Paris is renowned for its wide variety of both curriculum-led and cultural excursions for school tours. For 2016 we have introduced a number of new options and you can see these below in the 'Historic Paris' and 'Paris Fun' sections.
Sample excursions
Great excursions for school trips to Paris
Cross Curriculum Excursions
© Artur Staszewski
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was created as the centrepiece of the Paris’ Exposition Universelle in 1889 and remains the most famous symbol of the city to this day. You can take your party to the top of the tower by lift but some people may prefer the challenge of climbing the 704 steps! Every floor of the iconic tower offers stunning views of the French capital and no visit to Paris would be complete without a tour of the tower.
© Citizen59
Montparnasse Tower
Often overlooked due to the prominence of its more famous neighbour, the Montparnasse Tower is arguably the best viewing platform in the city. From here you get amazing 360 degree vistas that include the Eiffel Tower (which of course, you cannot see when you're up it!). Go at dusk and watch the city sparkle into life.
© Martyn Davis
Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
The Arc de Triomphe was built to honour servicemen and woman who fought for France in the Napoleonic Wars. Underneath the arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, to remind visitors of the soldiers who anonymously died in battle during the Great War. After visiting the arc many tourists stroll down the famous Champs-Élysées to experience Parisian style and culture.
© Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
Île de la Cité
With an identity of its own as an island in the middle of the river Seine, this is where the city was founded nearly 2000 years ago. The Île de la Cité's most famous landmark is Notre Dame cathedral, but from here you can easily access the South bank for its bohemian student quarter, or cross the famous Pont Neuf to the North bank and the commercial district.
© Raiko Radiuk
Parc de la Villette
The park is one of the largest in the city and a visit to the Discovery rooms allow hands-on experiments to create an inspiring combination of entertainment and education. Closed Mondays.
© David Merrett
Bateaux Mouche River Trip
The most famous of Parisien river cruises, the Bateaux Mouche are an absolute must to see the city in all its glory…so much so that a trip is included in your overall tour price!
Free Excursions for students (fees apply for teachers)
© Dennis Jarvis
Louvre
Once home to the French Royal family (before Louis XIV moved the headquarters to Versailles), the Louvre is now one of the largest art museums in the world and certainly the most visited. It houses pieces from ancient history right through to the nineteenth century and boasts such famous works as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The collection is divided into eight departments so a visit to the museum should be well-planned in order to get the most out of it.
© C.K. Koay
Musée d’Orsay
Should the Louvre prove to be too hectic, The Musée d'Orsay is an excellent alternative with a phenomneal collection of more contemporary art works. French giants such as Monet, Renoir and Cezanne have multiple works on display. Closed Mondays.
© JeanbaptisteM
Pompidou Centre
The Centre Pompidou houses the National Museum for Modern Art, a vast public library and a centre for music and acoustic research. It has the biggest collection of Modern Art in Europe and has received over 150 million guests since it opened in 1977. Modern art, scientific exhibitions, working models, not to mention the building itself, combine to create a vivid experience.
© Claude Valette
Musée Picasso
Pablo Picasso, the founder of Cubism and regarded widely as the most influencial of 20th century artists, spent a large period of his life and career in France and this museum is dedicated to his work. His painting, 'Les Femmes d'Alger' sold in May 2015 for a world record price of £115 million!
© Dennis Jarvis
Versailles
Now swallowed up under the expansion of the city of Paris, the Palais de Versailles was originally built a long way from the city and has long been considered one of the worlds finest architectural masterpieces. To do the palace justice you will need a minimum half day to explore its vast number of rooms, galleries, the Hall of Mirrors and magnificent gardens.
Pre-booking required for school groups – 2 months in advance. Closed Mondays.
Totally free Excursions
© Juanedc
Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur
Montmartre is the name of the hill, which boasts the highest point in Paris at a height of 129 metres, and gives its name to the surrounding area in the 18th arrondissement. It has been known as the red-light district, an artist's hangout and the site at which one of Paris' more famous and spectacular landmarks, the Sacré-Coeur was built. Go and see the famous artists’ square, Place de Tertre, the Espace Savlador Dalí with its collection of artists’ sculptures and illustrations, and don’t miss the beautiful white Sacré-Coeur, a Roman Catholic basilica dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus.
Champs-Élysées
Whether hosting the conclusion of the Tour de France, the Lord Mayors parade or the military parade on Bastille day, this world-famous boulevard is deeply seated in the psyche of the French nation. Its symbolic importance is juxtaposed by the height of decadent commercialism that lines the 2km long retail mecca. Gaze into the window of the Louis Vuitton headquarters to see how the other half live.
Passages Couvert
From the Galleries Lafayette to the Champs-Élysées, Paris is a shoppers dream. If your looking for something a little different why not explore one of the Passages Couvert, a series of beautiful ornamental arcades housing boutiques, boulangeries and cafes.
