About France Explorer: Paris, Versailles and Normandy Program
Experience the rich history and culture of northern France on this comprehensive 10-day educational school trip designed for students in grades 6-12. You'll travel through three iconic French destinations—Paris, Normandy, and the Loire Valley—immersing yourself in centuries of European history and artistic heritage. This program combines classroom learning with real-world exploration, allowing you to walk through the halls of the Louvre, climb the Eiffel Tower, and stand at the D-Day landing beaches where pivotal WWII moments shaped modern history.
Your journey begins in Paris, where you'll experience the city's greatest cultural treasures. You'll start with a guided tour of the Musée du Louvre to see world-famous masterpieces, then ascend the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views. A special bike tour through hidden neighborhoods like the Marais and a twilight Seine river cruise will give you an authentic, intimate sense of how Parisians live. You'll dine at charming bistros and experience traditional French cuisine including fondue and raclette, tasting the local flavors that define French culture.
In Normandy, you'll connect directly with European history. You'll visit the dramatic White Cliffs of Etretat, explore the medieval town of Bayeux and its famous historical tapestry, and spend a moving day at the D-Day landing beaches. Guided by experts from the Caen Peace Memorial, you'll visit Omaha Beach, Point du Hoc, and the American War Cemetery, gaining a profound understanding of WWII's significance. The journey continues to the enchanting Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that rises dramatically from the sea, offering both natural beauty and spiritual history.
Your Loire Valley experience includes an overnight stay in an authentic castle accommodation—a truly unique aspect of this program. You'll explore the magnificent Château de Chambord with its blend of French Renaissance and medieval architecture, and the stunning Château de Chenonceau spanning the river. This castle immersion gives you a tangible connection to French royal history and aristocratic life.
Back in Paris for your final days, you'll visit the Arc de Triomphe, explore the bohemian artistic neighborhood of Montmartre where Picasso and Van Gogh once lived, and take a day trip to the opulent Château de Versailles. At Versailles, you'll learn about the Sun King's reign, the French Revolution, and the Treaty of Versailles that reshaped world politics. On your final day in Paris, you can choose between the Post-Impressionist masterpieces at Musée d'Orsay or the contemporary art at Centre Pompidou, ensuring the experience matches your interests.
Travel For Teens handles all logistics—your group travels exclusively together on a private coach with a dedicated Trip Director, stays at centrally-located locally-owned accommodations, and dines at authentic restaurants. You'll receive 24/7 support, frequent email updates, and hundreds of photographs throughout the trip so families can follow your journey. Teachers travel free and can earn $1,000 in rewards. This program is ideal for students studying art, French language, geography, history, and literature, bringing classroom concepts to life through direct experience at the sites where history unfolded.