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A French tour of Impressionist landscapes

A French tour of Impressionist landscapes

25 May 2025 | cultural visits, destinations tips, French culture

What could be more inspiring for a budding artist than a trip around France visiting the landscapes that sculpted the great artistic movement that is Impressionism? 

Anita is an art student from Amsterdam who has been learning French for 5 years and adores Monet’s Impression, Sunrise. She wanted to continue her studies in France and get her first taste of life as an art restorer.
She shares her travel diary about the highlights of her language stay in France visiting Impressionist landscapes with her study group. 

Anita spent 10 days soaking up France and French as she visited Paris, Normandy and Provence with artistic experiences and trips to the colourful scenery that inspired the incredible 19th century artists. 

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Travel diary in France, visiting the Impressionist landscapes

I have devoted this pretty notebook – illustrated with my own sketches – to the highlights of my first trip to France with my fellow students who are just as passionate about art as I am. We spent 10 days exploring the landscapes that inspired the great Impressionists: Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Pissarro and more. Every stage of the journey from Paris and Normandy to Provence gave us the chance to practise our French, visit landmark museums, paint outdoors and juxtapose the real landscapes with the artworks they inspired.

In and around Paris: Museums, streets and my first impressions

Musée d’Orsay: A feast of Impressionist masterpieces

I met up with my group of 15 Dutch students to visit the Musée D’Orsay on our first morning in Paris. We couldn’t wait to get started. Although we really wanted to improve our French skills, we REALLY wanted to see the landscapes and masterpieces that made Impressionnism so iconic.

The Musée d’Orsay is overwhelming in every sense, including how many visitors there are! The former train station, with its huge clocks and bright windows, is home to the epic artworks that I’ve always dreamt of seeing up close. I spent ages pouring over Saint-Lazare Station by Monet. I’ve been gazing at it in books for years, so it was a real moment for me. 

The French class in the gallery devoted to Monet and Renoir taught us to express our aesthetic emotions, learn and describe the Impressionist techniques in French. It was very rewarding, so hat’s off to our guide!

Walk in Montmartre: Boho vibes and a cultural scavenger hunt

We went to Montmartre in the afternoon! As we climbed the steps to Place du Tertre, I was struck by the boho vibes I’d always hoped to experience here: easels, portraits, cobbled lanes. To use the French expression we learned, it’s an image d’Epinal (a bit of a cliché) but it has its own charm! Valérie designed a scavenger hunt for us. It was full of challenges and forfeits so we could interact with local traders and find out more about life as a 19th century artist. Go hard or go home! I even had to ask a passerby to draw my portrait in 1 minute without taking the pencil off the paper! The result was a bit…. disappointing…

Barbizon and the Forest of Fontainebleau: an introduction to “sur le motif” painting

We took the bus from Paris to see where it all began for Impressionism: Barbizon, the so-called “Village of Painters”. Early 19th century artists would meet up here to paint landscapes “sur le motif” or in situ. We passed the famous Auberge Ganne, an inn and grocery shop which became the Villa des Artistes and Hôtel de l’Exposition, a meeting point of artists, sculptors (from France and abroad), writers, journalists, actors and even politicians. 

It’s hard to resist painting the dreamy village with its little houses, cobbled streets and art galleries everywhere you look.

We did a “sur le motif” art class in the Forest of Fontainebleau near Barbizon. I love painting outdoors (luckily the weather was good). It was a great experience among my fellow students: it was like when the artists would get together at Auberge Ganne!

Normandy: the source of Impressionism

Giverny: A day in the life of Claude Monet

We finally reached Normandy and, as Monet said: “A landscape doesn’t get under your skin in one day…” So we spent 2 days here!

The countryside, the changing skies, the endless greenery… anything goes when it comes to Impressionist painting subjects. I spent ages wandering around the gardens at Claude Monet’s house in Giverny: the Japanese bridge, water lilies, flowers and more. My group made the most of the peace and quiet (there weren’t many tourists that day) for an art class on the edge of the biggest pond on the theme of: what does water inspire in you? I managed to explain the idea behind my piece using my slightly broken French. 

Auvers-sur-Oise, Van Gogh’s final days

The atmosphere couldn’t have been more different in Auvers-sur-Oise. It was darker and more intense. We visited Auberge Ravoux where Van Gogh spent the end of his life and manically painted nearly 80 paintings. His tiny, dark room was heartbreaking to see! We joined our guide on the signposted trail and spotted many of the places he’d painted: Auvers Church, the wheat fields, crows and footpaths before visiting his tomb, next to his brother Théo. We also tried to decipher the letters between the two brothers which were particularly poignant, especially towards the end of the artist’s life. 

Étretat and Honfleur: Cliffs and peaceful ports

Another change of scenery: we visited the Normandy coast and lofty Étretat cliffs. Armed with our sketchbooks, we had a long walk on the coastal path drinking in the views and stopping to sketch them.

I visited the Eugène Boudin Museum in Honfleur. I’d never heard of him before, but I loved his paintings of the sea! The beaches in Trouville, the ports in Deauville and Honfleur… I like the technique used by the Impressionist pioneer who was one of the first to paint outside his studio.

