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Mar 6 - Apr 19, 2025
France
Living and Learning in Bordeaux: Independent Stay and Study
Program No. 2331360MEADV-1116-60
Make Bordeaux your home for six weeks and immerse yourself in French culture, history and cuisine as you explore the city on your own and join experts on educational field trips.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
Oct 2 - Nov 15, 2025
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45 days
44 nights
19 meals
5B 9L 5D
1
In Transit To Program
In Flight
4
Aquitaine, Historic Bordeaux
Bordeaux
6
Language Class, Café Get-Together
Bordeaux
13
Language Class, Café Get-Together
Bordeaux
15
Language Class, Free time
Bordeaux
18
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Bordeaux
20
Language Class, Café Get-Together
Bordeaux
22
Language Class
Bordeaux
At a Glance
When you think of Bordeaux, chances are that wine comes to mind. You wouldn’t be wrong – this intoxicating city is the wine capital of France, where rolling vineyards are fueled by the River Garonne. However, Bordeaux is so much more than a viticulture hot bed. As the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s teeming with architectural gems from 18th-century limestone mansions lining sun-dappled streets to the Roman ruins of a 3rd-century amphitheater. While living in your own hotel apartment, explore Bordeaux like a local as you weave your way through the city’s countless museums and meet the locals at beautiful bistros. For an added experience - you will learn to “parler français” in daily language classes and study the intricacies of the region’s wine and cuisine!
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to two miles per day during scheduled activities. Some field trips require walking up to three miles. Use of public transportation (tramway, bus).
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 tastes of Bordeaux.
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 the Basque Region, 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
(11 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 Bordeaux: Independent Stay and Study
Program Number: 23313
Edible French: Tasty Expressions and Cultural Bites
French food-related idioms are explained and delightfully illustrated in this playful meditation on the French language.
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook
This handy phrasebook focuses on pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.
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.
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.
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.
The Basque History of the World
Popular author Mark Kurlansky offers an engaging portrait of the seven provinces of Basque Land, discussing everything from language to culinary heritage and seafaring traditions.
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.
South-West France: The Wines and Winemakers
South-West France is a wine lover's paradise that cultivates an astonishing array of grape varieties, many that grow nowhere else, and produces a fascinating assortment of wines. In this book, Paul Strang covers the South-West with enthusiasm and keen expertise, providing a history of its wine industry, including a near collapse and unlikely rebirth, and introducing readers to a region that seems to defy globalization.
F is for France: A Curious Cabinet of French Wonders
An alphabetized catalogue of quirky French culture and history tidbits.
French Wine: A History
French Wine is the first synthetic history of wine in France: from Etruscan, Greek, and Roman imports and the adoption of wine by beer-drinking Gauls to its present status within the global marketplace. Rod Phillips places the history of grape growing and winemaking in each of the country’s major regions within broad historical and cultural contexts.
The Cave Painters
In this tale of art, paleontology and discovery, Curtis introduces the masterworks of cave art in France and Spain, visiting Altamira, Lascaux, Les Trois-Freres, Cosquer, Chauvet and others.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
45 days
Program Begins
Bordeaux
Program Concludes
Bordeaux
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
19
| 5B |
9L |
5D |
Activity Level
When you think of Bordeaux, chances are that wine comes to mind. You wouldn’t be wrong – this intoxicating city is the wine capital of France, where rolling vineyards are fueled by the River Garonne. However, Bordeaux is so much more than a viticulture hot bed. As the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s teeming with architectural gems from 18th-century limestone mansions lining sun-dappled streets to the Roman ruins of a 3rd-century amphitheater. While living in your own hotel apartment, explore Bordeaux like a local as you weave your way through the city’s countless museums and meet the locals at beautiful bistros. For an added experience - you will learn to “parler français” in daily language classes and study the intricacies of the region’s wine and cuisine!)
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 tastes of Bordeaux.
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 the Basque Region, 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!
Walking up to two miles per day during scheduled activities. Some field trips require walking up to three miles. Use of public transportation (tramway, bus).
