France: Language, Culture & History (June - July) | Summer Abroad

Five students in front of castle, Tours, France

Picture of Plumereau Place, Tours, France

Tours' iconic Medieval Plumereau Place

"The Summer Abroad experience in France was amazing. I had the privilege of experiencing the country, while learning about the history, language and culture." - 2019 France Program Participant

Group of students at the Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau

Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau - History class field trip 2019

Field trip to Château de Chaumont, a 10th century Gothic-Renaissance style castle situated along the Loire Valley

Students at Amboise Castle, France

Class picture in front of the Institut de Touraine, France

France: French Language, Cultural Studies and History

Thursday, June 29 to Saturday, July 29 2023 (4 weeks)*

*Note: Dates to be confirmed. All 2023 details will be updated by early December 2022.

This is the 20th year of the University of Toronto summer program in Tours, France. More than 1750 students have participated since 2002. The program is designed for students who wish to develop their French language skills or immerse themselves in the study of French history. This program is hosted by the Institut de Touraine, which is affiliated with the Université Francois Rabelais de Tours.

Six students standing in front of a castle in Tours.

About Tours: Cultural Riches in the Garden of France

Sitting along the scenic Loire River, Tours is the largest city in the Touraine region and only a 55-minute train ride from Paris. The Loire Valley was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

The broad 18th-century avenues and historic quarters of Tours are home to market gardens, restaurants, cafés and four museums and galleries, including the excellent Musée de l’Historial de la Touraine.

Touraine is famous for its many outstanding châteaux, 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.

Program Activities

After arrival in Tours, students will enjoy an orientation and reception organized by the Institut de Touraine. A one-day trip at the start of the program to the Loire river valley has also been arranged for all participants.

The Institut de Touraine usually offers tours to the main historic buildings in Tours, cultural activities (e.g. movies, theatre workshops and French song workshops) and evenings and outings with French families.

The Institut also offers optional paid tours and excursions at reasonable prices. In the past, these have included several châteaux of the Loire Valley and sites such as Mont-St. Michel and St. Malo, Chartres Cathedral and the gardens of Chambord.

France Summer Abroad: News and Highlights

Learn more about the France Summer Abroad Program through videos, past events and articles.

Questions? Email: france.abroad@utoronto.ca or book a virtual appointment.