Provence: Light, warmth and new inspirations

Aix-en-Provence: Cézanne and Montagne Sainte-Victoire

We cut across France to the South, with its sing-song accent and fragrant aromas of lavender and pine trees. The train makes for a very convenient journey! We stopped in Aix-en-Provence: what a place! 

The guided tour of Cézanne’s studio blew me away because it’s like he never left: His belongings are still there, it’s very realistic: a skull, bottle, chair etc. 

From the terrace you can see the artist’s beloved Montagne Sainte-Victoire: he did over 80 paintings of it! The following day, we hit the iconic mountain’s footpaths on a hike which gave us a good dose of Provençal fresh air and enabled us to drink in the scenery, drystone walls and scrubland.

Institut des Frères Lumière à Lyon<br />
Institut des Frères Lumière à Lyon<br />

Arles and Saint-Rémy

We were reunited with Van Gogh! We went on a themed tour through Arles: Café de la Nuit, Arles Hospital, the Van Gogh Foundation and more. After he left Paris, this is where Van Gogh found a new light and painted some of his best-known pieces: The Sunflowers, Starry Night over the Rhône and Langlois Bridge.

It was very moving to visit Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the former asylum where Van Gogh was confined. This is where he painted The Starry Night in which you can spot the olive trees and wheat fields. We made the most of the landscape for one last outdoor art class to reproduce Van Gogh’s techniques: brushstrokes, colours, textures and more that were too hard for me! My friends were far better!

Nice: The blue of painters and the Mediterranean 

The last stop on our French trip was Nice! We met up for breakfast by the flower market then spent the morning walking along the sun-soaked Promenade des Anglais looking out onto the Mediterranean. What a life!

I’ll never forget the guided tour of the Matisse Museum in a beautiful ochre villa: his gouache paintings and cut-outs were fascinating and the stained-glass Tree of Life he created for Vence Chapel was unbelievably bright. It was very inspiring… far more than Chagall in my view. It’s another world! 

Institut des Frères Lumière à Lyon<br />

Anita went back to Amsterdam with a book full of drawings, sketches and gouache paintings and a head full improved French skills and more confidence in speaking.
The themed tour introduced the group to places in France made famous by the Impressionists and enabled them to soak up French culture through art and geography. The tours, experiences and activities gave the French students confidence when speaking and a broader range of useful vocabulary for their studies and career plans. Anita may well be back in France soon for an art restoration course!

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Our top tips for visiting Notre-Dame in 2025

Our top tips for visiting Notre-Dame in 2025

23 Jan 2025 | cultural visits, destinations tips

Loyal worshippers, fans and friends of Notre-Dame de Paris have welcomed the news of its very grand reopening. Are you planning to visit the iconic cathedral in 2025 too?

Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect from your trip to Notre-Dame, whether you’re a regular or newcomer. It’s full of surprises and wonder, but what really blows you away is the light. Visitors to the long-awaited renovation bask in the radiant glow bouncing off the bright white stone and flooding through the crystal-clear stained glass.

If you want to squeeze every last drop out of your trip to the cathedral, you need to plan ahead, get to know Notre-Dame’s treasury and what not to miss. 

Want us to show you the sights? Contact us

BEFORE YOUR TRIP

What you need to know about booking a trip to Notre-Dame in 2025:

Let’s start with some useful information to plan your trip to Notre-Dame. 

Groupes ou individuels, les dates d’entrée changent :

  • Dès le 16 décembre 2024 : Pour les individuels uniquement (visiteurs seuls, fidèles ou curieux), la cathédrale de Notre-Dame retrouve son ouverture “à temps plein” accueillant ses visiteurs de 7h45 à 19h00. Trois messes journalières sont données, quatre le dimanche.
  • À partir de mars 2025 : c’est la date de réouverture des réservations pour les groupes. Les groupes de visiteurs “culturels”, pour des accompagnateurs munis de cartes professionnelles ou pour des enseignants exclusivement.

Crédit photos : ©Justine DEHARO

Do you have to book your trip to Notre-Dame?

You don’t have to, but it’s best you do! 

Visitors have been so excited about Notre-Dame reopening that it’s bound to be busy! It’s best to pre-book so you avoid having to queue for too long (and risk not getting in with a maximum capacity of 3000 people in the cathedral). You can book your date and time on the website or the app.

Is admission free? 

Despite much debate, it’s still free to visit Notre-Dame. The Paris cathedral stands out from the crowd in this respect with the Duomo in Milan, Westminster Abbey and many more charging over 20 Euros to get in.

A variety of visitor experiences

The cathedral’s visitor route and signage have been updated. The route now runs from left to right and focuses on 10 areas of interest with visitor information suitable for all ages. There are also 5 different tours available to book online to suit different audiences: general tour, family tour, pilgrimage tour, audio tour and easy read tour.

Visit the Treasury of Notre-Dame

The treasury of Notre-Dame is made up of relics, religious and liturgical items “in contact with the body of Christ, in the form of the host and wine”. It includes chalices, wafer boxes, accessories, books and vestments. Fine craftsmen made these items from precious and rare materials: gold, gemstones, mother-of-pearl, pearl, sumptuous fabrics etc. They are still used for mass, sacristy and services. 

Admission to the treasury costs 12 Euros (standard ticket in 2025) but it’s well worth it to get up close to these outstanding historical, cultural and artistic items and grasp the role of Notre-Dame in the history of the French capital. 

