France: Cultural Discovery is a high school summer abroad program offered by The Experiment, a program of World Learning with over 90 years of expertise in international education. This three-week immersive experience takes you on a journey through France's most culturally rich destinations, beginning in Paris and extending into the heart of French provincial life.

Your adventure starts with a 4-day orientation in Paris, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame, and Arc de Triomphe while learning about French history and culture. You'll practice your French language skills with locals and bond with your cohort during group activities and discussions. The real magic happens during the 9-day homestay in a small town near France's border—this is where you'll experience la vie quotidienne, or daily French life, by living with a host family. You'll share meals, participate in family activities, and explore your host community through excursions that may include kayaking, canoeing, biking, and visiting local castles and farms. Sample host towns include Valence, Bruley, Toul, and Nancy.

The program then takes you to Lyon, widely regarded as France's gastronomic capital, where you'll explore the historic Old Town and the Croix Rousse district—the heart of France's 19th-century silk-making industry. You'll develop practical skills in French cooking, learning to make traditional dishes like madeleines, while deepening your understanding of French culinary culture. Throughout the program, you'll walk through vibrant urban neighborhoods, navigate public transit systems, and immerse yourself in the regional diversity that makes France unique.

The Experiment's experiential learning model emphasizes cohort-based learning where your peer group becomes a major source of personal growth. Trained group leaders facilitate meaningful cultural exchanges and help you navigate cultural norms and local contexts during orientation. The program structure supports interpersonal skill development including intercultural communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and relationship-building—skills that will serve you far beyond your time abroad.

This program is designed for high school students seeking authentic cultural immersion, language practice, and a deeper understanding of French history, art, and regional identity. Be prepared for warm summer temperatures, frequent travel between regions (with train and bus trips lasting 2–5 hours), lots of walking to explore cities on foot, and variable internet access. The program includes lodging with families or hotels, all meals, in-country transportation, health insurance, and experienced group leaders—everything you need to focus on the transformative experience of living and learning in France.