France

Living and Learning in Bordeaux: Independent Stay and Study

Program No. 23313RJ
Make Bordeaux your home for six weeks and immerse yourself in French culture, history and cuisine as you explore the city on your own and join experts on educational field trips.

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At a Glance

When you think of Bordeaux, chances are that wine comes to mind. You wouldn’t be wrong – this intoxicating city is the wine capital of France, where rolling vineyards are fueled by the River Garonne. However, Bordeaux is so much more than a viticulture hot bed. As the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s teeming with architectural gems from 18th-century limestone mansions lining sun-dappled streets to the Roman ruins of a 3rd-century amphitheater. While living in your own hotel apartment, explore Bordeaux like a local as you weave your way through the city’s countless museums and meet the locals at beautiful bistros. For an added experience - you will learn to “parler français” in daily language classes and study the intricacies of the region’s wine and cuisine!
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to two miles per day during scheduled activities. Some field trips require walking up to three miles. Use of public transportation (tramway, bus).
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn to speak French as you take up residence in a conveniently located hotel apartment.
  • Each week includes a group gathering at the local cafe, during which your local host will help you plan your free afternoons and weekend.
  • Enjoy a cooking class, food excursions and conversations with culinary artisans as you discover the tastes of Bordeaux.

General Notes

Our “Living and Learning” programs give you the experience of living in a foreign country independently. Included: an apartment; a local, full-time Group Leader to support you; a few meals; five language classes per week; a weekly expert-led field trip; a weekly cafe social; one weekend-long excursion to the Basque Region, including hotel; a city handbook and public transit pass. Due to the special nature of this program, we regret that we are unable to match solo participants with roommates.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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45 days
44 nights
18 meals
5 B 9 L 4 D
DAY
1
In Transit To Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Bordeaux, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Bordeaux
D
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Participants will receive a public transportation pass to use for the duration of the program. The Group Leader will not be staying at the hotel with the group, but lives nearby and will be available via phone 24/7 for assistance. In addition to being reachable by phone, the Group Leader will check in once a week with the group at a local cafe. On independent weekends and during our weekend adventure together, you will keep your hotel room. You may pack a small bag with change of clothes and necessities to take with you and leave the rest of your belongings at the hotel in Bordeaux. This is a Road Scholar independent program. It is designed for participants who want high-level Road Scholar instruction, a few group activities, and who are capable and comfortable setting out on their own for a significant part of the day/night. There will be several hours each day of educational content, a number of meals on your own (excluded from the program cost) to enjoy what you like, and substantial free time for personal independent exploration. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At a local restaurant near the hotel, we’ll enjoy a plated and served meal, including wine; other beverages available for purchase. In France, restaurants take pride in creating a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can take their time and enjoy every bite. This allows the customer to set the pace of the meal, and means that they have to inform the server when they are ready for the check (“l’addition”) at the end of the meal. It is customary for servers to wait until everyone has finished their dish before clearing the table and bringing out the next course. You may indicate to the server that you have finished your meal by placing your utensils together on the right hand side of your plate. Meals are accompanied by complimentary bread (“pain”) and water (“eau” or “l’eau”), so you need not ask for them. When wine is offered at meals, please note that it is customary to fill your glass half way to allow the wine to breathe.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Getting Acquainted With Bordeaux, Local Customs & Culture
Bordeaux
B,L
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation (bus, tram); possibility standing on public transportation. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day while exploring the city; some steps at historic building entrances are unavoidable. Standing for 30 minutes at a time at various historic sites.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet includes eggs, breads, cheese, cereals, jam, butter, yogurt and fresh cut seasonal fruits, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

Morning: The Group Leader will commence a robust 2-day orientation to the city of Bordeaux, beginning with a presentation on local customs and culture near the hotel. Next, we will learn how to navigate the local public transportation system and review the details of the program. If you would like to familiarize yourself with the system in advance, please refer to the Transports Bordeaux Métropole (TBM) website where maps and schedules can be found.

Lunch: After arriving at a local restaurant on foot, we’ll enjoy a plated and served meal plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Continuing on foot with our Group Leader to become familiar with the area around our home for the next 6 weeks. As we make our way through town, we will become acquainted with the local market, bakery, drugstore, cleaners, and other services you will need for your time in Bordeaux. We will also see where the school is located and how to get there. This is the school where we will engage in language lessons throughout the program.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Aquitaine, Historic Bordeaux
Bordeaux
B,L
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation (bus, tram); possibility standing on public transportation. Walking up to 3 miles in the morning on cobblestone streets and uneven ground. Getting on/off boat. Walking up/down stairs with handrails on board.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will head out on foot with our Group Leader to explore Bordeaux's historic center and see sites such as the Saint-André Cathedral, a UNESCO listed monument . We will conclude our morning walk on banks of the Garonne River, where we will board a boat.