Crédit photos : ©Justine DEHARO

Tourists and pilgrims: a space for everyone 

Notre-Dame Cathedral is a holy place where pilgrims and worshippers come to gather their thoughts and pray. Everyone who visits the cathedral must respect their wish for silence and space, especially children. Please don’t talk near the confessionals or transept and don’t sit in the front pews before the altar which are reserved for worshippers. The Crown of Thorns, Saint Guillaume Chapel, choir and pews in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary are also devoted to prayer.  

Crédit photos : ©Justine DEHARO

DURING YOUR TRIP

What not to miss in Notre-Dame:

The Crown of Thorns has a new home

The ancient Crown of Thorns is one of the greatest relics among believers and has withstood the test of time and even flames on April 15th 2019.

It was originally housed in the Sainte-Chapelle, a beautiful chapel built especially for it on Ile de la Cité, before being moved to Notre-Dame in the 19th century. It was saved from the fire (it was secretly stored at Paris Town Hall during the cathedral’s renovation) and has been given a new showcase in a reliquary commissioned by the archbishop of Paris and designed by Sylvain Dubuisson. Stonemasons have carved an altar from Carrara marble with a cross lit by small LED candles, topped by a disc covered in glass blocks and set in a cedar wall. The semi sphere housing the Crown of Thorns in the centre gleams in deep blue to match Notre-Dame’s vault and stained glass. The relic’s setting is lit by fibre optics to avoid fire hazards and will host the Crown of Thorns for special celebrations!

Visitors who want to see the legendary item for themselves should head to the “secret” easternmost chapel in Notre-Dame.

The Mays of Notre-Dame

May what? 

The Mays of Notre-Dame are large paintings commissioned by the Paris guild of goldsmiths and gifted to Notre-Dame every year on May 1st from 1630 to 1707. They were painted by the best artists of their times, including Charles Le Brun, Guido Reni, Lubin Baugin and Laurent de La Hyre. There are now just thirteen Mays in the cathedral with nine other paintings. One of the best is La Conversion de Saint Paul by Laurent de La Hyre in the second North Chapel!

Chapelle Saint-Martin

This chapel has come into the light after being closed to visitors. It was so dusty and dirty that you couldn’t even see its 19th century designs by Viollet-Le-Duc. The post-fire renovation has restored it to its former glory, revealing its incredible colours, narrative scenes and polychrome decorative details. The “ghosts” of sculptures that had been moved to another chapel were also found in the once dark and gloomy chapel.

The Pietà by Nicolas Coustou and lead stigmata…

Nicolas Cousteau drew inspiration from Michelangelo at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome to create a baroque masterpiece during the reign of Louis XIV. The Pietà is so detailed that you can even see the tears carved into the Virgin Mary’s cheeks. The sculpture had only just been restored before the disaster in 2019 when Mary and Christ were splashed with lead and soot as the fire tore through the woodwork and vault! 
Whilst cleaning the piece, a decision was made to “remember the fire” and leave the drops of molten lead that had fallen onto Christ’s hand.

Crédit photos : ©Justine DEHARO

New furniture… made in France

Notre-Dame’s nave has been treated to new solid oak chairs from trees in Sologne and new “mobilier liturgical”. 

It’s time for some French practice! The baptistry, altar, ambo, tabernacle and throne are all classed as liturgical or religious furniture. They’re all made from bronze at a foundry in the Drôme area called Barthélémy Art.

Notre-Dame’s custodians expect around 15 million visitors a year with peak numbers up to Pentecost 2025.
Notre-Dame de Paris already had 12 million visitors a year before the devastating fire on April 15th 2019! The cathedral was the most-visited cultural site in Paris and even put the Louvre in the shade. 

VAL knows how excited you all are about visiting the Paris attraction and can help you have the best trip there in the next few months (or years!).

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Travel diary in French-speaking Switzerland

Travel diary in French-speaking Switzerland

21 Nov 2024 | cultural visits, destinations tips

Let’s take to the mountains with this travel diary in French-speaking Switzerland. Matilda, a French student from Munich, spent a week of her holiday perfecting her skills in Lausanne. She joined her classmates for French lessons in the morning and learnt what makes Romandy, its landscapes, specialities and accent so unique!

Let’s join Matilda as she introduces us to Swiss scenery and traditions.

All our Language stays in France

Welcome to Romandy

We spent our French language holiday in Romandy. What is Romandy and why come here to learn French? It’s the French-speaking region of Switzerland and home to several cantons (Vaud, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Valais etc.) where French is the main language but with a few cute differences!

Medieval Lausanne and hot chocolate!

Lausanne was our base: we spent several days exploring every bit of the city and studying French in the morning. It’s a pretty Swiss city nestled between Lake Geneva and the Alps: a feast for the eyes.

We hit the cobbled streets in the old town as soon as we got here: there are lots of beautifully unspoilt half-timbered houses. After wandering the Vieux Lausanne lanes, we sampled the best hot chocolate in the city at a little café near Place Palud.

Lausanne Cathedral

Next stop: Lausanne Cathedral in all its Gothic glory!

The 13th century cathedral in uptown Lausanne has unobstructed views of the city and Lake Geneva. It was worth it just for the views! Ladies from Lausanne are said to have the best legs in the world… because of the hills they have to walk up every day!

