Feb 13 - Mar 29, 2025
France
Living and Learning in Provence: Independent Stay and Study
Program No. 2221360MEADV-1116-60
Could you live like a true Provençal? Find out on this six-week learning adventure in Provence as you stay in a local apartment and learn the arts and history of the region.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
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45 days
44 nights
18 meals
5B 8L 5D
1
In Transit To Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Aix, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Aix-en-Provence
3
Getting Acquainted With Aix, Local Customs & Culture
Aix-en-Provence
4
Learning More About Aix, Free Time
Aix-en-Provence
5
Living in Provence: Week 1, Free Time
Aix-en-Provence
6
Language Class, Promenade Gourmande, Café Get-Together
Aix-en-Provence
7
Language Class, Free Time
Aix-en-Provence
8
Language French Class; Promenade gourmande
Aix-en-Provence
9
Cultural Learning Friday, Musée Caumont
Aix-en-Provence
10
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Aix-en-Provence
11
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Aix-en-Provence
12
Week 2, Language Class, Pastry Class
Aix-en-Provence
13
Café Get-Together, Language Class
Aix-en-Provence
14
Language Class, Free Time
Aix-en-Provence
15
Language class
Aix-en-Provence
16
Cultural Learning Friday, Atelier Cézanne
Aix-en-Provence
17
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Aix-en-Provence
18
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Aix-en-Provence
19
Week 3, Language Class
Aix-en-Provence
20
Cooking class &Language Class, Cafe Get-Together
Aix-en-Provence
21
Language Class, Free Time
Aix-en-Provence
22
Independent Exploration, French Class, Olive Oil Mill
Aix-en-Provence
At a Glance
Live like a true Provençal in Aix en Provence, a city as renowned for its culinary traditions as it is for its artistic heritage. Live in a hotel apartment and participate in weekly events learning local customs, meeting culinary artisans and exploring the museums and spaces that make Provence so unique. You will learn to “parler français” in daily language classes and try your hand at French cooking! A Road Scholar Group Leader will be on call to support you throughout this independent experience.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Explore the city extensively on foot and via public bus. On field trips, walking up to two miles with some uneven terrain and stairs.
Activity level is based on included program elements.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn to speak French as you take up residence in a conveniently located hotel apartment.
- Each week includes a group gathering at the local cafe, during which your local host will help you plan your free afternoons and weekend.
- Enjoy a cooking class, food excursions and conversations with culinary artisans as you discover the cuisine of Southern France.
General Notes
Our “Living and Learning” programs give you the experience of living in a foreign country independently. Included: an apartment; a local, full-time Group Leader to support you; a few meals; five language classes per week; a weekly expert-led field trip; a weekly cafe social; one weekend-long excursion to Nice, including hotel; a city handbook and public transit pass. Due to the special nature of this program, we regret that we are unable to match solo participants with roommates.
Suggested Reading List
(19 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Living and Learning in Provence: Independent Stay and Study
Program Number: 22213
Provence A-Z
A companion to all things Provencal, from bouillabaisse to lavender and vinaigre, by the British expatriate and Francophile Peter Mayle.
Provence: Food, Wine, Culture and Landscape
A stunning portrait of an alluring, sun-drenched region. Whet your appetite for Provence with over 700 jaw-dropping images of the food, landscape, and local people.
Made in Marseille: Food and Flavors from France's Mediterranean Seaport
An enticing portrait of a historically mischievous town, followed by a robust collection of recipes.
Edible French: Tasty Expressions and Cultural Bites
French food-related idioms are explained and delightfully illustrated in this playful meditation on the French language.
Two Towns in Provence
Celebrated food writer M.F.K. Fisher contrasts village life in Aix-en-Provence with bustling Marseilles, evoking both with anecdote and loving description.
Tasting French Terroir: The History of an Idea
This book explores the origins and significance of the French concept of terroir (the specific taste of a particular place), demonstrating that the way the French eat their food and drink their wine today derives from a cultural mythology that developed between the Renaissance and the Revolution.
