Intermediate or Advanced French proficiency is recommended to successfully follow on-site descriptions.
This course is designed for those who want to strengthen their French but also explore the Loire’s heritage by touring historical monuments such as churches, castles, abbeys and museums.
This course is the perfect opportunity to beat the summer heat by spending time in the natural coolness of the region’s thick-walled stone buildings.
Additional purchases of regional products can be made on-site.
All language classes are taught by professional, native French speaking tutors and group classes have a maximum of 6 per class.
During the afternoon, participants will be taken to different architectural sites with a staff member for a tour led by professional guides. All visits will be held in French but we will organize a discreet translation if necessary.
Also included in the week, A Wine tasting at Domaine Jean-Marie VIAL in Saint-André d’Apchon!
Program
Mon-Fri 9:15am – 12:15pm (group French class) PLUS 4 afternoon visits on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday *
Monday: Visit of Château de Drée in Curbigny (Saône et Loire) and La Clayette.
Visit the Château de Drée and step into the world of the noble families of the 18th century. Take a leisurely stroll in the gardens à la française.
La Clayette is a lovely town whose centerpiece is a small lake surrounding the castle Château de La Clayette, a true delight for those who love old stone architecture.
Tuesday: Visit of Le Crozet Folk Museum (Art and Popular Traditions) and Le Crozet medieval village.
Walk through this picturesque village with its winding alleys, lovely courtyards, medieval & Renaissance buildings and 12th century donjon tower. Climb to the top of the tower for impressive views of the surrounding countryside.
Housed in a 16th century building, the museum features items found in the workshops of blacksmiths and cobblers, a typical interior of a townsperson’s home from yesteryear, old looms, and a regional & archeological library.
Thursday: Visit of Château de la Roche and the charming village of Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay.
Anchored on a rocky outcropping since the 13th century, the Château de la Roche is the emblematic monument of the Loire gorges because of its improbable and scenic location in the Loire River.
Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay is a charming village on the western flank of the Beaujolais hills noted for its gourmet food artisans and 19th century buildings.
Friday : Visit of the Cistercian Abbey La Benisson Dieu and Wine tasting at Domaine Jean Marie Vial in St André d’Apchon.
The Cistercian Abbey was founded in 1138 under the name of Notre Dame de la Bénédiction de Dieu. The abbey is renowned in the region for its colorful tiled roof.
Independent winemaker Jean Marie Vial grows, vinifies and sells a variety of wines: reds, whites, rosé, and sparkling. Jean Marie welcomes guests with open arms and is happy to share his passion for winemaking, inviting you to tempt your taste buds with the diversity of the local Gamay grape, as well as Chardonnay and Viognier bottlings.
*Last minute changes can occur depending on opening hours and time of the year
