Paris 2023

As the Spring half term approached, over 100 students and staff got their final preparations in order, to depart for Paris and indulge in some French culture and cuisine. Setting off at the crack of dawn on Saturday 11th February, the group crossed the Channel from Dover to Calais. A delicious dinner of poulet et fries satisfied stomachs before they checked into their accommodation on the outskirts of the city.

On their first full day, students explored the Louvre Museum, catching sight of Egyptian antiquities, the crown jewels and one of the most valuable paintings in the world, the Mona Lisa! Naturally, Eddie’s highlight came later, admiring his hero, Winston Churchill, at the Petit Palais.

MFL Teacher, Caroline Seymeyn, reported back on the Sunday, “What a day we have had! We have packed so much in, and students have soaked up so much of what Paris has to offer. We took part in a treasure hunt tour of the city, starting at the Louvre and ending at the magical Eiffel Tower. Students were able to tackle challenges and identify important sites around the city.”

Caroline continued, “We watched the sun set over the city with one Year 11 student describing the evening as ‘magnificent’. We then had a lovely three course dinner and celebrated Noah’s 15th birthday. With an average of 18,000 steps, we have covered a lot of ground! Lots of smiles and happy students which was wonderful to see.”

The following day the Parisian party embarked on an action-packed adventure at Disneyland, where students were organised into small groups with a member of staff to manoeuvre the large park. Everyone was able to enjoy the characters, legendary castle, manicured lawns, and a fantastic parade. For the thrill seekers, Space Mountain proved popular, as did the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. “A beautiful day in Disneyland Paris!” enthused Deputy Head, Eddie Falshaw in the Spring sunshine.

On none other than Valentine’s Day, after the group’s last breakfast in the city of love, students enjoyed the romantic view across Paris from Montmartre and the dulcet tones of buskers around Sacre Coeur. Before saying their goodbyes, some adorned the fences with their own padlocks, leaving a piece of their heart in Paris.