The stay in Padua and Veneto marks the start of a new school year for educational stays. A week in northern Italy to soak up the local culture and practice the language, especially in the host families of Ponte San Nicolo. A stay punctuated by several stages: Padua, Venice, Vicenza and Verona. A large part is devoted to history, architectural and artistic heritage, not to mention the cuisine.
Padua, a fascinating city
After a night trip by train bunks everyone is happy to arrive at PADOVA. At the end of the morning, it is the first tour of the city. Accompanied by a guide, the group discovers: the basilica Sainte Justine, the Prato della valle and then have lunch at the restaurant. Afternoon the tour continues with the piazza delle erbe, that of the duomo and of course the St. Anthony's Basilica.
The rest of the visit is a pleasant surprise for art lovers: the Scrovegni Chapel. It is small in size but contains an extraordinary treasure. According to the museum's website, it is considered the most complete series of frescoes made by Giotto in his middle age. The various frescoes are mostly well known and depict scenes from the life of Mary, her parents, Christ (Nativity, Christ among the doctors in the Temple, the kiss of Judas…).
The visit to Padua continues on the penultimate day with a walk on the canals by traditional boat, a cooking workshop to learn how to make the famous Italian pasta and a visit to Villa Pisani.
Venice, the Serenissima, in two stages
The visit to Venice is planned over two days. The first day, on Saturday, is entirely reserved for the 58th International Art Exhibition: the Biennale. The theme for 2019 is "You are living in an interesting time." Many artists from a variety of countries exhibit their work in various locations throughout the city. Suffice to say that a day is not too much!
Second stage on Monday, this time discovering the historic city with its canals, alleys and bridges. Must-see tours: St Mark's Square and its basilica, the bell camp, then the Rialto Bridge and its neighbourhood. It is also an opportunity to discover the local bus: the vaporetto.
Vicenza, Citadel and Verona
These three other cities in Veneto provide a more complete view of this region of northeastern Italy. VICENCE is renowned for its Palladian architecture. As such, it was recognized as a "historical and cultural heritage" by UNESCO in 1994. After a walk in the city, a stop is required at the Olympic Theatre. The afternoon is reserved for an excursion to CITADELLA, a walled city: visit the city and walk on the ramparts. Finally, last and not least: VERONE; stroll through the city: piazza Bra, amphitheatre, piazza Erbe, Castelvecchio, San Zeno church. But, no way to leave the city without a look on Juliet's balcony.
A beautiful Italian week that ends with a stopover in Paris at the Centre Pompidou. Then it's the return to Angoulême, his head filled with a thousand images.