Living and Learning in Provence: Independent Stay and Study

45 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
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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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Immerse yourself in the culture of Aix-en-Provence as you take up residence in a conveniently located hotel apartment
    • Select the culinary track for an additional tuition price and enjoy an added 12 culinary focused lectures and field trips
    • Choose to add our language track to your curriculum for an additional tuition fee and learn to speak French during daily language classes

What's this trip about?

    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.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityAix-en-Provence
End CityAix-en-Provence

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • France

Activities

  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Independent

Trip includes

    • 43 nights of accommodations
    • 19 meals (5B, 9L, 5D)
    • 36 expert-led lectures
    • 19 expert-led field trips
    • 2 hands-on experiences
    • An experienced Group Leader
    • Customary gratuities throughout the program
    • Road Scholar Assurance Plan
    • Taxes

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

In Transit To Program
In Flight

Day 2

Arrive Aix, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Meal: D Hotel: 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 role...

Day 3

Getting Acquainted With Aix, Local Customs & Culture
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Meal: B,L Hotel: 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 plu...

Day 4

Learning More About Aix
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Meal: B Hotel: 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, n...

Day 5

Living in Provence: Week 1, Free Time
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Meal: B Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: The differentiated itinerary for the core, culinary, and language tracks of the program will begin. Please see your track-specific itinerary. When no track is specified, all particip...

Day 6

Language Track Class, Provence Cuisine, Café Get-Together
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: 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 apa...

Day 7

Language Track Class, Free Time
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: The language track will have class at the language scho...

Day 8

Language Track French Class, Olive Oil Mill
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: The language track participants will arrive independent...

Day 9

Cultural Learning Friday: Musée Granet
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Meal: L Hotel: 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, the language track will...

Day 10

Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: 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 wha...

Day 11

Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: 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

Living in Provence: Week 2, Language Track Class, Free Time
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: The language track will have class at the language scho...

Day 13

Café Get-Together, Language Track French Class
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

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, the language t...

Day 14

Language Track French Class, Free Time
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: The language track will practice their speaking and wri...

Day 15

French Cuisine, Local Market, Truffles, Dinner with Locals
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Meal: D Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Led by a local expert, the language track will ...

Day 16

Cultural Learning Friday: Atelier Cézanne
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Meal: L Hotel: 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, the language track Road...

Day 17

Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: 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 Hotel: 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

Living in Provence: Week 3, Language Track Class, Free Time
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Adagio Hotel: 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, the language track group will s...

Day 20

Language Track Class, Cheese Lecture, Cafe Get-Together
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

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, the language ...

Day 21

Language Track French Class, Free Time
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Gathering back at the school, the language track will h...

Day 22

Independent Exploration, Language Track French Class
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre Breakfast: Independent meal. Morning: The core track and culinary track have a free morning. The language track has French class at the language school. Lunch: Independent meal Afternoon: Free after...
Day 23

Extended Field Trip to Antibes, Nice
Location: Nice Meal: L,D Hotel: Best Western Plus Hotel Masséna Nice

Activity note: For our extended field trip, we will keep our rooms in Aix-en-Provence. Packing a small bag for 2 nights and keeping most luggage in Aix-en-Provence is advised. Getting on/off motorcoa...

Day 24

Old Nice, Flower Market, Artisan Shops, St. Paul-de-Vence
Location: Nice Meal: B,L Hotel: Best Western Plus Hotel Masséna Nice

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles; cobblestones in the old town. Getting on/off motorcoach.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet meal with hot and cold choices, plus juice, coffee, ...

Day 25

Cimiez, Monastery Gardens, Matisse Museum, Chagall Museum
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Meal: B,L Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Walking through Cimiez neighborhood; paved sidewalks, some cobblestones.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will set out on a field trip ...

Day 26

Living in Provence: Week 4, Language Track Class, Free Time
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: 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, the language track will meet for F...

Day 27

Group Café Get-Together, Language Track French Class
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Resuming studies at the school, the language track will...

Day 28

Language Track French Class, Free Time
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: The language track will resume practicing French skills...

Day 29

French Track Class, Gastronomic History, Dinner with Locals
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Meal: D Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

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, the l...

Day 30

French Track Class, Cultural Friday, Planque Collection
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Meal: L Hotel: Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: The language track will start the day with clas...

Day 31

Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: 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 distan...

Day 32

Independent Weekend, Free Day
Location: AIX EN PROVENCE Hotel: 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
AIX EN PROVENCE Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: The language track will have class at the language school. The core and ...

Day 34

Group Cafe Get-Together, Language Track French Class
AIX EN PROVENCE 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, the language track will have class while the cor...

Day 35

Language Track French Class, Free Time
AIX EN PROVENCE Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: The language track will have class at the language school while the core...

Day 36

Language Track French Class, Provencal Desserts
AIX EN PROVENCE L Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Gathering at the school, the language track Road Scholars will have cl...

Day 37

Cultural Friday, French Class, Hôtel de Caumont
AIX EN PROVENCE L 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, the language track will have class at th...

Day 38

Independent Weekend, Free Day
AIX EN PROVENCE 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
AIX EN PROVENCE 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 Track Class, Free Time
AIX EN PROVENCE 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, the language track Road Scholars will engage in ...

Day 41

French Class, Château La Coste, Café Get-Together
AIX EN PROVENCE Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Always improving, the language track will keep working on French skills ...

Day 42

Language Track Class, Free Time
AIX EN PROVENCE 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, the language track will have class while the cor...

Day 43

Language Track Class, Almonds in Regional Cuisine
AIX EN PROVENCE Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: The language track will keep practicing our French skills during class a...

Day 44

French Language Class, Fondation Vasarely, Farewell Dinner
AIX EN PROVENCE D 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, the language track will have a final class at th...

Day 45

Program Concludes
In Flight Activity note: Hotel check out is by 12:00 Noon. Breakfast: Independent meal. 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...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,799
Price per day$151
Last Updated: 0/7/2022

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Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:

Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:

--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.

--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.

--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.

--Excellent value.

Explore Your Mind and the World:

There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.

Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Our Most Popular Tours:

Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.

Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.

Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.

National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.

Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.

Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.

Why Road Scholar?

You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."

Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.

Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.

Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.

Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.

You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."

We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.

Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.

Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.

Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 19 Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts
  • 9 Lunches
  • 5 Dinners
  • The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
roadscholar-842

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