This past spring break, a group of 31 students and 5 staff members to Paris, France.
An unforgettable trip to Paris for 8 days. The entire group took it upon themselves, along with their French speaking abilities to travel to the place they have been studying about. They had 8 full days of planned experiences and activities, from seeing historical landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, to trying authentic French foods. Although their itinerary was fairly packed, the students were given periods where they were given the chance to go wherever they wanted to go.
The trip began with the whole group making their way from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and hopping on an 11 hour flight to Paris, France. On the first day, the students went on a tour in Montmartre, bussed to the Latin quarter, known for its student life and atmosphere, where they got lunch and time for themselves to walk around and explore. Later, the group took to Gladines Saint-Germain at 5 PM to get dinner, and concluded the day by checking into their hotel, Le Latio Bastille.
“The first day was fun but exhausting since none of us really got any sleep on the flight” says Freshman Jamie Kitts “Most of us just stayed up watching movies”
The next day, the chaperones and students enjoyed a complimentary breakfast at the hotel which was provided each day of their trip. After breakfast, they enjoyed a guided city bus tour of “the city of love”. Prior to the bus tour, the students were able to go get lunch and explore, this was considered their free time. After, they viewed the Grande Mosquee, which consists of beautiful praying rooms and a spacious outside garden
“I liked having breakfast everyday” says Freshman Emily Tran “because then I got to meet up with my friends and start my day off on a good note”
The next day, The group prepared to visit monuments such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
Monday, April 7, was a visit to the Fragonard Perfume Factory where students took a tour and were given an explanation about the art of how The French make their perfumes. In the afternoon, the students explored the Louvre Museum and were able to see beautiful pieces of art. One especially Famous known as The Mona Lisa. That evening, after dinner at Hippopotamus Les Halles, the group experienced the sparkling Eiffel Tower, where they went up to the top and experienced the breathtaking city views.
“[The perfume factory] was really interesting” expressed Freshman Morgan “I didn’t know that there was parts of Animals involved in making perfume”
Tuesday was solely reserved for a day trip outside of Paris, to the town of Chartres to visit the Chartres Cathedral. Following lunch and some free time to explore the area, they toured the Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley. They wrapped up the day with dinner at Flam’s Montparnasse and returned to their hotel around 8:30 PM.
On Wednesday, the students explored the Palace of Versailles and its beautiful vast gardens, a big favorite among students. The group was split to take turns, some free roaming the gardens, and some listening to a tour guide give the detailed history.
After enjoying lunch and a large amount free time in the town of Versailles, the group headed back to Paris for dinner at Sacré Frenchy. To end the day, students and chaperones hopped on an evening boat ride along the Seine where they got to see the Eiffel Tower once more.
“My favorite part of the trip was probably seeing the Palace of Versailles” Says Freshman Max Busch
Thursday was slowly paced, compared to other days. After visiting one of the oldest markets in Paris,the Marché des Enfants Rouges, students enjoyed a picnic with their selected foods at a nearby park. In the afternoon, they had free time to explore the city however they chose, many decided on shopping for souvenirs and presents to bring home. Their last dinner took place at La Tute, a restaurant that serves traditional southwestern French dishes, where they enjoyed their last taste of French culture.
Friday morning, the group headed to the airport to begin their journey home. Although they were tired, students left full of stories, photos, and memories from an unforgettable week. Looking back on the trip, chaperones and students both expressed effect that the trip had on them.
“I believe that students should take this next year,” says Sophomore Ninjin Bayasgalan when asked to reflect on the trip “the people really make the place so if you have a good group it’ll easily be enjoyable.”
