About the Program

Montpellier is a vibrant university city in beautiful, southwestern France, within easy reach of the Pyrenees mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

French philosopher of gastronomy, Brillat-Savarin, famously wrote: "Tell me what you eat, and I'll tell you who you are." While this is a truism that could pertain to any individual and any society, France--and the French--have a cultural identity that is especially signified through food, from the cuisine gastronomique to the humble baguette.

This Global Seminar serves as an introduction to French culture through the production, preparation, and appreciation of food.

Excursions

Excursions will assist in illuminating the program coursework and will take place in the heart of Montpellier and surrounding areas. Excursions and activities may include:

• Walking tour of the medieval city of Montpellier
• Les Arceaux, the local produce open-air market
• Agropolis Museum, a unique food and agriculture museum
• Cheese tasting
• Tours of an olive producer, vineyard,and semi-arid land where herbes de Provence grow wild
• Boat tour of the Etang de Thau, a saltwater marsh that produces the largest shellfish catch in France
• Port city of Séte
• Horsecart tour of the Camargue, lowlands of the Rhone River delta
• Salins du Midi, a major Mediterranean saltworks
• Aigues Mortes, a medieval walled city
• Tour of the Caves de Roquefort, where Roquefort cheese is produced
• La Couvertoirade, a 12th century Templar fortress and designated as one of France's "most beautiful villages"
• Millau viaduct

Housing & Meals
Students have the option to live with either a French host family or in an apartment with other students on the program. Students living with host families will be able to experience the importance of food in French families. Students living in apartments will be able to do their own shopping and try out some new French recipes. It is preferred that students choosing the home stay option have previously studied French.

Welcome and farewell meals are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be taken in the housing or at one of the countless cafés in Montpellier.

On-Site Support
The University of Minnesota's study abroad office in Montpellier will provide the on-site support for this program. Students will have access to facilities at Paul Valéry University, the liberal arts division of the University of Montpellier.

Access Abroad

Persons with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to explore opportunities abroad. The Learning Abroad Center and Disability Services are collaborating to enhance access to study abroad for students with disabilities. Go to the Access Abroad web page for more information.