Discover Paris under a new light

Learn French as you explore the City of Light

When Australia was discovered by Captain Cook and French explorer La Pérouse, the kingdom of France was about to close on a glorious era known as the Age of Enlightenment (Siècle des Lumières). It is this exciting period of France’s history that French Moments has chosen as its theme for its seven day Intensive Course in Paris that has just launched for July 2014.

The Age of Enlightenment was a cultural movement of intellectuals which covers the period from the end of the 17th century to the French Revolution and had a great influence on Paris. The reigns of Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI saw many transformations that have deeply marked the city’s skyline. From rococo to neoclassicism, the Age of Enlightenment gave Paris some of its most famous monuments and squares including the Hôtel des Invalides, Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, Saint-Sulpice Church, and the Panthéon, to name but a few.

Paris developed westwards along la Voie Triomphale (Historical Axis), and the south bank district around Saint-Germain-des-Prés, outshining the aristocratic Marais district.
This evolution was closely linked to the change in taste towards art and architecture. Bold ideas were canvassed in the salons of Paris by great philosophers such as Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot and those who believed that they were coming out of darkness and ignorance into a new era enlightened by reason, science, and a respect for humanity.

French Moments’ owner Pierre Guernier explains: “In 2014, we wanted to come up with an exciting theme for our seven day course in Paris. After selecting a few ideas that really interested us, we were naturally drawn to the Age of Enlightenment and realised what a great angle it could bring to our course: enlightenment refers to light and fits perfectly with learning French in the City of Light!”

As a centre of bright ideas and source of inspiration during the Age of Enlightenment, Paris proved itself to the world as the City of Light. This famous nickname (known by the French as Ville Lumière) was well earned when the capital became the first city in Europe to light its streets with gas lamps in 1828.

A sunset stroll along the banks of the Seine is one of Pierre and wife Rachel’s favourite walks. As night falls, the iconic monuments of Paris come to life. The architectural details of the Louvre are highlighted with well designed lighting while the nearby Tuileries Garden is plunged in darkness. Further West, the impressive Place de la Concorde opens on to the world’s most prestigious street: the Champs-Élysées. From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, one can marvel at the constant procession of cars, one line white and the other red, punctuated by multi-coloured traffic lights.

French Moments’ Intensive Course in Paris will offer an unforgettable seven day adventure in the City of Light with 15 hours of French language teaching spread across the mornings in a stylish venue near the Champs-Élysées and a wide array of exciting activities and excursions in the afternoons. Pierre is very excited about the programme: “There will be a cooking workshop, degustation lunches in gastronomic restaurants, a private tour of Versailles Palace, a treasure hunt in the streets of Paris as well as a French etiquette workshop, chocolate tasting and more surprises linked to the chosen theme.” French Moments is known for its emphasis on French culture and its dedication to quality and style… this is a course you want to be a part of!

Properties in Paris.

• For more information on the Paris course or their other locations in 2014, visit www.frenchmoments.com