Remove French students tour and stay in French capital
A group of 28 Remove French students travelled to Paris during half term for a four-day stay in the French capital.
On arrival, the group headed straight to the Seine for a boat trip and managed to spot many iconic buildings as the boat meandered along the Seine. One of the more interesting views was of the now burnt-out Notre Dame Cathedral and their French animateur talked them through the history and symbolism of the architectural masterpiece. Later that afternoon, there were photo opportunities at the Trocadero and students spent the evening settling into their accommodation.
The next day, students used their French speaking skills to purchase and barter at Versailles market and returned with typical French goodies, including saucisson, a selection of French cheeses, olives and garlic (which were consumed that evening at dinner). Later on, they visited Louis XIV’s Chateau de Versailles, created by the ‘Roi Soleil’, who wanted to reflect the splendour of France to the rest of the world. Later that day, they went up the Montparnasse Tower and enjoyed seeing the sights of all the famous monuments from the viewing platform on floor 56. They then returned to their accommodation for a snail tasting session, dinner and a Paris quiz.
Day three was devoted to art, as the students visited both the Louvre and the Pompidou Centre. Tours were led by their animateur in French and students had the chance to hone their listening skills, whilst learning about key pieces, such as La Jaconde, Venus de Milo and the Egyptian artefacts. Students took photographs of their favourite modern art pieces from the Pompidou and shared their opinions with the group and teachers on the bus back to the accommodation. They also managed to ascend the steps to the Sacre Coeur in the afternoon and then had free time to wander around (and eat crêpes) in Montmartre.
On the final day, they stopped off at the huge hypermarket Auchan in Boulogne and indulged in French delicacies before heading to the Eurotunnel terminal.
“It was a very successful, jam-packed trip, and students improved their speaking and listening skills and came away with increased confidence and cultural awareness,” Grace Butler, Head of French.
