Our journey began on the Friday before half term as we embarked on a coach trip from Wotton to Dover, followed by a ferry ride across the channel. After a long day of travel, we arrived at our destination and checked into the IBIS hotel in Paris, eagerly anticipating the adventures that awaited us.
The next day was filled with excitement as we started with a delightful breakfast of croissants before ascending the iconic Tour d’Eiffel. From the top, we marveled at the breathtaking views of Paris, capturing the beauty through photographs and sketches. The afternoon took us on a scenic ride along the River Seine on the Bateaux Mouches, followed by a visit to The Musee D’Orsay. The Van Gogh room was a true highlight, allowing us to appreciate his masterpieces up close and admire the intricacies of his brushwork, colors, and emotions portrayed.
Our artistic journey continued at the Pompidou Centre’s Modern Art Gallery, where an array of diverse artworks inspired and captivated us. The building’s unique design, with an external escalator leading to the gallery, added to the fascination. Works by renowned artists like Matisse and Chagall further enriched our experience.
As the days went by, we immersed ourselves in the Parisian lifestyle, strolling along the charming streets, relishing the architectural beauty, observing people, and embracing the café culture. A memorable evening took us to the magnificent Sacre-Coeur, followed by a delightful dinner at Chez Eugene restaurant in Place de Tertre. Many of our students bravely tried escargot for the first time and were pleasantly surprised by the flavors and textures.
Another unforgettable moment awaited us at the top of the Arch de Triomphe during golden hour. From there, we witnessed the mesmerizing Paris skyline, with the Eiffel Tower standing tall. This experience allowed us to connect with the city’s artistic heritage, appreciating the subtle changes in light that inspired the Impressionist artists.
In The Orangery, we had the privilege of viewing Monet’s monumental ‘Water Lilies’ friezes. These captivating paintings, depicting the lilies and their reflections on the water’s surface, were created during the last three decades of Monet’s life in his Giverny garden. The students’ sketchbooks overflowed with their artistic responses to the artworks and the sights they encountered throughout our journey.
Our students truly embodied excellence, demonstrating exemplary behavior and producing outstanding drawings and experiments in their sketchbooks. This Parisian art break provided them with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in world-class art, embrace the city’s culture, and create lasting memories of their artistic exploration.
