Cultural Resilience
How might we balance the preservation of culture with the evolution of language, identity, and values?
Why France?
Being French today does not mean the same thing it meant 500 years ago, or even 20 years ago. On this program, we will explore Paris and Provence (or another region of the country) as we look to understand how the French identity, language, and culture are shifting.
We will spend our time in France exploring the changing country: the culture, sustainability, language, and identity. As we make our way through Paris and Provence, we will develop our own language and travel skills, and our understanding of France’s role and influence in the world past and present.
Insights + Projects
On every Atlas Workshops program, the group works on an inquiry with real-world implications. Through intentional exploration, engagement with locals and experts, and team activities, students generate new insights and ideas about the topics, places, and global issues they’re investigating.
For some groups, the program incorporates a more extensive project—an opportunity to apply our learning and stretch our creative thinking by making something tangible or public.
Suggested Itinerary
Students will investigate the program question by getting to know different communities and places in France.
The Heart of France: 0-3 Nights
Paris, 0-3 Nights
Traverse the neighborhoods of Paris, from the historic Latin Quarter to the dynamic Canal St Martin, to experience the origins of France and the cosmopolitan identity of the city. Visit a key museum and explore the street art of the suburbs as we unpack the legacy, evolution and contrasts in the city.
Everyday Life Past and Present: 0-3 Nights
Avignon & Provence, France
Depart Paris for Provence where we will dive into the smaller cities and villages of the region. Experience village life and modern art in smaller cities like Uzes and Arles. Visit a local market with a chef or head out to a farm to get a taste of the region’s cuisine and experience how the environment shapes community and culture. Explore the legacy of Rome and question how culture is preserved with visit to the Pont-du-Gard and the Palais des Papes.
Closing the Program: 0-3 Nights
Paris, Nice, Marseille, or Beyond
We will return to the city of lights, or head to another city to catch a flight home or continue our exploration.
Want to Learn More?
Custom Programs and Modifications
All Atlas Workshops programs are easy to customize, or we can craft a totally unique program from scratch. This starting sample program in France is easy to adapt if you have specific regions in France you want to explore or more defined learning goals. While Provence can be a great access point to a number of different issues, we’ve run programs across the country, so we can easily adapt.