A Christian Liberal Arts Extension College in French Language and Cultural Studies


The Jacques Lefevre Institute is an evangelical extension college in French language and cultural studies. A non-profit corporation in both the U.S. and France, the Institute has its own Center, called Domaine l’Estuaire, in Franceville on the Normandy coast. Working in partnership with U.S. Christian College and University French Departments, the Institute exists to help Christian college students grow in their use of the French language, in their love for French culture and people, and in their appreciation for the spiritual heritage and opportunities that exist within the francophone world.

Franceville is a small town on the Normandy coast just 2 ½ hours from Paris and 20 minutes from Caen. Cafés, shops, crêperies, bakery, butcher and grocer provide many opportunities to connect with French people and practice your French on a daily basis. The town square and kiosk host a number of activities including concerts and open-air markets.
OUR FRENCH STUDY PROGRAMS
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Chez Vous Summer! is an intensive six-week study-abroad experience for Christian College and University students.
http://chezvoussummer.com

Viking Voyage is a two-week plunge into French History, Culture and Language for Christian Highschool students.
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. . . is a 2-week study-abroad experience in France -- for Christian High School students.
What will you experience during Viking Voyage?
Over 50 hours of classroom and on-site instructional visits, including . . .
- 6 class hours of French language
- 6 class hours of French History and Culture
. . . giving a solid base for the many excursions and activities throughout the program along with . . .
- 7 days of excursions and activities in Normandy
- 2 full days of guided learning in Paris
. . . including time just to “experience” another culture or era.
History and Culture
Excursions will open new windows on French history and culture -- letting you explore many of the most interesting places in France, including of course . . .
Paris! Two days of well-organized visits will take you to nearly all of the well-known sites of the city, and then some.
Re-visit the beginnings of Paris during a Roman and Medieval Walk -- learn also the strange legend of the 1st missionary to arrive here.
And see what it really means to “live like a King” while exploring the Palace of Versailles. And not to mention the French Revolution! Napoleon! . . . and much more.
We will also connect with our spiritual forefathers in the faith through an informative Spiritual Heritage Walk covering the 1500’s and the French Reformation.
But first! In Normandy some of the sights you will explore and experience include:
Mont St. Michel - Climbing to the clouds at this architectural wonder, you will learn about the cultural, political and spiritual dimensions of France since the 9th century.
Caen - Here we jump back into the Middle Ages to visit the castle, abbeys, and tomb of William the Conqueror -- who in 1066 was truly one of history’s “mighty men” (Rev. 6:15).
Rouen - the first Viking town in Normandy, where Joan of Arc would be burned at the stake. You will be transported back in time as you walk the narrow cobble-stone streets and visit the cathedral that inspired some of Monet’s paintings.
The Bayeux Tapestry - 233 ft. long, this 1000 year old “video clip” depicts Duke William’s conquest of England in graphic detail.
D-Day Beaches - Re-live the day that changed the world. Explore the bunkers and bomb craters of Pointe du Hoc, gaze on Omaha Beach, stroll quietly through the American Cemetery . . . and more . . .

Worship and Service
Service Projects
Three days for mission Projects allow students to display the love of Christ by meeting needs in the local community or in one of the few evangelical churches of Lower Normandy.
French Worship
Daily French worship gives students the experience of communicating with God in a new cultural context.
Normal French life
In Franceville. The Jacques Lefevre Institute has its own center in Franceville -- a small town on the Normandy coast just 2½ hours from Paris and 20 minutes from Caen. Cafés, shops, crêperies, bakery, butcher and grocer provide many opportunities for you to connect with French culture.
Dates, Program Fee and Payment Information
For this info please contact us directly.
The Jacques Lefevre Institute
PO Box 448
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone/Fax: (630) 682-0308
Normandy and U.S.
Email: normandy@chezvoussummer.com
Director: Stephen Darling
Assistant Director: Pia T. M. Sonnek![]()