Top 3 winter destinations in Italy

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The best ski resorts are found in northern Italy in the alpine region. Not far from Turin, for example, are the resorts of Sauze d’Oulx, Bardonecchia and Sestriere – a popular, modern resort with plenty of ski-lifts, a skating rink and cross-country trails. If you’re looking for a bit of glamour, the resort of Courmayeur on Mont-Blanc with its chic clientele and excellent facilities won’t disappoint. There are also plenty of ski resorts in the Dolomites in the north-east of Italy, as well as in the mountains of central Italy.

Rome is a fascinating and exciting place to visit whenever you go, and there’s plenty to do and see there during the winter. The temperature rarely falls below zero, the sun shines most days, it’s possible to eat outside most of the year, and many cafés provide outdoor heaters during the winter.

The festival of the Immaculate Conception marks the beginning of the Christmas period in Rome, the Papal Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve marks the highlight of that period, while the Epiphany parade on 6th January brings the Christmas festivities to and end.

Most of the churches in Rome put up elaborate nativity scenes (presepi), including a life-size one in St. Peter’s Square, and there’s an exhibition of such scenes in the Sala del Bramante by the Piazza del Popolo. In the Piazza Novona there’s a large Christmas market where you can buy wooden toys, sweets, Christmas decorations and much more, and there are plenty of other places to do your Christmas shopping.  Winter is also a good time to visit Rome’s cultural attractions and events as they tend to be quieter than at other times of the year. Other attractions of this time of year in Rome are the Christmas lights and the numerous street musicians who play seasonal tunes and often dress as Santa Claus.

With a wealth of history, natural beauty, fine beaches, attractive towns and cities, and average temperatures of 15°C Sicily is a good winter destination. For history buffs there, Greek temples and theatres, Roman villas, and Arabic, Byzantine, Norman and Baroque architecture; for outdoor types there are mountains, volcanos, ski-resorts, gardens, and plenty of other places to explore, and there’s plenty more to do and see.

More about language courses in Italy

Retirement havens: the top 25 countries to retire to in 2010

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A recent report by International Living magazine has listed the top 25 places to retire in the world in 2010. Its Global Retirement Index takes into consideration factors such as the cost of living, climate, healthcare, recreational offerings, culture, real estate prices and infrastructure, to work out the most desirable places to settle once you are out of the workplace and looking to improve your quality of life.

The countries that came out top in the survey are not too dissimilar to those of 2009, but there may still be a few surprises for those who have never seriously considered retiring overseas. The usual suspects of France, Italy and New Zealand have their place in the top 25, as you may expect, but countries such as Panama, Colombia and Malaysia also feature highly.

As for the number one spot, who would have thought that Ecuador would rank highest for the second year running? 

Here is a brief overview of the top 10 countries to retire to, and where you can learn the language once there, as there can be no doubt that being able to communicate with the locals will greatly ease your immersion into a new environment: not only will you make friends quicker and get around easier, but you’ll feel the indescribable thrill of new words rolling off the tongue and understanding what is being said back to you.

For a complete list of the top 25 places to retire to, and for further information, please see International Living.

1. Ecuador

Ecuador is blessed with superb natural landscape ranging from Pacific beaches and dense jungle to the snow-capped Andes and rural highlands, with magnificent colonial cities dotted in between. With the cost of living very low – real estate equally so – and added factors such as a warm climate, duty-free import of belongings and discounts for retirees, it is easy to see why this South American country is the no. 1 place to settle in 2010.

Tempted to retire in Ecuador? Learning the language is key to immersing yourself quickly into your new surroundings and to making friends. Ease the transition with a Spanish course in Quito or Cuenca.

2. Panama

Hot on the heels of its southern counterpart, Panama wins lots of points for its retiree residency (pensionado) program: if you choose to retire here you will receive huge discounts off everything from public transport to airfares, eating out and entertainment. Not that things are expensive – in Panama you benefit from developing world prices whilst enjoying an infrastructure, efficiency and economy akin to the Western world. With vibrant cities, beach retreats and cool mountain hideaways your potential retirement havens, this is a worthy no. 2 on the Retirement Index.

Learn Spanish and you’ll soon be chatting to the locals in thriving Panama City or in tropical Boquete.

3. Mexico

Three Latin locations in the top 3! I am packing my bag already. Already a popular vacation choice, it is easy to see the allure of Mexico: beautiful colonial cities, spectacular ancient ruins, stunning climate, long golden beaches, rugged highlands, delicious food, easy access, low property prices and plenty of English speakers.

Be more than a tourist and immerse yourself into the local community by taking a language course. Cactus offers Spanish courses in many wonderful locations across Mexico, each tempting in its own way: Cuernavaca, Guanajuato, Merida, Mexico City, Morelia, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta.

4. France

As mentioned before, it’s not difficult to see why France makes the top 5. The epitome of the good life, this is a country where long lazy lunches laden with cheese, wine and baguettes are the norm. And, compared to other western countries, you don’t have to pay much for a dream home amongst the fragrant mauve lavender fields of Provence or the orchards of Normandy. Perhaps this easy path to happiness mixed with the best health care in the world – according to the World Health Organisation – is the reason why more and more French people are living past 100 years. And you could be joining them.

Learn French with Cactus in one of 19 locations across France, from sophisticated Paris to charming Aix-en-Provence and sun-kissed Nice.

5. Italy

La dolce vità is an apt description of life in Italy. If you choose to retire in Italy you will be sure of sumptuous food, delectable wines, beautiful landscapes and a pleasant climate for years to come. Whether you opt for a rural village, a bustling town, a thriving historical city or a seductive island, you won’t have to look far for your weekly market or traditional festivals which are great places to meet the locals. 

Most people learn Italian for the sheer love of the language and the culture that embraces it, so why not be one of them and choose from one of over 20 locations to learn Italian in Italy.

6. Uruguay

7. Malta

8. Chile

9. Spain

10. Costa Rica

German-speaking cities top the list for Quality of Life in 2010

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Traditionally, it has been France, Spain and Italy that have lured people in search of a better climate and more relaxed lifestyle, but it seems that times may be changing. Whereas once it was affordable living, fine food and sunny climates at the top of the wish list, perhaps in these uncertain financial times there are new priorities emerging.

Germany, Austria and Switzerland all enjoy a reputation as financially stable countries with solid infrastructures and good quality public services. Whilst this may be an initial attraction for many, anyone who decides to relocate there will soon realise how many other fantastic things these countries have to offer too.

The four cities listed in the top 20 were Munich (number 1), Zurich (number 3), Vienna (number 8) and Berlin (number 11). The judging was based on factors such as restaurants, green space per head of population, response time for emergency services, local entertainment, and how easy it is to start a local business, but there are countless other things that make these cities, in fact countries, superb places to live.

Germans, Austrians and Swiss people are, in my experience, some of the friendliest and most open people that you can meet within Europe. They are traditional and progressive in perfect measure, and, just as their Mediterranean counterparts, enjoy the finer things in life and make sure that ample time is dedicated to doing them.

One thing that may surprise anyone new to the cultures, is that they have a very healthy attitude towards work that encourages a good work-life balance, and lots of time for family and friends too. In fact, in Germany certainly, working longer hours than you’re contracted for is strongly discouraged – it’s not ingrained in the business culture, as is the case in so many other countries.

Another misconception is that everyone in these three countries speaks English. Of course, there are plenty who do, and generally this will be to a very high level, but it shouldn’t be assumed. If you are thinking of relocating to Germany, Austria or Switzerland you’d be well advised to learn at least some of the language to ensure that you can find work, make friends and integrate into the local community.