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
(11 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
19 meals | 5B | 9L | 5D |
35 expert-led lectures
17 expert-led field trips
5 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 Bordeaux, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Bordeaux
Meals:
D
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 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 cafe. 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 Bordeaux. 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; other beverages available for purchase. In France, restaurants take pride in creating a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can take their time and enjoy every bite. This allows the customer to set the pace of the meal, and means that they have to inform the server when they are ready for the check (“l’addition”) at the end of the meal. It is customary for servers to wait until everyone has finished their dish before clearing the table and bringing out the next course. You may indicate to the server that you have finished your meal by placing your utensils together on the right hand side of your plate. Meals are accompanied by complimentary bread (“pain”) and water (“eau” or “l’eau”), so you need not ask for them. When wine is offered at meals, please note that it is customary to fill your glass half way to allow the wine to breathe.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Getting Acquainted With Bordeaux, Local Customs & Culture
Location:
Bordeaux
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation (bus, tram); possibility standing on public transportation. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day while exploring the city; some steps at historic building entrances are unavoidable. Standing for 30 minutes at a time at various historic sites.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, the breakfast buffet includes eggs, breads, cheese, cereals, jam, butter, yogurt and fresh cut seasonal fruits, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.
Morning:
The Group Leader will commence a robust 2-day orientation to the city of Bordeaux, beginning with a presentation on local customs and culture near the hotel. 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 Transports Bordeaux Métropole (TBM) website where maps and schedules can be found.
Lunch:
After arriving at a local restaurant on foot, we’ll enjoy a plated and served meal plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
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
Aquitaine, Historic Bordeaux
Location:
Bordeaux
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation (bus, tram); possibility standing on public transportation. Walking up to 3 miles in the morning on cobblestone streets and uneven ground. Getting on/off boat. Walking up/down stairs with handrails on board.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will head out on foot with our Group Leader to explore Bordeaux's historic center and see sites such as the Saint-André Cathedral, a UNESCO listed monument . We will conclude our morning walk on banks of the Garonne River, where we will board a boat.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we'll enjoy a plated meal.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will enjoy a cruise. As we cruise along the Garonne River with our Group Leader, we will learn about the significance of the river and the villages on its shores. Additionally, our Group Leader will give an in-depth lecture on the history, neighborhoods, and attractions of Bordeaux with a focus on the history of the Aquitaine region and the commerce that made Bordeaux so powerful.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Living in Bordeaux: Week 1, Language Class
Location:
Bordeaux
Meals:
B
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
For the first day of class, we will meet with the Group Leader and go together to the language school, NewDeal Institut in Bordeaux. Using the pre-program assessment and an onsite written and oral assessment, the school will place Road Scholars into 2-3 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.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Language Class, Café Get-Together
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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 with some fruit you picked up at the market? Or going out with other participants and mingling with locals? You decide.
Morning:
We will go to class at the language school to study the French language.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free Time. In the Late afternoon, 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, cooking class, photography class
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will divide into 3 color groups. The Red group will attend a hands-on cooking class and then enjoy the culinary creations together after the class. The Blue group will have a photography class with an expert and the Green group will have free time.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will have class at the language school, during which we will continue our study of the French language.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Language Class and photography class
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will arrive independently and join together for class at the language school where we will continue our learning experience.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
The Red group will have a photography class with an expert. The Blue and Green groups will have free time
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Language Class, Cultural Friday, Photography Class
Location:
Bordeaux
Meals:
L
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles in the afternoon; periods of standing for up to 2 hours at a time at the Cité du Vin.
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 in restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets. Choose what you would prefer to eat from any of the restaurants and cafes 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 than the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.
