France & Monaco 2027

Promenades, Parfums, Cuisine, Community Service & History!

Get ready for a journey along the French Riviera and into Provence, where Mediterranean coastlines, hilltop villages, and rich culinary traditions come together for an unforgettable cultural experience.

The trip begins in Nice with a stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais and a wander through the vibrant Old Town and bustling local market. A day trip to glamorous Monaco brings visits to the Prince's Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, and the luxurious Monte Carlo district, followed by an afternoon in the picturesque citrus town of Menton, home to the Jean Cocteau Museum, lush gardens, and a lemon-themed tasting. Students will then roll up their sleeves for a coastal cleanup with a local marine conservation group and a hands-on Niçoise cooking workshop alongside a local chef.

Next, we venture into the Provençal countryside to the hilltop villages of Èze—where students will tour a traditional perfumery—and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, known for its galleries and artisan shops. The journey continues to Marseille, with a boat ride to the island fortress of Château d'If, made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo, and a guided hike through the dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise coves of Calanques National Park along with a trip to Cassis.

Trip Leader: Nicole Rudolph 
 
Essential Questions
  • What does it mean to be a responsible global citizen in regions where environmental preservation, cultural heritage, and tourism intersect? 
  • How have trade, migration, and proximity to other cultures (especially Italy and North Africa) influenced the history and diversity of southern France, including its cuisine, architecture, and art?  
  • What can literature like Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo and historic sites like the Château d’If reveal about power, justice, and political control in different periods of French history? 
  • How do art, cuisine, and local traditions, such as Niçoise cooking or the historical walled medieval towns of Èze, reflect regional identity and cultural exchange?
As an inclusive private school community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs.