Just 25km north of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence remains at the heart of one of the most attractive regions in France and is the fourth largest city in the area. Aix was once the capital city of Provence from the 12th century until the Revolution. In fact, history traces its origins as far back as 122BC when it was first founded as Aquae Sectiae (Sextius Thermal Baths). Today Aix is best known as a "City of Art" or a "City of Fountains" and is home to many art schools and universities.

Dominated by the Mount Sainte-Victoire, Aix was also the home of the famous impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, whose work can be found throughout the city. This medieval city was originally protected by a wall with 39 towers, only one of which - the "Tourreluquo" - still remains at the northwest corner of town. The Old Town in the center of Aix is encircled by a matrix of pedestrian streets, squares and bubbling fountains. The beautiful tree-lined avenue Cours Mirabeau is where you will find many typical French sidewalk cafés and bookshops. Aix prides itself in the great number of museums, art galleries, cultural events and "traditons provencales" it has to offer and has been attracting students, professionals and tourists to the area for decades.

The program is open to adult students from around the world and includes 15 hours of instruction per week. Classes are held at a private language institute with a short walk of the center of town.

The faculty is made up of native French professors experienced in teaching French as a Foreign Language. All classes are taught in French. Class size varies from 6-10 participants, with a new session starting every two weeks. Groups are set up by levels (Beginning to Advanced), which are determined by proficiency tests given the first day of each session. The institute is equipped with a resource library, a computer lab with internet access, a DVD and VCR library, a self-service kitchenette, and a private balcony terrace. A weekly schedule of afternoon activities and supplemental classes is available from the institute at final registration in France. Additional services are also available at the local Office du Tourisme.

Note: Beginners may attend courses marked by * only.  One-week courses for elementary to advanced level students are available starting any Monday of the year (except during Christmas break Dec 20-31). No beginner courses are offered for one week.
::FAE also offers intensive Language Learning Vacations throughout the year in Bordeaux, Paris, Tours, Montpellier and Nice.
::No classes are held on the following national holidays: January 1; March 24; May 1 & 8; July 14; August 15; and November 1 & 11. Class time missed for holidays is made up during the same week.

> Go to the registration form

Note: We require 3-5 weeks to complete your bookings so be sure to return your Registration Form as soon as you have set your travel dates. Health & travel insurance must be provided by each participant.

Available housing includes your choice of a private room with shared bath in the home of a local resident (with daily breakfast or daily breakfast & dinner meal plans), a hotel with continental breakfast, or a fully furnished apartment. Accommodations may be arranged for more than one person. Linens and bath towels are provided with all options. Please indicate housing preference on your Registration Form and indicate if it is for more than one person.

Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary with fluctuating exchange rates.

A weekly schedule of activities and excursions is arranged by the institute and will require an extra fee. Program participants sign up for the activities of their choice once in France. Ask for a complete list of options at final registration. In addition to the activities and excursions organized by the institute, the Office de Tourisme offers a wide selection of guided tours and events. Activities range from a walking tour of the city, a visit to Paul Cezanne's workshop or a dip in the thermal baths - to bus tours of the picturesque villages overlooking the Arc Valley, the quaint villages perched on top of the Luberon Hills, or the mediaeval chateaux and vestiges tucked away on the back roads of Provence. Wherever your passion lies, you will find just the right place in and around Aix to make your Learning Vacation an experience you will want to repeat!