Overview
Begin your Parisian adventure with five days in the City of Light, immersing in French language and culture. Sharpen your language skills, enjoy classic French cinema, attend a live theatre performance, and explore the city’s iconic sights. Then journey to the coastal charm of St. Malo and the historic Loire Valley. Return to Paris for a final cultural deep dive, including an excursion on French dining etiquette, formal table-setting, and the expectations at a traditional soirée.
Itinerary
Language Intensive Program in Paris, France
- Language Intensive
- French
Day 1
Overnight flight to France (Paris)
Day 2
Arrive in Paris
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Paris city walk
Take in Paris on foot, strolling wide boulevards, manicured parks, and lively streets filled with cafés and flower stalls. Cross to the Île de la Cité to view the storied Notre-Dame Cathedral, centrepiece of French history, then wander the charming Île St. Louis and the vibrant Latin Quarter, rich with student life and culture.
Day 3
Paris guided sightseeing tour
Explore Paris with a licensed local guide on a sightseeing tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, stroll the grand boulevard lined with shops and cafés, and see the ornate 19th-century Opera House. Look up at the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, and Les Invalides, Napoleon’s military refuge, along with other historic sites.
Versailles guided excursion
Once the seat of French royal power, the Palace of Versailles was transformed by Louis XIV into a symbol of monarchy and grandeur. Accompanied by a licensed guide, admire the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, lavish State Apartments and beautifully landscaped gardens filled with fountains and sculptures. Visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she sought refuge from court life in a picturesque village setting. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.
Theatre performance in French
Experience a French play or musical in a magnificent Parisian theatre. Enjoy the performance alongside local audiences, with English subtitles displayed above the stage to help you follow along.
Day 4
French language and culture classes
Build your language skills during a dynamic three-hour French lesson in the heart of Paris. Led by experienced native-speaking instructors, the session focuses on practical communication and cultural context. After class, apply what you’ve learnt while ordering at a café, exploring local landmarks, or chatting with Parisians, building confidence through real-world practice.
Louvre Museum visit
The world’s largest art museum, the Louvre, is housed in a former medieval fortress and entered through I.M. Pei’s striking glass pyramid. Inside, discover masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory, along with vast collections of Egyptian antiquities, Greek ceramics, and works spanning seven departments. Please note: the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
Louvre scavenger hunt
Put your observation skills to the test on a Louvre scavenger hunt. Follow clues and complete challenges as you investigate masterpieces including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and The Raft of the Medusa.
Seine River cruise
See the city from the water on an hour-long cruise along the River Seine. The Seine cuts right through Paris, dividing the city in half. Spot the Eiffel tower rising up on the Left Bank, the walls of the Louvre on the Right Bank. A guide will point out other monuments and architectural marvels as you pass, many of which are illuminated by clear white light at night.
Day 5
French language and culture classes
Build your language skills during a dynamic three-hour French lesson in the heart of Paris. Led by experienced native-speaking instructors, the session focuses on practical communication and cultural context. After class, apply what you’ve learnt while ordering at a café, exploring local landmarks, or chatting with Parisians, building confidence through real-world practice.
Eiffel Tower ascent
Line up to climb to the top floor of this iconic landmark for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the glittering City of Light.
Watch a French-language film at the cinema
Discover the world of French cinema with a special screening at a local cinema. Begin with an engaging introduction to French filmmaking, including a discussion and interactive quiz that explore its rich cinematic traditions. Then, enjoy a screening of a French-language film with English subtitles, bringing your learning experience to life.
Day 6
Travel to St. Malo via Chartres
Chartres Cathedral visit
Built on an ancient holy site to house a relic of the Virgin Mary’s veil (still on display), this 13th-century Gothic cathedral is best known for its stained glass. With more than 1,850 square metres of windows, stepping inside feels like entering a jewel box. On the floor lies a remarkable surviving medieval labyrinth, a 275-metre path once followed by pilgrims on their knees toward the image of paradise at the centre.
Travel to St. Malo
St. Malo interactive sightseeing activity
For centuries, this walled seaport on the English Channel was known as the city of pirates. The pirates are gone, but the granite town remains, always seeming to be reaching towards the green-blue sea. With your Tour Director, embark on an interactive adventure that will bring St. Malo to life! Including a visit to the Cathedral St. Vincent, begun in the 11th century but not finished until the spire was mounted in 1987. It houses the tomb of Jacques Cartier, who discovered the St. Lawrence River and founded Quebec.
Day 7
Mont-Saint-Michel monastery visit
Wander through this medieval monastery’s ancient halls, learn about its stunning Gothic architecture, visit the impressive abbey church, and enjoy panoramic views of the bay’s natural beauty.
Crêperie dinner
Indulge in one of France’s most delicious culinary traditions—the crêpe. These thin pancakes can be wrapped around tasty fillings from fromage (cheese) to chicken. For dessert, have a sweet crêpe with chocolate, Nutella, or just a slathering of butter and a sprinkle of sugar.
Day 8
Travel to the Loire Valley via Le Mans
Le Mans is best known for its famous 24-hour motor race, but the city has much more to offer, including the magnificent Gothic Saint-Julien Cathedral.
Authentic French brasserie dinner
Enjoy dinner at a local French brasserie and experience the welcoming atmosphere of this classic style of dining. Share a meal with your group while getting a taste of French culinary traditions and local culture.
Day 9
Loire Valley châteaux excursion
In the Loire Valley, medieval fortresses evolved into Renaissance showpieces along the riverbanks. Visit Azay-le-Rideau, a fairy-tale castle whose limestone turrets and slate spires rise from an island in the Indre River. Continue to Château de Chenonceau, gracefully spanning the Cher River with arches and gardens. Designed and expanded under Catherine de Medici, its stone gallery reflects the elegance of the French court.
Troglodyte Village guided visit
Carved out by hand starting in the 12th century to extract tuffeau stone for building, the Cave aux Moines later found new life in the early 20th century as a mushroom farm. The cave’s entrance and first galleries once served as homes in a unique form of underground living known as “troglodyte” life, where people and animals shared space in a close-knit community.
Dinner in Troglodyte Village
Explore La Cave aux Moines, a network of underground galleries carved into the limestone beginning in the 12th century to extract tuffeau stone for construction. Over time, portions of the caves became troglodyte dwellings, where people and animals lived together. By the early 20th century, the underground passages were used to cultivate mushrooms, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and traditions.
Day 10
Travel to France (Paris)
Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte visit and etiquette workshop
Step into French high society for a day with a visit to this Baroque château in Maincy—the largest private estate listed as a Historic Monument in France. Said to be the inspiration for Versailles, the château is renowned for its ornate 17th-century decorations and formal gardens. During your excursion, you'll learn all about French dining etiquette, formal table settings, and the expected behaviour at a formal soirée.
Day 11
Disneyland Paris excursion
Experience five magical lands filled with classic attractions, live shows and colourful street parades at Disneyland Park. This excursion includes a one-day pass to Disneyland Park. Admission to Disney Adventure World is not included.
Dinner on your own
Day 12
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more meaningful learning moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Select transport options that suit your group's needs
- Choose from a variety of accommodation styles to support your level of comfort
Dine Your Way
- Choose pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2 course meals at local restaurants or at your accommodation, with the option to upgrade to 3 courses
Inclusions
Accommodations
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Daily meals with options varying by program
Language-intensive classes (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
Guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary
Scenes from France
Health, Safety & Protection
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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