Nice
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Stroll the boardwalk along Lake Geneva before swaying to the sounds of Marshall’s 12.0 Jazz Ensemble as they perform in the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival. Savor the wine and cuisine of Lyon among spectacular Roman ruins. Indulge your senses amid the boutiques and museums of Provence. Sunbathe near the sun-drenched Mediterranean Sea of the French Riviera.
Lyon
Lyon is the capital of the Rhône department as well as the seat of the Rhônes et Alpes Region, both named for the majestic river flowing from north to south through the area. The Romans understood the strategic position of the settlement, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers and made it an important metropolis over 2000 years ago, known as Lugdunum, capital of the Gauls. In Roman times, the city was the communication hub of the area and the starting point of all roads leading into Gaul. Today, Lyon is an international metropolis, France’s second largest city, offering visitors the opportunity to journey back in time: from Gallo-Roman civilization, to the adventures of the silk and textile trade, the original cinematography inventions and the WWII resistance movement. UNESCO has recognized the exceptional nature of Lyon, in naming it a World Heritage Site that should be protected for its outstanding value to humanity. Lyon bears exceptional testimony to the continuity of urban settlement over more than two millennia on a site of great commercial and strategic significance. Throughout the centuries, numerous renowned architects have embellished the city including Soufflot, Mansart, Tony Garnier, Bossan, Delfante, Nouvel, Calatrava, Botta, Buren, Piano. . .
Your walking tour will include the historic St. Jean district of the city, noted for the narrow passageways (traboules) through buildings linking streets either side, as well as some of the trompe l’oeil for which the city is known, the St. Jean Cathedral dating from the Romanesque to the Gothic period, and Fourvière Hill where you will find ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, the Gallo-Roman Archaeological Museum, and the Baroque Fourvière Basilica.
Arles
Arles was established by the Greeks as early as the 6th century BC under the name of Theline. It was captured by the Celtic Salluvii in 535 BC, who renamed it to Arelate. The Romans took the town in 123 BC and expanded it into an important city, with a canal link to the Mediterranean Sea being constructed in 104 BC. Roman Arelate was a city of considerable importance in the province of Gallia Narbonensis. It covered an area of some 99 acres and possessed a wide array of monuments, including an amphitheatre, triumphal arch, Roman circus, theatre and a full circuit of walls. It was closer to the sea than it is now and served as a major port. Arles became renowned as a cultural and religious centre during the late Roman Empire. It became a favorite city of Emperor Constantine I who embellished it with additional monuments. Political and religious tension during the Visigothic reign lead to a certain decline in the face of barbarian invasions. However, Arles remained a great religious centre and host of church council and rival of Vienne, for hundreds of years.
The modern city of Arles has been shaped by her long and glorious history. The city’s Roman structures survive as some of the best-preserved in the world, most notably the Colosseum and the Theatre. In addition, the town offers visitors the charm of a typical Provençal town. The town and her inhabitants work hard to preserve the Provençale music, dance, costume, and language. The visitor has the sense that this is not done to attract tourism but is a pure manifestation of a love for tradition. The many festivals held throughout the year and the bull fights held in the Colosseum, allow visitors to experience first-hand these traditions.
Your walking tour of Arles will include the Roman Colosseum and Theatre, and the magnificent Romanesque St. Tromphime Church with its exceptional west portal, presenting the story of the Apocalypse. Your tour will also include sites associated with Vincent Van Gogh who lived here toward the end of his life. He was fascinated by the Provençal landscapes, producing over 300 paintings and drawings during his time in Arles, many became his most famous works. Although none of these works remained in Arles, you will see the sites made famous by his works and position yourself exactly where the artist stood.
Nice
Nice was probably founded around 350 BC by the Greeks of Massilia (Marseille), and was given the name of Νικαία ("Nikaia") in honour of a victory over the neighboring Ligurians (Nike is the Greek goddess of victory). The city soon became one of the busiest trading ports on the Ligurian coast. Through the centuries, the city allied itself with various dukes and kings. It was part of the Duchy of Savoy until a treaty of 1860 ceded the city to France. Due to its exceptional Mediterranean climate, the city has been for centuries, a favorite spot of aristocracy from around the world. They enhanced the parks surrounding their palaces, importing trees and plans from distant lands. The mild climate allowed the vegetation to flourish, creating an amazing landscape of rare species. The mild climate continues to attract visitors. Nice is the second most important city in France for tourism after Paris.
