Living in ProvenceA month's immersion in Aix-en-Provence

Study Leaders

Charlotta Adolfsson - Travel Director
Charlotta Adolfsson, a permanent resident of Aix-en Provence, has extensive experience in the travel and hospitality industries. For the past decade, Charlotta has been expertly leading educational groups through France, South Africa, and Egypt, among many other destinations. Charlotta is fluent in Swedish, French, and English and has a working knowledge of German. A native of Uppsala, Sweden, Charlotta worked for Seabourn, one of the highest acclaimed cruise lines in the world. She also served as head receptionist in charge of conferences for the Hotel Ahus Strand and marketing manager for the Hotel and Restaurant Gastigivargarden. When she isn’t traveling the world, Charlotta enjoys gastronomy and wine, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and other forms of exercise.

Claude Blanc - History of Provence
Claude Blanc was born in Barcelonnette, France, and now resides in Marseille. He attended and received his diploma from the Institute of Political Studies in Paris, earned a law degree at the Université de Paris and studied at the Université d’Aix-Marseille earning a degree in Business Administration. Claude has over 30 years of teaching experience and has taught on both sides of the Atlantic. While in the United States he taught French Language, Literature and Civilization, Modern and Contemporary French Literature, and Modern French Literature and Politics at schools in Louisiana, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. In Aix-en-Provence, Claude taught French Literature and Civilization and the History of Provence at Vanderbilt University in France. For the last 20 years, Claude has taught French Civilization, the History of Provence and the History of Architecture at the Université d’Aix-Marseille III. When not teaching, Claude translates literary works and has participated in archaeological digs in France and Egypt.

Pamela Morton - The Art of Provence
Pamela Morton brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to your experience of Provence. She earned a Certificate in Art Restoration from the Università Internazionale dell’Arte in Florence, Italy, and a B.F.A. in Painting and Sculpture from the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California. She studied Museum Education at the John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, California, did graduate work in American Studies at the San Diego State University and attended the Université de Provence (Aix Marseille I) in Aix-en-Provence in preparation of Maîtrise in English. She has extensive experience in teaching in the U.S. and France. Pamela has conducted historic and architectural walking tours of Aix-en-Provence. She has guided visits of Aix-en-Provence, Arles, and St. Remy. She has also served as a lecturer and has guided visits on “The Provence of Cézanne and van Gogh.”

Ester Laushway - History of Wine
As a college exchange student in Germany, Ester Laushway discovered an appreciation for wine. Later, with a bachelor’s degree in French and German and a master’s degree in German studies under her belt, Ester decided pursue further education in the study of wine. She studied at the London Wine and Spirit Education and Trust and earned a Higher Certificate with distinction. She has also studied at the Université du Vin in Provence and since 2007 has been a member of the Sommelier Association of Marseille-Provence. Ester enthusiastically shares her knowledge of wine and has enjoy participating and directing wine-tasting clubs wherever she has lived. Ester, who speaks fluent English, German and French, lives in France. She writes about wine, conducts wine tours and also teaches wine introduction courses to American students.