We walked through the pretty painted doorway (a rare sight!) and visited the many realistic statues of biblical characters inside the cathedral. Everything about the place is incredible, from the stained-glass windows to the lofty belfry.

The guide told us about a tradition that’s been around for 600 years: every night between 10pm and 2am, the husky watchman calls out the hours to Lausanne’s locals!!! Who needs a cuckoo?

The Olympic Museum in Lausanne

Lausanne is the Olympic capital: it’s home to the International Olympic Committee’s head office and the Olympic Museum. We simply couldn’t miss it! The futuristic and interactive exhibition taught us all about the history of the Olympic Games, elite athletes and their impact on society and politics. Films, archive photos, equipment: it’s an exciting and all-encompassing experience.
At the end of the tour, I tackled a challenge that turned out to be hilarious and ridiculous in equal measure. I competed against Usain Bolt in the 100m simulation! I’d barely got out of the starting blocks before the red light lit up: Usain Bolt had already crossed the finish line…

Life on Lake Geneva

It was my favourite thing about our language stay in Switzerland.
Lake Geneva and how it changed colour over the course of the day and with the sky: it gave me a real sense of wellness! Watching the sailboats and graceful swans gliding along only made it more magical. We went there for lakeside walks and water sports (there’s lots to do, the Swiss love their water sports on the lake). We had a go at paddle boarding after a picnic on Vidy beach! It was a big hit with everyone on the huge lake with the Alps in the background.

Two days later we got to go on a boat trip to see the landscapes around the lake and the terraced vineyards in the Vaud canton.

Gruyères and the Cheese Factory

After Lausanne, we caught the train to Gruyères, a village famous for its medieval castle and namesake cheese. With or without holes? We got the answer at the Maison du Gruyère cheese factory where we visited maturing cellars (home to up to 7000 wheels!) and learnt the art of making cheese. The outing ended on a high with an amazing gruyère tasting. Being in the lush green meadows of Switzerland made the cheese taste even better!

Cailler and the Chocolate Factory

What comes after the cheese course? Dessert! We visited Maison Cailler next door to Château de Gruyères for an interactive tour of the legendary chocolate factory to learn the history behind chocolate and how it’s made. We’re now experts in all things chocolate: where cacao comes from, chocolate making techniques, different aromas and ways to eat it, how to store it and the best recipes to showcase it. Naturally, the tour ended with a mouth-watering tasting session! We didn’t want to leave so we stayed for a chocolate and praline making workshop: we all went home with our own little box of treats (they didn’t last long).

A trip back in time in Montreux

Visiting Montreux is like stepping inside a time machine: the village is simply magical with its cobbled streets and 13th century winemaker’s houses. It’s hilly! Even hillier than Lausanne! Countless famous names have explored Montreux’s streets and studios: Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Tolstoy, Hemingway and even Freddie Mercury.

As we walked along the shore of Lake Geneva, which glittered turquoise blue that sunny day, we gazed at beautiful manors sitting on the waterfront. Belle Epoque-style villas and mansions line the lake with palm trees and other beautiful plants standing tall among them. 

Next, we made our way to Montreux’s iconic Château de Chillon, sitting pretty on a rocky island in the middle of Lake Geneva. A series of constructions and extensions began in the 12th century to make the fortress what it is today. It has an unspoilt, beautiful keep in the middle surrounded by a main building linked by a wall walk. Chillon is one of few water castles with a bridge to connect it to the land (it used to have a drawbridge and you can still see the pulleys used to operate it).

Fondue, a seasonal sensation!

Despite it being a hot and sunny June, we tried the local speciality: fondue!

It’s always a winner, especially when everyone gathers round a fiery fondue pot filled with creamy, mouth-watering cheese. We certainly filled up on the calories and energy we needed to tackle the rest of the day. We all got into the swing of things and followed the rules: if you drop your bread in the fondue, you have to pay the price! It was a golden opportunity for us to test out our French words and expressions and it brought us all closer together!

Geneva and the Smurfs

Lots of us were confused when we went to Geneva: no, it isn’t the Swiss capital. Bern is!

Geneva may be an international city but it’s definitely Swiss! We all fell in love with a unique district in Geneva that stands out for its architecture: Les Grottes a.k.a. the Smurfs Buildings. Craftsmen used to live in the colourful little buildings and over-the-top architecture, but mainly artists live here nowadays. There are curved walls, butterfly balconies and toadstool posts along the street. It reminded me of Gaudì in Barcelona with his Casa Mila!

What sets Swiss French apart?

We spent two hours perfecting our French in class every morning, then spent the rest of the day testing out our knowledge with activities and experiences with the Swiss locals. The people who live in Romandy have their own unique accent and vocabulary. They use local, idiomatic expressions that surprised us and even made us smile. People in French-speaking Switzerland say “septante” for 70 and “nonante” for 90, which felt strange to begin with but made sense once I got used to it. Then there’s “pédzer” (to stick) and “il roille” (it’s pouring down). We made games and comprehension challenges out of the dialect so we could soak up the local culture and community.