The Popes of Avignon: A Century in Exile
Grounded in the architecture and papal legacy in Avignon and the surrounding area, this engaging history sets the 70-year period of papal exile in the south of France against the context of Europe's turbulent transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook
This handy phrasebook focuses on pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.
F is for France: A Curious Cabinet of French Wonders
An alphabetized catalogue of quirky French culture and history tidbits.
The Yellow House
Gayford chronicles the turbulent three months and texture of the daily lives of Van Gogh and Gauguin in Arles, where they worked side by side in 1888. With 60 B&W reproductions.
Van Gogh in Arles
A study of Van Gogh in the stunning setting of Arles in Provence, the place of his death.
Cezanne and Provence: The Painter in His Culture
Cezanne departed from Paris in 1886 to permanently resettle in his native Aix-en-Provence. This book explores the importance of this place for the artist as well as the regionalist politics of his day.
My Life in France
The touching and famous story of Julia Child in France, where she learned to cook and fell in love with French cuisine, all in her own words.
The Food & Wine of France: Eating & Drinking from Champagne to Provence
Behr seeks out the best of French food, in encounters from Champagne to Provence, to tell the stories of French artisans and chefs who work at the highest level. He shares what he learns from these experts on French traditions and how to best enjoy this food.
A Year in Provence
The original best-selling tale of an ex-pat settling down in Provence, told with warmth and a great deal of humor. It offers a wonderful inside look at the charms and quirks of the people and the countryside in the south of France.
The Markets of Provence: Food, Antiques, Crafts, and More
An in-depth pocket guide to 30 of the best markets in Provence. Dive into the heart of Provencal culture and navigate the markets like a local with maps, tips, and handy phrases.
Four Queens, the Provencal Sisters who Ruled Europe
Transporting you back to back to the apogee of independent Provençal power in the Middle Ages, Goldstone captures the drama of 13th-century Europe in this history of the four daughters of the count of Provence -- future queens of France, England, Germany and Sicily.
Camembert: A National Myth
Camembert - delectably fragrant, creamy-centered, neatly boxed - is the most popular and most famous French cheese. Originally made by hand in the Norman countryside, it is now mass-produced internationally, yet Camembert remains a national symbol for France, emblematic of its cultural identity. In this witty and entertaining book, Pierre Boisard investigates the history of Camembert and its legend.
Waiting for Godot
One of the classics of English literature, this famous play is set in Provence. Two characters await a third, Godot, who never arrives.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
45 days
Program Begins
Aix-en-Provence
Program Concludes
Aix-en-Provence
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
18
| 5B |
8L |
5D |
Activity Level
Live like a true Provençal in Aix en Provence, a city as renowned for its culinary traditions as it is for its artistic heritage. Live in a hotel apartment and participate in weekly events learning local customs, meeting culinary artisans and exploring the museums and spaces that make Provence so unique. You will learn to “parler français” in daily language classes and try your hand at French cooking! A Road Scholar Group Leader will be on call to support you throughout this independent experience.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Learn to speak French as you take up residence in a conveniently located hotel apartment.
- Each week includes a group gathering at the local cafe, during which your local host will help you plan your free afternoons and weekend.
- Enjoy a cooking class, food excursions and conversations with culinary artisans as you discover the cuisine of Southern France.
General Notes
Our “Living and Learning” programs give you the experience of living in a foreign country independently. Included: an apartment; a local, full-time Group Leader to support you; a few meals; five language classes per week; a weekly expert-led field trip; a weekly cafe social; one weekend-long excursion to Nice, including hotel; a city handbook and public transit pass. Due to the special nature of this program, we regret that we are unable to match solo participants with roommates.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Explore the city extensively on foot and via public bus. On field trips, walking up to two miles with some uneven terrain and stairs.