Lunch: On board while cruising along the Garonne River, we'll enjoy a plated meal.

Afternoon: As we cruise along with our Group Leader, we will learn about the significance of the river and the villages on its shores. Additionally, our Group Leader will give an in-depth lecture on the history, neighborhoods, and attractions of Bordeaux with a focus on the history of the Aquitaine region and the commerce that made Bordeaux so powerful.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Living in Bordeaux: Week 1, Language Class
Bordeaux
B
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: For the first day of class, we will meet with the Group Leader and go together to the language school, NewDeal Institut in Bordeaux. Using the pre-program assessment and an onsite written and oral assessment, the school will place Road Scholars into 2-3 classes based on skill levels (levels range from beginner to advanced). Classes will last from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. Language courses will concentrate on oral expression and listening competencies, in addition to grammar and writing skills. There will be staff and students in the Language School (during classes) that might not be vaccinated.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Language Class, Café Get-Together
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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 apartment and having a buttery croissant with some fruit you picked up at the market? Or going out with other participants and mingling with locals? You decide.

Morning: We will go to class at the language school to study the French language.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free Time. In the Late afternoon, we will all come together with the Group Leader at a local café, bringing any comments or questions we may have for the Group Leader. The Group Leader will be prepared to assist you in planning the rest of your week and weekend to make the most of your time.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Language Class, cooking class
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: We will divide into 2 groups. One group will attend a hands-on cooking class and then enjoy the culinary creations together after the class. The other group will walk to one of the city's many open-air markets; these markets display food from local farms and are an important part of French culture. During our field trip to the market, our expert will explain how food is part of French identity and talk about regional specialties.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: We will have class at the language school, during which we will continue our study of the French language.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Language Class
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: We will arrive independently and join together for class at the language school where we will continue our learning experience.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Language Class, Cultural Friday
Bordeaux
L
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles in the afternoon; periods of standing for up to 2 hours at a time at the Cité du Vin.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: At the language school, we will engage in French class focusing on verbal, grammar, and writing skills.

Lunch: Everyone will be given “tickets restaurant” (or meal vouchers) that can be used in restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets. Choose what you would prefer to eat from any of the restaurants and cafes that have a "TR" sticker on the front window to designate that they accept meal vouchers. Change is not given back if your meal cost is less than the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.

Afternoon: We will head out together with our Group Leader to discover the Cité du Vin.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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 what interests you most. You might like to venture farther afield by train to iconic places such as Toulouse, Tours, or Rochefort. Saturday morning is a great time to visit markets. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and help you plan your day.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time continues.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Activity level and travel methods dependent on personal interest.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Free time. More time exploring Bordeaux or beyond.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Living in Bordeaux: Week 2, Language class
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: We will have class at the language school with our knowledgeable instructor.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
13
Language Class, Café Get-Together
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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, we will meet at the language school for class.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Afterwards, we’ll come together with our Group Leader at a local café for a drink and to discuss any comments and questions you may have. The Group Leader will assist you in planning the rest of your week to make the most of your time.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
14
Wine/Culinary and language Class
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: We will divide into 2 groups. One group will attend a hands-on cooking class and then enjoy the culinary creations together after the class. The other group will walk to one of the city's many open-air markets; these markets display food from local farms and are an important part of French culture. During our field trip to the market, our expert will explain how food is part of French identity and talk about regional specialties.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: We will have class at the language school, during which we will continue our study of the French language.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
15
Language Class, Free time
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Continuing to hone our skills through study and immersion, we will have class at the language school.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free Time

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
16
Language Class, Cultural Friday
Bordeaux
L
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles in the afternoon; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time at the museum.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: At the language school,we will engage in another informative class.

Lunch: In Bordeaux, we’ll use “tickets restaurant” (meal vouchers) in exchange for meals at select eateries. Choose what you would prefer to eat from any of the restaurants and cafes that have a "TR" sticker on the front window to designate that they accept meal vouchers. Change is not given back if your meal cost is less than the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.