German courses are available in a range of lengths and formats, and at a variety of prices. Options include tailor-made, individual or small-group courses, part-time evening courses and general or intensive language programmes in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Experience Basque culture at its best this December - St Thomas’ Day in San Sebastian

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Held on 21st December, the festival dates back to the days when farmers from the surrounding villages would bring their harvest to the city, and today it retains its rural roots through the exhibition of farm animals and vegetables.

The real attraction, though, is the traditional delicious local food and drink for which the Basque country is so famous, including cheese, honey, vegetables, and of course, the star of the show, txistorra salami!

This particular festival is one that is very important to local people, as is evident from the crowds that gather in the Constitution square and other parts of the Old Town.

Visiting San Sebastian over St Thomas’ Day will provide you with a fantastic opportunity to experience an authentic Spanish festival, and more than that, to have the pleasure of doing so in one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of Spain.

Spanish and Fiesta course in San Sebastian – find out more

5 top destinations to visit this fall - alternative languages

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For you, we’re listing our recommendations of the best language course locations in the rest of the world this Fall.

1. Rabat, Morocco

An exotic, imperial city sitting on a Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Rabat is a combination of Arabic tradition and European elegance. Its origins date back to the 7th century, yet it is a relaxed and well-kept city with wide, tree-lined boulevards, parks, embassies and government buildings. Visit Rabat in the Fall and you’ll be treated to mild and mostly dry weather, just avoiding the summer heat and the winter rain – perfect if you want to dedicate yourself to learning Arabic and exploring this fascinating city.

Arabic courses in Rabat, Morocco

2. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, a busy, 24-hour hotbed of Chinese tradition and Western influence. From deep-fried fish balls on a street corner to cocktails in a high-rise hotel, from early morning tai chi to late night partying, from a commuter ferry across the harbour to a leisurely tram ride up Victoria peak, the city offers a million and one experiences in a day.

Chinese Mandarin Courses in Hong Kong, China

Chinese Cantonese courses in Hong Kong, China

3. Fukuoka, Japan

Coming out an impressive 14th in a recent survey of the world’s most liveable cities, Fukuoka comes into its prime during the Fall as the temperature is pleasant and mild. It is also the perfect time to visit the city’s stunning Yusentei Japanese Garden, the leaves having turned a spectacular fire red and burnt orange in colour, and its Komyozenji Temple, a perfect place to take off your shoes, sit on the wooden veranda and contemplate a moment of tranquility. As for Fukuoka, this is one of Japan’s most important and influential cities, enviably surrounded by mountains and sea – a great place to base yourself this Fall to learn Japanese.

Japanese courses in Fukuoka, Japan



4. Porto, Portugal

There’s a lot more to Porto than the Port wine for which it is famous – though it would of course be rude not to sample this delicious drink upon visiting. The capital of the Norte region in Portugal, Porto boasts a stunning historic centre, the Ribeira district, which is a Unesco World Heritage site of cobbled streets, winding lanes and wonky staircases, a true delight to explore. Immerse yourself in tradition and then take to the water with a Portuguese and Surfing course – Portugal’s Atlantic coast is renowned for its waves, and by Fall the sea will have reached its warmest.

Portuguese courses in Porto, Portugal

5. St Petersburg, Russia

St Petersburg is chock-full of tourists in the summer, but by Fall the crowds have dissipated and you can enjoy art at the Hermitage Museum, ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre and walking along the River Neva at your own pace. Built by Peter the Great, this fascinating city is distinctly European in style but it will always be the City of the Tsars, steeped in legend and intrigue.

Russian courses in St Petersburg, Russia

Cactus runs language courses worldwide in more than 30 languages, 60 countries and 500 destinations.

Pick up some of the language before you go – especially advantageous with these harder languages listed above – with our daytime, evening and weekend language courses in the US & Canada.

Top 5 German course destinations this Fall

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Here are our pick of the top 5 places to visit this September and October.