Afternoon:
We will head out together with our Group Leader to discover the Cité du Vin. After the Cité du vin field trip, the Green group will have a photography class with an expert.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Independent Weekend, Market tour, Free Day
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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
11
Independent Weekend, Market Tour, Free Day
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Living in Bordeaux: Week 2, Language class, Wine Workshop
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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:
You will travel with the Group Leader on foot and by public transit to the Cité du Vin for an in depth look at Bordeaux’s diverse wine. With a wine expert, we will participate in a workshop during which we will learn step by step how to best taste wine.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
Language Class, Café Get-Together
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Continuing study of the French language, we will meet at the language school for class.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. Afterwards, we’ll come together 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.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
Culinary for Blue Group and language Class
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will divide into 3 groups. The Blue group will attend a hands-on cooking class and then enjoy the culinary creations together after the class. The Green and Red groups will have a free time
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will have class at the language school, during which we will continue our study of the French language.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
15
Language Class, Free time
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Continuing to hone our skills through study and immersion, we will have class at the language school.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free Time
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.Be sure to prepare for group transfer in the morning to Bayonne for our weekend field trip.
Day
16
Language Class,Cultural Friday,Cooking Class for Green Group
Location:
Bordeaux
Meals:
L,D
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles in the afternoon; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time at the museum.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
At the language school,we will engage in another informative class.. The Green group will attend a hands-on cooking class and then enjoy the culinary creations together after the class.
Lunch:
In Bordeaux, 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 cafes 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 than the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.
Afternoon:
Together, we will go on foot to visit the Musée d'Aquitaine, Part I. Here, a local expert will teach us about the rich history of this region.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
17
Independent Weekend, Market tour, Free Day
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Activity level and travel methods dependent on personal interest.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Today will divide the group into 2 groups. One group will walk to one of the city's many open-air markets; these markets display food from local farms and are an important part of French culture. During our field trip to the market, our expert will explain how food is part of French identity and talk about regional specialties. The other group will enjoy free time. You may way want to visit the nearby destinations of Angoulême, Pau, or Poitiers.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
18
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 115 miles (184 km) total; about 2 hours, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; uneven and even ground; periods of standing for up to 2 hours at a time.
Breakfast:
On your own
Morning:
Today will divide the group into 2 groups. One group will walk to one of the city's many open-air markets; these markets display food from local farms and are an important part of French culture. During our field trip to the market, our expert will explain how food is part of French identity and talk about regional specialties. The other group will enjoy free time. More time exploring Bordeaux or beyond.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
19
Living in Bordeaux: Week 3, Language & Wine/Culinary
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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:
With the Group Leader, we will listen to a lecture on two of France's most famous products: cheese and wine. The lecture will be accompanied by a tasting of these French products. 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. Production factors include what kind of milk is used, the aging process, and the impacts of seasonality.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
20
Language Class, Café Get-Together
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Joining again for a lesson at the school, we will continue to sharpen French writing and speaking skills.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. 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, Wine/Culinary Activity
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference : Getting on/off motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles on even and uneven terrain. Standing for up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Gathering back at the school, twe will have class.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will go by motorcoach with the Group Leader to discover the wines of Medoc at one of the most famous chateaux in the region
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
22
Language Class
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
23
Weekend Group Field Trip, Arcachon Exploration
Location:
Bayonne
Meals:
L,D
Stay:
Mercure Bayonne Centre Le Grand Hotel
Activity Note
For our extended field trip, we will keep our rooms in Bordeaux. Packing a small bag for 2 nights and keeping most luggage in Bordeaux is advised. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 230 miles (370 km); about 4 hours, with a stop in Arcachon. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time; cobblestone streets. Getting in/out of a boat.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will gather with our Group Leader and head out by motorcoach to Arcachon, a picturesque seaside destination famous for its oyster harvesting. Upon arrival in town, we will discover Arcachon on foot and we will have an opportunity to taste fresh Arcachon oysters.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Arcachon, we’ll enjoy a plated meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will return from our field trip and board our motorcoach to go to the hotel in Bayonne.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
24
St Jean de Luz, Espellette
Location:
Bayonne
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Mercure Bayonne Centre Le Grand Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 47 miles (76 km) roundtrip; 1.5 hours throughout the day, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; even and uneven terrain, certain steps unavoidable in old towns and buildings; periods of standing for up to 2 hours at a time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a buffet meal with hot and cold choices plus juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
We will set out from the hotel via motorcoach and head to Saint Jean de Luz, a seaside resort on the Atlantic Coast, where we will visit the St Jean-Baptiste church where Louis XIV and the Spanish Crown Princess, Marie Thérèse, were married in 1660. Our Group Leader will provide expert commentary throughout our exploration on the history of this location. Next, we will indulge in macaroons at Masion Adam where this iconic dessert was made for the first time in the 17th century to celebrate Louis XIV’s marriage to Marie Thérèse of Spain. Afterwards, we will take the motorcoach to Espelette. Along the way, the Group Leader will talk more in depth about Basque culture and history, including the typical ancestral farmhouse, a pillar of traditional Basque culture.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Espelette, we will have a plated meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Free time in Espelette. In the late afternoon we will gather and return to Bayonne with our Group Leader. On the way back, the Group Leader will provide commentary on the pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela.