Activity level is based on included program elements.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(19 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
45 days
44 nights
What's Included
18 meals | 5B | 8L | 5D |
35 expert-led lectures
16 expert-led field trips
4 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
43 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit To Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Aix, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
D
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Participants will receive a public transportation pass to use for the duration of the program. The Group Leader will not be staying at the hotel with the group, but lives nearby and will be available via phone 24/7 for assistance. In addition to being reachable by phone, the Group Leader will check in once a week with the group at a local café. On independent weekends and during our weekend adventure together, you will keep your hotel room. You may pack a small bag with change of clothes and necessities to take with you and leave the rest of your belongings at the hotel in Aix en Provence. This is a Road Scholar Independent program. It is designed for participants who want high-level Road Scholar instruction, a few group activities, and who are capable and comfortable setting out on their own for a significant part of the day/night. There will be several hours each day of educational content, a number of meals on your own (excluded from the program cost) to enjoy what you like, and substantial free time for personal independent exploration. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant near the hotel, we’ll enjoy a plated and served meal, including wine. In France, meals are accompanied by complimentary bread (“pain”) and water (“eau” or “l’eau”), so you need not ask for them; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Getting Acquainted With Aix, Local Customs & Culture
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Walking around the neighborhood for up to 2 miles; paved city sidewalks and cobble stone streets.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we'll enjoy a buffet with hot and cold choices plus juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
The Group Leader will commence a robust 2-day orientation to the city of Aix-en-Provence, beginning with a presentation on local customs and culture. Next, we will learn how to navigate the local public transportation system and review the details of the program. If you would like to familiarize yourself with the system in advance, please refer to the website where maps and schedules can be found
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we'll enjoy a plated 2-course meal, plus coffee, tea, water.
Afternoon:
Continuing on foot with our Group Leader to become familiar with the area around our home for the next 6 weeks. As we make our way through town, we will become acquainted with the local market, bakery, drugstore, cleaners, and other services you will need for your time in Bordeaux. We will also see where the school is located and how to get there. This is the school where we will engage in language lessons throughout the program
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Learning More About Aix, Free Time
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
B
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will continue learning about the history, neighborhoods, and attractions of Aix-en-Provence. Our expert will also talk about how Road Scholars can create a connection with the local community by finding ways to pursue personal interests and pastimes during our program.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. This block of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Living in Provence: Week 1, Free Time
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
B
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
For the first day of class, we will meet with the Group Leader and go to the language school, the British-American Institute in Aix. Using the pre-program assessment and an onsite written and oral assessment, the school will place Road Scholars into 3 classes based on skill levels (levels range from beginner to advanced). Classes will last from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. Language courses will concentrate on oral expression and listening competencies, in addition to grammar and writing skills. A language text book will be provided.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Language Class, Promenade Gourmande, Café Get-Together
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own. What kind of breakfast do you prefer? Making your own coffee in the apartment and having a buttery croissant or perhaps fruit you picked up at the market? Or going out with other participants and mingling with locals? You decide.
Morning:
We will divide into 2 groups. One group will take a “promenade gourmande,” or gourmet stroll, around Aix, during which we will meet artisans and sample their different food products that represent the breadth and diversity of the region’s food culture. The Other group will have free time.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will have French class at the language school. . We will all come together with the Group Leader at a local café, bringing any comments or questions we may have for the Group Leader. The Group Leader will be prepared to assist you in planning the rest of your week and weekend to make the most of your time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Language Class, Free Time
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will have class at the language school, during which we will continue our study of the French language.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Language French Class; Promenade gourmande
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will divide into 2 groups. One group will take a “promenade gourmande,” or gourmet stroll, around Aix, during which we will meet artisans and sample their different food products that represent the breadth and diversity of the region’s food culture. The Other group will have Class.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
There will be French class at the language school for the group that did the Promenade Gourmande. The other group will have free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Cultural Learning Friday, Musée Caumont
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
L
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
At the language school, we will engage in French class focusing on verbal, grammar, and writing skills.
