Annecy

Quaint Annecy is a photogenic village on dazzling Lake of Annecy in the Haute Savoie. With its numerous canals, Annecy invokes images of Venice. Part of the magic of the city is its many architecturally unusual covered passageways and old streets, including the Rue Royale, with its shops, gardens and fountains. Go by the Château d'Annecy, home of the Counts of Geneva, overlooking the pedestrian streets of the Old Town. Venture over to the 12th-century Palais de l'Isle, the symbol of the town and among the most photographed monuments in all of France. To cool off, take a dip in Lake Annecy!

Nice

Perched on the Côte d'Azur, Nice is France’s largest economic and tourist center outside of Paris. The historical capital city of the County of Nice, this bustling city is home to a major port, museums, palaces, 17th-century cathedrals, and lively squares full of Italian architecture. Enjoy the Train Touristique de Nice sightseeing tour and walk along the historic Promenade des Anglais on the Mediterranean. Visit the Matisse or Chagall Museum and the Fragonard perfume factory. Spend a relaxing day soaking in the exotic atmosphere on the sandy beaches in and around Nice.

Foix

A small town that serves as a border town to the Pyrénées, Foix features a famous medieval castle built in the 12th century, the Chateaux de Foix. ECI Students in Toulouse spend an afternoon in the picturesque mountain village of Foix, with self-guided tours through the castle and the towers. There is lots of time for soaking up the café scene, and with the mountains close in sight, thoughts of winter sports are soon to come. There is often a regional market to shop for local souvenirs. And remember to keep your eye out for Tour de France bikers – Lance Armstrong has come out of retirement!!

Arles

This former Roman town features immense architecture, including an arena over 2000 years old. Julius Caesar visited here, and the list of infamous people choosing to visit and live in Arles only begins there. Vincent van Gogh also spent the last years of his life here (Arles is the spot of the infamous ear-severing incident), and Starry Night Over the Rhône is rumored to have been painted in an Arles café. The Provence region has long been regarded by artists for its light and color, and ECI Students in Aix also have the opportunity to visit the former studio of Paul Cezanne.

Avignon

This medieval wall town in the heart of Provence is famous for the Gothic Palace of the Popes. Sometime in the 13th century, the popes tired of being in Rome, and came to Avignon, where they built an awe-striking palace. The seat of the Palpacy in Avignon lasted for over 100 years, greatly influencing the culture of this quaint and quiet town. Avignon also features its famous bridge, spanning the Rhone, and its pedestrian streets are easily a walkable destination for an afternoon excursion. Avignon also features a modern scene, of course including cafés, and is home to a world famous theatre festival each July.

Carcassonne

Just north of the Pyrénées, this fortified town in southern France is home to a fortress that truly captivates the imagination no matter your age. The entire walled city including the Cité de Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearly demolished in the 19th century, a local campaign to preserve the fortress led to an ingenious restoration project and its protection as a national landmark. Soak up the atmosphere of one of France’s major wine growing regions as you explore this fortress.

And keep your eye out for Tour de France bikers!

Paris

Ride down the Seine River in a Bateau Mouche. See the Mona Lisa and other famous works of art at the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay. Visit the Champs Élysées, gaze up at the Arc de Triomphe, and ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Experience the youthful, creative Latin Quarter with its cafés, bookstores and bohemian atmosphere. Walk up to the city’s highest point, Montmartre, where famous painters such as Monet and Van Gogh had studios, and stop in at the pristine, white-domed Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. Marvel at the city below you with its many distinguishable landmarks.