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French Culture in Provence

Overview

This is a fascinating region and would be perfect destination to learn more about French culture, and be immersed in the French language.  This itinerary offers an exciting range of visits that will help students deepen their understanding of ‘ordinary’ French life, far away from the busy bustle of a city like Paris.

Have the chance to visit provincial towns such as Nîmes and Orange, both famed for their excellent Roman ruins.  Head into the countryside to see rolling lavender fields and also hike along the Sentier des Ocres, a former quarry that is nestled between brightly coloured cliffs.

A visit to a traditional market in Avignon will give students the opportunity to put their French to the test as they mix with locals and sample delicious traditional produce.  This is a packed itinerary that is sure to extend your students appreciation of French culture!

Our Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Morning flight to Montpelier or Marseille.

    Spend the afternoon in the attractive town of Nîmes which has a wonderful collection of Roman remains. Head to the Arena, the twin-tiered amphitheatre is the best-preserved in France and is still used today for events such as concerts and French bullfighting!

  2. Day 2

    Start your day in Orange, a city of art and history, it has exceptional historical heritage.  Visit two monumental Roman structures: the Arc de Triomphe and the Théatre Antique.  The Arc stands majestically over the city, and the Antique Theatre is the only Roman theatre in Europe to have conserved its stage wall.

    The head to the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque.  Lying deep in its Provençal valley and nestled in lavender fields, the Abbey is one of the purest examples of Cistercian architecture.

    Finally, spend the afternoon at Le Sentier des Ocres, a hiking trail seated in an old ochre mine. The trail works its way around the cliffs, with various shades of red to enjoy. 

  3. Day 3

    In the morning, visit Le Sentier des Ocres, a former ochre quarry tucked between colourful red and yellow cliffs.  Take a short hike through the picturesque valley and forest of chestnut and pine trees.

    Then head to the Chocolaterie Castelain and learn how to make your own chocolates.  Of course you’ll be able to take home your creations!

    Afterwards, visit the Musée de la Lavande.  Located in the heart of the Luberon Regional Park, the Lavender Museum reveals to visitors the know-how and the passion of a family who has been cultivating fine lavender for several generations.

  4. Day 4

    Begin your day in the city of Avignon and head to Les Halles Avignon.  Have the opportunity to sample traditional French cuisine (and practise your French!) at Avignon's famous covered market.

    Then visit Les Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace ever built.  The Palace's immense scale illustrates the mighty influence of the Roman Catholic Church.

    Flight back to the UK.

School Trip Accommodation

Accommodation

We use safe and secure accommodation especially suited to schools.  Our accommodation is usually 2* or youth hostel standard and provides a perfect base for enjoying your tour.  All accommodation we use is audited, and our auditing regime is verified by independent experts.  Some examples of accommodation we use in Provence are the ibis budget Apt Luberon and the Château de Buoux - let us know if you have a preference!