During your French language immersion stay at our French school in Montpellier, in the South of France, not only will you be able to learn French but you will also get the chance to visit the whole region from one end to the other on the various excursions that we have on offer all year round! One of the favourite destinations we have on offer for our French language students is a day out to Carcassonne.
Going on an excursion to Carcassonne is like travelling in time because you find yourself right at the heart of one the biggest medieval fortified cities of the South of France. The city of Carcassonne is bordered by the famous “canal du midi” river. Many people have used this canal for travelling and you can still see signs of this busy historical past. In fact, in the 19th Century the City was in complete ruins. For the great pleasure of all the people visiting the South of France, it has now been fully restored.
Enjoy your French language immersion stay in Montpellier and visit the famous, ancient city of Carcassonne – a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
During a guided tour, you will be able to admire the famous “Bastide saint Louis” as well as the city which is still in perfect condition today. You will be told about the history, its construction and its legends. It has been classed as a site on the UNESCO cultural heritage list since 1997 and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Europe with a total of 3 million tourists every year.
In your free time, you will be able to walk down the town’s little cobbled streets and have a look in the shops in the turrets and dungeons. You should really visit the magnificent “Basilique Saint Nazaire” as well as the “Château Comtel” which is typical of the medieval era. You will also be able to use your lunch break to discover French culture by trying French gastronomy typical of the South of France, with for example the famous Carcassonne dish: “cassoulet”, (pork and beans in a tomato sauce) really delicious!
On your way back from the excursion there will be a 30 minute stop so you can see the “Canal du Midi” close up; it took over 15 years to finish. You will be able to see the 9 “Ecluses de Fonserane” (9 locks for canal boats). You will learn about how they work and what they are used for. The “canal du midi” is a real tourist attraction in the South of France; it has been on the UNESCO cultural heritage site list since 1996. If you study French at our French language immersion school in Montpellier, it is really worth the visit!
Your language stay in the South of France will be even more worth it if you take part in the cultural activities we offer and go on the different excursions. It is through doing these activities and excursions that you will be able to see all the wonders of the South of France and you will be left with memories that you will never forget!
Learn French, make friends from around the world and enjoy a great time in the South of France during your French immersion program in Montpellier.