City visit

On your arrival, we will take you on a free guided tour of the city concentrating on ‘Old Tours’, its monuments and its historical restorations. For students who have enrolled for a ‘à la carte’ course, the visit takes place during the morning and lasts for forty-five minutes. For those who have enrolled for the standard or summer courses, the visit takes place during the afternoon and lasts for two hours.
A program of activities is prepared each month or every two weeks in July and August. It includes visits to museums, some excursions and some food courses. Each week, we show a recent French film. Also, we give you information on cultural attractions you may enjoy: concerts, operas, art exhibitions, theatre, ballet to name but a few.

Excursions and visits to discover the region

To help you discover the Loire Valley, we offer excursions by minibus through the Tourist Office, for a minimum of two people, and you can visit the renowned Renaissance chateaux of the Loire Valley: Chambord, Chenonceau, Azay le Rideau, Villandry and its gardens, and others.
If you prefer to be independent, and discover the region at your own pace or get off the beaten track, there are many alternatives with numerous books and brochures available to help you. What’s more, Isabelle Aubert is always keen to offer advice and make suggestions.

Regional trains enable you to visit the principal chateaux easily. If you want some physical exercise, you can rent a bicycle and return by train (with your bicycle!) when you are tired. If you are a bicycle lover, you could try ‘The Loire by Bicycle’, a route comprising small, quiet roads and some cycle paths which in the future will link Nantes with Budapest!
Finally, wine enthusiasts can taste the famous wines of Vouvray, Montlouis, Bourgueil and Chinon in the local cellars. Hervé Aubert can give you good tips for purchasing wine.

Wine or food courses

For twelve years, we have offered a Wine Course which is a favourite among students. We aim to give you a better understanding and knowledge of French wines as well as develop yours skills as a wine taster.

Each course is divided into three afternoons and lasts for a total of five and a half hours. Hervé Aubert gives the first lesson on wine history, grapes, wine-makers, French wine regions and vocabulary. This lesson finishes with some Vouvray tasting in CLE’s own wine cellar, dating from the 15th century. During the following two lessons, presented by a wine specialist, you will learn about wine-making and the correct way to taste red and white wines. Choosing, buying, storing and serving wine: dos, don’ts and other advice.
In response to student demand, we offer other courses on food given by local specialists: