This program is hosted by the Institut de Touraine, which is affiliated with the Université Francois Rabelais de Tours. The Institut has been teaching French language and culture studies since 1912; currently, students from over 80 countries attend every summer. The Institut offers weekly sporting activities, cultural activities and tours.
The University of Toronto offers 3 to 6 week summer courses in Argentina, Australia, Central Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland), China (Hong Kong and Shanghai), Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Italy, Peru, Southeastern Europe (Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia), Spain and the United Arab Emirates. Courses are for degree credit and students from other North American universities are welcome to participate. Prices vary by site and range from approximately $4200 to $9000 (this include tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and field trips).
Tours is only 55 minutes from Paris by T.G.V. (high speed train), and four hours from London. Despite its proximity to such important international cities, Tours has retained much of its traditional way of life, and continues to hold a vital place in French history and culture.
Setting Description:
Tours is the largest city in Touraine, called the Garden of France. The city sits along the scenic Loire River, and has twice served as the national capital. The broad 18th-century avenues and historic quarters of Tours are home to market gardens, restaurants and cafés. The city also contains four museums and galleries, including the excellent Musée de l’Historial de la Touraine. An impressive collection of paintings and sculptures can be seen at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, including works by Degas and Rembrandt.
Touraine is famous for its many outstanding chateaux, including those at Amboise, Chenonceau and Azay-le-Rideau. Once an important centre of trade under the Romans, the region has also been home to celebrated French writers and artists such as Honoré de Balzac and Jean Fouquet. In 2000, the Loire Valley was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Cost:
Prices vary by site and range from approximately $4200 to $9000 (this include tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and field trips).