1. Berlin

Berlin is a city that is renowned internationally for its lively and varied cultural scene, and the array of festivals and shows taking place throughout September and October are testament to that. Some of the scheduled events include the Berlin International Literary Festival, Musikfest Berlin (September 2nd-21st), the Berlin Festival (September 10th-11th) and the Pyronale (September 3rd-4th), where international pyrotechnics companies compete to put on the best fireworks display at the Olympic Stadium. On a sporting note, there is also the Berlin Marathon (September 26th), one of the biggest marathons in the world, and in fact the event where Haile Gebrselassie set the new world record in 2008.

2. Vienna

If you choose Vienna as your study destination this Fall you’ll be totally spoilt for choice when it comes to free-time activities. Along with the usual sights and museums, you’ll be able to experience Vienna Fashion Week, the Vienna International Film Festival, the Long Night of the Museums, the Wien Modern contemporary music festival and perhaps best of all, Choco Vienna, where chocolatiers show off their finest creations for your consumption! Definitely not one to miss…

3. Munich image

Munich’s mass of leafy streets and array of parks make it a really pretty place to be as the seasons change and the green and yellow turns to orange and brown. That aside, there’s one thing in particular that attracts the tourists at this time of year – Oktoberfest. One of the biggest beer festivals in the world, it’s hugely popular with locals and tourists alike and will certainly give you an insight into one side of German culture! For anyone with more refined cultural tastes, September also sees the Open Art festival (September 10th-12th) and the AnderArt festival, Munich’s annual free festival of world cultures with music and performing arts from around the globe.

4. Zurich image

Zurich is a city that isn’t always an immediate choice for a German course, but it should be! It has loads to offer whether you’re a culture vulture, a sports fan, or a food and drink enthusiast. This Fall there are events that all of these types of people will enjoy – on a cultural level, you can enjoy the Long Night of the Museums, the Circus Monti, the Zurich Film Festival, and Jazznojazz Festival, sports-wise you can take part in SlowUp Lake Zurich, when people cycle, stroll or skate around the lake to raise awareness of pollution. There’s also the exciting ‘Freestyle’ (September 25th-26th), with top BMX riders, in-line skaters, skiers and skateboarders. Finally, any wine conoisseurs can head to Expovina, Switzerland’s largest wine exhibition held on 12 boats anchored in Zurich’s beautiful Bürkliplatz dock.

5. Hamburg image

With plenty of festivals and events happening during the Fall, Hamburg is a great place to spend time. During September and October you can enjoy the Hamburg Festival of Cultures, the Reeperbahn Festival and the Hamburg Film Festival, as well as the usual attractions. Anyone going to Hamburg has the added benefit of affordable courses, and more flexibility in terms of the intensity of courses too.



Please visit the Cactus Language website for full listings of German courses in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Top 5 French course destinations this Fall

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1. Montreal

Montreal is a fascinating city with a cosmopolitan feel and a wide range of cultural offerings. Summer in the city can be very hot, and winter extremely cold. For this reason, September-November is an ideal time to go and experience what the city has to offer. As well as the usual sights and attractions, there is also an array of festivals and events to enjoy during the Fall, including: the World Film Festival (August 26th-September 6th), the Escales Improbables Festival (September 8th-12th), POP Montreal (September 29th – October 3rd), the OFF Jazz Festival (October 15th-23rd) and the Festival of New Cinema (October 13th – 24th).

2. Paris

To be honest, Paris is a city that is buzzing with activity all year round. If you visit in Fall though, you will probably find fewer tourists, shorter queues, and less expensive accommodation. It’s also one of the prettiest times to visit, as the trees change color and the fallen leaves dance at your feet – it’ll really indulge your image of Paris at its romantic best. Festival and event wise, Paris is jam-packed with options throughout September, October and November, but some of the highlights include the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), held from September 18-19th and introduced to allow visitors a peek behind the doors of the 14,000 buildings that are usually closed to the public, the self-explanatory ‘Fête des Jardins’ (September 25th-26th), and the iconic Paris Fashion Week, held from September 28th – October 6th . Visit the Whatsonwhen website for full Paris events listings.

