At the end of September, our Year 10 and 11 students took part in a four-day trip to Paris, combining French language learning with culture, history, and plenty of fun.

Our journey began early with a coach ride to Dover and a smooth ferry crossing to Calais completed with a meal voucher to keep us going! Our first stop was a traditional sweet factory in Cambrai, where we watched (and tasted!) handmade sweets before continuing to our hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Day 2 brought a mix of sport, art, and adventure. After breakfast and a short French lesson, we toured the Stade de France, stepping through the players’ tunnel and even spotting Zidane’s locker. A picnic at the park and a visit to Montmartre followed, students climbed to the Sacré Coeur and then visited the artistic buzz of Place du Tertre where some pupils even had portraits drawn by local artists! The day ended in spectacular fashion with dinner near the Arc de Triomphe and a nighttime climb to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, where students experienced breathtaking views of Paris illuminated at night, a truly memorable moment of the trip.

Day 3 took us to Versailles, exploring the market and the magnificent Château, followed by some shopping and dinner at a traditional crêperie. The evening’s Seine River cruise and Paris-by-night tour gave everyone an amazing view of the city lights.

On our final day, we visited Vimy Ridge, an important and moving historical site.

The Paris trip was a wonderful opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in French culture and language and creating lasting memories.

Merci, Paris et à très bientôt!