Springtime in Paris is said to be the best time to visit, and Year 10 agree! The trip was blessed by sunshine, and we really saw the city at its very best. The 4-day trip took in a range of cultural highlights and gave a real sense of the city’s important neighbourhoods.

On day one, the students were wowed by the impressive stained-glass windows of Sainte Chapelle. We then braved the queue and were able to go inside the newly restored Notre Dame. It was a real highlight to see this historic restoration and we were lucky enough to hear the organ and singers as they performed a mass during our visit. Very special. The students then had a chance to explore the winding streets and enjoy a crepe in the Latin Quarter.

Day two was packed full of cultural experiences. We began by taking in the views from Montmartre and learning about the agricultural and artistic heritage of the area. We then walked towards Opera Garnier and took in the opulence of the building, imagining the patrons mingling on the grand staircase. The day ended with an evening visit to The Louvre.

The next day was equally busy. We begin with a stroll through Pere Lachaise Cemetery to visit the graves of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. We then took the metro to Musee D’Orsay and spent some time with the wonderful Impressionist paintings. A walk along the Seine led us towards the Eiffel Tower. Throughout the trip we had caught glimpses of the monument from different locations and angles. To be up close was so impressive. Although the students were tired, they valiantly climbed the hundreds of steps to the viewing platforms and enjoyed taking group photos as they admired the views.

Our final morning began with a metro ride to The Arc De Triomph de l’Etoile. We then strolled down the Champs Elysee and enjoyed some shopping time. The students enjoyed their final lunch choice close to Châtelet les Halles before we returned to the hotel and got on our bus to the airport.

The students were a credit to the school and demonstrated a responsible and independent attitude in this foreign city. Here are some of their reflections on the experience:

‘The Paris trip was a wonderful experience that we enjoyed to the full with all of our classmates. It was a time to bond with our friends and gain cultural knowledge whilst we savoured the beauty of Paris. Our visit included the Louvre museum and the Eiffel Tower, Saint-Chapelle and Montmartre. This trip not only provided a cultural understanding of French history, but also helped us develop our French speaking skills that will be vital for our IGCSE exams. We are very grateful of this opportunity Richmond Park School have given us.  It was an unforgettable trip!’