France Classique

After arriving in Nice, we drive into the heart of Provence, in the South of France, an area of inspiration to artists and writers since the Roman Age. Eight days of three-hour morning lessons are held outdoors with native French speakers, certified in teaching French to foreigners. An experiential approach also permits us to learn French tradition, culture and cuisine. We fill our afternoons with activities such as canyon hiking, rock climbing, kayaking and visits to cities such as Aix en Provence.

Our rugged week in the southern French Alps' Parc National du Mercantour is breathtaking. A four-day backpack with a professional French guide allows us to experience the park's glacier lakes, mountaintop vistas and rare wildlife. While in the French Alps we also enjoy rock climbing and tubing, as well as visits to prehistoric petroglyph sites and participation in a community service project.

We leave the mountains and head straight for Nice and the French Riviera for two days of rest and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. We stay at the International Youth Center situated on the beaches of Cap d'Ail, a 45-minute shoreline walk to the Principality of Monaco. Here we celebrate our achievements before saying goodbye to this magnificent region.

Learn French while enjoying nature, sights, and culture in a mix of academic and adventure settings. We require basic knowledge of French and a firm commitment to speak the language.

DAYS 1-10:
You will be met upon arrival at the Nice airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the diverse, demanding and remote regions we explore, we load up our custom vehicles and head off! During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins.

Our first week begins at a beautiful and remote setting in the Provence region in the south of France, near the renowned "Gorges du Verdon", ideal for kayaking, hiking, swimming and backpacking. We stay at a privately held campsite/farm while attending our outdoor French language study center, called "Crea-Langues" at the "Pavillon d'Aurabelle" premises, specialized in teaching French to foreigners only.

A language placement exam sets our classes where the student to teacher ratio is six to one. The center includes classrooms, taking place mostly outside, a large common kitchen, showers and a swimming pool. We sleep in tents to enhance the outdoor experience and cook breakfast and evening meals ourselves. Our language study center is basic but uniquely charming and has all the necessary provisions to focus on learning French.

Three hour morning classes are held daily at the language center by qualified teachers who have a degree in teaching French to foreigners. Students are grouped according to language skill level, and classes include other foreigners learning the French language. Afternoons and evenings are dedicated to a variety of adventures and sports such as canyon hiking, rock climbing and kayaking.

Days 11-18:
Off to the National Parc of Mercantour! We are completely self-sufficient in tackling an exciting twenty mile, four day backpack. Experience the park's breathtaking floral diversity, glacier lakes, chamois, ibex and royal eagles. Canyoning and climbing are also included. We will be accompanied by certified French mountain guides who will encourage us to use our newly improved French skills to communicate.

Days 19-21:
Graduation and celebration. We drive to a Youth Hostel situated at the rocky beaches of Cap-d'Ail, just a forty-five minute walk from the Principality of Monaco. Absolutely magnifique on the Mediterranean! We'll visit Nice or Monaco, spend some time at the beach, and celebrate our achievements while receiving our certificate issued by the school. All good things must come to an end. We travel to the airport, say our goodbyes after a summer of incredible adventure, challenges, new friends and great fun!