France Between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean: France, Spain, and the Pyrenees

Orientation in Paris

Live like a Parisian in a historic quartier of the French capital. Join locals in a café for a morning croissant before navigating the ancient avenues to the Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. Spend the afternoon using your French to find the best traditional baguettes, cheeses, and local specialties for a picnic on the famous left bank of the Seine. Explore the Monmartre art district beneath the soaring spires of Sacré Coeur and dine at tiny cafés that serve regional specialties from across France. Master the Metro and venture across the city to take in an outdoor film at the summer cinema festival, or watch the sun set over the Jardins de Luxembourg.

Homestay and Travel in France and Spain

Discover the unique culture of southwest France and the majestic border area shared with Spain. In the shadow of the Pyrenees, embrace the French language and culture as part of a host family. Hike mountain trails, visit magnificent San Sebastian in Spain, take in the architecture of Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, explore glamorous Biarritz and enjoy the ancient Basque and Catalan cultures. Following your homestay, journey to Andorra, relax in the cafés of Collioure, a Mediterranean fishing village, and experience city life in Barcelona.

Sample activities:
Learn traditional Basque games; go canyoning down mountain rivers; hike rugged mountain trails in the Pyrenees; spend some time on the beach in Collioure; see the architecture of GaudÍ’s Sagrada Familia and shop along Las Ramblas in Barcelona.

Sample host communities:
Biarritz-Anglet, Bayonne, St. Jean de Luz