GPRC Alumni Travel Program - Educational Travel to Southern France

May 2011 - Provence and Côte d’Azur

This two week-long educational travel opportunity in mid-May 2011 will allow a limited number of participants to experience the exceptional beauty of Provence and the Côte d’Azur in the South of France.

The planned itinerary will take us first to Aix-en- Provence, a charming cultural city from where the historical and cultural highlights of the surrounding area can be visited in a series of excursions of various lengths and degrees of difficulty. We will admire the majestic architecture of the well preserved monuments dating back to the ancient Roman Empire, hike up hillsides to walk in medieval fortified villages with breathtaking views, follow in the steps of various renowned artists such as Cezanne and Van Gogh and enter into the legendary life of the Count of Monte Christo in his prison on the Chateau d’If island off the port of Marseille.

Seven days later, the train will take us along the Mediterranean Coastline to our second destination, Nice, on the fabled French Riviera. There we will be experiencing lively cafés by the sea, exploring museums in different locations, enjoying amazing views from hilltop villages renowned for French perfume; we’ll experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco and get a taste of the Cannes film festival atmosphere.

You will be guided by an experienced travel facilitator Dr. Eva Abbas, retired instructor of French at GPRC and a specialist in French language, culture, and literature.

For more information, email alumnitravel@gprc.ab.ca.