After visiting Paris and Marseille, it was a joy to explore French-speaking Romandy in Switzerland with my classmates. I loved its sweeping scenery and tranquil Lake Geneva. I adored experiencing a whole new culture celebrating outdoor sports, mountains and rib-sticking dishes. My French language skills have improved, I’d even say they’ve been enriched, but I’m sorry to say I don’t have a Swiss accent!

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Normandy travel diary, from Cherbourg to Rouen

Normandy travel diary, from Cherbourg to Rouen

30 Aug 2024 | cultural visits, destinations tips, French culture

A warm welcome and jam-packed with French history

This chapter of our language travel diary takes us back to Normandy to visit two legendary cities between land and sea: Cherbourg and Rouen. Let’s join French teacher Mia and her group of Italian students on their language journey in a region whose history, food and drink conquered her heart. Here are her most magical moments. 

Our language stays in Normandy

Cherbourg: The first unexpected surprise in Normandy

None of us could believe the impressive maritime history and infrastructures in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. It’s a spell-binding city and I’ll never forget our walk in the medieval district: the narrow lanes, or boëls, are like secret passages tucked away in the city centre. We had a completely different change of scene when we got to the harbour with its stunning views of the Presqu’Île du Cotentin peninsula.

La Cité de la Mer trip

La Cité de la Mer is a former transatlantic ferry port. The beautifully-restored Art Déco building saw millions of passengers set sail for the New World in the late 20th century from here and the museum shares their lives with us. The students were struck dumb by the Redoutable nuclear submarine and Titanic, Return to Cherbourg exhibition about the infamous liner’s stop in the city.

Picnic in Parc Emmanuel Liais

We had a stroll and picnic under the June sunshine in Parc Emmanuel Liais, named after a French explorer, botanist and geographer who was born and died in Cherbourg. We cooled off among the exotic and local species in the botanical garden before exploring rare plant collections and visiting the hothouses. Cherbourg is exotic to say the least, with as many as 1000 palm trees imported by 19th century explorers which thrive in the city’s mild climate.

Fort du Roule and Musée de la Libération

We visited the Musée de la Libération at Fort du Roule on a hilltop with incredible views of Cherbourg. The museum introduces visitors to World War II and the Liberation of Cherbourg with information, images and videos. We learnt how war vehicles and equipment were constantly dropped off in Cherbourg Port before being whisked away on the high seas. The stories and media resources really struck a chord!

Manufacture des Parapluies de Cherbourg umbrella factory and film

Our trip to the Manufacture des Parapluies de Cherbourg was a big hit! The umbrellas have been a cult accessory since starring in the film of the same name directed by Jacques Demy. We saw the traditional methods and craftsmanship that go into making the iconic umbrellas at the factory itself. Each and every umbrella is painstakingly handmade! What a wonderful gift made in France to take home in your suitcase!

Rouen: Historical hotspot, from Joan of Arc to Maupassant

The cobbled streets and historical landmarks make Rouen a real Normandy treasure trove. We unearthed its gems on several trips.

Rouen, the City of Bell Towers

You won’t believe how many bell towers and tall landmarks call Rouen home. Just take Notre-Dame Cathedral with its Gothic architecture and spire (more recent) peaking at 151m, making Rouen’s cathedral the tallest in France and the third tallest in Europe! The students loved it for its sheer size, attention to detail and staggering stained glass windows… but it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Normandy’s very own Maupassant called it a “bronze spike that’s surprising, ugly, strange and out of proportion.” 

We also visited the flamboyant Gothic gem that is Saint-Maclou Church and the show-stopping Saint-Ouen Abbey.

Place du Vieux-Marché and Joan of Arc

Our next stop was Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was executed. It was a golden opportunity to revisit the story behind France’s legendary warrior: Joan was a pious shepherd girl who heard voices telling her to liberate occupied France from English rule. She embraced her destiny and joined the future King Charles VII in Touraine during the Hundred Years’ War, dressed as a man with her hair cut short. She fought in the decisive battle against the English in Orléans which saw Charles VII crowned king at Reims Cathedral in 1429. But she was defeated in Paris, made a prisoner of war, sold to the English and imprisoned at their headquarters in Rouen. She was put on trial for heresy and sentenced to be burnt at the stake! She was burnt alive on May 30th 1431 on Place du Vieux Marché in Rouen. The tragedy and injustice made their mark on the city square and our students’ hearts.

Jardin des Plantes de Rouen

Picnic break at the Jardin des Plantes! After stocking up on nibbles in town, we settled down in a haven of peace home to plants from five continents. The greenhouse is over 170 years old! The students were particularly fascinated by the carnivorous plants… Watching plants eating small insects isn’t your standard entertainment. There’s something magical about the place and we could have spent hours here! What with the aviaries filled with budgies, parrots, king quails, peacocks and turtles roaming free by the canal, everyone enjoyed their time out in a bountiful botanical world!

Following in the footsteps of Guy de Maupassant in Rouen’s streets

Rouen was one of the biggest and most opulent cities in medieval Europe. It was home to the Normandy Exchequer in the Middle Ages (a parliament where the county’s noblemen convened). The city flourished from the 13th century onwards with the boom in textile factories and river freight.

As we strolled the cobbled streets, walked along the docks and explored Rouen’s secret spots, the work of Guy de Maupassant sprang to mind. Some students had read his novels such as Une Vie, Boule de Suif and Le Horla. The author was born in Normandy and drew inspiration from Rouen’s city and river landscape to set his stories in. His homeland and Rouen had a special place in the great writer and traveller’s heart. 

