ASA Excursions from Aix-En-Provence
To understand a country in greater depth, including its history and its culture, it’s important to head out and explore a little further afield from where you’re living and studying. We plan some excursions to help you do just that (and you’re welcome, of course, to venture off on your own during your breaks and weekends).
If you’re studying abroad in Aix-En-Provence, you’ll be able to join in on the following program inclusions:
All semester programs: 2 day excursions
Marchutz School of Fine Arts fall semester program: Includes 2 additional overnight excursions
Marchutz School of Fine Arts spring semester program: Includes 1 additional overnight excursion
6-week summer programs: 2 day excursions
3-week summer programs: 1 day excursion
Marchutz School of Fine Arts summer program: 3 day excursions
Excursions planned for each program vary, but past terms have included trips to:
LE LUBERON
(Day trip)
If you’re looking for Provençal countryside charm, you’ll find it in Le Luberon, an area bursting with natural beauty. In fact, many of the villages in this area have been given “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (“Most Beautiful Villages in France”) recognition.
There are quaint hilltop villages, stone houses, vineyards, olive groves, and fields of lavender and sunflowers. Photo ops galore. Summer is lavender season, so you’re in for a special treat if you’re traveling then! And if it’s market day, don’t miss a walk around the stands of fresh, local, fruits and veggies.
In the village of Lourmarin, we’ll stop by a Renaissance chateau which was once a fortress but now hosts concerts and art exhibitions in what has become a very fashionable town.
MOUSTIERS SAINTE MARIE & LAC DE SAINTE CROIX
(Day trip)
Another of the recognized “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”, Moustiers Sainte Marie is a medieval village. You’ll explore the picturesque streets and take in a fantastic panoramic view from a 12th-century chapel.
You’ll also visit nearby blue-green Lac de Saint Croix, surrounded by its limestone cliffs. It’s known for its beaches and water sports, from fishing to kayaking to aqua trekking. It’s based in the Regional Natural Park of Verdon. It’s been described as the “Grand Canyon of Europe” with its Gorges du Verdon, a canyon that cuts more than 15 miles long and 2,000 feet deep.
GIVERNY / VENICE
(Overnight - Marchutz School of Fine Arts only)
If you’re on the Marchutz School of Fine Arts program, you’re in for a real treat with an unforgettable, multi-day painting trip each semester. Fall students typically head to Giverny to paint and draw in Monet’s garden. Spring students usually visit Venice where they paint and draw along the famous canals and lagoon.
Which adventure sounds like the most appealing to you?