With the complete 2016 SCAD Lacoste class schedule released, its time for SCAD students to start planning their stay in the quaint, cobblestone village half-owned by SCAD: Lacoste. Lacoste is home to about 300 farmers and artisans in Provence located in the south of France. Studies at this campus feature three-hour classes held over the duration of eight weeks and seasonal celebrations such as the Fete d’Automne in the Fall which is basically an amazing Halloween party. Art history classes also have weekly field trips to explore breathtaking local art. Covered in the cost of tuition and housing, SCAD Lacoste treats students to a five-day, four-night stay exploring the historic monuments and museums of Paris. On weekends, students are encouraged to explore the hidden pockets and treasures of France and we’ve compiled a list of the best sightseeing opportunities for SCAD Lacoste students to check out. We’re also pretty sure some of these gorgeous castles and villages will sway the minds of students not planning on going too.
Mont Saint-Michel
The narrow streets and pathways of Mont Saint-Michel are perfect for exploration and adventure, especially for photographers and painters who can easily find a comfy spot to do what they do best. In fact, the pathway in the second picture reminds me of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter; it truly is a different world. Mont Saint-Michel is a charming island commune in Normandy. Grab a friend or walking buddy and take the hundreds of steps that will bring you upward to the monastery. The view is breathtaking and when you’re finished, come on down and treat yourself to a hot and steamy crepe. After all, Normandy has some of the best creperies in all of France.
Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo is a walled city that’s situated right by the coast in Brittany. Scale the perimeter on the high walls or walk down to the beaches, either way St. Malo is a peaceful city where one can sit down and relax.
Château de Chenonceau
Writers interested in romance will love Chateau de Chenonceau. It’s a beautiful castle that spans across the River Cher who’s architecture exudes romance and gracefulness. It’s located in the village of Chenonceaux and is the best known castle in the Loire Valley. One can stroll through the lush gardens, take a tour inside and have lunch outside in a nearby cafe. It’s a wonderful experience to have tucked away in your memory forever. C’est magnifique!
Clos Lucé
Leonardo da Vinci died in Amboise, a small town in central Loire Valley. Pictured above is his former home Clos Luce, where he lived until his death. Today, it’s a museum dedicated to his life and accomplishments that includes numerous paintings, machines and other inventions created by Da Vinci.
Fragonard
All the way down in the French Riviera there is a lively town called Grasse noted for it’s perfume industry. Ever heard of Jean-Honore Fragonard in art history? Well he was born in Grasse and a very large perfume company, Fragonard, is named after him. I highly encourage taking a tour because afterwards you and your friends can spend hours in the gift shop and pick out your favorite perfumes and soaps. They may be pricey but trust me, they’re better than the name-brand mainstream perfumes available in the States. Their golden eau de parfums even come in aluminum bottles that keep the product cool and ready for any time of day. It’s very impressive.
Whether you plan on traveling to Lacoste this Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter, make sure to check out the application deadlines and checklist in order to be fully prepared for this experience of a lifetime.