Study Abroad in Grenoble: Travel
From Grenoble students can be skiing in the upper Alps in an hour and a half. They can take the TGV to Paris or catch connections from Lyon to go hiking in Provence, warm up by the Mediterranean or sample French wine in the regions of Burgundy or Champagne. To ensure all students obtain the maximum benefit from their stay in France, AIFS arranges two major excursions to other regions of the country, in addition to a trip to Geneva, a London stopover and a visit to Venice.
3-day London stopover (Included in fee)
Every semester begins with a 3-day stopover in London en route to Grenoble. Students have the opportunity to visit London, recover from jet lag and meet and travel with fellow AIFS students to campus. Includes hotel, breakfasts, airport transfers, sightseeing tour and local guide. Lunch and dinner are not included.
Tuesday, September 4 or January 15 Morning arrival in London where the flight will be met by an AIFS representative. Transfer to a centrally located hotel. Balance of the day free for rest and relaxation.
Wednesday, September 5 or January 16 Morning sightseeing tour with a professional guide, who will point out some of London’s most famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace,Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. Afternoon and evening free.
Thursday, September 6 or January 17 Transfer to airport for flight to Lyon and transfer by bus to Grenoble.
3-day visit to Provence (Included in fee)
Includes transportation, accommodations, museum entrances, two dinners and two breakfasts, but not lunch.
Friday, October 5 or April 4 Depart from Grenoble for wine tasting in the celebrated vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and a picnic lunch at the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic city of Avignon and the Palais des Papes. Dinner in a provençal restaurant. Overnight in Avignon.
Saturday, October 6 or April 5 Tour of Les Baux de Provence and the Roman City of Arles.
Sunday, October 7 or April 6 The day is spent in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, on the edge of the Mediterranean, surrounded by salt marshes and rice fields, to discover the local culture and traditions.
4-day visit to Venice, Italy (Included in fee for University of Grenoble students)
This excursion is only for students attending the University of Grenoble program. Students on the Grenoble School of Management program are not elible to participate.
Thursday, October 25 or January 24 Travel overnight to Venice by bus.
Friday, October 26 or January 25 Morning guided walking tour along the winding streets and canals of Venice to see the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark’s Cathedral.The Byzantine architecture reminds you that Venice was once Europe’s Gateway to the East. Rest of the day free. Overnight in Venice.
Saturday, October 27 or January 26 Walking tours and museum visits. Free time (in the spring semester you can enjoy the Carnival). Overnight in Venice.
Sunday, October 28 or January 27 Free day in Venice. Evening departure for Grenoble by bus.
The trip includes transportation, bed and breakfast (not lunch), one dinner, tour manager, 3-day Vaporetto boat pass and sightseeing as indicated.
4-day trip to Paris (Included in fee)
Each semester, AIFS organizes a trip to Paris to give students the opportunity to explore the capital of France. While in Paris, students stay at a hotel where breakfast is provided. Students receive an allowance for dinner. Includes museum entrance fees, transportation to, from and within Paris, hotel, breakfast and dinner.
Thursday, November 15 or March 6 Students take the TGV train from Grenoble to Paris. Thursday afternoon, visit the Latin Quarter with the Luxembourg Gardens, the Sorbonne and the medieval towers of Notre Dame Cathedral. Dinner at a traditional French brasserie.
Friday, November 16 or March 7 Morning visit to the Opera Garnier and tour of the fashionable streets around the Ritz Hotel. In the afternoon, discover the treasures of the Louvre, then spend the evening on a cruise along the Seine River.
Saturday, November 17 or March 8 Morning visit to the Marais district, including Paris’ oldest square, la Place des Vosges, and the impressive Picasso Museum.
Sunday, November 18 or March 9 Visit the hills of Montmartre, hunt for bargains in the Marche Aux Puces or discover the stained glass windows of the Sainte Chapelle.
Day visit to Geneva, Switzerland (Included in fee)
Includes transportation and entrance fees as indicated. Lunch is not included. Dates are confirmed at the beginning of the program, and those given should be used as a guide.
Saturday, December 8 or April 26 Morning departure by bus for Geneva. Situated on the banks of Lake Geneva, surrounded by superb mountain scenery, Geneva is a cosmopolitan city that successfully blends modernity with tradition and is a major center of the Swiss Banking industry. Students have a guided tour of the Palais des Nations, the Red Cross Museum and a leading Swiss Bank, followed by free time to explore the city including: the old town, the floral clock, the Jet d'Eau and the St. Pierre Cathedral.