3. Guadeloupeimage

If you’re not quite ready to get the winter coat out and contemplate turning the heating back on, why not extend your summer by heading to Guadeloupe this autumn. Guadeloupe is a beautiful country located in the French West Indies, with stunning scenery and average temperatures of more than 24 degrees centigrade all year round. The hurricane season in this part of the world can sometimes extend to mid October, so late October and November are good times to go.

4. Bordeaux image

Anyone heading to Bordeaux this Fall will have a huge range of activities to choose from. This vibrant university city is at the heart of one of France’s most prestigious wine-growing regions, and September and October events include the Fête Du Vin Nouveau, when inhabitants celebrate the new vintage, and the Marathon du Medoc, a sporting event with a twist! Also to be recommended are the Journées du Patrimoine, when Bordeaux opens its wealth of historical sites to the public, the Foire aux Plaisirs Funfair (October-November), a long-standing fair in the city’s Place des Quinconces, and also the Bordeaux Opera Season, with scores of performances by the acclaimed National Opera of Bordeaux.

5. Lyon image

Lyon is often known as the gastronomic capital of France, but the huge range of events being held in the city this Fall shows that its talents don’t stop here. Throughout September and October visitors can attend, amongst other things, the Tupiniers Pottery Fair, the Dance Biennial, Les Musicades music festival, les Salons des Plaisirs Créatifs Art Expo, the Red Carpet Antiques Festival, the International New Generation Film Festival and the Equita Horse Fair, one of Europe’s premier riding events.

Please visit the Cactus Language website for full listings of French courses in France, Guadeloupe and Canada.

5 top destinations to visit this autumn – alternative languages

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For you, we’re listing our recommendations of the best language course locations in the rest of the world this autumn.

1. Rabat, Morocco

An exotic, imperial city sitting on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Rabat is a combination of Arabic tradition and European elegance. Its origins date back to the 7th century, yet it is a relaxed and well-kept city with wide, tree-lined boulevards, parks, embassies and government buildings. Visit Rabat in the autumn and you’ll be treated to mild and mostly dry weather, avoiding the summer heat and the winter rain – perfect if you want to dedicate yourself to learning Arabic and exploring this fascinating city.

Arabic courses in Rabat, Morocco

2. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, a busy, 24-hour hotbed of Chinese tradition and Western influence. From deep fried fish balls on a street corner to cocktails in a high-rise hotel, from early morning tai chi to late night partying, from a commuter ferry across the harbour to a leisurely tram ride up Victoria peak, the city offers a million and one experiences in a day.

Chinese Mandarin Courses in Hong Kong, China

Chinese Cantonese courses in Hong Kong, China

3. Fukuoka, Japan

Revealed as the 12th most livable city in the Monocle Quality of Life Survey 2015, Fukuoka comes into its prime during the autumn as the temperature is pleasant and mild. It is also the perfect time to visit the city’s stunning Yusentei Japanese Garden, the leaves turning a spectacular fire red and burnt orange in colour, and its Komyozenji Temple, a perfect place to take off your shoes, sit on the wooden veranda and contemplate a moment of tranquility. As for Fukuoka, this is one of Japan’s most important and influential cities, with a stunning location surrounded by mountains and sea – a great place to base yourself this autumn to learn Japanese.

Japanese courses in Fukuoka, Japan

4. Porto, Portugal

There’s a lot more to Porto than the Port wine for which it is famous – though it would of course be rude not to sample this delicious drink upon visiting. The capital of the Norte region in Portugal, Porto boasts a stunning historic centre, the Ribeira district, which is a Unesco World Heritage site of cobbled streets, winding lanes and wonky staircases, a true delight to explore.

Portuguese courses in Porto, Portugal

5. St Petersburg, Russia

St Petersburg is chock-full of tourists in the summer, but by autumn the crowds have dissipated and you can enjoy art at the Hermitage Museum, ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre and walking along the River Neva at your own pace. Built by Peter the Great, this fascinating city is distinctly European in style but it will always be the City of the Tsars, steeped in legend and intrigue.

