After the success of last year, we are happy to announce that the CIG’s 2025 Cycladic and Crete Francophone Summer School is officially underway!

This summer school consists of a three-week journey beginning in the capital, Athens, before travelling to the breathtaking islands of Paros, the famous Santorini, and the majestic Crete. Students follow a structured program led by experts in Art and Archaeology, exploring all the key archaeological sites and discoveries.

Athens offered students a taste of Greek life while introducing them to ancient Greek art and archaeology, complemented by historical and mythological contexts. Afternoons were spent revisiting course material through its tangible form—whether admiring artifacts at the National Archaeological, Benaki, or Cycladic museums, or walking among the ruins of the Acropolis and Athenian Agora.

The five nights in Athens flew by, and on the first Friday, students had an early morning start, boarding the ferry to their first island—Paros! Despite the strong gale blowing through the port, their excitement was unstoppable. They were the first to disembark, gripping their hats as they admired Parikia’s whitewashed buildings with blue accents and explored the artifacts housed in the island’s archaeological museum.

The second day on Paros was packed with adventure as students travelled to the island of Delos. They wandered through the ancient city, surrounded by fields of flowers in full bloom, marvelling at the well-preserved structures and imagining the daily lives of ancient Delian citizens, and, of course, admired the island’s famously photogenic cats, who seemed to pose at just the right spots. The day concluded with a quick stop in Mykonos, where students visited the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and the exhibit featuring the oldest-known depiction of the Trojan Horse, before heading back to Paros by boat.

The final day on Paros was a well-earned break from archaeology. Instead, students explored two modern villages. The first was Lefkes, where the impressive Church of the Holy Trinity stands tall, overlooking the sea from the mountains, alongside Paros’ oldest olive trees. The second was the beautiful port town of Naoussa, where students wandered freely through its charming streets and bustling harbour, while others embraced the opportunity to relax by the beach, soaking up the sun and the scenery.

Now, the students are seated on the ferry to Santorini, eagerly anticipating what’s next! What sights will they witness? What new artifact will captivate them? And which stunning view will leave them breathless?

Follow along in the next blog as the second half of their Cycladic island adventure unfolds!