“Nous avons accompli en quatre jours un voyage que bien peu de Français ont fait, un voyage plein d’accidents, d’émotions, même de dangers, un voyage délicieux à travers le plus adorable pays du monde et le plus propre aux descriptions. (…) Nous avons simplement descendu la Seine, la belle et calme rivière, de Paris à Rouen, dans un de ces petits bateaux à deux personnes qu’on nomme des yoles.(…) Et voici Rouen, Rouen l’opulente, la ville aux clochers, aux merveilleux monuments, aux vieilles rues tortueuses. On ne la peut décrire. Il la faut connaître”. 

“In four days, we accomplished a journey that few Frenchmen have done, a journey full of mishaps, emotions, even dangers, a delicious journey through the most adorable land in the world and the best for descriptions. (…) We simply went down the beautiful and tranquil River Seine, from Paris to Rouen, in one of those little 2-person yole boats (…). And here we are in opulent Rouen, the city of bell towers, lavish landmarks and old winding lanes. It cannot be described. It has to be seen.”

Guy de Maupassant

from Paris to Rouen, Notes by two sailors found in a bottle in the water.

Conquering Normandy’s food and drink… 

It was great to visit this part of Normandy with students who love their food and trying new things! They weren’t disappointed by all the traditional dishes and produce we found at markets and shops between Cherbourg and Rouen. From the coast to the countryside, we feasted on fresh seafood from the Channel, creamy cheese from free range cows and delicious apples from the Pays d’Auge orchards.

What was our favourite dish? La Dieppoise Marmite! Molluscs, crustaceans and fish cooked in a creamy savoury soup made from butter, cider and crème fraîche. What a treat!

How about an unforgettable dessert? La Teurgoule! It may not sound or look very appetising, but it tastes amazing. It’s a slow-cooked rice pudding in a terracotta ramekin made with sugar and milk then dusted with nutmeg and cinnamon.

A trip to a Normandy cheesemonger to end on a high 

The final chapter of our Normandy language stay was a tasting workshop at a Normandy cheesemonger! Unbrielievable! We were given a warm welcome at the huge dairy farm and our students saw just how much work goes into making Normandy AOP cheese to earn the Protected Designation of Origin. The milk comes from cattle that must be fed local grass and fodder. It was an explosion of flavour for everyone, even the biggest cheese fans among us! The Italians have their own fabulous cheese but cheese using cow’s milk is less common: Neufchâtel (the oldest cheese from Normandy!), Livarot, Pont-L’Evêque and classic Camembert! It was fantastic to experience local craftsmanship with my students, although it did tell them to rethink taking any home in their suitcases…

Mia’s Normandy trip from Cherbourg to Rouen is one of the most popular cultural itineraries that Vacances Actives Linguistiques provides for French language stays in France. But there’s so much more to see in Normandy! A short coach trip takes you to the legendary Mont Saint Michel, Giverny and Claude Monet’s gardens or the magical Baie de Somme. Check out all our travel diaries on our blog to inspire your next study abroad experience in France. 

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Bordeaux travel diary: from Dordogne to Arcachon.

Bordeaux travel diary: from Dordogne to Arcachon.

29 Apr 2024 | cultural visits, destinations tips

Bordeaux is a hugely popular destination among French as a foreign language students. We have devoted an entire article to the capital of wine and vineyards, but that doesn’t stop you venturing out of the city! Bordeaux is surrounded by fantastic places to visit within a 2-hour radius.

Let’s join Taylor, a literature student from Hungary, as he explores the Nouvelle Aquitaine region during his French as a foreign language course. Here’s his travel diary visiting Gironde and Dordogne, the dunes, vineyards, forests and fortresses!

 

Following in the footsteps of Eleanor of Aquitaine

We say farewell to the “Sleeping Beauty” that is Bordeaux to meet a famous French queen: Eleanor of Aquitaine. What a rebel the Queen of France and England was! The female head of state was incredibly modern and independent given she lived in the 12th century. We experienced some of her journey and life story as Eleanor made her mark on some of Aquitaine’s greatest landmarks. She was born near Bordeaux and donated a lot of money to build the nave at Bordeaux Cathedral, which we visited when we first arrived. She had her first wedding there before they split up and she married the heir to the English crown, Henry II, in 1137. 

Blaye citadel

We followed Eleanor of Aquitaine’s path to Blaye, where she lived for years. The citadel was designed by Vauban (well after Eleanor’s time!) and it’s a sight for sore eyes: the star-shaped layout is home to impressive defensive architecture by the river. We met craftsmen working inside the citadel who told us what the structure was for: to monitor traffic and keep an eye on enemies between the river and Atlantic Ocean. How exciting!

Dordogne and its 1001 châteaux

We left Blaye for Périgord, a leafy region full of forests, rivers and châteaux! Take your pick from medieval fortresses and Renaissance châteaux, this place has them all! We visited the village of Beynac on the banks of the Dordogne. We picked up Eleanor’s story here: after marrying the future King of England, some of the land fell into English hands. The Dordogne River marked the border between the two enemy kingdoms: Château de Beynac stood on the French bank opposite the English Castelnaud Fortress. This is what we experienced when we visited both amazing castles with views overlooking the valley.