Russian courses in St Petersburg, Russia

Cactus runs language courses worldwide in more than 30 languages, 60 countries and 500 destinations.

Pick up some of the language before you go – especially advantageous with these harder languages listed above – with our daytime, evening and weekend language courses in the UK.

Top 10 things to see and do in Milan

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Milan has plenty to offer in terms of sights and attractions, but here are our top ten recommendations on what to see and do when you visit.

1. Scale Milan’s iconic Duomo

Located right in the very centre of Milan is its famous Duomo (cathedral), reputed to be one of the largest churches in the world. An amazing 3,500 statues and 135 spires adorn the gigantic marble structure that was 500 years in the making. A look around the interior of the cathedral is well worth your while, although an even more impressive sight is that which you can get from the roof! Fortunately, there is a lift in operation to take you up – you don’t have to brave the stairs – and when you reach it you’ll be able to see not only the cityscape of Milan, but also the beautiful Italian Alps in the distance.



2. Get a look at The Last Supper

Leonardo de Vinci’s The Last Supper has long been of the most famous paintings in the world, but following its inclusion in Dan Brown’s best-seller, ‘The Da Vinci Code’ it attracts more interest than ever before. The painting is housed in Milan’s church of Santa Maria della Grazie, and is by far one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. At busy times you will need to buy a ticket in advance – you will be assigned a 15 minute slot in which to view the masterpiece.

3. Experience one of Italy’s true passions at the San Siro stadium

Food? Fashion? Football…Italians simply love their football. The San Siro Stadium is home to two of Italy’s most successful, well-loved, and, as it happens, competitive clubs! AC and Inter Milan are local rivals, yet they share the iconic 85,000 seater stadium. Even if you can’t make it to an actual match, a visit to the stadium will still give you access to tour and to the on-site museum. Quite simply a must for any football fan.

4. Indulge yourself with some window shopping in the Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Rectangle)

Milan is known as Italy’s fashion capital, and as such has some great shopping options. Unfortunately, many of them require a reinforced wallet and some very sparkly plastic, and are quite simply out of bounds to the average tourist. But, it can’t hurt to look! Pressing your nose against the shop windows will probably not endear you to the shop assistants, but it will give you a glimpse of some real-life Prada, Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino…and of the rich and famous who totter in and out.

5. Visit one of the world’s oldest and most elegant shopping precincts

Continuing along the shopping theme, you may want to pay a visit to the central Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Again, it’s definitely geared towards a certain type of shopper, but even if you can’t afford to buy anything, it’s well worth a look. Opened in 1867, its designer Giuseppe Mengoni pioneered its complex composition of iron and glass 20 years before the Eiffel Tower was built. The ceiling vaults are decorated with mosaics representing Asia, Africa, Europe and America and at ground level there are mosaics representing the areas local to Milan too. Prada’s flagship store has been here since 1913, and is now also joined by Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

6. Enjoy some authentic ‘aperativi’ at one of Milan’s bars and cafes

Anyone new to Italy, or to Italian culture, may not be familiar with the concept of ‘aperativi’. Said to originate in Milan itself, ‘aperativi’ are free buffets provided for people who drink in bars or cafes during the early evening.  How substantial the gastronomic offerings are really depends on the bar, but often you can eat enough to fill you up for the rest of the night! Milan has a massive array of bars and cafes that all offer this – take your pick and enjoy some tasty and authentic Italian food with a relaxing evening drink.

7. Discover Milan’s canals in bohemian Navigli

It would be misleading to imply that Milan has canals on a Venetian scale, but the vibrant Navigli district in Milan does have two –one of which was designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Located in the south of the city, the Navigli was not traditionally one of the most attractive parts of town, but in the last few years it has become one of the most popular areas. It has scores of bars, restaurants, boutiques and galleries, and is particularly fashionable amongst Milan’s ‘creative’ crowd. 

