Paris 2019 – Les Casquettes Rouges

At the end of last term, 28 pupils from Prep 6, 7 and 8 set off excitedly for Paris on a language, art and culture tour. After settling into our accommodation, the children happily discussed the following day’s programme over a typical French evening meal.

The next day, fortified by chocolat chaud and pain au chocolat for breakfast, we set off for the artist’s district of Montmartre. The steep climb up to the Sacré Coeur Basilica afforded some great photo opportunities and views of the city below. Then it was on to soak up the atmosphere of the quaint streets and bustling squares of the area. The children picked up some lovely souvenirs and one of our number even sat for his portrait! After lunch we reached the Pompidou centre. Riding the building’s external escalators proved almost as much fun as trying to work out what the modern paintings were supposed to represent! Fortunately, we has Mrs E on hand for commentary and to steer us around the artists the children have been studying this year. We ended a fabulous day by enjoying the 360 degree views from the top of Paris’s only skyscraper, the Tour Montparnasse.

Wonderful weather continued the next day and gave the pupils the perfect opportunity to get sketching in the Tuileries garden before heading in to the Louvre. We were all delighted to see the Mona Lisa and overwhelmed by the wealth of art from every continent. Many selfies later we headed for lunch and the Musée d’Orsay. Mrs E expertly guided us round and the children were able to make some more sketches. The day concluded with a guided tour of the Île de la Cité, enjoying a view of Notre Dame (just before its devastating fire) and many fascinating historical facts.

Our final day took us to the stunning Chateau de Versailles. More glorious weather meant that after a look around the sumptuous Chateau we could head into the gardens for sketching, ice creams, crêpes and a few games of tag. A wonderful end to a fantastic trip.