Afternoon: Together, we will go on foot to visit the Musée d'Aquitaine, Part I. Here, a local expert will teach us about the rich history of this region.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
17
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Activity level and travel methods dependent on personal interest.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Free time. You may way want to visit the nearby destinations of Angoulême, Pau, or Poitiers.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time continues.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
18
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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 Bordeaux: Week 3, Language & Wine/Culinary
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: At the language school, we will settle in for a French class.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: With the Group Leader, we will listen to a lecture on two of France's most famous products: cheese and wine. The lecture will be accompanied by a tasting of these French products. In 1962, Charles De Gaulle once famously said, “How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?” Today, there are more than 500 varieties belonging to many different categories based on how they are produced. Production factors include what kind of milk is used, the aging process, and the impacts of seasonality.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
20
Language Class, Café Get-Together
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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, we will continue to sharpen French writing and speaking skills.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Later, we’ll meet with our fellow participants and the Group Leader at a nearby café.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
21
Language Class, Wine/Culinary Activity
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference : Getting on/off motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles on even and uneven terrain. Standing for up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Gathering back at the school, twe will have class.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: We will go by motorcoach with the Group Leader to discover the wines of Medoc at two famous chateaux in the region

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
22
Language Class
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Picking up where we left off yesterday, we will resume class at the school.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for group transfer in the morning to Bayonne for our weekend field trip.

DAY
23
Weekend Group Field Trip, Arcachon Exploration
Bayonne
L,D
Mercure Bayonne Centre Le Grand Hotel

Activity note: For our extended field trip, we will keep our rooms in Bordeaux. Packing a small bag for 2 nights and keeping most luggage in Bordeaux is advised. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 230 miles (370 km); about 4 hours, with a stop in Arcachon. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time; cobblestone streets. Getting in/out of a boat.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: We will gather with our Group Leader and head out by motorcoach to Arcachon, a picturesque seaside destination famous for its oyster harvesting. Upon arrival in town, we will step on board a motor-powered boat for travel to see the Ile aux Oiseaux, or “Island of Birds” in English, as well as various other sites in Arcachon Bay. We’ll even get to taste some of the oysters that make this place famous! Our adventure via boat will make a stop at Le Canon, a small town in Arcachon Bay, where we will have an opportunity to taste fresh Arcachon oysters.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Arcachon, we’ll enjoy a plated meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We will return from our aquatic field trip and board our motorcoach to go to the hotel in Bayonne.

Dinner: At a local restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
24
St Jean de Luz, Espellette
Bayonne
B,L
Mercure Bayonne Centre Le Grand Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 47 miles (76 km) roundtrip; 1.5 hours throughout the day, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; even and uneven terrain, certain steps unavoidable in old towns and buildings; periods of standing for up to 2 hours at a time.

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

Morning: We will set out from the hotel via motorcoach and head to Saint Jean de Luz, a seaside resort on the Atlantic Coast, where we will visit the St Jean-Baptiste church where Louis XIV and the Spanish Crown Princess, Marie Thérèse, were married in 1660. Our Group Leader will provide expert commentary throughout our exploration on the history of this location. Next, we will indulge in macaroons at Masion Adam where this iconic dessert was made for the first time in the 17th century to celebrate Louis XIV’s marriage to Marie Thérèse of Spain. Afterwards, we will take the motorcoach to Espelette. Along the way, the Group Leader will talk more in depth about Basque culture and history, including the typical ancestral farmhouse, a pillar of traditional Basque culture.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Espelette, we will have a plated meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free time in Espelette. In the late afternoon we will gather and return to Bayonne with our Group Leader. On the way back, the Group Leader will provide commentary on the pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela.

Dinner: On your own in Bayonne.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
25
Discover Bayonne, Biarritz, Free Time
Bordeaux
B,L
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 115 miles (184 km) total; about 2 hours, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; uneven and even ground; periods of standing for up to 2 hours at a time.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After checking out of our hotel, we will explore the medieval district of Bayonne on foot with our expert Group Leader. We will admire the Cathédrale de Sainte-Marie, a cathedral built during the 13th–16th centuries with two 19th-century towers, and move on to see the city's fortifications and historic timbered houses. Via motorcoach, we will then head to Biarritz, made fashionable as a resort town by Spanish nobility. Here we will find rocky cliffs with breathtaking views and seaside promenades as we walk around with our Group Leader, learning about the history of the city.

Lunch: The Group Leader will provide everyone with “tickets de restaurant,” meal vouchers that can be used at a variety of eateries in the area. This is an opportunity for you to choose what you would prefer to eat from any of the restaurants and cafes that have a "TR" sticker on the front window to designate that they accept meal vouchers. Change is not given back if your meal cost is less than the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.

Afternoon: We’ll then have free time to explore Biarritz at your own pace. At a predetermined time and place, we will meet to board our motorcoach for our return transfer to Bordeaux.