8. Visit the Theatre Museum at La Scala

Milan’s impressive famous opera house, La Scala is well worth a visit in its own right, of course, but in reality opera tickets can be very expensive and difficult to come by. A good alternative therefore is to head to the La Scala Museum, which will give you access to the theatre and help you imagine the atmosphere at one of the world-class performances. In addition, you’ll get to learn about the history of the opera house through an extensive collection of musical instruments, portraits, busts and documents dedicated to some of the world’s greatest musicians.

9. Visit the Pinnacoteca di Brera art museum

The collection at this Milan art museum covers works by some of Italy’s most famous and influential artists from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Highlights include Caravaggio’s Supper at Emmaus and Piero della Francesca’s Virgin and Child with Saints . There’s also a studio of plaster casts and drawings, and contemporary works to explore.

10. Take a look around Milan’s acclaimed aquarium

Milan’s aquarium is one of the oldest and the largest in the whole of Italy. 36 enormous pools are filled with more than 100 different species of fish, living in recreated environments ranging from the Amazon to the Mediterranean. There’s also a terrarium with amphibians. The aquarium’s library is one of the most important resources for marine biology and oceanic studies in Italy and is also accessible to the public. A really good option for a rainy day, or a family day out.



Cactus offers General, Individual, Combined, Intensive and Business Italian courses in Milan at a variety of levels. Also available are language and fashion design courses, and language and work experience programmes.

Learn French in Tours and visit the beautiful chateaux of the Loire Valley

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Magnificent royal castles excelling in late medieval and classic Renaissance architecture are set in the middle of breathtaking landscapes of the Loire valley. Situated a couple of hours away from Paris if you take a TGV (train à grande vitesse), Tours will invite you into the fairytale world of cultural splendour under François 1st, patron of the arts, long before the fame and glory of Versailles emerged. 

You definitely won’t find a better place to familiarise yourself with royal French history than this part of the central France situated in the department of Indre-et-Loir, between Orléans and the Atlantic Coast. So, start your discovery of the Touraine region with a guided visit of the castles: Chenonceau, Amboise, Chambord, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau are all on the programme, although over 300 castles in total were built between the 10th and the 15th century. They were added to the UNESCO world heritage sites thanks to the quality and beauty of their architecture and their historical meaning. A number of the châteaux were destroyed during the French Revolution. Each castle is an architectural masterpiece with its special character, soul and story. Chenonceau, built between 1515 and 1521 combining late Gothic and early Renaissance styles, is associated with Diane de Poitiers, mistress of Henri II. She grew attached to the castle and oversaw the planting of flower and vegetable gardens along with fruit trees on the picturesque riverside. 

In the 9th century, Tours was at the heart of the Carolingian Rebirth. Touraine was bitterly disputed between the counts of Anjou and Blois while it was a capital of France at the time of Louis XI who introduced fine silk industry. Touraine remained a permanent residence of the French kings until the 16th century. Many private mansions and castles appeared under the generic name of the Châteaux of the Loire. 

Other main sights include the cathedral of Tours, dedicated to Saint Gatien, its canonized first bishop, built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Tourists are also attracted by the beautiful Le Clos Lucé, the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, located close to the royal Château d’Amboise.

This Garden of France is also famous for its fine wine, les vins du Pays de la Loire, such as Muscadet and Gros Plant. Along the river Loire there are vineyards allowing grapes to thrive while climate is mild enough.

In 1970, the University of François Rabelais was founded. The university welcomes foreign students, including those who enjoy Erasmus exchange programmes. The city of Tours counts 140,000 inhabitants, les Tourangeaux, and they are renowned for speaking the “purest” form of French in the entire country. The pronunciation of Touraine is widely regarded as the most standard pronunciation of the French language devoid of any perceived accent that even the Parisians have.

Cactus offers General and Teacher Refresher Courses in Tours, at a variety of levels. There are currently direct flights to Tours Loire Valley Airport from London Stansted.