Sample Five Day Tour - Art (Paris)
Day 1
Depart school on executive coach. Coffee making, DVD and toilet facilities on board.
Shuttle crossing to France and a chance to visit:
Vimy Ridge - the site of a First World War battlefield, where children will visit underground tunnels, trenches and No Mans Land.
Onward journey to Paris and arrival at our accommodation. Evening meal.
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a transfer to the Musée D’Orsay for a guided tour of the Impressionist section. This museum houses the best collection of Impressionist and 19th century paintings and sculptures in the world. Alternatively, visits to the Orangerie, Picasso Museum or the Musée Rodin may be arranged.
After lunch, we will then head off to the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Sainte Chapelle. This Royal Chapel, built to house holy relics, is famous for its wonderful stained glass windows and is one of the least known treasures of Paris.
Transfer the Opéra, where there will be a guided tour of this magnificent building that was the inspiration for the play “The Phantom of the Opéra”.
Finally, we will head past the Arc de Triomphe for supper and then a cruise along the Seine in a Bateau Mouche.
Return to our accommodation.
Day 3
After our breakfast, the group will transfer to Paris for a visit to Montmartre. Here, we will visit the Sacré Coeur and, in addition, the group will walk to the Place du Tertre, where artists at work can be seen. Children may even have their portrait painted.
We will then head for Versailles and a tour of the Château of Versailles and the grounds. This is a magnificent château and previous groups have been very interested in the stories which unfold here.
Visit to a family-run crêperie in the cobbled area of Versailles. The restaurant is very old and the pupils will be able to watch the pancakes being made. Staff will have the opportunity to test their own skills too!
Transfer to Paris for an evening ascent of the Eiffel Tower/Tour Montparnasse. Pupils will have the opportunity to ascend to the top floor of the Montparnasse Tower or the Eiffel Tower on foot and this has proved to be an exciting adventure for all involved!
Following the Tower, there will be a tour of Paris by night, visiting the main areas for the children to see the lights and enjoy the atmosphere.
Day 4
Breakfast and transfer to Monet’s Gardens at Giverny where we will spend approximately two hours viewing both his house and gardens before heading for Auvers-Sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent the last few months of his life. At Auvers, we shall visit the Café Ravoux, known as the Maison Van Gogh where he died after shooting himself. We will also go past the famous church at Auvers to his grave and that of his brother Theo in the local cemetery. We will then make our way back to Paris and our hotel for supper.
Day 5
Breakfast and departure for the United Kingdom. On the return journey, the group will be able to visit the chocolaterie for any last minute chocolate!
Shuttle and picnic lunch. Arrival back at school at approximately 20:00