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A large, ornate fountain with sculptures sits in the center of a traffic circle on a sunny day in Provence, France.
France

Living and Learning in Provence: Independent Stay and Study

Program No. 22213RJ
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 9 Reviews
SHOWING
Julia – Class of 2025 | Sarasota, FL
Our local guide/group leader was enthusiastic about his job and enhanced our visit with his wit and people skills.
— Review left December 15, 2025
This participant did not give a star rating.
Mary Ann – Class of 2025 | Saint Louis, MO
It's hard to put into words the experience but it was fantastic. The 6 weeks flew by. Friends have asked me "what was the best part". I fumble for an answer because everything was the best part. Our local host guide, Christopher Roche was fabulous: professional, humorous, knowledgeable, passionate, patient, fun. Our local tour guides, Pamela and Yannick introduced us to the city, it's art , history and culture, and all the delights of Aix. I can honestly say that our group fell in love with Aix-en-Provence and started to consider ways in which we could return...and possibly stay. The British American Institute teachers challenged us (it had been many years since most of us had been in a formal classroom) and instilled a deepened love of the French language and the desire to keep learning. They were professional, talented, knowledgeable and delightful. Hats off to Eve, Candice, and Ashwak! Our weekend in Nice, Antibe and St. Paul de-Vence was a wonderful taste of the Mediterannean and the Cote d'Azur topped off by enjoying Matisse, Renior, Chagall, Picasso and the Maeghdt Foundation. Our cooking, bread making, workshops were fun and tasty. Our excursions (Calisson production, olive growing and production, etc.) were fun and informative. The Aparthotel was comfortable, convenient and the staff was friendly and helpful. If I could change something, I would add more opportunities for we English speakers learning French to meet with the students at BAI who were learning English. Maybe one or two hours a week over coffee: 1/2 hour English, 1/2 hour French. Conversation is key to learning the language and we could help each other get there. This could be an option. I am thrilled with the experience and would have no hesitation to do something similar again. I also feel like I made friends/acquaintances for life. Thank you, Road Scholar.
— Review left June 13, 2025
Heather – Class of 2024 | Boulder, CO
The BEST trip I've ever taken. I learned, I laughed and I now long to go back!
— Review left December 23, 2024
Judy – Class of 2023 | Carlsbad, CA
Six weeks in Southern France. I put the fate of my “Dream Trip of a Lifetime” in Road Scholar’s hands and could not be happier with the results. Aix-en-Provence is a magical place, and I gratefully came to feel Axoise. Side trips to Nice, Antibes, Arles, St. Remy, the Luberon and more took us across the stunning countryside. A highlight for me was being led through one incredible museum after another by local art history professionals. Our french teachers were great at coming up with creative ways to better our conversational skills. We got to bake croissants, visit an olive oil mill and winery, tour ancient hilltop villages, enjoy the charm of Provence’s Santons, stand in awe at the base of Mont Sainte-Victoire and eat the best meals we’d ever had - one after another. I honestly can’t think of anything I’d change. On the ground and day to day, the local Tour Leader IS Road Scholar to the participants. Ours, Christopher Roche, was a delight, and I believe his love for Provence is something he wanted us to understand and grow to feel ourselves. It worked.
— Review left June 4, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Alice – Class of 2021 | Ocala, FL
Great trip. Madeleine had lots going and set us up with excellent and knowledgeable guides. Aix is a small historical city but if you need a little big city action, Marseille is very close and there is a bus leaving frequently. As for Aix, there were a lot of cultural events going on. Saint Sauveur had a few concerts while we were there. I was pickpocketed while I was in Nice and Madeleine gets an A+ for helping me navigate the phone calls, cancel my credit cards etc. She spent hours with me. It's up to you to practice your French with the locals. The diaveline is great for that. I told everyone I was studying French so I had to speak it. If you want to take a side trip and need a car, try the blabla car. It's online. Enjoy!
— Review left August 27, 2023
Kathleen | Suquamish, WA
Madeleine Love is the most extraordinary group leader to introduce you to the beauty of Provence and its wonderful people. As an artist she has a keen eye for detail, and a rarely misses any of the other important components of the wider canvas of life!
— Review left June 11, 2023
June – Class of 2022 | Houston, TX
The experience of living and learning French in Aix-en-Provence was an educational and wonderful experiaece and I highly recommend it.
— Review left April 22, 2023
Sally – Class of 2010 | Middletown, CT
Outstanding
— Review left April 5, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Barry – Class of 2022 | Houston, TX
This trip was absolutely wonderful. The tour guide, Christopher Roche was perfect for our trip. Christopher is knowledgeable, kind, and he always had a surprise for us. The surprises included a ride on a carousal, special chocolates and wine. He surprised us with a solo in a church that brought tears to my eyes. The language school was perfect. I learned so much and the staff at he school were so considerate. I do have a complaint and that is with travel. From the experience I had I will not use Road Scholars travel again. I am willing to get my own airfare and my own way to and from the trip meeting place. We missed 3 days of our trio because of the JFK power outage and Road Scholar Travel had no control over our ticket. This trip is highly recommended. Barry Hanke
— Review left April 2, 2023