Dinner:
On your own in Bayonne.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
25
Discover Bayonne, Biarritz, Free Time
Location:
Bordeaux
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 115 miles (184 km) total; about 2 hours, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; uneven and even ground; periods of standing for up to 2 hours at a time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of our hotel, we will explore the medieval district of Bayonne on foot with our expert Group Leader. We will admire the Cathédrale de Sainte-Marie, a cathedral built during the 13th–16th centuries with two 19th-century towers, and move on to see the city's fortifications and historic timbered houses. Via motorcoach, we will then head to Biarritz, made fashionable as a resort town by Spanish nobility. Here we will find rocky cliffs with breathtaking views and seaside promenades as we walk around with our Group Leader, learning about the history of the city.
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. This is an opportunity for you to choose what you would prefer to eat from any of the restaurants and cafes 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 than the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.
Afternoon:
We’ll then have free time to explore Biarritz at your own pace. At a predetermined time and place, we will meet to board our motorcoach for our return transfer to Bordeaux.
Dinner:
On your own in Bordeaux.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
26
Week 4:Language Class
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
TOday Is a holiday in France (Easter Monday) so there will be no class.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
TOday Is a holiday in France (Easter Monday) so there will be no class.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
27
Language Class, Café Get-Together, cooking class
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Resuming studies at the school, We will have class to continue practicing French speaking and writing skills.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Today we will divide the group into 2 groups. One group will attend a hands-on cooking class : French finger food to share with friends & family. The other group will have free time. 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, "Promenade Gourmande" or pastry class
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will resume practicing French skills in class at the school.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
29
Language Class & Cooking class
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Gathering in the classroom at the school, we will engage in a French lesson.
Brunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Today we will divide the group into 2 groups. One group will attend a hands-on cooking class : French finger food to share with friends & family. The other group will have free time.
Dinner:
On own
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
30
Language Class, Cultural Friday
Location:
Bordeaux
Meals:
L
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule. Walking up to 2 miles on cobblestone streets during afternoon group field trip. Standing for up to 2 hours during museum visit.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:
In Bordeaux, 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 cafes 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 than the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.
Afternoon:
With our Group Leader, and accompanied by a local expert, we will enjoy a walking tour of the Chartrons area
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
31
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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, such as Sarlat, Narbonne, or Nantes.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
32
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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 Bordeaux: Week 5, Language Class
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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
Language class, Cafe Get-Together
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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. Afterwards, we will all come together and meet with the Group Leader at a nearby café.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
35
Language Class, "Promenade Gourmande"
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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:
Today we will divide the group into 2 groups. One group will meet with the Group Leader to take a “promenade gourmande,” or a gourmet stroll, around Bordeaux, 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.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
36
Language class, Meeting with Locals
Location:
Bordeaux
Meals:
D
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Gathering at the school, we will have class to practice our every-developing French skills.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
At a local bar, we will enjoy finger food 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
Language Class, Cultural Friday
Location:
Bordeaux
Meals:
L
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule. Walking up to 2 miles on cobblestone streets during afternoon group field trip. Standing for up to 2 hours during museum visit.
