Cultural Activities

The Cultural Calendar in Paris aims to offer a varied selection of cultural and social events for students that expose them to Parisian life. Together with getting group prices, using AIFS connections in Paris and the fact that events are subsidized it means that tickets are available to students at a fraction of what it would cost of they were to organise things themselves. Paris has much to offer and below is only a sample, of what may be available:

Guided sightseeing tour of Paris
At the start of the programme discover the sights of Paris with your official guide.

Opera at the Bastille
Most Opera is now performed at the amazing new opera house at the Bastille. It is a stunning venue and each year top productions can be seen performed by France’s National Opera company or visiting groups.

Ballet at the Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier was the home of both ballet and opera. The venue itself is extraordinary and it gives students a wonderful opportunity to dress up and enjoy the whole experience from sweeping up the marble staircase in the foyer to sitting in the red velvet boxes.

Walking tour of the Latin Quarter
One of the oldest parts of Paris and famous as a student center. It has much to discover from Roman ruins through to the world renown Sorbonne University. It is situated not to far from our study center so a tour with our expert guide will help orientate you with Paris.

Walking tour of Montmartre
This area in the north of Paris is a mix of very diverse sights. The Sacre Coeur is a basilica that over looks Paris with great views, nearby are the artist squares originally home to famous names but it still possible to see young artists at work there. At the base of the hill is the lively Pigalle area famous for its nightclubs and the world renown Moulin Rouge. Again our guide will explain all the sights and the history to them.

Walking tour of Pere La Chaise cemetery
This famous cemetery is in the north east of Paris. Many people visit to see the famous grave of Jim Morrison from the Doors, however, there are many other famous tombs to see including Chopin, Moliere, Oscar Wilde and Victor Hugo. The tombs are great works of art and many people come and dedicate poems and songs as well as artwork to the people buried there.

Cheese and Wine evening
An evening for all students to sample some of the wines from different French regions and the many cheeses that accompany them. A wine expert will talk students through the different wines, their production and what to look out for in them.

French Film evenings
Once a week a classic French film will be shown at the study center. We show them with English subtitles so that everyone can fully understand some of the all time French classics.

Cinema outings
The French are very proud of their cinema heritage and occasionally we will organise trips to view French film in some of the wonderful art deco cinemas in the capital.

Evening River Cruise
No trip to Paris would be complete without an evening cruise down the Seine. The boats allow you to see all the sights lit up and a guide gives a full commentary.

Symphonies at the Theatre des Champs Elysees
There are many orchestras and venues in Paris and the above is just one of many where you can come and listen to the works of Chopin, Beethoven and Mahler to name but a few.

Live Jazz recordings at the Maison de la Radio France
The French have a strong history of jazz. Maison de la Radio France frequently holds sessions open to the public that are recorded live for radio broadcast.

Group Gourmet Meal
French cuisine is one of the most famous and finest in the world. A group meal in a traditional restaurant will allow students to sample all the classic dishes including the compulsory “Escargot”.

Sporting Events
Rugby and soccer and two of the most popular sports in France and a trip to the stadium to see a match lets students see the true passion of the French.

Weekend Excursions
An opportunity to get out of Paris and explore the rest of France. Weekends offered will be – Normandy and the D Day Beaches and also Loire Valley. Both weekends will include transportation, two nights accommodation, entrances, guides and AIFS representative.

Spring Break
Students are free to travel on their own during spring break. Alternatively AIFS will be arranging a trip to the Swiss Alps for part of the break. A chance to ski, snow-board, hike, relax and just generally enjoy the stunning scenery in the Alps. An itinerary will be available later.