Arts Leaflet

Top Ideas for Language School Trips to Paris   by Esther Henderson

Learning a foreign language in the classroom is one thing, but having to speak it in real-life situations on school trips is the most engaging and stimulating thing You Can do as a learner. Time and again, research has shown that immersion is one of the best ways to learn a language, and students of French will jump at the chance to use, consolidate and improve their language skills in order to explore that most vibrant of European cities – Paris. Perhaps the single greatest facet of MFL (modern foreign language) school trips is that absolutely anything can be a lesson, from eating to sightseeing to leisure time. Read on for some of the top ways that students can have fun and work on their French skills at the same time.

Musée du Louvre

Located on the Right Bank of the Seine, in the 1st arrondissement, this is the world’s largest museum and a majestic building in its own right. The historic heart of artistic Paris, it started its life as a medieval fortress and was turned into a museum during the revolution, making it an ideal attraction for history students; while its collections and the building itself make it great for art and architecture students. All of this can be turned to the benefit of those on MFL school trips – why not take a simple French-language guided tour, and encourage students to ask the guide questions about the building and artworks? Or, if self-guiding, take the French maps and leaflets from the information desk, and use those to expand language skills while exploring the building.

Basilique Du Sacré Coeur

A must for visitors, this Basilica sits on top of Montmartre hill and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city from its dome. Students can learn the building’s history, as well as exploring the bohemian Montmartre district. Full of cafés, art galleries, winding alleyways and houses of famous figures, it is always lively and colourful, and while French skills aren’t always necessary to get around it, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with a street artist or market stall holder. Speaking French will let students appreciate the area better than the average tourist.

Dining Out!

Paris is famed for its art, its culture, its romantic beauty – and its food. With restaurants serving French cuisine at every corner, visitors are spoiled for choice. A chance to enjoy Parisian fine dining – on condition that they order and converse in French – could serve as both a treat and a challenge.

There’s plenty more out there to help students on MFL school trips to Paris improve their skills and place their language knowledge in context.

About the Author

Esther Henderson works for Equity School Travel, experts in creating educational visits for schools and colleges. We organise school trips worldwide, as well trips for many other curriculum subjects. Our school trips include destinations in the UK, Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.
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