Travel to the picturesque town of Amboise nestled on the banks of the Loire River to begin your French studies. Known for its beautiful châteaux and countryside, the Loire Valley was, and still is, home to the most notable French royalty and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical importance. Here, fairytale castles are the backdrop to some of the quaintest French hamlets. Although we’ve honed our French a great deal already, we begin our formal language studies in earnest, attending daily classes and living with host families. Known as the region where “the purest French is spoken”, it’s the ideal place to be completely immersed in the language.

When not in class or at home with your host family, visit Clos-Lucé, Leonardo Da Vinci’s last residence and Chateau d’Amboise, once home to Charles VIII, Louise XI and Francois I. Explore the nearby Savonnières grottos and the medieval gardens of Villandry, famous for their elaborate geometric patterns. At Château Cheverny, witness la soupe des chiens, when the hunting hounds are fed in a lively demonstration that testifies to their strict training. Wander through the market down by the riverside, cook French pastries and ease into the rhythm of the small town French lifestyle. On the weekend, we’ll take a trip to the lively university town of Tours, also known as a “mini-Paris” with its formal gardens, cosmopolitan shopping and bustling street markets. Before beginning our second week of language classes, canoe the Loire River that meanders through this picturesque valley called the “Garden of France”.