Paris Trip 2023

This year’s trip to Paris was particularly special after 3 years missed due to Covid. Despite some delays at Dover, the students were wonderful throughout the journey, and we were soon settled into our rooms at the PGL Château de Grande Romaine, 20 miles to the east of Paris. 

After a good sleep and a late breakfast, we set off to Paris on the Saturday morning with our PGL tour guide, Francesca, who told us all about the sights we drove past on our way to the Eiffel Tower. We climbed the 674 steps to the second floor and enjoyed the wonderful views over Paris, then we had lunch in the sunshine before taking a leisurely boat trip along the River Seine. Next up was a walk to Trocadero for more views and photos, then a coach tour of Paris, taking in the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Champs Élysées and the Louvre. The students responded enthusiastically to Francesca’s commentary and questions. After dinner, we all enjoyed a team water balloon challenge, and some students made the most of the floodlit sports pitches before bed. 

On Sunday, we started with a Palm Sunday service of prayers and readings, and we were delighted that our coach driver, Kevin, joined us for this. Despite the drizzle, we had a lovely morning in the nearby market town of Brie Comte Robert, buying souvenirs and completing the town trail. In the afternoon, we drove back into Paris and walked up to Montmartre where we had some free time to visit the Sacré Coeur cathedral and the shops and cafés. After a dinner which included snails for the brave, we made crêpes and had a quiz. We also celebrated Curtis’ birthday with a cake. 

Our final day, Monday, was spent at Disneyland in the sunshine. We were lucky to have tickets for both parks and enjoyed all the rides and the parade before a long, overnight journey home. 

I would like to thank the staff who gave up the start of their holiday so generously to accompany the trip: Mrs Taylor, Mrs Gay, Mr Bowen, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Davies. They all worked hard to keep everyone safe and happy, and I know the students enjoyed their company. 

Secondly, I would like to thank the students who responded so positively to every aspect of the trip and tried hard to use their French. They were fantastic ambassadors for the school.

Mrs Bell
Assistant Principal