Get creative on your gap year
What ignites your creativity? What moves you to see the world in new ways? In Normandy’s breathtaking landscapes, where light and beauty have inspired generations of artists, you’ll explore Film, Photography, Painting, Drawing and Writing, unlocking your unique creative voice.
Find connection through creativity
Creative Explorer is a multi-disciplinary program offering mentorship in Photography, Film, Painting, Drawing, and Writing. Through collaborative and personal projects enriched by cultural exploration, you’ll receive mentorship to hone your skills and express your unique creative voice.
Start your mornings with a peaceful moment in the garden, sketchbook in hand, or engage in thought-provoking discussions that explore the purpose of art in shaping culture and connection. Collaborative hands-on projects will inspire new ideas and strengthen bonds with fellow creatives.
Afternoons offer the opportunity to chart your own creative course and develop personal projects with mentorship from our resident artists. Paint or photograph the Norman countryside, shoot a documentary or write short stories. Develop a portfolio of work for future creative pursuits or experiment and play with whatever captures your imagination.
Along the way, you'll dive into Norman culture meeting local artisans, savoring regional delicacies, and exploring the connection between art, tradition, and daily life in France. Through these experiences, you’ll gain insights into the French artistic spirit, from the movements that reshaped the art world to the enduring relationship between creativity and cultural identity.
DAILY SCHEDULE
8:30: Breakfast
9:30: Community Hour
11:00: Collective Explorations
12:30: Lunch
1:30: Personal Pathways
4:00: Culture Club (Tuesday/Thursday)
6:00: Dinner
8:00: Evening Activity (Optional)
Wednesday and Saturday: Cultural excursions
Make art make meaning
This journey is about discovering how creativity can shape your perspective and deepen your understanding of the world and of yourself. By the end, you’ll leave with a renewed sense of purpose, more creative confidence and a profound connection to the art, culture and people of Normandy.
Dates and Details
Program Length
67 Days
Program Dates
Sept 15th - Nov 20th, 2025
Cohort Size
Max 22 students.
Cost
$17700 inclusive of all rooming, meals, excursions, activities and supplies. Not included in the cost is airfare to Paris, train to/from our location and some meals out.
Eligibility
Ages 17-22 of all levels of experience
Language Requirements
None. French Language is taught informally to enhance your experience on the program.
College Credit and Scholarship
College credit is available for this program. Scholarships are available for this program.
Program Highlights
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Make Art in Nature: Take your sketchbook on excursions through Normandy’s natural beauty, capturing the essence of the changing landscapes, from rolling hills to dramatic cliffs.
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Hike Coastal Wonders: Trek the stunning Nez du Jobourg, one of Europe’s best coastal hiking spots, taking in panoramic views of cliffs and the sea.
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Explore Historic Mont Saint-Michel: Visit the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site and dive into the rich history of this architectural marvel, perched dramatically on a rocky island.
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Weekend Getaway to Tatihou Island: Escape to this serene bird sanctuary, where lush gardens and calming sea views offer the perfect retreat for creativity and contemplation.
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Traditional Breadmaking at a 16th-Century Windmill: Learn the ancient craft of breadmaking at a historic windmill, baking your own bread in a traditional wood-fired oven.
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Visit the Bayeux Tapestry: Explore the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a masterpiece of medieval art, and uncover the stories of Normandy’s past.
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D-Day Landing Beaches: Reflect on the courage and resilience of those who shaped history during a visit to the historic D-Day beaches.
Rouen Trip
Creative Explorer includes a 10-day trip to Rouen, the arts and culture capital of Normandy and candidate for European City of the Year. Explore its Gothic architecture, vibrant art scene, bustling markets, and world-class cuisine in a city rich with history and creative energy.
Rouen Itinerary Highlights:
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Visit the awe-inspiring Rouen Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that inspired Monet’s iconic series of paintings
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Explore the hauntingly beautiful Aître Saint-Maclou, a medieval ossuary turned cultural hub
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Enjoy panoramic views of Rouen’s historic skyline from Saint Catherine's Hill
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Walk in the footsteps of history at the Joan of Arc and uncover the story of her remarkable life and legacy
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Wander the serene ruins of Jumièges Abbey, one of Normandy’s most significant medieval sites
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Stroll through the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur, known for its colorful facades and artistic heritage
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Take in the natural wonder of Étretat’s breathtaking chalk cliffs and arches, celebrated by countless artists
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Step into Monet’s world at Giverny, exploring his home and the gardens that inspired the birth of Impressionism
Program Pillars
Creativity
Creativity is essential to a fulfilling life, not just in art but as a way of thinking and self-expression. We value creativity in all forms—journaling, cooking, painting, and craft—and draw inspiration from artists and thinkers to inspire personal discovery.
Community
We value community for its role in personal growth and collective well-being, fostering meaningful connections through shared experiences. By caring for ourselves, each other, and the environment, we create a supportive space for learning and growth.
Contemplation
We encourage quiet reflection through time in nature, poetry, and contemplative practices like yoga and meditation. These practices nurture presence, self-awareness, and inner peace, helping us connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
Culture
We believe culture enriches our lives and shapes our understanding. In Normandy, we explore how food, art, and conversation create joy and connection, drawing inspiration from poets, artists, and thinkers to live with passion and purpose.
Who is this program for?
This program is for any gap year student interested in connecting with more creativity, exploring French culture and living in community with a cohort of like-minded peers. We welcome all students. There is no experience in the arts or French Language required.
Consider Creative Explorer if you would like to:
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travel through the French countryside exploring art, culture, history and food.
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collaborate with a cohort of creative peers and professional mentors
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explore a variety of mediums including Painting, Drawing, Photography, Writing and Film.
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enjoy organized travel with people who value art, creativity, culture and community.
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connect with French people through their art, craft, cuisine, language and traditions
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ask big questions and explore how art can illuminate fresh perspectives and build meaningful connections.
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live in a beautiful part of rural France and have an experience of French life.
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develop creative skills and discover new pathways for personal and artistic expression
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learn from professional artists, meet craftspeople and learn from them about the artist's life in France.
What our students say
