The landmarks, culture and cuisine of Paris, along with the thrills of Parc Asterix, entertained Second Year pupils during a very busy and varied half term trip. Modern Languages teacher, Mrs Baines, wrote this report:  

The first stop on our journey down to Paris was Canadian First World War Memorial Vimy Ridge, where pupils walked through the reconstructed trenches for a taste of the challenges faced by Canadian soldiers during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917. Mr Lambert and Mr Perham set the context with informative talks on the significance of the Canadians’ capture of the ridge to the Allied advances in northern France.

Time for a quick lunch, then the 47 pupils and six staff set off again for our base during the trip, the Chateau Grande Romaine just south of Paris. We arrived in good time for an early and refreshing dip in the outdoor pool before the evening activities began.

Tuesday morning found us in the small market town of Brie Comte Robert. Following the town trail led us into the market square where the opportunity to try local baguettes, cakes and crepes proved irresistible. Our afternoon was spent at the beautiful Château Vaux le Vicomte whose relaxing gardens never fail impress.

On Wednesday we visited Parc Asterix where seven roller coasters, six water rides, a dolphin show and a Roman soldier vs slaves modern dance off battle in the theatre amused staff and pupils alike.

Thursday was our full day in Paris, beginning with an awe-inspiring visit to the top of the skyscraping Montparnasse Tower. We counted the 46 seconds it took us to reach the top, where the stunning panoramic views of Paris are best appreciated from the glass-walled viewing deck 56 floors up.

After descending, we cruised along the Seine on the open-topped bateaux mouches, passing the Louvre and Notre Dame before lunching beside the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards we headed around the Arc de Triomphe and up to Sacré Coeur, where the afternoon was spent in Montmartre and the pupils were able to get a caricature or sample more French cuisine.

My thanks go to Mrs Haldane, Miss Young, Mr Lambert, Mr Perham and Mrs Kennedy for accompanying the trip this year and making it so enjoyable for us all.

Mrs Baines June 2019