Lunch:
Everyone will be given “tickets restaurant” (or meal vouchers) that can be used at select restaurants, bakeries, brasseries and cafes. Choose what you would prefer to eat from any eatery that has a "TR" sticker on the front window to designate that they accept meal vouchers. Change is not given back if your meal cost is less that the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.
Afternoon:
Our field trip today will take us to the Hôtel de Caumont, a mansion built in the 18th century for local nobility. A national historic monument since 1987, the Hôtel de Caumont features rooms maintained with historic 18th century furniture and design, as well as rotating art exhibitions.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Activity level and travel methods dependent on personal interest.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Free time. These free weekends offer an opportunity to see and do more of what interests you most. You might like to venture farther afield by train to iconic places such as Marseille or Montpeillier. Saturday morning is also a great time to visit markets. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and help you plan your day.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Activity level and travel methods dependent on personal interest.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Free time. More time exploring Provence or beyond.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Week 2, Language Class, Pastry Class
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will have class at the language school with our knowledgeable instructor.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will head to a cooking class where we will learn how to prepare French Macarons.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
Café Get-Together, Language Class
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Continuing study of the French language,we will meet at the language school for class. Afterwards, we will meet with our Group Leader at a local café for a drink and to discuss any comments and questions you may have. The Group Leader will assist you in planning the rest of your week to make the most of your time. If you are interested in traveling outside Aix, we recommend taking the TGV train (about an hour’s ride) for a day trip to Lyon, or other sites in Provence.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
Language Class, Free Time
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
W will practice their speaking and writing skills during class at the language school.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
15
Language class
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will practice our speaking and writing skills during class at the language school.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time
Dinner:
On your Own
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
16
Cultural Learning Friday, Atelier Cézanne
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
L
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.IMPORTANT: Cezanne Studio will be closed for renovation from April 2024 to April 2025.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
At the language school, we will engage in another informative class.
Lunch:
We’ll use “tickets restaurant” (meal vouchers) in exchange for meals at select eateries. Choose what you would prefer to eat from any of the restaurants and cafés that have a "TR" sticker on the front window to designate that they accept meal vouchers. Change is not given back if your meal cost is less that the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions. Your assignment will be to read the menu and order in French. Try not to use your dictionary or guidebook unless necessary.
Afternoon:
We will continue our exploration of local art history with a visit to the Atelier Cézanne. Built in 1901, according to the plans of Cézanne himself, the workshop contains much of the original furniture and still-life materials we find in Cézanne's paintings: the potbelly stove, a chest of drawers, the olive jar and decorative vases, and the plaster cupid statue made by Belgian sculptor François Duquesnoy. IMPORTANT: Cezanne Studio will be closed for renovation from April 2024 to April 2025. This field trip will be replaced by another museum visit. Your Group Leader will let you know at the Orientation.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
17
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Activity level and travel methods dependent on personal interest.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Free time. You may way want to visit iconic destinations nearby.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
18
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Activity level and travel methods dependent on personal interest.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
19
Week 3, Language Class
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
At the language school,we will settle in for a French class.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
THis afternoon we will visit a french bakery and learn how to make French bread.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
20
Cooking class &Language Class, Cafe Get-Together
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.IMPORTANT: Cooking class may change due to local circumstances/conditions therefore program activities, schedules for this day are subject to change. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Breakfast:
We will head to a cooking class where we will learn how to prepare local, seasonal dishes.
Morning:
Free time
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Joining again for a lesson at the school, we will continue to sharpen French writing and speaking skills. Later, we’ll meet with our fellow participants and the Group Leader at a nearby café.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
21
Language Class, Free Time
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
At the language school,we will settle in for a French class.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
22
Independent Exploration, French Class, Olive Oil Mill
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Picking up where we left off yesterday, we will resume class at the school.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will take a field trip to a nearby olive oil mill to learn about the production and consumption of olive oil in Provencal culture and cuisine.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for group transfer in the morning for our weekend field trip.
