A French Adventure to Remember

This term, 41 lucky students from Years 8, 9 and 10 swapped the classroom for croissants, culture and cobbled streets on an unforgettable five-day trip to France. Staying in a beautiful former château just outside Paris, the group enjoyed sunshine, sightseeing, and a packed itinerary full of discovery, laughter, and lifelong memories.
Their Parisian adventure began with a climb — all 674 steps of the Eiffel Tower, to be exact. From the second-floor viewing deck, students were treated to panoramic views of the city, spotting landmarks like the shining dome of Sacré-Cœur and the mighty Arc de Triomphe stretching out across the skyline. The excitement was palpable — for many, this was their very first glimpse of the City of Light.
Winding through the narrow streets of Montmartre, students soaked in the artistic buzz of the district, where street performers, painters, and quirky cafés created a picture-perfect atmosphere. The group also navigated a lively French market, testing their language skills and sampling local treats as part of a cultural treasure hunt. Later, a boat cruise along the River Seine gave everyone a front-row seat to some of Paris’s most iconic sites — the gothic towers of Notre-Dame, the grandeur of the Louvre, and the bridges and boulevards that give the city its magic.
But it wasn’t all sightseeing. The trip ended with a burst of adrenaline at Parc Astérix, where roller coasters and water rides had students cheering, screaming and laughing in equal measure. Back at the château, downtime meant poolside fun, football on the lawns, and evening games that brought everyone together.
Here’s what some of the students had to say:
Judith reflected, “It was a fantastic opportunity to broaden our horizons and learn about French culture.”
Sophia enthusiastically shared, “Parc Astérix was the best experience ever!”
Albie said, “The trip was so amazing it didn’t even feel real!”
Gabriel remarked, “Such great value — we packed so much in and had loads of fun.”
From first glimpses of the Eiffel Tower to the final twists and turns of a roller-coaster ride, this trip was bursting with unforgettable moments. A huge thank you goes to the staff who made it all happen — and to the students, whose enthusiasm, curiosity and energy made the week truly special.