Dinner: On your own in Bordeaux.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
26
Week 4:Language Class
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Back in our routine, we will meet for French class at the language school.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
27
Language Class, Café Get-Together
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Resuming studies at the school, We will have class to continue practicing French speaking and writing skills.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Afterwards, we will all come together and meet with the Group Leader at a nearby café.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
28
Language Class Activities
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: We will resume practicing French skills in class at the school.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
29
Language Class, Wine/Culinary Activity
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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, we will engage in a French lesson.

Brunch: On your own.

Afternoon: We will take a “promenade gourmande,” or gourmet stroll, around Bordeaux, during which we will meet artisans and sample their different food products that represent the breadth and diversity of the region’s food culture.

Dinner: On own

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
30
Language Class, Cultural Friday
Bordeaux
L
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule. Walking up to 2 miles on cobblestone streets during afternoon group field trip. Standing for up to 2 hours during museum visit.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: We will start the day with class at the language school.

Lunch: In Bordeaux, our Group Leader will provide everyone with “tickets de restaurant”, meal vouchers that can be used at a variety of eateries in the area. Choose what you prefer to eat from any of the restaurants and cafes that have a "TR" sticker on the front window to designate that they accept meal vouchers. Change is not given back if your meal cost is less than the value of the voucher provided. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.

Afternoon: With our Group Leader, and accompanied by a local expert, we will head on foot to the Museum of Aquitaine, Part II.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
31
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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 distant regions accessible from here by train or car, such as Sarlat, Narbonne, or Nantes.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time continues.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
32
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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 Bordeaux: Week 5, Language Class
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: We will have class at the language school.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
34
Language class, Cafe Get-Together
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: At the language school, we will have class.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Everyone will come together at a local café with our fellow Road Scholars and Group Leader.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
35
Language & Wine/Culinary Classes
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: We will have class at the language school.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Accompanied by the Group Leader, we will learn about the origin of viticulture and the importance of the soil and the climate to make great wines. As we study the “Appellations d'origine contrôlée” (AOC), which stands for “protected designation of origin” and is given to regional products, we will discover the regional appellations within Bordeaux and sample some of the wines to develop our palate.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
36
Language class, Meeting with Locals
Bordeaux
D
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Gathering at the school, we will have class to practice our every-developing French skills.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: At a local bar, we will enjoy finger food with some locals. We’ll discuss France's culture, politics, current events, and take this opportunity to practice speaking French if you would like

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
37
Language Class, Cultural Friday
Bordeaux
L
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Independent navigation of the city according to personal preference and class schedule. Walking up to 2 miles on cobblestone streets during afternoon group field trip. Standing for up to 2 hours during museum visit.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Keeping up with our practice, we will have class at the language school.

Lunch: The Group Leader will provide everyone with “tickets de restaurant”, meal vouchers that can be used at a variety of eateries in the area.

Afternoon: Enjoy a unique experience to the Bassins de Lumières in Bordeaux where we will be transported into the heart of Art.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
38
Independent Weekend, Free Day
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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 Bordeaux: Week 6, Language Class
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: At the language school, we will engage in a French class to continue practicing.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
41
Language & Wine/Culinary Activities, Cafe Get-Together
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Wine/Culinary activities: walking up to 2 miles during afternoon field trip; periods of standing up to 2 hours; some uneven ground.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Always improving, we will keep working on French skills in class at the school.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Accompanied by the Group Leader, we will attend a hands-on cooking class. Afterwards, we’ll come together with our Group Leader at a local café for a drink and to discuss any comments and questions you may have. The Group Leader will assist you in planning the rest of your week to make the most of your time.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
42
Language Class
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: At the language school, we will have class.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
43
Language Class, Farewell Dinner
Bordeaux
D
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

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

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: We will keep practicing our French skills during class at the language school.

Brunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a gastronomic French meal. Gastronomic meals are hallmarks of French culture and are typically put on to celebrate significant occasions. These meals emphasize camaraderie in addition to appreciation for the bounty provided by nature.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
44
Language lass, Cultural Friday
Bordeaux
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles in the afternoon; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time in the museum; some uneven terrain; places to sit in the museum.

Breakfast: On your own.

Morning: Finishing our course, we will have a final class at the language school. We’ll ask any final questions and gain advice from our teacher on how to keep up with our French practice well into the future after returning home.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: With our local expert on foot, we will explore the Musée des Beaux Arts and enjoy this vast fine arts museum’s permanent collection featuring works from the Renaissance through the 18th century..

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure. You may wish to explore more of beautiful Bordeaux tonight as a way to say farewell to our lovely home away from home. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

DAY
45
Program Concludes
In Flight

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: On your own. This concludes our program.

Morning: 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 are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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