'Lutèce' - Historic Paris Excursions
Paris Story
If it's raining (and it often can in spring!) why not take your students to see a fabulous film about the history of Paris? The hour-long show is very entertaining and reveals all kinds of hidden secrets about the city you wont find in any guide book.
La Conciergerie
Sited on the Île de la Cité not far from Notre Dame, the Conciergerie is one of the most historic buildings in Paris. The key period in France's history has to be the revolution. Here, your students can learn how this building, a former royal place, was used as a prison to hold enemies of the King before they were executed by guillotine.
© aventurieresdeparis
Arènes de Lutèce
Students of history, in particular the Roman Empire, will be aware that the Roman name for France was 'Lutetia'. The territory was a very important strategic part of the empire and the Romans had a large settlement in what is now modern day Paris. Evidence of this can be seen at this amphitheatre.
Notre-Dame
Along with the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame is top of every visitors list. A French Gothic marvel, it has inspired artists and authors for generations and is quintessentially Paris in its form and location. Free to enter, queues can be long but it rarely takes more than 30 minutes before you are inside.
Crypte Archéologique
Just in front of Notre-Dame cathedral you will find a very interesting subterranean museum, La Crypte archéologique. Here your students can get a real sense of how the city has developed over the centuries.
Musée de l'Armée
A school trip to the National Army Museum will vividly inform students of the long and potted history of the French at war. Located at Les Invalides, if you have European history anywhere on the curriculum this is well worth a morning of your time.
Carnavalet Museum
Combining two very grand mansions, Hôtel Carnavalet and the former Hôtel Le Peletier, this museum is a treat for the eyes in terms of architecture and some lovely gardens. The contents focus on the history of Paris and its development, including the late 19th Century re-design by Baron Haussmann.
© Benh LIEU SONG
Arc de Triomphe
Symbol of power and empire, the Arc de Triomphe sits atop the Champs-Élysées and not only celebrates French military victories but commemorates the fallen. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I can be found underground below it. Place Charles de Gaulle is one of the busiest traffic junctions in France if not the world so be sure to use the subway!
Paris Fun
Cité des Sciences
The biggest science museum in Europe truly is colossal! A day could easily be spent here if your students are studying scientific subjects.
Egouts de Paris
A surprisingly popular attraction, the sewers reveal a lot more than one would first imagine about the history of Paris and its residents.
Muséum national d'histoire naturelle
From giant dinosaur skeletons through to the Jardin des Plantes, this is an extensive Natural History museum well worth a visit.
HintHunt
HintHunt, the very first Escape game in Paris, is a new, simple and fun game designed for small groups of 3-5 people. You get 60 minutes to solve a mountain of puzzles and mysteries in a tiny room. The goal is simple yet challenging: get out in time! Or else ... you could be trapped inside forever! Your logic and team work skills will be tested during this engaging and challenging game.
Catacombes de Paris
Another very popular attraction in the south of the city, the catacoombs hold the bones of in the region of 6 million people, hence the nickname 'The worlds largest grave'.
Aquaboulevard
France’s largest waterpark features slides, waves machines and a wide selection of different swimming pools.
© PSGMAG.NET
Stade de France
Sport is a signifcant part of French culture and the Stade de France is it's most important sporting venue. Take a school tour around the stadium and learn about some of France's greatest sporting achievements, including winning the Football World Cup on home soil in 1998.
© David Jafra
Parc Asterix
Within easy reach of Paris, the Parc Asterix provides student groups with brilliant day trips from April through to October each year. There are over fifty rides and attractions, live entertainment, arts and special effects, so you're sure to remain well-entertained!
© David Jafra
Disneyland Resort Paris
Picture a land where the wonderful world of Disney comes alive. Imagine Disneyland Park where make-believe is real. And Walt Disney Studios Park, where the magic of Disney meets the magic of cinema.
Have you ever imagined taking your school party on a school tour to Paris that takes in Disney too? Voyager School Travel can make the dream real ...
For a full description, click here
Sample tour
Classic Paris Itinerary – 4 days
This is a sample tour you can add to or change. Please contact us for a quote on a tailor-made tour.
Day 1 – Paris Arrive
- Depart school
- Arrive
- Centre orientation
Day 2 – Paris Eternal
- Notre Dame
- Eiffel Tower
- Bateaux Mouches
- Picnic
- Drive along Champs Elysees and round Arc de Triomphe
- Montmartre Place du Tertre
- Basilica du Sacre Couer
Day 3 – Disneyland
- Whole day at either Disneyland Resort Paris or Parc Asterix
Day 4 – Pompidou & Home
- Pompidou Centre
- Depart
- Hypermarche
- Arrive back at school
Accommodation
Accommodation options for Paris
Campus St Therese
Voyager School Travel are the preferred partners of Campus St Therese and most of our Paris Parle and Paris Experience groups are now based at this fantastic accommodation. Please do click on the link and scroll around to have a look at this fabulous accommodation, described by one of our party leaders as "Rolls Royce".
Voyager also use a number of other centres in and around Paris.
Please call 01273 827 327 for more details.
