Global Journeys Inc.

Montpellier is the capital of the Hérault department as well as the Languedoc-Rousillon region. The old city is lovely, bursting with history from Roman times.. There's a market every morning on the Place de la Comédie: farmer's market + clothing, etc. To the south, there are the beaches of the Mediterranean. In the summer, there are boating jousts in Palavas - an event that dates back to Medieval times.

Montpellier is a gorgeous, shining and welcoming city, with a history kept within each of its stones. Founded from the 10th to the 12th century by Jews, Muslims, and Christians, it values tolerance and fraternity and has since developed a very special Mediterranean "art de vivre".

In Montpellier you will find interesting architecture from all periods of France's history. Sights include an 18th- century water tower, an aqueduct, narrow streets lined with tall narrow houses and a medieval-styled Ancient Courrier (where the shopping's great).

Avignon is a city of history and a city of theater. Avignon's architecture is marked by papal history. Going through any of the seven doors of the superbly preserved walls one discovers the city of the Popes. The Palace of the Popes built in the 14th century overlooks a lively square. Nearby are the museums the Petit Palais and Palais du Roure, not too far away stands the famous Pont d'Avignon.

The ancient streets, the courtyards of the private mansions, the renovated facades will all charm you! One of the most elegant streets is the rue Joseph Vernet, adjacent to the Calvet museum and the Requien Museum.
From the top of the ramparts you can understand why the site was chosen for a fort: Avignon stands high above the immense plains of the Rhône River and is the strategic point of the whole valley.

From 1575 to 1622, Aigues-Mortes was one of the eight safe havens granted to the Protestants. The revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 caused severe repression of Protestantism, which was marked in Languedoc and the Cévennes in the early 18th century by the "Camisard War". Like other towers in the town, from 1686 onwards the Constance Tower was used as a prison for the Huguenots who refused to convert to Roman Catholicism. In 1703, Abraham Mazel, leader of the Camisards, managed to escape with sixteen companions.

St. Maries de la Mer is situated on the Mediterranean coast in the Heart of Camargue's Parc Naturel (nature park). Surrounded by immense plains filled with ponds and wild lands the city has many activities to offer all within the framework of a protected environment. St. Maries is especially famous for its oldest tradition which consists of being the meeting place for the gypsy people. Their rich folklore and music attract many visitors all throughout the year. There are many ranches (called manades) where both bulls and horses are bred. Don't miss the fauna and flora ot Camargue at the Launes Pond and do take a walk along the Port Gardian, the fishing and boating port of St. Maries.

Nimes…On the border between Provence and Languedoc, the name of NÎMES is inescapably linked to two things – denim and Rome. The latter's influence is highly visible in some of the most extensive Roman remains in Europe, while the former (de Nîmes), equally visible on the backsides of the populace, was first manufactured in the city's textile mills, and exported to the southern USA in the nineteenth century to clothe slaves. It's worth a visit, in part for the ruins and, nowadays, for the city's new-found energy and direction, enlisting the services of a galaxy of architects and designers – including Norman Foster, Jean Nouvel and Philippe Starck.

Admirably integrated into a natural site that has preserved its wild charm, The Pont du Gard fascinates each of its visitors with its elegance and majesty. Two thousand years after its construction, this ancient edifice is still a veritable masterpiece, as much for the technical prowess involved as for its simple beauty. It was constructed entirely without the use of mortar. The aqueduct's stones – some of which weigh up to 6 tons – were precisely cut to fit perfectly together eliminating the need for mortar. The masonry was lifted into place by block and tackle with a massive human-powered treadmill providing the power for the winch. A complex scaffold was erected to support the aqueduct as it was being built. The face of the aqueduct still bears the mark of its construction, in the form of protruding scaffolding supports and ridges on the piers which supported the semicircular wooden frames on which the arches were constructed. It is believed to have taken about three years to build, employing between 800 and 1,000 workers.

Arles is the largest city in France with the surface area being 758km2. It is encircled by an environment of exceptional beauty: the banks of the Rhône river, the arid plains of Crau, the Alpilles and the untamed land of Camargue.
Once a metropolis of Roman Gaul, then Arles became a symbol of ardent Christianity as can be seen through the arena, the Alyscamps burial grounds, the amphitheater and the Roman baths of Constantin.Arles is now the gateway to Camargue, land of the Gypsies and meeting place of the Camargue cowboys.Today the ferias or bull runs and bull fights are held in this very same arena (12,000 seats) that was the scene of the Roman games in the first century!

Situated in the heart of the Alpilles, Saint Rémy is one of the "must-sees" in Provence. Surrounded by lush green perfumed valleys, its ancient streets are lined with beautifully restored old houses... you will soon be seduced by Saint Rémy's charm! While strolling through the narrow winding streets you will discover fantastic old fountains, shady squares, picturesque restaurants and elegant boutiques. From the place Jean Jaurès to the gates of the old town, you will come across a long succession of "hôtels particuliers" (often converted into museums or art galleries), convents, chapels, and ornate houses from the 17th and 18th century. The beauty of the countryside and the quality of light has inspired many artists, writers and painters.

Your Hosts

Kay and Franco, the owners of Global Journeys, are your hosts and guides for this student trip.

Franco was born in Italy, and has traveled throughout Europe extensively. He became intrigued with France as a child, wondering how anyone could make a baguette that is so yummy and delicious.

He has been a classroom teacher, an administrator and is the founder of Pathways, an alternative school in Colorado. He is a firm believer that our youngsters are the keepers of the possibilities of our future and is committed to offer a variety of programs that will empower youngsters to embrace the gifts they have within themselves. On these trips to France, Franco does an exquisite job supporting students in experiencing themselves as future leaders, powerful ambassadors and well-respected representatives of our country. Franco loves youngsters, loves France and its people, and brings a wonderful opportunity for all involved to celebrate their magnificence.

Kay was born and educated in British Guyana, moved to the U.S. and has traveled and worked with people in many European countries, Russia, Egypt, South Africa, British West Indies, and Central America. Her knowledge and connections with various cultures is a wonderful asset as she works with and teaches young people. Kay lived and worked in Florence for three years and explored much of Europe during that time. She has been involved with the fashion industry for over twenty years and has a wealth of knowledge about France.

Kay loves working with youngsters. Her teachings have included: dance, cultural crafts & studies, concerts & theater and yoga. She also offers tasty workshops on how to prepare a wide variety of international cuisines. Kay is committed to enhancing the lives of the students she works with and her interactions with them are always of the highest quality. Her enthusiasm and sparkle for life are contributions that she makes with everyone she encounters.

Both Kay and Franco love France and the people there and they are thoroughly looking forward to accompanying you on this student trip.

If you would like to discuss setting up a student trip or if you have any questions, please call us. For prices, let us know what you are looking for and we'll gladly provide them to you.
We look forward to working with you to set up a journey that meets all your dreams and expectations.

Global Journeys
516 343-3210

e-mail: info@globalj.org

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