Pure Drawing or Immersive Language:

For Art Students:   Imagine a distraction-free setting — as “off the grid” as can be. Quiet spaces, plein-air adventures, an opportunity to abandon oneself in an artistically enriching environment, sans all the outside interruptions of the normal daily grind. Students will be able to focus on their drawing skills and talents and get back to basics in the purest way possible. We will provide the tools needed to do it. 

Each day, students will participate in three painting and drawing sessions guided by our program artists and local guest artists. Some of these sessions will occur on the castle property, others will be held during field trips and excursions. Peer and faculty critique sessions occur regularly. Students will work towards the goal of a final exhibition, when we will welcome the community to see the fruits of our labors! 

For French Students:  Dive head-long into another world, where opportunities to speak and think in the target language are your greatest goals.  You will gather with your teacher in the morning to set your course for the day, and then off you’ll go to put these valued skills to use! Whether visiting the village of Renoir, navigating the city of Troyes, engaging with locals in Mussy-sur-Seine, you are sure to have an authentic learning experience.

For All Students:  We will depart from Mussy-sur-Seine on July 21st to spend a day in Paris. Students will be guided through the city’s most famous landmarks, and will return that evening to Charles de Gaulle airport where they will have accommodations for the night at Ibis Hotel. All will depart from CDG the next morning, under the supervision and guidance of our program faculty. 

Idyllic Accommodations:

Vive le France!

Have you ever wanted to stay in a castle? Built during the Second Empire, the Chateau des Tertres at Mussy-sur-Seine boasts 10 bedrooms, two grande salons, two kitchens, a library, gardens, and the old saddle room, stables, and coach house of the original walled property. It is located in the Champagne region, in the charming village of Mussy, with access to parks, the river Seine, a boulangerie, a small marché, and a famed thirteenth-century Church.

Exquisite Cuisine

Each meal during your stay will be expertly prepared by award-winning certified executive chef, Wilfred Beriau (with desserts by Gigi!). You will enjoy three meals a day, beginning with a traditional French breakfast, followed by a picnic or sit down lunch*, and concluding with a family-style dinner. Traditional le goûter, a classic French afternoon snack, will also be available daily. If you feel so inspired, you may even lend a hand in the kitchen, or just watch and learn as you wish.

*Language students will occasionally use this time as part of the course experience. In such cases, restaurant meals will be covered by program costs.