When you think of Paris, your mind is likely to conjure up the image of the stunning Eiffel Tower, but the city is also home to many other historically significant monuments. One such impressive building is the little-known Panthéon, which is a must-visit for every student of history. It was formerly a church, but is now a revered mausoleum containing the remains of distinguished French citizens. It is a location brimming with historical knowledge, making it the ideal addition to the itinerary of a school trip to Paris. Read on to find out why.
A Treasure Trove for Students of History
Originally named the Church of St Genevieve, the Panthéon was built by the architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot. Construction began in 1764 and ended in 1791. For students, seeing it in person is an unforgettable history lesson, as it encapsulates French history from the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
This building is an enriching interdisciplinary display; the collection includes Neoclassical architecture, paintings, sculptures and even the scientific experiment of Foucault’s pendulum. Impressively, some of the world’s greatest creators are buried within the Panthéon, including the genius duo Pierre and Marie Curie, famed writer Victor Hugo and Voltaire, as well as others. To make your school trip to Paris even more educational, it is a good idea to attend one of the various tour workshops organised in the Panthéon, which will help the children learn more about those famous historical personalities. It is the best way to have a history lesson in a real-life setting, where facts from textbooks come to life.
Planning a School Trip to Paris
Organising an itinerary for a group of students can be simpler than you may think. It is ideal to delegate the task to a reputable educational travel tour operator who can ensure a smooth experience. You will not have to worry about the logistics or other challenges that come with trying to manage a tour for many students. You can either choose from pre-designed travel packages or request the company to arrange a customised tour. This also frees up your precious time, allowing you to better engage with your students as you all travel together. This will ensure a stress-free experience for everyone.
Giving young minds the chance to see a historical monument in person is an unparalleled learning experience. Choosing to visit the Panthéon will make for a superb educational excursion for the students as they will be able to relate better to the important historical personalities discussed during their history classes in the future. Besides the academic aspect of the getaway, it is also a great opportunity for them to make new memories with their classmates, which they will cherish for a lifetime.
John Gardiner is the Managing Director of The School Travel Company, a tour operator specialising in educational trips in destinations all over the world. Whether you’d like to organise a school trip to Paris, exciting tours around North America or day trips in the UK, this company will work with you to design bespoke outings to suit the needs of your students.
This article is copyright free.