Field Trips for Lyon, France
We highly recommend students participate in the following organized field trips, which are included in your program fees. Some trips may be mandatory for specific classes and will be led by the Resident Director, instructors, or International Office staff. These excursions generally take place on Fridays/Saturdays or Saturdays/weekends.
Please note that destinations may only be available during certain terms and are subject to change at the discretion of the Resident Director or on-site staff.
The following are possible field trip destinations, with further details provided upon arrival.
This little city, located between a lake and the surrounding mountains, is one of the favorite places to visit while anyone is in France. Only 1.5 hours from Lyon, the charms of the lake and canals passing through the old city make Annecy unforgettable for its visitors. You will be able to wander around the city and along the banks of the lake while admiring the landscape. Take a stroll, shop at the open market in the old town, rent a bike or a boat for a few hours, or just bring your swimming suit and take advantage of the clear water.
Spring - Overnight
We will go to the gorgeous city of Avignon, the state city of popes, and visit the palace, the center of Avignon, and the bridge, famous for the French song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”.
The following morning, we will explore the beautiful region of Lubéron to visit a typical provençal village (Gordes), we'll spend time in the provençal open air market in the village of Ile sur la Sorgue, and admire the unique landscape in France la Terre d’Ocre, referred to as the French Colorado.
Spring and Summer Session I
Situated between Bourgogne and Lyon, the Beaujolais region has a lot to offer to its visitors, especially when it comes to cuisine. Renowned for its wine, the region also offers breathtaking landscapes and towns. You will be able to experience the beauty of the region while trying some specialties and enjoying your surroundings. You will be able to visit the town of Oingt, and learn about sustainable wine production during a winery visit.
Fall - Overnight
Explore the scenic region of Bourgogne. We'll visit the town of Dijon, known for its important historical heritage thanks to the famous Palace of the Dukes and its Museum of Fine Arts. We'll visit a Moutarde factory and have the pleasure of tasting some of the locally produced mustard.
The following day, you'll explore the magnificent Hospices de Beaune, have time to wander through the town, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local open-air market, and uncover architectural gems. On the way back to Lyon, you'll visit the impressive castle of Cormatin. This journey promises to be a delightful blend of cultural discoveries, local flavors, and breathtaking scenery that will leave you with cherished memories.
Embark on a delightful journey to explore the charming town of Crest, which boasts a medieval fort and tower. A guided walk will lead you to the top of the tower with breathtaking panoramic view of Crest and its picturesque surroundings. You'll have free time to wander around the town, perhaps treating yourself to a gelato while savoring the local atmosphere. To cool off, take a dip in the refreshing waters of the river Drôme, making for a perfect ending to your exploration. Following that we will visit the ValRhôna chocolate factory, where you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a chocolate tasting experience. Discover the intriguing and diverse tastes and flavors of cocoa beans, spanning from the delicate white chocolates to the rich and intense dark ones.
You will get a chance to experience the micro-culture surrounding the Alps while experiencing its dramatic natural beauty. You will have the choice to explore in the beautiful mountains with snowshoes, and/or soak in the French Alps atmosphere of the little ski resort in the mountains for a day. The students will be divided into groups and each has a certified guide to lead us on the snowshoeing hike.
You'll explore the medieval village, check out some of the shops, then gather in a café to taste the local pie "tarte de Pérouges" or "tarte au sucre" and enjoy a delicious drink. Finally, you'll visit the small museum and walk up to the tower to see the view of the village and the surrounding countryside.