New Elective Open for Enrollment: Art & Art de Vivre in Montpellier

The Château de la Piscine, a fully restored 18th-century château. Elective students are hosted in the modern guest residences and have exclusive access to the main house, including welcome drinks in the salon hosted by the owner.

We’re delighted to introduce our newest course: Art & Art de Vivre in Montpellier—an immersive exploration of southern France’s artistic heritage and daily rituals of beauty.

This course offers a distinctive experience shaped by:

• Montpellier’s unique blend of classical elegance and contemporary energy, featuring the renowned Musée Fabre, vibrant galleries, bustling markets, and rich architectural heritage.

Montpellier’s modern and fancifully decorated tram, passing through the historic center city. The center, which is closed to motor vehicles, is a short, direct trip from a tram stop just down the road from the château’s front gate.

In Montpellier, southern culture comes alive in winding streets and open plazas, where daily life unfolds outdoors over café tables.

• An exclusive partnership with the Château de la Piscine, a restored 18th-century estate within the city. Participants reside on the property, enjoy private access to the main house, and engage with the château’s impressive art collection and historic interiors as part of the course.

Students can relax on the property of the château when they are not out and about exploring the city.

Montpellier has over 300 days of summer a year. A continental breakfast is served each day in the garden.

• A focus on the visual arts and the French concept of art de vivre—the aesthetics and rituals of daily life—explored through southern France’s rich cultural lens. Potential visits include nearby Roman ruins, Mediterranean fishing villages, vineyards, and nature preserves.

The château’s original kitchen, where students can opt to take a cooking class and learn about the regional specialties of the Languedoc.

The Pont du Diable, built by Benedictine monks in the 11th century, once linked two historic abbeys. It remains an important landmark in the Languedoc region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enrollment is open now for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. To learn more and secure your spot, visit the course page.