An excellent addition to any school trip to Paris is a river cruise down the River Seine. It will live long in the memories of the pupils in your group and will also provide the perfect opportunity to take in the city’s major sights, and spot some more unfamiliar and exciting ones too.
Beginning a school trip to Paris with the river cruise is a great way to pique your pupils’ enthusiasm for the city and its main historical and cultural points of interest. Taking the cruise towards the end of your time in the capital is also a good option; it is a great chance for the pupils to relax, unwind and reflect on what they have learnt during their time in Paris.
The Seine
The River Seine is perhaps one of the famous rivers in the world. For generations, it has dazzled those who visit the French capital with its staggering beauty and intriguing history. It divides Paris into two distinctly defined banks, Rive Gauche and Rive Droite. Today, it is very popular as a spot for a souvenir photo or a charming day out on the water.
Stretching to a staggering length of 482 miles, the Seine flows into the English Channel at Honfleur and Le Havre. The mouth of the river is in the English Channel, whilst the French region of Burgundy is where you’ll find the source of the Seine.
Bateaux-Mouches
Bateaux-Mouches welcomes millions of tourists each year. It is right up there with the highest yielding attractions in the city and is built on the belief that the best way to truly see Paris is from the river. With boats capable of carrying up to 1,000 passengers, it has had a staggering 150,000,000 tourists on board since it opened back in 1949.
What You’ll See
Bateaux-Mouches will provide an excellent overview of the main sights of Paris from the river. Your pupils will see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and so much more!
Organising Your Trip
To make the most of your school trip to Paris, enlisting the services of a specialised educational tour operator is a great idea. This will take away the hassle of planning everything yourself and will make sure that the pupils can enjoy all of the culture and history that the French capital has to offer. Additionally, your itinerary will benefit from their expertise and experience – and will likely come complete with plenty of info and tips on where is best to visit in this magical metropolis.
A school trip to Paris will provide your pupils with a wealth of cultural and historic knowledge of one of Europe’s most famous cities. The perfect way to kick the trip off, or to finish it in style, is a river cruise down the Seine – this will be one of the highlights for your pupils!
John Gardiner is the Managing Director of The School Travel Company, a tour operator specialising in educational travel for school and youth groups. Whether you’re planning a school trip to Paris, New York or India’s Golden Triangle, you can trust both the educational and economic value of their itineraries, whether ready-made or specifically designed to suit the needs of your group.
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