Today, France is the most visited country in the world. So, what is it that makes France so appealing? Beyond the traditional tasty croissants, the internationally renowned baguettes and its world-class gastronomy, France is a great country to live in!
Located in both La Rochelle and Tours, Excelia offers all its students an incredible living environment. Your academic expatriation will therefore be a wonderful opportunity to not only discover magnificent cities steeped in history, but also to embrace the lifestyle and culture that make up the beauty and reputation of France.
La Rochelle… combining heritage with culture
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, La Rochelle has been a dynamic port city since the Middle Ages. Even today, it has preserved the vestiges of an impressive Maritime history making the old town and the historic port so delightful!
The three imposing towers, Tour Saint Nicolas, Tour de la Chaîne and Tour de la Lanterne, along with the Grosse Horloge, the impressive clock tower, are all emblematic monuments of La Rochelle’s heritage. Wandering the narrow streets of the city centre, you can admire the 18th Century mansion houses, timber-framed buildings, the arcades and a host of quaint squares.
Far from being stuck in the past, La Rochelle provides its locals with a prolific cultural life! Numerous events fill the cultural calendars of local residents. From museums, to exhibitions and festivals… there is something for everyone! One place which shouldn’t be missed is La Sirène music venue! This former customs building was restored to provide a concert hall, dedicated to modern music, as well as housing rehearsal studios.
Talking of music, be sure not to miss the Francofolies Music Festival! Every year in July, this key event takes over the city, showcasing artists from the French music scene. And it’s good to know that with the Pass’Culture you will have access to more than 200 events at reduced rates!
La Rochelle truly encapsulates the French art de vivre… with its restaurants and its cosy bars, you will discover the many faces of French gastronomy. A very popular place with La Rochelle locals is the covered market, le Marché des Halles. Make sure you head there to sample regional products in a convivial atmosphere. Sea food, cheese, patisseries, cured meats… all the ingredients brought together in one place to initiate your taste buds in French cuisine.
Tours… emblematic of French culture
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tours is referred to as ‘little Paris’. As a former Royal city, it is home to many architectural treasures, emblematic of French heritage.
Enjoying a stroll through the city, you will discover the old town with its medieval streets, Place Plumereau bordered by magnificent timber-framed houses, Saint-Gatien cathedral, the Château de Tours and even the Tour Charlemagne, which offers an incredible view!
And of course, we shouldn’t forget the famous Loire Châteaux, which attract thousands of visitors each year! Veritable heritage of the Kings of France, they pepper the Tour landscape: Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, and Amboise to name but a few!
Tours is a lively city with numerous cultural events on offer. For music lovers, festivals play an important part of life here! Terre du son and Aucard de Tours are two unmissable summer events. You will also find numerous museums to visit, enabling you to get your fill of French culture! It’s good to know that with the Passeport Culturel Étudiant you will be able to make the most of reduced entrance prices to some 70 cultural establishments.
Greatly appreciated by the local population for its gentle living environment, the City of Tours, also known as the Garden of France, has, since Renaissance times, cultivated the art of good eating. With the label of international city of gastronomy, Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie, its wealth of culinary delights has forged its reputation. Local specialities and regional products will give a you a real ‘taste’ of French gastronomy!
