One reason I chose to study abroad with CEA CAPA was the excursions included, and they definitely did not disappoint! I loved the idea of having guided trips within the program, and after experiencing them I can say they were definitely a highlight of my experience! Just a week after we arrived in France, we got the opportunity to take a day trip to Nice, Monaco, and Èze, which are all beautiful towns here in the French Riviera. Each town was so unique! I loved the markets in Nice, the luxury in Monaco, and the beautiful views in Èze. Our trip was full of exciting history, delicious food, and time to explore, all while building relationships with the other students.  

Exploring Nice 

We began our excursion with an interesting and informative bus tour through Nice. We learned about the city’s rich history and even got to see beautiful villas once owned by some of our favorite celebrities and aristocrats during the Golden Age of southern France! This solidified that I should have been a rich aristocrat with a holiday house in Nice in the 1900s. Next, we explored the city during our walking tour, learning about the beautiful architecture and stopping at a beautiful cathedral. Fun fact—the French used to be taxed based on how many windows a building had, so they would have some windows built in, but most were painted on! They did a very good job though, we did not notice until our guide pointed it out! 

One of my favorite parts was getting to explore the markets in Nice. I love that markets are so popular in the French Riviera—there is always at least one going on with fresh produce, beautiful flowers, and local art! At this particular one I got a beautiful little painting of Nice, and I got to have a good conversation with the artist.  

A beautiful view of Nice 

During some free time, my friends and I looked inside a fancy chocolate shop and wanted to buy everything. We also had delicious cappuccinos and pain au chocolats! I have been getting this everywhere I go, it’s impossible not to. Then, we shopped at a souvenir shop, of course. It is essential to get postcards wherever you travel, and they have beautiful ones in the French Riviera! 

After exploring the town, we had a delicious four-course meal. This was such a good time to meet other students in the program while enjoying traditional French dishes! We had appetizers, salad and fried vegetables, gnocchi and chicken, and my favorite part, apricot pie. It was all so yummy and such a good opportunity to try local food.  

Nice is Nice! 

The Charming Village of Èze 

After Nice, we explored the beautiful village of Èze! It is a quaint little town built into the hilltop, and it is where they used to keep watch for pirates trying to invade. We walked to the top to enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea, and on our way back down we stopped in each shop full of souvenirs and art. I loved Èze, it was so charming everywhere you looked! 

Hilltop views from Èze village! 

One of the charming shops in Èze 

Monaco and Monte Carlo 

We ended the excursion in Monaco and Monte Carlo. It was so cool to see the huge yachts everywhere. I also loved seeing the F1 racetrack! Unfortunately, Charles Leclerc was nowhere to be seen. You can also see three countries from this view: Monaco, France, and Italy! Then, we continued our walking tour with the famous Monte Carlo casino and palace! It was so special getting to learn about the rich history. Everything in Monaco was so luxurious—one thing that shocked me was that the hotel right beside the casino had rooms starting at $20k a night! 

The F1 track in Monaco where you can see three countries—from left to right: Monaco, France, and Italy. 

Why I Appreciate Excursions 

While studying abroad, a lot of the focus is on weekend travel and planning big trips, but it is so important and special to explore and experience life in your new home! This is why the excursions have meant so much to me. I can plan trips while knowing that I would have plenty of days to explore my home during the weekends that we have excursions with CEA CAPA. These excursions were dedicated times for my friends and I to explore the areas where we live while learning about the rich history around us.