CULTURAL PROGRAM

Cultural learning is encouraged as an integral part of the Semester in Paris program. Participants will attend on-site lectures and guided visits at museums, monuments and historical sites within and outside Paris. In addition, students are invited to take part in a cultural activity series that includes one ballet, opera or theater performance.

Excursions are optional, but highly recommended.* Past excursions have included:

Versailles (Optional)
Day trip to the residence of Louis XIV, the seat of government in France for 100 years. At the chateau, enjoy a guided visit of the royal apartments and time to explore the beautiful gardens, the Orangerie and the Petit and Grand Trianons.

Chartres (Optional)
Marvel at the splendor of Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture dominating this medieval market town. After a tour of the cathedral, explore the old marketplace and wander through a labyrinth of streets that make up the town.

Fontainebleu - Vaux-le-Vicomte (Optional)
The Palace of Fontainebleu with its spectacular gardens is one of France's most distinguished monuments. Travel through the royal forest of Fontainebleu to visit the lavish 17th century chateau and gardens at Vaux-le-Vicomte, built by the same architect and landscape gardener as Versailles.

Normandy-Brittany Weekend (Optional)
During a three-day, two-night excursion, visit historical sites of World War II and medieval France. See the Memorial Museum, the American Cemetery and D-Day Beaches OR enjoy a walking tour of the ramparts of St. Malo and visit the medieval city of Dinan. Climb to the top of Mont-St-Michel and tour the abbey and cloisters.

*Please note that not all excursions will not necessarily be offered every semester.