Day
23
Old Nice, Flower Market, Matisse Museum and Chagall Museum
Location:
Nice
Meals:
L,D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Hotel Massena Nice
Activity Note
For our extended field trip, we will keep our rooms in Aix-en-Provence. Packing a small bag for 3 nights and keeping most luggage in Aix-en-Provence is advised. Getting on/off motorcoach. Walking through Cimiez neighborhood; paved sidewalks, some cobblestones.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Setting out via motorcoach, we will start with Nice first. Led by a local expert, we will head out to the Old Town of Nice for a walking exploration of these quaint historic streets and the famous Marché aux Fleurs (flower market). While at the market, we will have the chance to discover and savor some of the flavors of Nice with stops at artisan shops where local specialties are made. We will visit the Matisse Museum and see a comprehensive collection of the artist's works. Pieces from all periods of his life offer a comprehensive panorama: from the first paintings made in 1890 to the famous gouache cutouts, 236 drawings, 218 engravings, and the complete presentation of the books illustrated by the artist.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we'll have a 2-course plated meal.
Afternoon:
We will travel to the Chagall Museum. This Museum features Biblical scenes illustrated in 17 large paintings, sculptures, stained glass windows, mosaics, and tapestries. There are also 205 preparatory sketches, 39 gouaches (1930), 105 engravings (1956), and 215 lithographs. We will check-in at our hotel in Nice.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
24
St. Paul-de-Vence, Matisse Chapelle & Maeght Foundation
Location:
Nice
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Best Western Plus Hotel Massena Nice
Activity Note
Walking on uneven ground, flat surfaces, and inclined terrain; with some unavoidable steps in St Paul. Standing for 1.5 hours at a time during activities. .
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet meal with hot and cold choices, plus juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
Led by a local expert, we will head out by motorcoach to Saint Paul de Vence.Founded as a Roman oppidum (fortified town), it has changed little in outward appearance since the medieval era. Reminders of its thousand-year-old history abound. Narrow streets winding past ancient houses lead to the Place de la Grande Fontaine in the heart of the village.
Lunch:
Everyone will be given “tickets restaurant” (or meal vouchers) that can be used at select restaurants, bakeries, brasseries and cafes. Choose what you would prefer to eat from any eatery that has a "TR" sticker on the front window to designate that they accept meal vouchers. Change is not given back if your meal cost is less that the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions
Afternoon:
Contrasting with the past, the Maeght Foundation is an exceptional example of modern cultural achievement. It was founded by art lovers Marguerite and Aimé Maeght to present modern and contemporary art in all its forms. The building was designed by master Catalonian architect Josep Lluís Sert, and the collection includes works by Bonnard, Braque, Calder, Chagall, Giacometti, Miró, and more. Altogether, the Maeght Foundation boasts one of the largest and finest collections of 20th century art in Europe. We will discover this vast collection on a self-guided exploration. We will re-group at a predetermined time and place, and drive to the Matisse Chapel in Vence, on a hillside above Nice. The Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence was a labor of love by Matisse out of gratitude to Monique Bourgeois, the nurse who cared for him after cancer surgery in 1941. They became devoted to one another. Later, Monique entered the religious order of the Dominicans and asked Matisse to advise her in the decoration of their chapel. Instead, the artist took it on as a far greater project. For four years, Matisse dedicated himself to designing every element of the building, regarding the finished chapel as his masterpiece.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and our return transfer to Aix-en-Provence tomorrow.
Day
25
Antibes, Picasso Museum and back to Aix en Provence
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 2 hours. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day; cobblestone street, even and uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will head out on our motorcoach to Antibes to explore the Picasso Museum. Rising high over the Mediterranean, the Picasso Museum occupies the stunning medieval Château Grimaldi. As rulers of Monaco, the Grimaldi family lived here until the revolution. Picasso was offered use of the chateau in 1946, resulting in over 200 works by the artist including paintings, ceramics, and lithographs inspired by the sea and by Mediterranean themes and Greek mythology. The museum also includes pieces by Miró, Calder, Léger and the Russian-born artist Nicholas de Staël.
