Clare Mount visits Paris
On Monday 24th June, 31 students and 10 staff visited the French capital on a week long residential. We stayed just outside the capital in PGL’s Chateau De Grande Romaine in the picturesque region of Lesigny.
We set off from school shortly after midnight and, after a long coach ride, arrived at the centre on Monday afternoon. We soon found that there was a heat wave happening in France and temperatures were already in the high 30’s. We spent the rest of Monday unpacking, settling into our rooms and getting some much need rest after the long journey.
Tuesday morning saw us visit the market town of Brie Comte Robert. We visited the ruins of it’s small castle and spent some time (and money) browsing the towns street market stalls. Many mini Eiffel Towers were purchased! In the afternoon we headed to Montmartre, which is the arts district of Paris. We walked to the impressive church, Sacre Couer, which stands on one of the highest points in Paris. By this time we were all very hot, so we found a café to take shelter from the sun and take on some much needed refreshment.
On Wednesday we visited Disney Land Paris. We spent the whole day in its two parks flying around rides, watching shows and hopping from one patch of shade to the next. Between the whole group, we must have managed to go on practically every ride in both parks and fun was had by all, thrill seekers and those after a more calming day alike. By the time we got back to the centre at around 8 we were all shattered and ready for and early night!
On Thursday we managed to visit the iconic Eiffel Tower. Most of the group climbed the stairs to the first floor (which is higher than it sounds) and some were brave enough to walk up to the second floor, which was quite a feat in 38 degree heat. After we made our way back down, we headed to our boat trip on the River Seine. This took us past many of the main tourist sites in Paris including The Louvre, Pont Neuf Bridge and took us past the Notre Dame Cathedral which has begun it’s restoration after the devastating fire earlier in the year.
Friday was time to pack up and, after a hearty breakfast, set off on the long coach journey home.
The trip was a resounding success and we would like to say thank you to each and every one of the students who took part for being a credit to the school and joy to spend the week with.