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:
Enjoy a unique experience to the Bassins de Lumières in Bordeaux where we will be transported into the heart of Art.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
38
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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 Bordeaux: Week 6, Language Class
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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
Language class, Cafe Get-Together
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Always improving, we will keep working on French skills in class at the school.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. Afterwards, we’ll come together 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.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
42
Language Class, Promenade Gourmande
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
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:
Today we will divide the group into 2 groups. One group will meet with the Group Leader to take a “promenade gourmande,” or a gourmet stroll, around Bordeaux, 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.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
43
Language Class, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Bordeaux
Meals:
D
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We will keep practicing our French skills during class at the language school.
Brunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
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 lass, Cultural Friday
Location:
Bordeaux
Stay:
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles in the afternoon; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time in the museum; some uneven terrain; places to sit in the museum.
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:
With our local expert on foot, we will explore the Musée des Beaux Arts and enjoy this vast fine arts museum’s permanent collection featuring works from the Renaissance through the 18th century..
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. You may wish to explore more of beautiful Bordeaux 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
19 Meals
5 Breakfasts
9 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 02, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
- Mar 06, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
- Oct 02, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 17 Reviews
Sort By:
Just completed my 2nd Road Scholar trip and I intend to do more! Road Scholar made me feel safe and cared for in every way- while I was learning and growing in different environments. Plus, I've now met several new, interesting people who have definitely enhanced my life.
— Review left April 28, 2024
Great experience. Bordeaux is a great place to live and the Adagio is in a great location. Everything, including the bus station and airport, is walkable or easily accessed by tram/bus.
— Review left April 25, 2024
I loved getting to know a city-its history and beauty and meeting new friends both within the program and with people living in the city-
— Review left April 20, 2024
This 45 days trip was a transformative, inspiring and liberating trip for me to discover a new language to attempt learning. Learned a lot about wines and wine tastings, cooking and a little bit about the history of the Bordeaux region. The town is marvelous, the people wonderful, the hotel is very centrally located and the staff are helpful. Road Scholar and their ground crew do a great job at trying to deal with the usual unpredictable events such as ran and tramways stops and other situations that we don't have control over. The language school was excellent as well and I would use that school for furthering my learning of French on my own if I were to go back to Bordeaux and do this again but on my own. Fantastic once-in-a-lifetime group as well.
— Review left December 2, 2023
I have never been on a trip where I felt safer, freer, or more delighted. Our group leader Caroline was the very embodiment of "joie de vivre" and kindness. No challenge was too much for her, no concern too small. Her deep love of Bordeaux, her network of artisan friends, and her familial connections with the city's history gave us a perspective of this city like no other.
— Review left June 4, 2023
Magnificent! Magical! Memorable! I loved everything about it!
— Review left April 30, 2023
Bordeaux is a unique French city, different from Paris. The wines are the showcase here, but there is a hidden Bordeaux that we were able to discover by walking the city and talking to the citizens. That's the reason to come to Bordeaux to discover that something unique.
— Review left November 12, 2022
This was a fabulous trip. I highly recommend the longer stay, looser schedule format of traveling. You can choose which tracks you want to register for in order to have a more or less busy schedule. The city of Bordeaux is beautiful, warm, and welcoming. It also feels very safe. I couldn't recommend this trip enough.
— Review left November 6, 2022
What a neat way to try out living in another country and learn something along the way. I loved the six weeks I had learning French in Bordeaux. This satisfied two questions I had: What would it be like to live in another country and could I learn a new language? It would be fun to live longer in France and yes, with more lessons I believe I could become proficient in French. Great experience.
— Review left October 28, 2022
Love, love, loved it! I wish I could have stayed longer! Bordeaux was a beautiful surprise for me...hands down, more enjoyable than Paris. Easy to get around, friendly
people who appreciated my attempts at French!
The possibilities for excursions on the weekends are wonderful! The Sea 45 minutes away, and mountains, and then there's Arcachon and the Basque Country!
Caroline, the group guide, is Bordelaise through and through! Full of information and energy, all positive! Absolutely a lifesaver and so much fun!
The culinary program was so much fun! I am not a cook, and I would do this again in a heartbeat! A variety of tastings from chocolate to wine and truffles! Hello!
