hours of French lessons and every afternoon, there is a wine activity. Below is a typical schedule:
Day 1
"Meet and Greet" at the train station in Avignon. Following the transfer to your hotel, you'll have orientation walking tour of Avignon followed by a visit to Palais du Papes. In the evening, we'll have a welcome dinner to get acquainted. (D)
Day 2
French lesson 9:00-12:00
Lunch break
To prepare for our wine tasting adventures for the week, we'll have a wine tasting lesson/orientation given by a local sommelier as well as information on the wine producing region of the Cotes du Rhones
Day 3
French lesson 9:00-12:00
Immediately after your lessons, we travel to Chateau-neuf du Pape. Famous mostly for their reds, we'll learn about the fundamentals of harvesting and vinification followed by,of course, a wine tasting session. We then enjoy a typical "Provencal Lunch" where we will learn a little about pairing wine with cuisine. (L)
Day 4
French lesson 9:00-12:00
Lunch break
Trip to Tavel & Lirac, a for a wine tasting session as well as a driving tour of this scenic area.
Day 5
French lesson 9:00-12:00
Lunch break
Visit to Saint Remy de Provence where can experience small town life in Provence as well as see the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh. There will be an introductory walking tour as well as plenty of time to leisurely stroll and visit the local boutiques.
Day 6
French lesson 9:00-12:00
Lunch break
Visit to Dentelles de Montmirail to sample Gigondas and Vacqueyras. We will also visit the nearby towns to sample their local goods.
Day 7
Take a day trip to Aix en Provence and experience market day as many local producers display their crafts at this very traditional French market. We top the day off with a tour of an olive orchard and a sampling of this age old tradition. Farewell Dinner (D)