The aristocracy living in Nice brought with them an appreciation for art and culture. They had the means to procure great art, much of which has since found its way to the many excellent museums located in the city: Marc Chagall Biblical Message Museum, Asian Arts Museum, Museum of Art & History, Museum of Medern & Contemporary Art, Anatole Jakovsky Museum of Naïve Art, Fine Arts Museum, the Palais Lascaris, and the Matisse Museum.
You will have a guided tour of the Matisse Museum. This completely renovated 17th-century Genoan-style villa, located in the heart of the olive groves of the Gardens of Cimiez, houses the personal collection of the great Fauvist painter who lived in Nice from 1917 until his death in 1954. Works from all periods of his life offer a comprehensive panorama: from the first paintings made in 1890 to the famous gouache cutouts, 236 drawings, 218 engravings and the complete presentation of the books illustrated by the artist.
How to Register for Jazz in July
Please send an email to Melanie Griffis at griffism@marshall.edu to request a printed itinerary and package description by mail for Jazz in July. You may also print a pdf of the itinerary and registration form on this site. We will respond promptly to your inquiries as we receive them at the College of Fine Arts, Marshall University, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington WV 25755. If you wish to make your inquiries by phone, please contact Melanie Griffis at 304-696-3686
Frequently Asked Travel Questions
Why would I want to travel with Marshall University’s College of Fine Arts?
The COFA travel program offers a unique lens through which to view the world. Accompanied by COFA faculty, traveling as friend, resource, and interpreter of travel, this trip, and others to follow offer alumni and friends opportunities to see the world from the viewpoint of the arts in our history and society. Travelers meet MU alumni, faculty, administration and students.
Do I have to be an Alumnus/Parent to travel with COFA?
While this program is designed for alumni of the university and their parents, this program is open to family and friends who wish to experience cultural travel.
Can I bring my family on this trip?
Please call our office to discuss the itinerary to determine if this trip is appropriate for children under 14 years of age.
What are your physical and /or health requirements?
All participants must be in good health to enjoy the COFA travel program. Any condition that requires special medical attention or assistance must be reported at the time a reservation is made. The travel itinerary on our website gives specific information about the rigors of our trip. It does involve some walking, often on uneven surfaces or climbing stairs. Participants can “opt-out” of any excursion. If you have concerns about your ability to participate, please feel free to call us. We recommend you check with Cultural Tours, your physician, or other health resources to determine if there are specific health recommendations for this trip.
How large will the travel group be?
This trip is limited to 40 participants. The jazz ensemble will be on a parallel trip that includes up to 40 students and faculty.
Is airfare included in the price of the trip?
Yes. The Jazz in July tour includes airfare from Cincinnati, Ohio. There are limited land only options available through our tour operator.
Wouldn’t it be cheaper to plan the trip on my own?
Your own planning might or might not be less costly, depending on how you plan and what you choose to include. Traveling with COFA offers benefits that individuals could not reasonably receive on their own. We are offering top quality accommodations, with some meals included. Through our quality in-country guides and faculty, we provide insight into the country, the music, and the attractions that would not otherwise be available if traveling alone. Moreover, we look after the details so that you can relax and enjoy sharing this travel experience with like-minded companions.
What about travel and health insurance?
We strongly encourage you to subscribe to optional baggage and trip cancellation insurance. Explore cancellation insurance, which will cover you both in the event that you need to cancel and in the event of a political crisis, or natural disaster that causes the trip to be cancelled for your safety. We do not offer trip insurance directly, but recommend that you contact our tour provider, your personal travel agent, or check online for travel coverage at www.tripinsurancestore.com and /or www.americanexpress.com
Other insurance considerations:
Check with your health insurance provider regarding deductibles or co-payments that may apply outside most plan service areas.
Travel insurance limits your claims for certain personal belongings. You may also wish to have a special rider on your homeowner’s policy to cover jewelry, electronics, etc.
Is it possible that this trip could be cancelled?
Marshall University’s College of Fine Arts will cancel its endorsement of and student, faculty, and staff participation in any program destination for which the U.S. Department of State issues a Travel Warning. Vendor Terms of Agreement (our contract with the tour operator) will specify under what circumstances the vendor will cancel a program and/or under what circumstances participants might receive some reimbursement if they cancel their travel with the operator on this program. COFA strongly recommends that you purchase trip cancellation insurance, which might include appropriate coverage to protect non-refundable costs in such an eventuality. Another source of useful information is the Trip Insurance Store at www.tripinsurancestore.com or (888) 407-3854.