The French school took a bunch of people with all varieties of experience in the language , from zero to quite proficient and was friendly and helpful and well located.
And I already miss the whole group of people...every one of them, Caroline included.
— Review left April 19, 2022
The program was a disappointment, mainly due to the selection of the language school. Our group represented a wide range of French skills, but only two class levels were offered on our arrival. (Later, a 3rd was added.) No effort was made to review the results of the placement tests with us, and no oral assessment was done on arrival before assignment to classes, as had been promised. Classrooms were cramped, making social distancing difficult, and street noise was a constant problem for listening comprehension and classroom communication. The promised textbook for the program wasn’t delivered until the end of the 4th week of instruction.
The school permitted unvaccinated students to enroll, and to be in the same classes as us. Inexplicably, Road Scholar disclosed this policy to us only when one of our own students became infected, after an unvaccinated student fell ill and tested positive for COVID. It meant that our colleague was not permitted to return to the USA until a 10-day quarantine had been completed.
My overall impression of Living and Learning in Bordeaux is that, while the program description is appealing, the delivery falls short of expectations. Bordeaux is a wonderful city, and the location of the hotel selected by Road Scholar was perfect: centrally located, within easy walking distance to most sites in the downtown area. Unfortunately, the choice of school to provide language instruction—a key part of the program—was an unfortunate one. Poor organization and lack of attention to the safety of participants resulted in a disappointing experience. I would not recommend this program.
— Review left February 19, 2022
This program met my expectations for Living and Learning in Bordeaux. Having independence was important for me, but it was nice to know that, if needed, assistance was available. I was able to get a good basic re-introduction to French, such that I'm continuing online with the French teacher. The historical and cultural excursions were a nice touch and the weekend trip to the Basque County a wonderful interlude. Other day trips with fellow participants will always be highlight memories. I look forward to returning to Bordeaux, meeting up with Caroline, and continuing to add to my knowledge of France and my ability to speak the language;-)
— Review left December 11, 2021
A wonderful experience. Bordeaux is a beautiful city and the hotel is in the old city which is quite large. My French teacher was excellent with lots of conversation. The last week was shortened when one of the unvaccinated Swiss students contracted covid. However, the teacher from the affected class conducted classes outside of the school for our group. There was much walking on our wine tours. Our tour leader was knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. We took a few tours on our own like a train trip to Toulouse, a trip to Pair-non-Pair and trips to Dordogne and Blaye with tour guides. Mostly, living in a city for six weeks is a wonderful experience as well as the friendships that ensued. I totally recommend this trip and the extra trips.
— Review left November 22, 2021
I loved this program!
— Review left November 11, 2021
The Living and Learning program allows the visitor to really experience the history, culture, and people from another country. Thank you, Road Scholar for developing such programs.
— Review left October 28, 2021
This was a memorable trip illustrating the history, culture, and cuisine of Bordeaux. Now, let’s not forget about the wine … with visits to Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and Pauillac regions. With many of us traveling for the first time after a COVID shutdown and with France just opening back up, our guide, Caroline did a great job. She took extra time to meet people one on one if need be. She had a great knowledge of the wine industry and of street art. I highly recommend participating in a living and learning program with Road Scholar.
— Review left October 21, 2021
Although we were only able to complete the first week of this six week adventure in Bordeaux due to impending Covid-19 travel restrictions, I am sure that the remaining weeks would have been just as enjoyable as the first. Our hotel location was perfect. The Road Scholar France Director Amale Bowtam who spent time with us was delightful and enthusiastic . Our guide, Caroline Calvet was extremely knowledgeable about the city. We were well oriented to the city by the end of our week. Anna Lisa from Road Scholar France had done a wonderful job selecting restaurants for the meals that were included in the program. I especially appreciated that food options usually included fish and fresh salads. My instructor at France Langue, Héloïse Gagnon was excellent. I look forward to returning to Bordeaux on the same trip once it is safe to travel again. Two constructive comments: Program participants need a roster of one another’s cell phone numbers by the second day of the program in case someone becomes separated from the group . Changes in the daily schedule should be communicated to all participants by email.
— Review left May 26, 2020