Turn back the clock: prehistoric caves in Lascaux

We got back in our time machine and travelled from the Middle Ages right back to Prehistory: it was time for a guided tour of Lascaux Cave! Well, not the original one. This one is the perfect copy of the original that was closed to the public for its protection. 

This world-famous cave is unique, as is the story of how it was discovered: 4 teenagers and their dog stumbled upon it in 1940! I’d have loved to be in their shoes… 

Our guide tells us all about the incredible cave art painted here over 17,000 years ago by cave men: horses, bears, bulls, birds and people to name but a few. They used colour pigments and the wall’s texture to bring their drawings to life and make them more realistic. 

From Dordogne to Gironde:
Saint Emilion and the fabulous vineyards

We learnt some essential vocabulary during our morning French class so we could soak up our tour of the region’s wineries. We went to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Saint Emilion on a journey over 2000 years back in time… The hilltop town stands in the middle of the vineyards with its towers and churches: it’s amazing! We loved the story behind it too: a monk from Brittany called Aemilian founded the town in the 8th century. He came to live as a hermit in a cave (which we visited!) and tended to the sick, performing miracles on the region’s inhabitants.

When he died, the monks wanted to pay tribute to him and built a church named after him: the Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion. The entire church is carved into the rock in a single block of limestone. After visiting the mind-blowing crypt, we scaled up 200 steps to the bell tower and vineyard views. 

We then visited the Cordeliers Cloister and its underground cellars where they make and store sparkling wine.

Before heading back to Bordeaux, our bus took us through sprawling, straight and staggered vineyards past world-famous wineries including Angélus and Prince Noir!

Set sail for Pilat Dune and Arcachon Bay

From leafy vineyards to sandy dunes!

It was time for a change of scene: we swapped leafy vineyards for sandy dunes!

We came face to face with the highest dune in Europe: Pilat! Just take a look at the figures: it’s 100m tall, 3km long and began forming over 4000 years ago! 

The pine forest next to the dune was sadly destroyed by a fire that lasted weeks back in 2022. The exotic yet majestic dune really does stand tall: there’s nothing for it, you have to climb over it to see the ocean!  

It’s no mean feat climbing up the dune: it feels more like being on a mountain than on a beach! It’s hard to get a foothold in the soft sand, but once you get to the top, it’s worth it for the views. The ocean stretches as far as the eye can see…

We spot the nearby Banc D’Arguin, a nature reserve home to protected wildlife that is left to live in peace. 

At the top of Pilat Dune, we feel like nothing can stop us and we head down the dune to visit Cap Ferret. 

Institut des Frères Lumière à Lyon<br />
Institut des Frères Lumière à Lyon<br />
Institut des Frères Lumière à Lyon<br />
Institut des Frères Lumière à Lyon<br />

Boat trip to Cap Ferret 

Cap Ferret is famous for its beautiful villas (owned by celebs!), traditional oyster huts and Île aux Oiseaux. “Bird Island” is highly protected and you can only get there by boat. You tend to sail in pinasses, small wooden and flat-bottomed boats typical of Arcachon Bay. You can’t miss Île aux Oiseaux for its cabanes tchanquées, cute and colourful oyster huts that look like storks standing in the water. They are surrounded by countless species of protected migratory birds.

 

We began with a trip in Cap Ferret around the bay. We visited oyster farming districts with original names (L’Herbe, Le Canon etc.) home to colourful oyster huts. It was time for a tasting! We couldn’t come here without trying the local speciality: oysters. With or without sea water? With or without lemon juice? With or without buttered toast? What oysters lack in looks, they make up for in flavour! 

Then we went back to the Atlantic Ocean and walked along the coast where countless bunkers formed the Atlantic Wall during World War II. It reminded us that in 1940, the Germans occupied Arcachon Bay and ordered these concrete structures be built… now they’re half-buried in the sand. 

We ended the day on a high in Le Ferret with a sweet treat! “Dunes blanches” are a scrumptious speciality invented by a local baker: vanilla cream puffs. Delicious!

Institut des Frères Lumière à Lyon<br />

What a week we had in Aquitaine! We travelled back in time through the history of France, learning about landscapes, monuments and famous names including Eleanor of Aquitaine. 

Our guide and French lessons taught us so many new words and so much about French. It was a highlight of our French trip after our time in Paris!

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Alsace visitor highlights in any seasons

Alsace visitor highlights in any seasons

13 Nov 2023 | cultural visits, destinations tips

Vacances Actives Linguistiques visited Alsace this summer and brings you its favourite things to see and do during a language stay in Alsace for our French students. Here’s a trip through both the region (north to south) and time as you travel back to the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Industrial Revolution. Autumn and its golden colours make Alsace one of our favourite destinations: half-timbered houses, fortresses standing on mountain roads and hillside vineyards, staggering views of the Ballons des Vosges and rib-sticking comfort food! 

