Excursions
Cultural Activities in Paris
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Paris. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Paris special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking classes, a night at the Opera, a "How to become Parisian in one hour" comedy show, tea at the Grande Mosquee de Paris, and museum visits (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou, etc.).
France Discovery Day Trip
Visit one of the many notable destinations outside of Paris on this day trip. The change of scenery from the bustle of Paris is a great way to gain a different perspective on French culture and history. Visits vary from term to term and have included trips to Giverny, Versailles, Chantilly, Reims, Fontainebleau, or Chartres.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-provence (or simply "Aix") is one of the most well known and beloved regions of Southern France. Aix is known for its distinct Romanesque architecture, colorful, buildings, and the beautiful fountains speckled throughout the city. While on this trip, you will go on a guided tour and a visit to the seaside town of Cassis, winding your way through the lovely provincial countryside.
Bordeaux
The first thing that likely comes to mind when you think about Bordeaux is wine, and with good reason. Bordeaux is the world's major wine industry capital and is home to the "Vinexpo", the world's most popular wine fair. Half of this port city is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 362 historical monuments. While in Bordeaux, you will take a guided tour of the city, have a wine tasting at one of the local wineries, and visit the famed Great Dune of Pyla.
Bruges
Bruges has been called the "Venice of the North" because of its stunning canals and beautifully preserved buildings. While on this excursion, you will take a guided boat tour through Bruges, highlighting the main sights in the city. You will have plenty of free time to explore many of the city's famed attractions, including the Beguinage, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Bruges belfry.
Ghent
Ghent is a wonderful city in Belgium that is known for being "historical without being fossilized". It's a lively student city that still maintains its medieval charm. While visiting the city, you can see St Bavo's Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry, and the many canals that wind their way through the town.
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is also known as the "the Garden of France" since it is filled with vineyards, fruit orchards, and gardens. You will have the chance to visit a few of the over forty châteaux that are scattered this beautiful countryside, such as Chambord and Chenonceau, while staying overnight in the city of Tours.
Mont St Michel
This spectacular site remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of France, second only to Paris. You will perform "La Traversée", the crossing of the Bay between San Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel to get to the Mont Saint Michel Abbey and surrounding areas. From a distance, one can see the "pre-sale" sheep (a gastronomic specialty thanks to their naturally salty meat) grazing on the salt marshes. The Mont St Michel Abbey is connected to the mainland by an improbably thin stretch of land, and you will hear all about its history and significance on a guided tour.
Normandy
While exploring the region of Normandy, you will have the chance to visit the beautiful walled port city of Saint Malo. You will also spend time at the famous D-Day beaches and trek to Le Mont Saint Michel, the gorgeous ancient abbey that is one of France's most recognizable landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Morocco (*Optional)
This multi-day, optional excursion takes you across Morocco, one of the most colorful and diverse countries in the world. It encompasses direct cultural encounters with locals, guided tours through the medina, and opportunities to learn the ins and outs of haggling with Moroccan vendors. You will have unforgettable experiences in the Sahara desert riding camels and waking up to see the spectacular views of the sunrise.
**Excursions may not be available for all programs and sessions. Some excursions may be optional and will cost an additional fee.**