Learn French in Paris (Les Halles): Social Life
Whatever the weather, or time of year, Paris provides you with plenty of opportunities to fill your free time. As the majority of college students are in their 20’s or older, most prefer to arrange their own social life, generally with new college friends.
The school offers the following options:
- Excursions
The civilization course examines French culture and contemporary life (painting, sculpture, history of Paris) as a prelude to an excursion with a professional guide. The principal areas visited are: Montmartre, l’Opéra Garnier, le Marais, les Passages, Saint-Germain des Prés, l’Ile de la Cité, the Latin Quarter. A different theme is proposed each week.
- Cookery classes
Cookery courses at the Atelier des chefs: French cooking has been recognised as part of the UNESCO World Intangible Heritage since 2010. Take advantage of your stay in Paris to steep yourself in this great culinary culture thanks to the cookery courses offered by the Atelier des chefs. The courses will take place in a large Parisian department store where a professional cook will show the students how to prepare anything from a simple dish to a full menu, using everyday ingredients. Classes will last from 30 minutes to 4 hours, and you will be asked to roll up your sleeves and get cooking yourself! After some more practical work the participants will be able to taste the dishes they have concocted.
- Wine Tasting
Organized in a famous wine bar by a specialist who light-heartedly introduces the students to oenology, this course teaches the basics of wine appreciation, explaining the different flavours and appellations of wine. Students learn how to inspect, smell and taste the different wines. Increase your vocabulary, identify flavours, scents and aromas. Whatever your motivation, you are sure to enjoy this course! No minimum level is required, although to fully appreciate the course an intermediate level is recommended.
There are no end of places to explore: Montmarte, l’Opéra Garnier, le Marais, les Passages, l’Ile de la Cité, the Latin Quarter etc.
Why not stroll along the banks of the Seine or sample Bertillon ice cream as sold on the Ile Saint-Louis? Alternatively, explore the Rodin Museum (home to The Kiss and many other of the sculptor’s works) or the Orsay Museum, (including many French Impressionist works) or simply take the time to explore the hidden corners of Paris that the average tourist never sees.
For those who want to explore Paris’ night life there is an enormous variety of events, theatre, cinema, concerts, fabulous restaurants and bars etc to explore, in particular we recommend you try a boat trip on one of the “Bateaux Moches”, this gives you a great view of the Paris monuments and bridges at night.
