As a part of the orientation weekend with IES Nantes the students and staff go on a weekend trip to the Loire Valley to see many of the famous châteaux. After a morning of language testing and a long lunch spent walking around the streets of Nantes, we left Nantes for Tours. The long bus ride through the French countryside was a great way to start to get to know the other IES students. It was nice to be in the hotel and surrounded by students my own age instead of the more family-oriented lifestyle that the host family offers. I shared a room with another girl on the program, Hannah, who is very friendly and genuine. She is from Chicago and goes to school in Washington State…this program has let me make friends from all over the country! 

Saturday we saw two castles, Cheverny and Chambord. My favorite was Chambord, the size and grandeur of this castle was incredible. 

Sunday it unfortunately rained which made it difficult to fully enjoy the experience of seeing the castles Amboise and Chenonceau. Amboise had an amazing view that looks out onto the Loire River. Chenonceau was probably my favorite of the entire weekend. It was so elegant and had huge gardens. 

Tours, France

After a long, long weekend we returned to Nantes Sunday night. My host family was having a get together with their friends to eat galette des rois. Two of their friends host American IES students, too, so they came back to the gathering with me. It was fun to show them chez moi, and the rabbit that I have told nearly everyone about. 

A full week of orientation starts back up tomorrow!