Travel Information and Resources
Airport Safety and Security
Please check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website prior to travel to ensure that you comply with the most recent rules about airline safety. As of August 30, 2006, the TSA recommends that domestic passengers arrive two hours prior to flight. International passengers are encouraged to allow additional time and to check with the air carrier.
Showing Identification
Try to always have your passport easily accessible, yet protect it against theft. Be prepared to show your passport when presenting your airline tickets/receiving boarding passes, entering departure gates, going through passport control, when boarding flights, etc.
Carry-on Luggage
To expedite the screening process, please pack all liquids and gels - including shampoo, toothpaste, perfume, hair gel, sunscreen and all other items with similar consistency in your checked baggage. Check with your airline to find out its regulations for what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on bags. Do not put any sharp objects like nail scissors, razors, or pocket knives in your carry-on. Such items may be considered a threat to safety and could be taken away from you. Pack them in your checked baggage instead.
Accepting Things from Others
Under no circumstances, should you ever take anything from, or hold anything for, anyone who asks you to do so. If anyone does ask you, simply say "no" and walk away. Do not be afraid to say "no" to family and friends. You need to think about the potential consequences before you hold anything for anyone.
Watching Your Bags
Your bags should be in your sight at the airport up to the point when you check them at the airline counter. Once you have picked up your bags from baggage claim, and are on your way to customs, be sure to keep a close eye on all of your luggage so that no one but you has access to it.
Random Baggage Searches
If you are stopped and asked to open your luggage, cooperate with the customs officials. Customs officials often conduct random baggage searches; just because your luggage is searched does not mean you have done something wrong.
Body Searches
Airport security officials may conduct random body searches using an electronic device they wave over you. In some cases, a security official of the same sex as you may conduct a body search using his or her hands, and/or ask you to remove your shoes for inspection.
Distractions
Airports are full of people carrying cash, travelers’ checks, credit cards, passports and other valuable documents. Therefore, airports tend to be an active place for thieves. While your attention is focused on checking in, boarding, getting your bags, finding a restroom, etc., you can become an easy target for theft. Be alert to anyone who suspiciously tries to distract you by asking directions, knocking over your coffee, reaching under a bathroom stall, etc.
Packing
Check the expected weather online ahead of time and pack as lightly as you possibly can! Excess baggage is just that—excess baggage, and these days it results in extra charges for travelers!
Bring comfortable clothing and, most especially, comfortable shoes.
Layers work well for changing climates instead of heavy outerwear.
Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, poncho, or umbrella.
Dress is casual, unless otherwise specified. You may wish to dress up a bit more for the Welcome and Farewell activities, although it is not necessary.
Passport and Other Documents
Make sure your passport does not expire prior to six months after the return date of your trip. If you need to apply for or renew a passport, allow a minimum of 8 weeks prior to departure. For more information on applying for a passport for the first time, see http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_832.html For more information on renewing a current or expired passport, refer to http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/renew/renew_833.html
Passports and other documents should be carried with you, secure yet readily accessible at customs. The same goes for money, credit cards, and traveler’s checks. Consider purchasing a small travel pack that may be worn underneath your clothing. Leave a photocopy of your passport ID page with your belongings in a different location from your actual passport, and leave a copy with someone else who has access to a fax machine. Likewise, make a copy of both sides of your credit cards and store in a secure location from your actual credit cards.
Personal Safety & Security
For more information, see the tips for being a guest in a foreign country on the U.S. State Department Website http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/tips/66873.htm
Telephoning
Phoning home from a foreign country can be a complicated process. Calling collect is always an option, but usually quite expensive. Almost all of the U.S. long-distance telephone companies have access codes for each country. It is highly recommended to obtain the access code of your long distance company before going abroad, as it is very difficult to find this out while there. These numbers will connect you directly to an English-speaking operator and will be charged to your calling card. In some cases, the charge can also go on a credit card. Specific information about calling cards can be obtained by calling your long distance carrier. Be sure to compare calling card rates; companies are interested in being competitive and will usually negotiate prices.
Pre-paid calling cards purchased in the U.S. may not work in some countries, so check with the provider if you are interested in using pre-paid services. In many destinations, pre-paid international calling cards may be purchased for a reasonable price. Check with the host from your tour operating company who meets you at the airport for more information.
Most U.S. based cell phones do not yet have international access, although some are available. Check on options for cell phone service at your destination with your cell phone provider before departure.