‘Speak it! Eat it! Draw it!’

Guthlaxton’s cosmopolitan student body once again stretched its legs at the end of March. 36 students and staff set off for a cultural visit to Paris early on the morning of Tuesday 23rd March.

Languages, Food Technology and the Art department combined to take students from Years 10 to 13 to the cultural capital of Europe. The aim was to sample both the food and the array of artistic delights on offer. In order to give the trip a truly authentic feel, Madame Dubois insisted that all communication was in French throughout the trip; even the most reticent linguist adapted to this by the end of the trip!

After a long journey, Wednesday morning started early with a visit to the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral located on a small island in the middle of the River Seine. This was followed by a brisk walk to the Louvre Art Gallery and a viewing of the world famous Mona Lisa. Lunch was taken by the Sacre Coeur with spectacular views over Paris. Following a busy day sampling the culture, the students sat down to authentic French cuisine at small restaurant in the heart of the city. The first day ended with a spectacular night time cruise along the river.

The late end to Wednesday meant a slightly slower start to Thursday. Following breakfast our party headed for the famous Pompidou Centre which houses the Museum of Modern Art. The sights were very different to those seen at the Louvre and raised a few eyebrows amongst our group! The sight of famous Picasso paintings and a couple of hours of shopping in the centre of Paris prepared us all for climbing the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower provided spectacular views over Paris. All of us accessed the very top floor of the tower and it was from here we watched the sun set over Paris. Our final full day in the city finished with a bus tour around the city which included highlights such as the Arc de Triomphe.

Friday started early with a final continental breakfast and a heartfelt goodbye to our French guides Faisal and Julian. As we sped along the French motorway to Disneyland Paris our excited group were ready for day filled with thrills, spills and splashes (from the rain only). Although it was cold, the bracing air did not dampen spirits and all of the students entered into the Disney spirit. Students could be seen sporting Mickey Mouse ears all the way back to Wigston!

As always the Guthlaxton students were true ambassadors for the college. Their exemplary behaviour earned them the highest praise from both our French hosts at the centre where we stayed and from our Coach Driver Phil. We would like to thank each and every student for making the trip to Paris 2010 an absolute delight.

Madame Dubois
Mrs Vaughan
Miss Sawyer
Mr Coles

Published on Tuesday 27th April 2010 at 09:00