Our travel options to visit Alsace

1 : Craftsmanship and culture, Musée Lalique, Hochberg

You’re in for an exciting introduction to the art of glass and crystal at the Lalique Museum. The sheer variety of display pieces showcase the attention to detail and prestige of the work and expertise that go into making them.
The museum is named after a famous creative family and specifically René Lalique, the world-renowned glass designer who opened his glassworks on the Hochberg site in 1922. The museum displays fine jewellery, perfume bottles for luxury brands, chandeliers and beautifully crafted home accessories.
Get to grips with the extraordinary art of glass with films and sensory workshops where you can touch the material at each design stage.

2 : Strasbourg and flammekueche foodie workshop.

Strasbourg is a must-visit on this language stay in Alsace. The city and European district are worth spending a full week exploring (please see our first travel guide in Strasbourg).

After a walk around Petite France and a trip up the cathedral to say hello to the gargoyles, the students got stuck into a cookery workshop devoted to a local delicacy: flammekueche!

The wood-fired recipe has simple yet specific ingredients: smoked lardons, onion and cream. Once our aprons and worktops were completely covered in flour, the workshop turned into a tasting session to find out who had made the best flammekueche!

3 : Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, Alsace’s iconic medieval fortress

It was time to visit Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg and tackle one of Alsace’s best-preserved and most iconic medieval fortresses. Sitting on a rocky headland at an altitude of 750m, the château is a blast from the past. Its uneven walls hug the mountain with views of the rolling Vosges, Black Forest and even the Alps on a good day! An essential geography break to reset your compass north!

The fortress trip was a chance to introduce our group of students to medieval architecture terms in French: donjon, pont-levis, chemin de ronde, mâchicoulis and more. From the weapons rooms and keep to the beautifully furnished reception rooms, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg captures medieval everyday life and how weapons and warcraft have evolved. 

4. Humanist Library in Sélestat

Say goodbye to the Middle Ages and hello to the Renaissance as we follow in the footsteps of the humanist Beatus Rhenanus. He left his fantastic book collection to the Alsatian town of Sélestat where he was born and it is now listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. 

As you flick through the books, manuscripts, leaflets and numbered schoolbooks, you experience the lives of great humanists and travellers like Beatus Rhenanus and his famous friend Erasmus. Discovering uncharted territory, meeting new cultures, making progress in science and technology, considering man’s place in the universe and more, a trip to the Humanist Library certainly got our French students and budding travellers thinking. 

5 : The Eagle Park at Château de Kintzheim

Do birds of prey make your heart soar? Then head to the Eagle Park for a show you’ll never forget! We took our French students out on an educational and exciting trip to meet the tawny eagle, spectacled owl and snowy owl (which Harry Potter fans loved for its Hedwig vibes).

Admiration and wonder were the keywords. We met as many as 30 lively, smart and remarkable birds of prey here. Our trip included an educational workshop to find out how the eagles are born in captivity here and live in their natural habitat.

6 : Charming little Alsatian towns: introducing Colmar, Eguisheim and Ribeauvillé

We simply had to spend a day visiting Alsace’s beautiful villages with their signature personality and romance. These towns are popular during the holiday season with their magical Christmas markets, but they’re just as lovely on a trip to explore and sample local produce! Feast on cured meat, bretzels and classic choucroute galore on the Wine Route! 

Ribeauvillé is a fine example of Alsatian village architecture with bright and colourful half-timbered houses. Our students’ favourites were Auberge de l’Éléphant and Maison des Ménétriers (meaning the House of Musicians) at the top of the Grand-Rue with its beautiful frontage dating back to 1683. We kept our energy topped up with a trip to a family-run Alsatian chocolate shop!

We did a little scavenger hunt in Eguisheim: our young visitors explored the village with spiral lanes and met locals and tourists to answer as many questions as they could in the shortest time. Mission accomplished! Half-timbered houses, high-pitched roofs, sculpted lintels and secret fountains… there were hidden clues everywhere! This colourful village is a favourite among French people (just ask TV presenter Stéphane Bern!) with its pretty labyrinth ideal for having fun and enjoying views of the Alsatian hills. 

Last stop: Colmar, the most magical and peaceful of the trio. The so-called Little Venice is home to half-timbered houses lining the canals and cobbled lanes. Since the Christmas market and its many craftsmen and traders weren’t here, we focused on the Ecomusée d’Alsace: a traditional Alsatian village brought to life to showcase bygone buildings, trades and costumes. We met the blacksmith, cooper, wheelwright and schoolteacher who held a class about Alsace’s history in the classroom! Listen up!

7. La Cité du Train, SNCF heritage in Mulhouse

A journey within a journey… La Cité du Train in Mulhouse whisked us away to the world of train travel as we explored rolling stock, all the items used on board and how they’ve changed over time.

As our visitors moved from one area to the next, they got a glimpse of the railway world in all its glory whether it be exciting (the train and holidays, paid leave in 1936), geographical (the train and mountain, a technical challenge!) or political and dramatic (the train and world wars).

The students were fascinated by the genuine steam trains from the 1850s, imperial carriages and luxurious Compagnie des Wagons-Lits restaurants used on the iconic Orient Express.

Let’s not forget France’s high-speed rail service: the TGV! The students were eager to find out more about the modern trains and may even have found their calling!

Our language stays in Alsace bring together the cool mountain nature of the Vosges with the fantastic local history and culture. They are easy to pair with trips to major cities such as Paris or Lyon, available all year round and are even more magical over the holiday season.

Our language trips in France