Lunch:
In Antibes, at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will depart by motorcoach from Antibes to return to our apartment hotel in Aix-en-Provence.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
26
Living in Provence: Week 4, Language Class, Free Time
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Back in our routine,we will meet for French class at the language school.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
27
Group Café Get-Together, Language Class & Cheese Workshop
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Today we will enjoy a lecture on one of France's most famous products: cheese. In 1962, Charles De Gaulle once famously said, “How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?” Today, there are more than 500 varieties belonging to many different categories based on how they are produced. In today's lecture, we will learn why there are so many different cheeses, the different categories, how they are produced and from what kinds of milk, the impacts of seasonality and aging, and how the French like to savor their cheeses at home and dining out.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Resuming studies at the school, we will have class to continue practicing French speaking and writing skills. Afterwards, we will all come together and meet with the Group Leader at a nearby café.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
28
Language Class, Free Time
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Activity Notes Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
At the language school,we will settle in for a French class.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free Time
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
29
Language Class,Bread Workshop
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
D
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will start the day with class at the language school .
Brunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
THis afternoon we will visit a french bakery and learn how to make French bread.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
30
French Class, Cultural Friday, Musee Granet
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
L
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.IMPORTANT: Today there will be no French Class. It's a holiday in France and school will be closed
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Today there will be no French Class. It's a holiday in France and school will be closed
Lunch:
Our Group Leader will provide everyone with “tickets de restaurant”, meal vouchers that can be used at a variety of eateries in the area. Choose what you prefer to eat from any of the restaurants and cafés that have a "TR" sticker on the front window to designate that they accept meal vouchers. Change is not given back if your meal cost is less that the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.
Afternoon:
Together with the Group Leader, our field trip will take us to the Musée Granet, where we will learn about Cézanne and other local artists.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
31
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Activity level and travel methods dependent on personal interest.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Free time. You may wish to venture out of town to see some of the more distant regions accessible from here by train or car.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
32
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Activity level and travel methods dependent on personal interest.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Free time to spend seeing and doing what interests you most.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
33
Living in Provence: Week 5, French Class, Free Time
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will have class at the language school.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
34
Group Cafe Get-Together, Language Class
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Free time
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
At the language school, we will have class. Afterwards, everyone will come together at a local café with our fellow Road Scholars and Group Leader.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
35
Language Class, Free Time
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will have class at the language school .
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
36
Language Class, Chateau Virant; Dinner with Locals
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
D
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
At the school, we will have class to practice our ever-developing French skills.
Lunch:
on own
Afternoon:
We will head to Château Virant, where we will learn about regional wines, explore the vineyard, and participate in a wine tasting.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a plated meal with some locals. We’ll discuss France's culture, politics, current events, and take this opportunity to practice speaking French if you would like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
37
Cultural Friday, French Class, Santons Fouque
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
L
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Keeping up with our practice,we will have class at the language school.
Lunch:
The Group Leader will provide everyone with “tickets de restaurant,” meal vouchers that can be used at a variety of eateries in the area.
Afternoon:
Our field trip today will take us to the Santons Fouque where you will learn how the Santons (figurines for Christmas cribs) are made.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
38
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Activity level and travel methods dependent on personal interest.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Free time to set out and do whatever your heart desires.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
39
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Activity level and travel methods dependent on personal interest.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Free time to explore the natural and cultural landscape of beautiful France.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
40
Living in Provence: Week 6, Language Class, Free Time
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.IMPORTANT: Today there will be no French Class. It's a holiday in France and school will be closed
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Today there will be no French Class. It's a holiday in France and school will be closed
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
41
French Class, Apéritif, Café Get-Together
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Always improving, we will keep working on French skills in class at the school. Afterwards, we will all meet the Group Leader at a local café to share stories, ask questions, and review upcoming activities.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
42
Language Class, Free Time
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
At the language school, we will have class.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
43
Language Class, Calissons, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Meals:
D
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will keep practicing French skills during class at the language school.
Brunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will take a field trip to discover (and taste!) the Calissons, one of Aix en Provence most famous specialties.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a gastronomic French meal. Gastronomic meals are hallmarks of French culture and are typically put on to celebrate significant occasions. These meals emphasize camaraderie in addition to appreciation for the bounty provided by nature.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
44
Language Class, Fondation Vasarely, Farewell Drink
Location:
Aix-en-Provence
Stay:
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Finishing our course, we will have a final class at the language school. We’ll ask any final questions and gain advice from our teacher on how to keep up with our French practice well into the future after returning home.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Today we will explore the Fondation Vasarely, a museum dedicated to the works of Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely, as well as rotating exhibits. Vasarely is considered one of the leaders of the op art movement, and he created the foundation as a space to promote his ideas of "art for all." We will return to the hotel and enjoy a Farewell drink with all Road Scholars.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. You may wish to explore more of beautiful Aix-en-Provence tonight as a way to say farewell to our lovely home away from home. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
45
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
On your own. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
18 Meals
5 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
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Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 02, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
- Feb 13, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
- Apr 10, 2025 - May 24, 2025
- Oct 02, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 6 Reviews
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Six weeks in Southern France. I put the fate of my “Dream Trip of a Lifetime” in Road Scholar’s hands and could not be happier with the results. Aix-en-Provence is a magical place, and I gratefully came to feel Axoise. Side trips to Nice, Antibes, Arles, St. Remy, the Luberon and more took us across the stunning countryside. A highlight for me was being led through one incredible museum after another by local art history professionals. Our french teachers were great at coming up with creative ways to better our conversational skills. We got to bake croissants, visit an olive oil mill and winery, tour ancient hilltop villages, enjoy the charm of Provence’s Santons, stand in awe at the base of Mont Sainte-Victoire and eat the best meals we’d ever had - one after another. I honestly can’t think of anything I’d change. On the ground and day to day, the local Tour Leader IS Road Scholar to the participants. Ours, Christopher Roche, was a delight, and I believe his love for Provence is something he wanted us to understand and grow to feel ourselves. It worked.
— Review left June 4, 2024
Great trip. Madeleine had lots going and set us up with excellent and knowledgeable guides. Aix is a small historical city but if you need a little big city action, Marseille is very close and there is a bus leaving frequently. As for Aix, there were a lot of cultural events going on. Saint Sauveur had a few concerts while we were there. I was pickpocketed while I was in Nice and Madeleine gets an A+ for helping me navigate the phone calls, cancel my credit cards etc. She spent hours with me. It's up to you to practice your French with the locals. The diaveline is great for that. I told everyone I was studying French so I had to speak it. If you want to take a side trip and need a car, try the blabla car. It's online. Enjoy!
— Review left August 27, 2023
Madeleine Love is the most extraordinary group leader to introduce you to the beauty of Provence and its wonderful people. As an artist she has a keen eye for detail, and a rarely misses any of the other important components of the wider canvas of life!
— Review left June 11, 2023
The experience of living and learning French in Aix-en-Provence was an educational and wonderful experiaece and I highly recommend it.
— Review left April 22, 2023
Outstanding
— Review left April 5, 2023
This trip was absolutely wonderful. The tour guide, Christopher Roche was perfect for our trip. Christopher is knowledgeable, kind, and he always had a surprise for us. The surprises included a ride on a carousal, special chocolates and wine. He surprised us with a solo in a church that brought tears to my eyes.
The language school was perfect. I learned so much and the staff at he school were so considerate.
I do have a complaint and that is with travel. From the experience I had I will not use Road Scholars travel again. I am willing to get my own airfare and my own way to and from the trip meeting place.
We missed 3 days of our trio because of the JFK power outage and Road Scholar Travel had no control over our ticket.
This trip is highly recommended.
Barry Hanke
— Review left April 2, 2023
